Chapter 94: The Demon Lord Princess's Daily Life of Slacking Off, Chapter 94: Purpose

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Protagonist:

Yan Qianqian

Just then, Eunuch Sun, standing outside the hall, shouted loudly: "Next, please present the tribute from Dongying Guo—one Qibao Shanshu!" As his voice fell, Dongying Guo's Sixth Prince Shangguan Xingyan and Eighth Princess Shangguan Xingyu walked forward together.

Shangguan Xingyan wore a sky-blue long robe, its sleeves flowing, paired with his handsome features and upright posture, truly a graceful young master.

Shangguan Xingyu wore a clear-blue long dress, its skirt rippling like clear lake water, light and flowing. The headwear on her head was the same color, complementing the long dress, like a flower blooming in spring, fresh and gentle.

From afar, Shangguan Xingyu looked like a fairy stepping out of a painting, gentle and lovable, making people unable to help but be captivated. Especially the tenderness flowing between her brows and eyes, like a pool of autumn water, making people sink into it unable to extricate themselves.

At this time, the tribute they had carefully prepared was being slowly carried up by everyone. Shangguan Xingyan stepped forward and gently lifted the bright red cloth covering it. In an instant, a seven-colored coral tree half a person tall appeared before everyone's eyes.

This coral tree was lush with branches and leaves, colorful, like the gorgeous clouds in the sky, beautiful beyond compare. Upon closer inspection, its material was actually made of glazed glass, crystal clear and smooth, flashing a charming light under the sunlight.

Immediately after, Shangguan Xingyu and Shangguan Xingyan said in unison: "Congratulations to the Emperor of Dachang on boundless fortune!" Their voices were clear and pleasant, echoing in the great hall. After speaking, the two returned to their seats together.

Just then, Eunuch Sun shouted loudly: "Nanliang Guo presents tribute—one thousand-year Ling Qi!" As his voice fell, Nanliang Guo's Crown Prince Xin Hong, dressed in black, walked forward with steady steps.

The black jin robe that looked noble and splendid on him inexplicably emitted a sinister aura. Xin Hong came before the hall and unhurriedly lifted the red cloth, on which lay a thousand-year Ling Qi. The Ling Qi was large in size, pure white like jade all over, emitting a refreshing fragrance.

Xin Hong slightly raised his head, looking at the Emperor of Dachang high above, the corners of his mouth curling into a faint smile, and said: "Wishing the Emperor of Dachang good health and a long life!" However, although his words sounded full of respect, the smile behind seemed to hide some unfathomable deep meaning.

When the last country, Beilin Kingdom, appeared, Eunuch Sun loudly read: "Beilin Kingdom presents tribute—a pair of blue and white porcelain fulu shou vases!" Everyone's eyes were attracted there, and a man in a vermilion long robe slowly walked forward. He wore a black crown on his head, his ink-black hair neatly standing up, emitting an uninhibited and flamboyant air.

The most eye-catching was the faint black mole under his eye, like a bright star in the night, flashing a mysterious and charming light. This man was Beilin Kingdom's Third Prince Li Jing.

Li Jing elegantly raised his hand and gently lifted the red cloth covering the gifts, revealing two exquisite blue and white porcelain vases. One was painted with a large "Fu" character, with vigorous brushwork; the other was carved with a "Lu" character, with smooth and natural lines. Immediately after, Li Jing slightly bowed, saluted the Emperor of Dachang, and respectfully said: "Wishing the Emperor of Dachang fortune, prosperity, health, and longevity without end!" As his voice fell, today's tribute segment finally concluded perfectly.

At this time, the Emperor of Dachang smiled, picked up the wine cup before him with satisfaction, raised it high above his head, and said loudly: "Today, envoys from all countries have presented precious tribute gifts; I am very pleased. On this beautiful occasion, all ministers need not be restrained; enjoy yourselves to the fullest!"

After speaking, the Emperor tilted his head and drained the wine in the cup in one gulp. Seeing the Emperor so generous, everyone present followed suit, taking out their own cups and drinking heartily. For a time, the banquet was filled with clinking cups and endless laughter.

Just as the atmosphere was lively, Ouyang Qianqiu suddenly stood up, saluted the Emperor of Dachang with cupped fists, and then said: "Emperor of Dachang, this time my younger sister and I came by our Huangdi's order to wish you a birthday. Besides presenting a modest gift, we actually have an improper request."

The Emperor asked curiously with a full face: "Oh? What is it? Speak quickly and let Zhen hear." Ouyang Qianqiu slightly bowed and respectfully replied: "Replying to the Emperor, this time our Huangdi ordered my younger sister and me to come, actually hoping to promote a marriage alliance between Dachang Guo and our country."

The Emperor, hearing this, asked with interest: "So that's it. Then, do you two have anyone you fancy?" Ouyang Qianqiu thought for a moment and replied: "Replying to Your Majesty, so far, neither of us has anyone we have set our hearts on."

"However, after this banquet ends, my younger sister and I will stay in your country for some time. By then, if we are fortunate enough to meet a suitable person, we hope the Emperor of Dachang can make this happen."

The Emperor, hearing this, couldn't help but laugh heartily, saying: "Hahaha, good! If you two truly find someone you both like, and the other party is willing to agree to this marriage, then Zhen will naturally bestow an imperial marriage decree for you and accomplish this beautiful union."

Ouyang Qianqiu hurriedly stood up to thank him: "Thank you, Emperor of Dachang, for your great grace!" After speaking, he slowly sat down. Immediately after, he and his sister beside him began to continue watching the wonderful performance on the stage with great interest, while quietly discussing among themselves which woman or man in Dachang Guo was not only of suitable and noble status but also outstanding in appearance.

Not far from them, Shangguan Xingyan and Shangguan Xingyu were huddled together whispering. "Little sister, tell me, if Xishang Guo really forms a marriage alliance with our Dachang, won't they become smug and cocky?" Shangguan Xingyu said with furrowed brows.

"Sixth Brother, although that's true, the marriage alliance also depends on the specific partner. Take that Ouyang Qianyu, for example—if she could have the fortune to form a marriage alliance with the current Holy One, perhaps she would have some capital to be proud of."

"But now the Holy One has two sons and four daughters. The Crown Prince will inherit the great line and become the ruler of a country in the future, so he naturally cannot marry a foreign woman as his principal wife; at most, he would arrange for her to be a side consort."

"As for the Third Prince, his health has never been good; he stays secluded in his Qin Dian all year round, and few have seen his true appearance. With Ouyang Qianyu's proud nature, how could she be willing to be just a side consort? As for the Holy One's several princesses, the Second Princess and Fourth Princess are already spoken for and married."

"And Ouyang Qianyu definitely wouldn't be willing to be a son-in-law living with his wife's family in Dachang, and have to be with other men. Calculating this way, currently only the Fifth Princess and Sixth Princess are available for choice. However, I heard the Sixth Princess seems to have encountered something before, so she probably cannot participate in this marriage alliance either."

"So, Ouyang Qianyu will probably end up choosing the Fifth Princess. But this Fifth Princess is usually as low-key as the Third Prince, rarely appearing before others."

Ouyang Qianqiu was probably truly worried at this time. Shangguan Xingyan looked at his sister with a face full of admiration and said: "Little sister, you are truly the wisest; no wonder even our Huangdi dotes on you!"

Immediately after, Shangguan Xingyu smiled slightly and said softly: "Moreover, Third Brother, this marriage alliance doesn't necessarily have to be with the Emperor. We can consider those high-ranking and powerful, loyal ministers in the court, or... An Wang is also a good choice."

"It's just that this time, our Huangdi did not clearly require us to form a marriage alliance, so everything can be left to fate. Moreover, since the people from Xishang Kingdom are reluctant to leave, we don't need to rush back; we might as well observe quietly here, see what they are ultimately plotting, and when the time is ripe, truthfully report the situation here to our Huangdi."

Shangguan Xingyan nodded repeatedly after hearing this and said: "What my sister says is extremely right; let's act according to this plan."