Chapter 1535: Her Highness the Princess (85)

Day after day passed, and Yun Buxiu continued climbing over the wall. After so many years, he found that this arrangement was actually quite pleasant.

The Princess Residence had undergone several renovations over the years, yet the only thing that had never changed was that wall.

So did that count as Her Highness leaving him a doorway, making it convenient for him to come over?

Not long afterward, the new Emperor of Western Yun ascended the throne.

Western Yun bordered Northern Xia closely. Many years ago, the two nations had been evenly matched.

But now, Western Yun was naturally no match for Northern Xia. Still, as friendly neighbors of many years, Northern Xia sent envoys bearing congratulations and gifts of its specialties to celebrate the new emperor's accession.

Everyone thought that would be the end of the matter.

Tang Zhi had never expected the new Emperor of Western Yun to visit in person. He assumed the man had come to discuss cooperation.

After all, Northern Xia was now abundant in resources and militarily powerful. Anyone who tried to seize its wealth by force would merely be smashing eggs against rocks.

It was far wiser to exchange goods fairly.

Since the Emperor of Western Yun was showing such sincerity, Tang Zhi hosted a grand banquet in the palace, receiving him with the courtesy due to a sovereign.

That evening, members of the imperial family, ministers, and noble ladies all attended.

Tang Guo, the symbolic Grand Princess of Northern Xia, sat below Tang Zhi's left side, while Yun Buxiu sat below his right.

Yun Buxiu was dissatisfied with the arrangement.

He would rather sit beside Her Highness than enjoy such honor from the Emperor.

At first, everyone was enjoying themselves.

Unexpectedly, the Emperor of Western Yun suddenly stood up. He first toasted Tang Zhi three times, then raised his cup to Tang Guo.

No one found anything strange about this. In everyone's eyes, Grand Princess Fengshuo deserved such respect.

After draining three cups, the Emperor of Western Yun finally spoke.

“I have admired Grand Princess Fengshuo for a long time. Today, I wish to offer nine cities and a one-hundred-year peace treaty between our nations in exchange for marrying the Grand Princess and making her my Empress. May Your Highness grant me this honor?”

The sudden proposal instantly enraged everyone present.

The smile on Tang Zhi's face vanished.

The wine cup in Yun Buxiu's hand had already turned into powder.

A deep fist mark appeared on Lin Yuexiang's table.

Lü Yufan continued smiling as he gazed at the Emperor of Western Yun. The half-smiling expression on his face nearly caused the palace maid pouring wine beside him to stumble.

Heavens.

The Prime Minister's smile was truly terrifying.

Lü Yuzhi had already grasped several silver needles gleaming with cold light. If the man speaking had not been the Emperor of Western Yun, those needles would have flown out of her hand uncontrollably.

“You wish.”

While the entire banquet fell silent, everyone's eyes filled with fury, only Tang Guo maintained her smile.

She casually tossed out those three words.

“Who gave you the courage?”

The Emperor of Western Yun also sensed it.

The moment he spoke, the friendly gazes around him had transformed into vicious stares, as if everyone wanted to devour him alive.

He believed that offering nine cities and a century-long peace treaty was an unprecedented proposal, one unmatched in history.

No matter how noble the Grand Princess was, she was still just a woman.

As an emperor, who wouldn't value territory?

Wasn't gaining nine more cities a wonderful bargain?

Then he heard Tang Guo's words.

And indignation rose in his heart.