Chapter 7: Lover

Chapter 7: Paramour

Mu Lan knew her words and actions were somewhat abrupt in this ancient setting; otherwise, she wouldn't have asked Dongling Xie for help just now. Now that the Dongling Emperor had not spoken up, no one else would dare to question whether she had violated etiquette.

"Cousin Qingping is gifted and intelligent, with a gentle temperament. Not only is her appearance outstanding, but when it comes to the zither, chess, calligraphy, and painting, she is among the best of her generation. The person I wish to protect must, naturally, be worthy of her in every respect." Having said this, Mu Lan turned her gaze toward Dongling Jue and said, "Just now, the Dongling Emperor praised our dynasty's General Xiao as a young talent. Your servant believes that regardless of family background or character, General Xiao and Cousin Qingping are a perfect match, a union made in heaven."

Seeing her wink at him, the darkness in Dongling Jue's eyes deepened. This woman was quite bold, even daring to use him.

Although the expression on his face did not change in the slightest, Mu Lan still detected a hint of danger in his eyes. However, for the sake of her plan, she simply ignored that hair-raising gaze.

"Your Highness," the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel finally snapped out of it and hurriedly knelt with joy, "Everything is subject to the decision of the Princess and the Emperor. This official bows to express his gratitude for the Emperor's grace on behalf of my daughter."

Since things had reached this point, and with Dongling Jue's reputation backing it, Jin Yuanfu weighed the options in his heart and responded, "Xiao Yi is indeed a junior whom I appreciate. Granting Qingping to him would not be a loss. Loving official Xiao, I shall decree the marriage of Qingping to you. How say you?"

The named Xiao Yi then stood up from his seat; as expected, he was the very person Mu Lan had noticed earlier.

As he approached, Mu Lan was finally able to see his features clearly. He had bright, heroic features and handsome facial lines. Unlike the sinister charm and domineering aura radiating from Dongling Jue, this man appeared to possess a level of composure and elegance that seemed somewhat mismatched with his age. Aside from his tall stature, one would hardly imagine him to be a general who galloped across battlefields.

Xiao Yi did not even spare her a glance. He brushed his robes and performed a respectful imperial salute, saying, "This official bows in gratitude for the Imperial Grace."

He actually didn't refuse? He didn't even show a hint of resistance? Mu Lan couldn't help but feel puzzled. Could it be that this General Xiao Yi didn't actually like Jin Ning? But in her memories, he was indeed somewhat ambiguous and close to Jin Ning.

While Mu Lan was still lost in confusion, a voice broke the festive atmosphere in the hall, "I object!"

After Jin Xue shouted this, even she was stunned by her own outburst. However, since the words were already out, she no longer held any reservations. She stood up and said, "Imperial Father, General Xiao is, after all, a Great General of the fourth rank. Marriage is a major life event; it should be based on mutual consent. How can it be decided so hastily?"

As she finished, she glared fiercely toward Mu Lan, as if using her eyes to accuse her of being unreliable.

Mu Lan had not expected her to make a scene in public. Her courage was commendable, but her method was too clumsy. "How can Sixth Sister call Imperial Father's decision hasty? Moreover, General Xiao himself has agreed. How can that not be considered mutual consent?"

She didn't want to play matchmaker recklessly, but she certainly could not allow Xiao Yi to marry the murderer who had harmed her sister.

"You had Imperial Father bestow the marriage, so General Xiao naturally wouldn't dare refuse. How is that any different from a forced marriage?" Jin Xue knew that if she didn't fight for reason today, she would lose Xiao Yi forever. Thus, she went all out and said to Xiao Yi, "General Xiao, please speak your true heart."

Before Xiao Yi could speak, Jin Yuanfu was the first to fly into a rage. "Jin Xue! In the presence of the Dongling Emperor, what kind of decorum is this?"

"It matters not." Dongling Jue looked toward Jin Xue with a faint smile and said, "The Sixth Princess is right. Marriage is a major matter; it should be based on mutual willingness."

Mu Lan's mind tightened. It was one thing for him not to help, but was he trying to trip her up?

"However..." Dongling Jue drew out the end of his sentence, glanced at Mu Lan, and then continued, "The fact that the Sixth Princess dares to step forward to speak for him suggests that your friendship is quite profound."

Coming from his mouth, these words were lethal. One had to know that the person originally intended to be sent for the marriage alliance was Jin Xue. If Jin Xue's reputation were compromised, it would be considered deceiving the Emperor, and if things went poorly, the diplomatic relations between the two countries would be ruined.

"The Dongling Emperor misunderstands. This child Jin Xue has always loved to fight injustice. She has simply had too much to drink today and has lost her composure. I apologize for the embarrassment caused to Your Majesty," Jin Yuanfu explained hurriedly, while simultaneously signaling to the maidservants. "The Sixth Princess is intoxicated. Quickly, escort her back to her palace!"

Mu Lan saw Jin Xue being dragged out by the maidservants, looking unwilling. Just before leaving the door, she even threw a murderous glare her way. It seemed that for a long time to come, Princess Jin Xue would be quite depressed.

Jin Yuanfu continued to smooth things over: "Alright, alright. Loving official Xiao, return to your seat. Tomorrow, Jin Ning will return to court with the Dongling Emperor. For the eternal peace of our Xia Liang and the Western Chu, let everyone enjoy themselves today."

Xiao Yi maintained his silent expression, but suddenly knelt again and said, "Your Majesty, Xiao Yi is grateful for the profound grace of the Princess and the Emperor. I wish to request the command to escort the Princess on her wedding journey."

Jin Yuanfu thought for a moment, then looked at Dongling Jue and said, "The road from Xia Liang to Western Chu is long and arduous. This general has decent skills; he can provide protection along the way. I wonder what the Dongling Emperor thinks?"

Dongling Jue glanced at Xiao Yi and gave a slight nod, which served as an agreement. He then turned to look at Mu Lan, leaning close to her ear and whispering, "The Princess seems to care quite a bit about that Xiao Yi as well?"

Mu Lan was still surprised by Xiao Yi's request to escort her. That low, sexy voice caused her ears to flush unexpectedly. She hurriedly shrunk her neck, creating some distance between them.

Seeing the ambiguous depth in his eyes again, Mu Lan immediately became alert and hurriedly smiled at him, "With a man as handsome, dashing, wise, and mighty as the Dongling Emperor by my side, the heavens and earth would lose their luster, and even the sun and moon would dim their brilliance for you. How could I possibly divert my attention to anyone else?"

*Hmph, he should look at who I am. He's just an emperor; trying to catch me in a mistake won't be that easy.*

Although her words were somewhat exaggerated, it was undeniable that everyone loves to hear sweet words. The corners of Dongling Jue's mouth curled up slightly as he said, "So, you greatly admire me?"

"Your Majesty is the true Dragon Son of Heaven and a wise ruler of this generation. Throughout our Xia Liang Kingdom, from the high officials to the common folk, young and old, everyone admires you." *Except for me, a citizen of the Republic of China.*

"Very good." The smile on Dongling Jue's lips deepened. "Though you possess a bit of cleverness, you are very sensible to the situation."