Chapter 163

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Protagonist:

Yan Qianqian

After the serious matters were discussed, the Princess Consort's expression suddenly relaxed, a curious light flashing in her eyes, and then she turned her gaze to Yan Si, saying with a grin: "Si'er, look, you're not young anymore. Mother hasn't really pressed you before.

But look, Shuang'er is almost at the age to discuss marriage, yet on your side there isn't even a hint of movement!" As she spoke, the Princess Consort let out a soft sigh.

Yan Si listened quietly to the Princess Consort's words, naturally understanding what she would say next. Sure enough, the Princess Consort continued complaining: "You, all day long you only know to be busy with business, often gone for over a month at a time.

Even if Mother wanted to introduce a matchmaking partner for you, you simply can't squeeze out the time. Tell me, how can this go on!"

Hearing this, Yan Si couldn't help feeling a bit helpless, but still replied patiently: "Mother, marriage can't be rushed. One must meet the truly right person for things to fall into place naturally, right? Just urging doesn't do any good."

However, the Princess Consort was clearly unsatisfied with this answer. She frowned and retorted: "Mother knows that logic, of course! But the problem is, day in and day out, not to mention women, you don't even see a shadow of a female animal around you! Where is that fate supposed to come from? Could it appear out of thin air?"

Faced with the Princess Consort's sharp question, Yan Si was momentarily at a loss for words, and could only smile wryly and shake his head, saying: "Mother, regarding this matter, your son has his own plans in mind. You, elderly person, just don't worry about it!"

Who knew that upon hearing this, the Princess Consort's eyes instantly brightened, and she immediately pressed: "Oh? So you mean you actually have a girl you fancy?" Seeing Yan Si lower his head, his face slightly red, not speaking for a long while, the Princess Consort understood in her heart, and then asked again: "Is there or isn't there? Tell Mother the truth!"

Finally, Yan Si seemed to have made up his mind, lightly nodding his head and answering: "Mhm..." And his originally fair face had already flushed bright red, like a ripe apple.

The Princess Consort then laughed happily and said: "Alright alright, Mother won't ask anymore, you handle it yourself! Hurry up and eat!" As soon as the words fell, Yan Si said no more, picked up his bowl and chopsticks, and began to savor the sumptuous dishes on the table with relish. For a moment, only the faint sound of chewing and occasional brief exchanges could be heard in the dining hall.

The next morning, sunlight filtered through thin clouds, scattering onto the magnificent golden roofs of the Imperial Palace. An Wang, having finished the early court session early, hurried toward the Yudi.

At this moment, the Emperor had just taken off his heavy court robes and changed into a set of loose, comfortable clothes, preparing to rest a little. Just then, footsteps suddenly came from outside the door, followed immediately by Eunuch Sun's sharp, thin voice: "Reporting to Your Majesty, An Wang requests an audience outside."

Hearing this, the Emperor's eyebrows rose slightly, a smile touching the corner of his mouth, and he replied casually: "Let him in."

Before long, An Wang strode into the Yudi. He saw the Emperor already fully dressed, sitting upright at the desk, a memorial in hand which he was perusing.

Seeing this, An Wang hurried forward a few steps, bowed and saluted: "Greetings, Imperial Brother." The Emperor raised his head, smiling as he signaled An Wang to dispense with ceremony, and asked: "Old Seven, coming to find me so urgently, what is the matter?"

An Wang took a deep breath, then spoke directly: "Does Imperial Brother still remember Shangguan Xingyan, who came from Dongying to offer birthday congratulations two years ago on your birthday?"

Upon hearing this, the Emperor pondered briefly, a face both unfamiliar and faintly familiar surfacing in his mind. He nodded and answered: "Mhm, I have some impression. That person brought quite a few precious gifts at the time. But how is he now?"

An Wang continued: "When he first came to our Dachang Kingdom, he happened to pass by the bookstore Si'er opened. Seeing the shop bustling with customers and business booming, especially those exquisite picture books which caught his eye.

After returning to Dongying Guo, he actually imitated Si'er's model and opened the same kind of bookstore. And these two years, Si'er and this Shangguan Xingyan have maintained correspondence, and basically every few months Si'er would make a trip to Dongying Guo. Whenever Shangguan Xingyan encountered something he didn't understand, Si'er would always patiently explain it to him.

Just recently, Si'er went to Dongying Guo again. After Si'er arrived in Dongying Guo, Shangguan Xingyan introduced Si'er to the Emperor of Dongying — Shangguan Peilin.

When this Dongying Emperor learned that the two youngsters were so enthusiastic about commercial operations and quite talented, an idea sprouted in his heart: if trade relations could be opened with Dachang Kingdom, wouldn't that be a fine thing? Not only could it enhance the friendly ties between the two countries, it might also promote the vigorous economic development of both sides.

Upon hearing this news, Si'er was overjoyed. She knew the significance of this matter was great and must be reported to Imperial Brother in the palace as soon as possible. However, helplessly, because she holds no official position, according to palace rules, without a summons she absolutely cannot enter the palace on her own. So she could only ask Imperial Brother to come convey the message first.

The Emperor, after listening to this account, pondered briefly and said: "This matter sounds indeed like a tremendously good thing! It can promote intimate relations between the two countries and also help enhance each other's economic strength.

Eunuch Sun, quickly issue Our imperial edict, ordering Yan Si to enter the palace immediately for an audience." Eunuch Sun, receiving the order, hurriedly bowed and replied: "Yes, this old servant will go at once." Finished speaking, he immediately dispatched his subordinates to swiftly leave the palace and go welcome Yan Si into the palace for an audience.

Simultaneously, the Emperor turned his head to look at An Wang beside him, smiling as he said: "Come, today happens to be leisurely with nothing to do, how about accompanying me for a game of chess?" An Wang nodded slightly, indicating agreement. Thus the two sat facing each other.