Chapter 229

·

·

·

Protagonist:

Yan Qianqian

At this moment, An Wang appeared somewhat hesitant and indecisive. He pursed his lips, as if weighing his words, and only after a good while did he speak haltingly: "It... it's a minor matter."

The Emperor looked at An Wang's demeanor and found it increasingly strange, but he still patiently asked: "What matter exactly? Just speak plainly."

An Wang hesitated slightly, then slowly opened his mouth and said: "Imperial Brother, in this subject's view, this marriage alliance is not only closely tied to the friendly relations between our Dachang Kingdom and Dongying Guo, but it can also demonstrate to other nations our Dachang Kingdom's serious attitude toward this matter!" Upon hearing this, the Emperor nodded slightly, expressing agreement that An Wang's words were very reasonable.

After receiving the Emperor's affirmation, An Wang continued: "Precisely for this reason, this subject believes the betrothal gifts absolutely cannot be lacking. If the quantity is too few, would it not show that we do not respect Dongying's Princess enough? Furthermore, if other nations learn of it, I fear we would inevitably become their tea-time gossip and laughingstock! Therefore, this subject has already meticulously prepared a generous betrothal gift, and plans to set out for Dongying tomorrow together with Wangfei."

Hearing these words, the Emperor pondered briefly and replied: "Since it is arranged thus, you must take good care of Wangfei. After all, this journey is quite distant, and for a woman, it is truly somewhat arduous."

An Wang hurriedly responded: "Imperial Brother rest assured, this subject will absolutely not have the slightest negligence. However..." At this point, An Wang suddenly showed a troubled expression, paused slightly, then continued: "It's just that after repeated consideration, this subject always feels this betrothal gift still seems slightly thin, not very presentable to look at."

"Moreover, Imperial Brother you also know full well that this subject has always been an upright and incorruptible official, never having accumulated much family wealth. Now I am truly hard-pressed, fearing that insufficient betrothal gifts might affect the harmonious relations between the two nations. With no alternative, I dare to come and humbly request Imperial Brother's assistance."

Upon hearing this speech, the Emperor was instantly amused. In his heart he secretly thought: "Hmph! This brat actually dares to call himself an incorruptible official? Not to mention how many shops you have under you, just the guards you secretly trained nearly rival the dark guards I painstakingly cultivated, yet you still dare to put on an act of integrity here — simply the height of shamelessness!"

However, although he had cursed at length in his heart, the Emperor showed not the slightest trace on the surface, instead saying with a smile: "Old Seven's words are very reasonable. Since that is so, We will bestow upon you ten thousand taels of gold — wonder if that is enough?"

Hearing this, An Wang's face instantly bloomed with wild joy, and he repeatedly cupped his hands in thanks: "Many thanks for Imperial Brother's great grace! Imperial Brother is truly the most enlightened ruler since ancient times! This subject hereafter will surely go through fire and water for Imperial Brother, die ten thousand deaths without regret, spill brains and smear the ground without hesitation!"

The Emperor looked at An Wang's fawning, ingratiating appearance and couldn't help cursing inwardly: "What a shameless fellow!"

After An Wang spoke another round of flattering pleasantries, he then said with feigned sincerity: "Imperial Brother handles myriad affairs daily, hope you take good care of the dragon body, do not overwork. This subject will take leave first, and no longer disturb Imperial Brother." Having finished, he bowed and slowly withdrew from the palace hall.

The Emperor naturally knew this matter was temporarily settled; this An Wang simply slipped away after using him. Thinking of this, the Emperor couldn't help feeling both annoyed and amused, and turned to Eunuch Sun beside him and instructed: "Eunuch Sun, go to Our private treasury and take ten thousand taels of gold, quickly deliver it to An Wang Fu." Eunuch Sun hurriedly replied: "As you command, Your Majesty." Then he left in quick steps to handle the matter.

Meanwhile An Wang returned to An Wang Fu in an exceptionally pleasant mood. Not long after his front foot stepped through the mansion gate, Eunuch Sun arrived close behind bearing the generous bestowal. Seeing this, An Wang dared not show the slightest neglect, and hurriedly led a crowd of servants to rush to the Wangfu gate to welcome them.

Eunuch Sun wore a full face of smiles, first saying a pile of auspicious, congratulatory pleasantries to An Wang, then solemnly conveying the Emperor's verbal edict: "The Emperor specially bestows upon An Wang ten thousand taels of gold!" Hearing this news, everyone present revealed expressions of delighted surprise.

Yue Yi, standing to the side, was very clever and sensible; she quickly stepped forward and handed a delicately prepared sachet to Eunuch Sun. Eunuch Sun did not feign refusal either, accepted the sachet with a smile, exchanged a few simple pleasantries with An Wang and the others, then departed again in great haste.

Gazing at the golden gold piled like a mountain in the courtyard, Yan Si couldn't help letting out a heartfelt exclamation: "Father King is truly amazing!" Hearing this, An Wang's face couldn't help showing a trace of pride, and he snorted lightly: "That is natural!" Having spoken, he turned and strode away.

Time passed very quickly; in a blink it was the next morning's dawn just breaking. An Wangfei's side had already impatiently sent a dedicated person to notify Qianqian, urging her to quickly get up and tidy up properly, because they would set out before long. Upon hearing this news, Qianqian was excited beyond control; she sprang up from the warm bed like a spring, and began putting on clothes in a fluster.

Simultaneously, the thoughtful Mantou had long prepared a basin of clear water and stood quietly to the side waiting to serve Qianqian's washing. Seeing Qianqian finish dressing nimbly, she immediately sat before the dressing table, letting Mantou skillfully wash her face and comb her beautiful hair.

On the other side, Yan Shuang'er had also risen by now, but she merely casually washed her face and simply coiled her waterfall-like long hair. After all, she did not plan to go out today, so styling her hair meticulously a bit later would be fine.

Morning sunlight passed through the window lattice and fell inside the room, reflecting a stretch of gold. Yan Shuang'er stood gracefully to the side, her gaze landing on Qianqian, who was lazily sitting before the dressing table, yawning while letting Mantou comb her hair.

"Qianqian, you take your time tidying up; I'll go check if Mother has anything needing my help." Yan Shuang'er said softly, her tone gentle and warm.

Qianqian nodded dazedly, mumbled an indistinct "Okay..." then opened her mouth wide and yawned hugely again.

Seeing this, Yan Shuang'er smiled faintly, turned and walked toward the courtyard where Wangfei resided, bringing Xiao Jin along.