Chapter 1257: Chapter 764: Complicated Feelings (2)

Xiao Luming’s expression shifted slightly.

He had never thought about a political marriage, and Daxuan Kingdom did not need a marriage alliance to stabilize its government.

Cang Kingdom had never mentioned it before, and such a sudden proposal was something Xiao Luming could not accept.

Just as he was about to refuse.

Gao Ziyue said, "I understand that the Daxuan royal family has few offspring and sending a princess to Cang Kingdom would indeed be a grievance for her, and His Majesty would be reluctant. So I have brought my most beloved daughter, Chaoyang, to Daxuan. Chaoyang is sixteen this year, at the blossoming age."

As he spoke, Gao Ziyue had Princess Chaoyang come out from the banquet.

All eyes at the banquet turned towards her. 𝓯𝙧𝙚𝒆𝙬𝙚𝒃𝙣𝙤𝒗𝓮𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

A somewhat shy young woman stood gracefully, gentle and elegant, undoubtedly a beauty.

Xiao Luming glanced at her without much interest.

But upon hearing of the princess’s marriage to Daxuan, he felt much reassured.

As long as Anqi and An Youyou were not sent for a political marriage, everything else was negotiable.

Xiao Luming praised Princess Chaoyang in a dignified manner, saying, "The Daxuan royal family has few offspring, and I am not of marriage age. According to Daxuan laws, I cannot marry a foreign woman. If the princess were to enter the harem without title or status, it would be a grievance for her. Apart from me, the only other prince in Daxuan is merely five years old and naturally cannot be wed to the princess. If Your Majesty does not mind, I could choose a refined and talented nobleman for her..."

"I appreciate Your Majesty’s goodwill, but I already have someone in mind," Gao Ziyue replied bluntly.

Xiao Luming was slightly startled.

Thinking it over, since Gao Ziyue was marrying his daughter into Daxuan, it certainly wasn’t his most treasured one. He wouldn’t allow his beloved child to leave her homeland for a political marriage. However, since she was indeed his daughter, he wouldn’t be careless. He must have investigated beforehand.

"Please speak frankly," Xiao Luming said calmly.

"It is your little Imperial Uncle, Prince Jing," Gao Ziyue stated.

The once quiet banquet was suddenly interrupted by the sound of a teacup falling.

Everyone’s gaze turned, seeing Anqi looking somewhat lost.

An Youyou, beside Anqi, quickly grabbed her hand.

Anqi’s hands were trembling.

Her eyes were already red.

At this important banquet between two nations, she dared not express her emotions.

She could only swallow everything.

Xiao Luming noticed Anqi’s unusual behavior but did not give it much thought.

Thinking it might have been accidental.

Anqi, always educated and gracious, might feel uncomfortable with a sudden mistake in front of so many people.

He directly redirected his attention, "Your Majesty truly has an eye for talent. My little Imperial Uncle is handsome and outstanding. I had overlooked that my little Imperial Uncle is unmarried. The union of the princess and my little Imperial Uncle is surely heaven-made."

Gao Ziyue laughed heartily, "Then it’s settled..."

"Your Majesty." Xiao Jinyu suddenly stood up from his seat and knelt on the ground.

Everyone watched him.

"Your Majesty, I am already twenty-six this year, and the princess is only sixteen. I dare not presume to marry the princess. I ask Your Majesty to..."

"What do you mean! Are you unwilling to marry my daughter?!" Gao Ziyue suddenly became furious.

Xiao Jinyu pressed his lips together, remaining silent.

Silence signified acquiescence.

"I have brought my daughter all the way to Daxuan, bringing countless priceless tributes to congratulate the Emperor, and offered my daughter to express Cang Kingdom’s sincerity towards Daxuan. Yet now we receive such ingratitude!" Gao Ziyue addressed Xiao Luming, "Is this how Daxuan Kingdom treats its guests?!"

"Your Majesty, please do not be upset. Cang Kingdom’s sincerity is certainly felt by Daxuan. My little Imperial Uncle is surely only concerned about the princess, as he is indeed much older than the princess..." Xiao Luming attempted to explain.

"What’s ten years difference when the man is older than the woman!" Gao Ziyue interrupted Xiao Luming directly. "Besides, I have no objection, so why should Prince Jing have any concerns?"

Xiao Jinyu tried to speak.

"What His Majesty says is true," Xiao Luming signaled to Xiao Jinyu with a look.

Xiao Jinyu gritted his teeth, forced himself to remain silent.

He knew that this was beyond his control; even Xiao Luming could not refuse what the Emperor of Cang had proposed. To reject him openly would mean the end of friendly relations between the two nations.