Chapter 1182: The Princess Consort Whose Memories Were Altered (57)

Yan Huo was also present at the banquet, attending in the capacity of the Northern Yan envoy. He had no intention of drawing attention to himself. After ordering his attendants to present the gifts he had brought, he simply sat to one side and drank in silence.

Representatives from several small nations had tried to approach him and strike up a conversation, but his cold and indifferent attitude drove them away before they could get close.

His behavior only reinforced everyone's impression that Northern Yan truly deserved its status as a great power. They clearly disdained making friends with lesser countries.

Without anyone realizing it, events had progressed to the point dictated by fate. A king from a medium-sized nation stood up with a wine cup in hand and offered a toast to Shangguan Yi before saying with a smile, "I've long heard that Southern Shu possesses the greatest beauty in the world. I wonder if Your Majesty would be willing to invite this beauty out for us to behold?"

By then, Shangguan Yi had already drunk several cups. Faced with such a rude and presumptuous request, his first instinct was to refuse.

No matter what, Tang Guo's public identity was still that of his imperial consort. To have some insignificant ruler openly covet her in front of him was something he should not have been able to tolerate.

Yet, by chance, his eyes fell upon the displeased expression on Shangguan Jing's face, and amusement immediately rose in his heart.

Princess Consort Jing was such an excellent woman. He truly did not believe Shangguan Jing felt nothing for her.

Watching Shangguan Jing's anger, Shangguan Yi made his decision on the spot.

"Summon Consort Jiao and have her come out to meet the honored guests from the various nations."

As soon as he spoke, he noticed the trace of fury on Shangguan Jing's face and smugly raised his brows.

"Prince Jing, why didn't you bring Princess Consort Jing along? I heard that you dote greatly upon her. Such a grand occasion, yet you left her behind?"

Suppressing the anger in his heart, Shangguan Jing answered, "The Princess Consort is unwell. I feared she wouldn't be able to withstand such an occasion, so I had her remain in the manor to rest."

"Oh, I see."

Seeing Shangguan Yi's unconcerned attitude, Shangguan Jing could not help saying, "Imperial Brother, I believe it is inappropriate for Consort Jiao to receive guests at this time."

"And what exactly is inappropriate about it?" Shangguan Yi asked. "I'm merely asking Consort Jiao to come out and meet the envoys from the various nations. What is wrong with that, Prince Jing?"

"Indeed, Prince Jing," one of the rulers chimed in. "We're only curious about Southern Shu's greatest beauty. Consort Jiao isn't unable to show herself, so why would it be inappropriate?"

With countless eyes fixed on him, Shangguan Jing said, "Consort Jiao is a member of the imperial harem. It would not be suitable for her to appear publicly, and it would affect her reputation. The envoys wish to see her because of her famed beauty. In my opinion, it is truly inappropriate."

"Prince Jing, this is permitted by Us." Shangguan Yi's voice became colder. "Since We have spoken, Consort Jiao must come out. And as for reputation? She's merely one of Our consorts. Must she be hidden from guests? In ordinary households, a woman of her status would be nothing more than a concubine, one who could be bought and sold at will. Meeting a few guests—what difference could that possibly make?"

Seeing Shangguan Jing's obvious disapproval, Shangguan Yi's recent frustrations found an outlet, and before he knew it, his words had grown harsher and harsher.

The officials present all paled slightly. Several wanted to speak, but with rulers and envoys from every nation gathered there, none dared openly challenge Shangguan Yi and embarrass him before the world.

Among the officials below, Minister Tang Yanxin's expression had darkened considerably. Those two sentences of the emperor's—what had they reduced his daughter to? Yet he was the emperor. What could a mere minister do?

Shangguan Jing's face was equally ugly. Shangguan Yi's words were truly humiliating.

Though he disliked Tang Guo and had never favored her, he had never subjected her to such humiliation.

But matters had already slipped beyond his control.

If he continued speaking and gave Shangguan Yi reason to suspect him, the emperor would believe he harbored feelings for Tang Guo. Then he would certainly find a way to take his Jiao'er away.