Unlimited estates for rural beauty-Chapter 689 Peace Edict (2)

"So I’ll do you a favor and give you Luo Kingdom, in this way, Zi Weijiang’s plans will be thwarted, Luo Kingdom will be preserved from defeat, and, indirectly, I’ve given you a favor as well. Truly, killing three birds with one stone." Only those fit to be an Emperor would have such intricate thoughts. After reflecting on it, I understood why they wouldn’t borrow us any grain or silver."

"Hahaha, my wife is truly clever, you see right through it." He gently embraced her shoulders and flirtatiously batted his eyes in admiration.

Feng Xuxu was at a loss for words, realizing that if she couldn’t guess by now, she’d be quite the fool. Watching her husband’s joyous demeanor, she decided not to dampen his spirits and silently leaned against his chest, listening to his strong heartbeat.

After lunch, Feng Xuxu took a short rest. Thinking about how Luo Kingdom was about to become part of Xueyan Country filled her with a mix of joy and caution. After all, the entirety of Luo Kingdom’s economy was in Zi Weijiang’s hands, and she had met him before. Recalling his adamant declaration that he would never allow his mulberry trees to be planted in Luo Kingdom, even without him finishing his sentence, she could guess the implications quite clearly, even if she were foolish.

The more she thought about it, the more agitated she became; unable to find a solution to control him, she walked to the rack, picked up a large cloak, draped it over herself, and pushed the door open to step outside.

As the cold wind met her face, her thoughts became clearer. Walking along the newly swept path, she slowly pieced together clues in her mind, hoping to follow these leads to the root of the issue.

Zi Weijiang, Zi Weijiang, what exactly is this man’s background?

"Hidden Guard."

"Master." A shadow flickered and the Hidden Guard ’Ghost’ was already kneeling on the ground, appearing from seemingly nowhere, without a sound to be heard upon landing, indicating his extraordinary martial arts skill.

"Send someone to investigate Zi Weijiang, the richest man in Luo Kingdom. Remember, be cautious in all matters, beware of this man. Investigate anyone who has had contact with him, no matter how trivial or urgent the issue," she commanded, looking down at ’Ghost’ kneeling before her. He was one of the few Hidden Guards assigned to her after Wan Hun began accompanying Qiqi. Known to possess exceptional martial arts skills, there were few on the martial arts scene who could match them, yet there also lay the possibility of some masters living in obscurity among civilians.

"Yes, Master." With a swift move, in the blink of an eye, the person had disappeared.

Ten days later at dusk, the carriage bearing the mark of Lou Wang appeared on the roads of the Capital City, heading for the post station. Ever since the post station learned of Lou Wang’s impending arrival, they had been diligently cleaning the room reserved for him every day, unsure of when exactly he would come.

Lou Qianyu and Xiao Jiazhen, finding the room clean and tidy, felt somewhat pleased, which alleviated the various worries they had had on their journey.

"Husband, may I visit my father, mother, and two brothers at the Prime Minister Residence?" Xiao Jiazhen’s longing to return home surged the moment she set foot in her homeland, her heart incessantly yearning for her father, mother, and brothers, as if she wished she could grow wings and fly straight to them.

"Wife, let’s wait a bit longer, after we have met with Emperor Jinghe, then we can visit your father and mother-in-law," he replied.

Xiao Jiazhen quickly realized this was sensible. After all, she was now the Empress of Luo Kingdom, not just the daughter of the Prime Minister. Visiting her father now could cause trouble for both parties. Even though her cousins and their spouses wouldn’t suspect anything, the Ministers would certainly think otherwise. Even if they refrained from saying anything in front of her cousin, their behind-the-back gossip could be overwhelming.

Once she understood this, she felt much more at ease. Surely her father wouldn’t want her to visit now, so what harm would there be in waiting one more day? After all, she was already in Xueyan Country, she would return home sooner or later.

Imperial Palace, Yangxin Hall.

In the bedroom, bursts of laughter and applause could be heard, along with the babbling of a child.

"You two, tease your sister gently. If you make her cry, you’ll be the ones to comfort her," Feng Xuxu watched as Yueyue was teasing Yuyu with a small toy, deliberately not letting her grab it, which made Yuyu’s face turn bright red; her wide eyes were fixed on the toy in her sister’s hand, determined to grab it.

Pouting, Yueyue glanced back at her little sister on the bed. Her sister was good in every way, but her crying was heart-wrenching, screaming as she cried, like her tears cost nothing, streaming down unchecked, impossible for anyone to soothe, unless father held her; then she could be reluctantly calmed, not even mother’s embrace would work.

Out of boredom, she handed the toy to her sister. Yuyu took the toy, blinked her large eyes, looking left and right, and seeing that her sister no longer wanted it, she threw it aside as well, not wanting it either. She chuckled toothlessly, her limbs trembling non-stop.

Qiqi and Yueyue played with their sister for a while, until her little mouth kept yawning and her eyes fogged over with sleepiness. Only then did they let her be, bidding goodnight to their father and mother before each returning to their rooms to sleep.

The next day

During the early court session, Lou Qianyu entered the Imperial Palace to pay his respects, and the envoy behind him presented the "Peace Edict." Eunuch Wei, seeing this, descended the stairs, took the edict with both hands, and handed it to the Emperor.

Dugu Chen took the "Peace Edict" and read it thoroughly. It was similar to the letter he had received, only more formal with some additional clauses promising the citizens of Luo Kingdom would be treated the same as those of Xueyan Country. These were not issues in Dugu Chen’s eyes. Since Luo Kingdom would be under his rule, he would treat everyone with equal fairness.

"Good, very detailed. The clauses within are acceptable to Us," he said, placing the edict on the Dragon Throne and withdrawing his own seal from his waist. He stamped it behind Lou Qianyu’s on the edict, duplicating the document—one copy for Lou Wang and one for Dugu Chen.

"This humble servant Lou Qianyu pays respects to the Emperor. May the Emperor be blessed with endless fortune," said Lou Qianyu as he secured the "Peace Edict" and knelt on the ground, paying homage to the sovereign.

Following this, the Ministers in the hall knelt in unison, offering their congratulations to the Emperor.

"Rise."

"Thank You, Your Majesty."

"The Luo Kingdom shall be renamed ’Luo County.’ Lou Qianyu is bestowed the title of Lou Wang, to reside in Luo County. His title shall be hereditary and pass on through his descendants forever."

"This humble servant thanks Your Majesty."

"Your Majesty, about the matter of the hostages..." Yang Jian hesitated for a moment before asking.

Lou Qianyu’s heart skipped a beat, his eyes glancing at Dugu Chen on the Dragon Throne. The issue of hostages was not mentioned in the message he initially received. Why bring it up now?

Dugu Chen looked at Yang Jian, a cold smile playing on his lips: "When did We ever ask for hostages?"

"Your Majesty... This servant has erred," realizing his mistake, Yang Jian quickly knelt and asked for forgiveness. Reflecting on the previous court discussions about Luo Kingdom, Ludong had suggested hostages, but the Emperor ultimately did not mention it. Yang Jian believed the Emperor had forgotten, but it turned out that the Emperor never intended to use hostages to bind Lou Qianyu.