Chapter 583

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Protagonist:

Yan Qianqian

Seeing this, Luo Shunjian said nothing more, merely lowering his head silently and continuing to eat.

However, after only a few mouthfuls, he stopped his chopsticks and said softly, "I'm done eating. I still have to hurry back to study, so you all eat slowly."

Qianqian smiled in reply, "Alright, then you go back first." Luo Shun nodded, then stood up and hurried toward the door. His steps were somewhat rushed, as if afraid that staying even a moment longer would cause more awkwardness.

After Luo Shun left, Ouyang Chengren sat unperturbed in his seat, his gaze directed toward the direction Luo Shun had departed, staring thoughtfully, but in the end he said nothing, merely silently withdrawing his gaze.

At this moment, Qianqian was wholeheartedly enjoying the delicious food before her, completely unaware of Ouyang Chengren's oddness.

She chewed each mouthful with single-minded focus, savoring the flavor within, oblivious to everything around her.

However, Ouyang Chengren's mood was entirely different from Qianqian's. He was secretly delighted in his heart, because at this moment only he and Qianqian remained.

This time alone made him feel exceptionally relaxed and happy, so his appetite also increased greatly, and he ate more than usual.

After the meal, Qianqian still harbored worry toward Ouyang Chengren. She worried that Ouyang Chengren had not truly given up the idea of leaving, so before leaving, she repeatedly urged Ouyang Chengren to keep his promise and not act recklessly.

Ouyang Chengren listened patiently to Qianqian's admonitions, nodding repeatedly in agreement, until Qianqian was convinced he would have no other thoughts, whereupon she turned and left with peace of mind.

Ouyang Chengren saw Qianqian all the way to outside the door, watching her receding figure.

Qianqian did not choose to walk out the main gate, but leaped lightly, like a flying swallow employing lightness skill, speeding toward her own An Wangfu. Her figure swiftly shuttled under the moonlight, and before long she vanished from Ouyang Chengren's sight.

And on this night, everyone found it somewhat strange that they had not seen Qianqian at dinner, but no one went to ask where Qianqian had gone.

After all, Qianqian had already grown into an adult, with her own life and choices, and everyone respected her independence.

Early the next morning, sunlight filtered through the clouds onto the palace's glazed tiles, and the morning court bell rang on time. Ministers entered the imperial court one after another, paid respects to the Emperor, then awaited today's government affairs.

The Emperor sat on the Dragon Throne, expression solemn and imposing. He scanned the ministers in the court, then spoke: "Yesterday, the Crown Prince personally went to sign an important treaty; now let Eunuch Sun read it aloud for everyone."

Eunuch Sun responded and stepped forward, unfolding the edict in his hand, and read in his resonant, somewhat reedy voice: "……"

As Eunuch Sun read, the treaty's contents gradually unfolded before all the ministers. The contents of this treaty left everyone utterly astonished, while also stirring in their hearts a surging, boiling-blood feeling.

When this agreement was read aloud at morning court, it was as if the dust had settled, becoming an established fact that no one could alter.

After morning court ended, Eunuch Sun had already prepared the announcement personally written by the Emperor yesterday.

He carefully unfolded the announcement, checked it through meticulously, ensuring there were no errors or omissions. Then he ordered men to post the announcement at all key thoroughfares of the capital, so that more people could see it.

Not long after, the news of Dongying Guo's surrender spread like it had grown wings, swiftly reaching every street and alley of the capital. People discussed this shocking news everywhere, and their evaluations of Dongying Guo's Emperor Shangguan Peilin were mixed.

However, when everyone saw the announcement's detailed description of Shangguan Peilin's reasons for deciding to surrender for the sake of the common people's interests, their views changed.

Many began to praise Shangguan Peilin as a good Emperor who thought of the common people; his decision, though difficult, was to avoid more war and casualties.

Upon learning this news, Shangguan Xingyan felt incomparable relief in his heart. He knew he could finally return and report completion to his Imperial Father.

Along this journey, he had pondered countless times how to negotiate, how to maximize his own country's interests; fortunately, the mission was ultimately completed.

Just then, the Crown Prince suddenly arrived at the relay station. Hearing the guard's report, Shangguan Xingyan hurried downstairs to welcome him.

Seeing Shangguan Xingyan come down from upstairs, the Crown Prince smiled and said, "Brother Shangguan, did you go out to take a look today? I have already issued the announcement as agreed; currently the capital's commoners all know this news, and I believe it won't be long before it spreads throughout the entire Dachang Kingdom."

Shangguan Xingyan hastily thanked him: "Many thanks to the Crown Prince for keeping his promise! My Imperial Father… my father will surely be very happy to see this news too." Shangguan Xingyan nearly said Imperial Father, but on second thought, since Dongying Guo had already surrendered, calling him Imperial Father would no longer be appropriate.

However, the Crown Prince did not mind these details at all; he smiled and said, "This Palace came today mainly to inform you of one matter. Yesterday, this Palace already reported the conditions we privately agreed upon to Imperial Father, and Imperial Father expressed agreement.

Not only that, Imperial Father also specially instructed this Palace to find you a residence relatively near An Wangfu. So this Palace wishes to ask, when do you plan to set off back to Dongying Guo? Do you need to wait until the residence is confirmed before departing?"

Shangguan Xingyan considered briefly, then replied: "Many thanks to the Crown Prince for considering so thoroughly. In that case, my staying a few more days is no great hindrance." The Crown Prince nodded in satisfaction, saying, "Excellent."

Shangguan Xingyan continued: "However, a matter of such magnitude still requires someone to convey the news back first. I think it would be best to let Shengren and several others take the treaty and return to Dongying Guo ahead of us." The Crown Prince expressed agreement, saying, "Excellent."

Shangguan Xingyan went on: "After they leave, I no longer wish to stay at this relay station. Being alone here is truly rather desolate. I intend to go stay at An Wangfu for a few days; if the Crown Prince has urgent business to find me, you may go directly to An Wangfu."

The Crown Prince replied: "That is naturally permissible. However, are you prepared to go to An Wangfu right now? If so, this Palace will accompany you."

Shangguan Xingyan said softly: "Trouble the Crown Prince to wait a moment; I will first properly arrange Shengren and the others, and after they set off and depart, I will then go."

Hearing this, the Crown Prince nodded slightly in agreement, "Mm, excellent. Shengren is about to depart; this Palace ought to see him off."

Shangguan Xingyan led the Crown Prince to sit at the table, then called Xiao Shunzi, instructing him to go summon Shao Ning.