Lifei’s face alternated between red and white, her jade teeth grinding. She had never been treated this way. Shunyang Princess, I’ll remember you. If I don’t make your life difficult, I’m not Lifei… Gritting her teeth, Lifei angrily left the Shunyang Palace…
In the golden palace, a woman covered her face and wept, her voice wavering. Tearful Lifei cried: “Your Majesty, this concubine went to see Princess Shunyang with good intentions, but she actually mocked me. You must stand up for this concubine!”
Man Hanting smiled and patted Lifei’s shoulder, comforting her: “Let it go that the princess said something. Don’t take it to heart. Shall I accompany you today?”
Lifei’s tearful eyes narrowed. “Is Your Majesty truly saying this?”
Man Hanting’s mind flashed with Shan Xiaoya’s proud face. “A monarch’s word is binding.”
Lifei happily nodded, and her tears miraculously disappeared.
Dan Xiaoya waved her hand and said coldly, “How many times have I told you? Don’t kneel so easily. There are no slaves in the Shunyang Palace.”
“Yes!” Xiaolinzi stood to the side. Having been with this princess for a day, he found that although she was cold and not enthusiastic about anything, she was still quite good. He genuinely liked this princess. “Princess!”
“Xiaolinzi, where in Manyi Country are there any enlightened high monks? There are only people who know strange and mysterious arts.”
Xiaolinzi thought carefully and said seriously, “Princess, if we’re talking about the most powerful, it should be Master Kongjing, the abbot of Tian’en Temple.”
“Where can I find him?”
“Tian’en Temple in the Golden Sun Country.”
Dan Xiaoya asked suspiciously, “Golden Sun Country? Isn’t this Manyi Country?”
“Yes, Master Kongjing of Tian’en Temple in Golden Sun Country is the most famous. The temple is not far from here, just over a hundred li.”
“Prepare yourself. I want to go to Tian’en Temple.”
Xiaolinzi quickly knelt down. “Princess, we cannot leave the palace privately. You should discuss this with His Majesty. Only if His Majesty agrees can we go.”
“Alright! I’ll go talk to him right now.”
Shan Xiaoya gracefully withdrew her hand, waiting to enter An City. Hu Yan Nan did not retract his gaze, still staring at the sedan chair. The city gate guards came to ask if they should let them enter. “If you want to enter, you can only walk into An City. Tell them if they don’t agree, they can turn back.”
The city gate guard returned and shouted at the Man Yi Kingdom’s convoy: “Those who want to enter the city, walk in by yourself, otherwise you can turn back.”
Man Hanting was not surprised, knowing Hu Yan Nan’s hatred towards him. When he was the crown prince, he had once been targeted for assassination, never expecting that it was not him who died, but his wife. Man Hanting’s personal guards, displeased by the order, drew their blades, but were stopped by a voice from inside the sedan chair. “Stand down, I will walk in myself. Announce my order for everyone in the following sedan chairs to get down and walk in.” A unified voice responded: “We obey!” The personal guards simultaneously sheathed their swords and stood respectfully to one side.
A personal guard went to relay the order to the back. After everyone descended from their sedan chairs, nine enchanting women gathered together. Li Fei disdained walking with those low-status dancing girls, slowly following behind them alone. Shan Xiaoya walked confidently behind Man Hanting, observing everything coldly and proudly, as if it had nothing to do with her.
When Hu Yan Nan saw the true appearance of the Man Yi Kingdom’s monarch, his brow furrowed tightly. He never expected that the emperor and princess of Man Yi Kingdom were the two people he had inexplicably spared that day. Such a good opportunity had been missed, watching his enemies swagger away right under his nose. How could he face himself and his wife and children who had died with hatred?
Man Hanting, the pain you inflicted on me, I will return tenfold, a hundredfold. This time, I won’t let you die easily. I want you to taste the pain of losing loved ones. Hu Yan Nan’s eyes were bloodthirsty and cruel.
Hu Yan Nan led a large number of troops, seeming both to escort and protect, tightly surrounding the Man Yi Kingdom’s convoy as they proceeded towards the imperial city. Man Hanting’s transportation changed from a dedicated human-carried sedan to a horse-drawn carriage, sharing a ride with Shan Xiaoya. The women’s transportation also changed from individual sedan chairs to five per carriage.
Although Man Hanting was inwardly furious, he did not show it. To ease tensions and buy time to restore his country’s strength, enduring humiliation was a necessary strategy…
Shan Xiaoya glanced at Huyan Nan, who was enveloped in a cold aura, sitting in the car. Throughout the journey, she could feel his hostile gaze. His cold-blooded and cruel nature was fully displayed on the battlefield. Such a man without warmth and covered in blood was definitely not a good person and could never be a suitable husband.
Man Hanting heard Huyan Nan’s words and was extremely reluctant. He had developed special feelings for Shan Xiaoya during the journey and did not want her to become a sacrifice in this transaction. Looking at the emperor of the Golden Sun Kingdom with an expectant face, he cleared his throat. Cupping his hands gently, he spoke in a steady voice: “I have always heard that the emperor of the Golden Sun Kingdom loves his people like children and is tolerant. Indeed, the reputation is well-deserved. I admire you.
According to General Huyan’s words, I should have betrothed the princess to him, but I am reluctant to send my only royal sister far away…”
Before he could finish, Huyan Nan stepped forward and interrupted him. “Your Majesty, if the princess marries me, I will establish the general’s mansion in Ancheng, only a hundred miles from Gong City. She can be visited anytime. I hope Your Majesty will grant this.” He knelt down on the golden imperial hall floor.
Huyan Nan’s words suppressed Man Hanting’s intention to refuse. Reluctantly, Man Hanting said, “Since the general has made such a significant concession, it would be unreasonable for me to refuse. Let’s ask the person involved. If my royal sister has no objections, I will prepare a generous dowry and await General Huyan’s wedding procession.” He gave Shan Xiaoya a meaningful look.
Shan Xiaoya smiled faintly and said without fear, “The general’s favor is too much for me to bear…” Before she could finish, she felt a blur before her eyes. Before she could understand what was happening, she was already in Huyan Nan’s arms, his masculine scent clearly invading her space…
Huyan Nan held Shan Xiaoya in his arms and casually sealed her acupoint.
His voice was loud as he said, “Princess, since I saw you in Ancheng, I have been thinking of you constantly, hoping you will marry me.” His emotionless voice and cold expression were completely inconsistent with his words.
At this point, Huyan Nan boldly kissed her bright red lips in front of everyone, a kiss devoid of emotion, filled only with conquest. Shan Xiaoya tried to push him away but was shocked to find she couldn’t exert any strength. She could only watch helplessly as he forcibly kissed her lips. His cold lips, like winter ice, instantly lowered her body temperature.
Man Hanting looked at Huyan Nan in surprise, never expecting such a bold and unbridled action. He stood to the side, angrily staring at Huyan Nan’s overstepping behavior.
The emperor of the Golden Sun Kingdom suddenly burst into loud laughter. “What a perfect match! A talented man and a beautiful woman, heaven-sent. Since you two are in love, I decree your marriage. I also grant you a mansion and ten thousand taels of gold.”
