Chapter 574: The Demon Lord Junzhu's Slacking Daily Life Chapter 667: Overly Simple

·

·

·

Protagonist:

Yan Qianqian

Shangguan Xingyan paused briefly, then recounted the matter concisely and to the point.

As Shangguan Xingyan spoke, An Wang's expression grew increasingly grave, and the shock in his heart intensified.

The others were the same; all realized the seriousness of the situation, so they held their breath and listened quietly to Shangguan Xingyan, not daring the slightest interruption.

When Shangguan Xingyan reached the final point, Shangguan Xingyu could finally hold back no longer, her eyes reddening slightly.

She never in her wildest dreams imagined that Huangdi and her Imperial Brother would actually be willing to pay such an enormous price for her sake.

Yet, simultaneously, a warm current surged in her heart, because she deeply felt Huangdi and her Imperial Brother's care and protection for her.

An Wang wore a smile and said softly: "Younger Brother, rest assured; the conditions you have raised, this King will spare no effort to fight for to the very end."

Upon hearing this, Shangguan Xingyan's face flushed red; she shyly picked up her wine cup, stood up, and said to An Wang: "Uncle, thank you for your support and help; tomorrow's matter will trouble Uncle." Having spoken, she raised her cup and clinked it lightly with An Wang's.

An Wang laughed heartily and replied: "Dongying Guo's move is truly a righteous act, taken with the safety of both nations' people in mind; having made such a decision, our Dachang will naturally also show our sincerity. As for tomorrow's matter, you may rest easy; this King will certainly not fail the trust placed in me."

The two looked at each other, their gazes meeting, as if a thousand words flowed between them.

Then, both drained the wine in their cups in one go. After setting down their cups, they did not continue discussing this matter, but began chatting idly about other topics.

An Wangfei and Qianqian, feeling somewhat tired, rose first to take their leave. Yan Si, as the host, naturally stayed to accompany Shangguan Xingyan and Shangguan Xingyu, so he did not leave either.

Shangguan Xingyu had not seen Shangguan Xingyan for a long time; seeing her elder brother now, she was naturally overjoyed, so she also sat to one side, quietly listening to the three's conversation, not minding in the least.

Time passed unnoticed, and the three gradually grew somewhat tipsy.

By the time night was deep and all was quiet, they were all dizzy with drink, and finally, supported by their respective servants, slowly returned to their own courtyards.

Next morning, the court session proceeded on time as usual, as if Shangguan Xingyan being invited to An Wangfu the previous night had produced no effect on the imperial court whatsoever.

However, in reality, the Emperor had long been fully aware of this matter.

After all, in the Emperor's eyes, there were no secrets to speak of in this Kyoto. Yet, regarding An Wang, the Emperor was naturally at ease, for An Wang had grown up alongside him since childhood and had contributed much to Dachang Kingdom.

Then, because Dongying envoys were coming today, the court session had no important matters to report, so it ended very early.

Simultaneously, while Shangguan Xingyan was still fast asleep, Xiao Shunzi learned that An Wang had already gone to court, and hurriedly rushed to wake Shangguan Xingyan.

After all, today there was an extremely important matter that absolutely could not be delayed. Shangguan Xingyan quickly completed a simple ablution, then without hesitation walked toward the relay station.

When he arrived at the relay station, he discovered the others had also more or less finished packing up.

They all knew Shangguan Xingyan had gone to An Wangfu last night; after all, their Eighth Princess had been married there for a long time without meeting, so everyone did not discuss it excessively.

After the five finished packing, they gathered together in Shangguan Xingyan's room, waiting quietly.

During the wait, they conveniently reviewed the negotiation talking points once more, to ensure absolute foolproofness.

Meanwhile, in the Imperial Palace, just before Eunuch Sun shouted "Court dismissed," the Emperor suddenly ordered An Wang, the Crown Prince, the Hubu Minister, the Ministry of Rites Minister, and the Honglu Temple Minister to all remain behind.

After the rest scattered like birds and beasts and departed, only the Emperor and his confidants remained in the vast hall. The Emperor was silent for a moment, then finally spoke slowly, his voice echoing in the silent hall, as if carrying a heavy majesty: "Crown Prince."

Hearing the Emperor's summons, the Crown Prince hurriedly bowed and replied respectfully: "Your subject is here."

The Emperor nodded slightly, then said: "Today's negotiation with Dongying Guo, you and Seventh Brother plus the other three will go together. Regarding Dongying Guo's purpose this time, you all surely know full well.

This negotiation, you must go all out, and strive to secure Dongying Guo. As for other conditions, as long as they are not too outrageous, you may agree at your discretion."

The Crown Prince cupped his hands again and answered in a firm tone: "Your subject receives the order."

The Emperor nodded with satisfaction and continued instructing: "Good, no time to lose; you all go now."

The Crown Prince bowed again and said: "Yes, your subject takes leave." Then he turned and walked steadily out of the hall.

Immediately after, An Wang and the other three also stepped forward in turn, bowed to the Emperor, and said in unison: "Your subject (this younger brother) takes leave."

After everyone filed out and the hall doors slowly closed with a dull "Bang," the Emperor only then relaxed slightly; he suppressed his inner agitation and said: "Who knows what kind of conditions they will propose..."

Eunuch Sun at his side, seeing this, hurriedly comforted: "Your Majesty must not worry; with the Crown Prince's wisdom and insight, plus An Wang's assistance from the side, this negotiation will surely succeed effortlessly, absolutely foolproof. Just set your heart at ease."

The Emperor listened to Eunuch Sun's words, pondered briefly, felt it was not without reason, so he nodded and said: "Mm, with Seventh Brother's connection involved, presumably matters won't be too difficult to handle."

After the five left the Palace Gate, the Crown Prince and An Wang shared a spacious carriage, while the other three rode in another; the two carriages slowly headed toward the relay station.

In the carriage, the Crown Prince suddenly asked: "Imperial Uncle, do you know what the conditions for today's negotiation with Dongying Guo are?"

An Wang considered briefly, then replied: "The specifics I am not too clear on either, but yesterday Dongying Guo's Sixth Prince did mention a few."

Hearing this, the Crown Prince hurriedly pressed: "Oh? What did he say?" An Wang organized his thoughts and relayed a few key points to the Crown Prince, so he would have a bottom line in mind.

After listening, the Crown Prince nodded, indicating that if it were only these conditions, they would not be hard to achieve. However, he then asked thoughtfully: "But, Imperial Uncle, do you feel there is something off about this?"

An Wang evidently harbored the same doubt; he agreed: "Indeed, yesterday I had the same thought. The conditions they proposed seem a bit too simple." The Crown Prince pursued: "What do you mean by that?"