The Empress Dowager departed, and the civil and military officials of the court rose to offer their respects, leaving only the younger generation to continue with the ongoing activities.
Shangguan Yao scanned the assembled guests, a scene of opulent beauty with a diverse array of attendees, each more captivating than the last. He wondered if Crown Prince Yan Yu of the Northern Kingdom had taken a liking to anyone among them.
"Today, we celebrate the Empress Dowager's birthday, and Crown Prince Yan Yu's presence here is a testament to the Northern Emperor's goodwill. To express my gratitude for this friendship, I inquire if the Crown Prince has found anyone to his liking at today's banquet."
The Emperor's words caused many of the daughters of noble families to blush. Their attendance at this birthday banquet was merely a pretext; their true intentions were to catch a glimpse of the Northern Crown Prince's handsome demeanor and, secondly, to behold Prince Shangguan Lin, the foremost young gentleman of Yanjing, Ye Wuyun. These men were all exceptional individuals, the dream partners of any woman.
With the Emperor's inquiry, these young ladies understood his intentions. If the Northern Crown Prince were to choose one of them, it was possible she could be bestowed the title of princess and married into the Northern Kingdom. Though it meant leaving their homeland, they would thenceforth enjoy unparalleled preciousness and everlasting favor.
The thought of such wealth and glory made every woman's eyes sparkle, and they collectively stared at Yan Yu, wishing ardently that they were the one chosen by the Northern Crown Prince.
Crown Prince Yan Yu of the Northern Kingdom gracefully lifted the hem of his embroidered robes and rose. He surveyed the surroundings, and as his gaze swept across the hall, an absolute silence fell. The daughters of noble families felt their hearts flutter like captive deer, their heads shyly lowered, their posture conveying a studied demureness. Crown Prince Yan Yu's gaze was dark, deep, and unfathomable. These common, ordinary beauties were already plentiful in the Crown Prince's mansion; there was no need to add more.
A charming and elegant smile graced Yan Yu's lips as he spoke in a gentle tone.
"Emperor Yao is most considerate. However, I already have several concubines in my mansion, and I fear I would wrong the fair ladies of Eastern Qin. Therefore, I must regretfully decline your kind offer."
Yan Yu's polite refusal of Shangguan Yao's suggestion brought expressions of disappointment to the faces of many noble daughters, some even finding their eyes welling up with tears. Those with discerning ears understood that the Crown Prince of the Northern Kingdom found them undesirable. Had he been interested, would he have refused?
The young Emperor, Shangguan Yao, possessed a handsome countenance, his sharp black eyes glinting with a cold, keen intensity. Yan Yu's refusal to forge a marital alliance, or rather, his lack of finding a woman to his liking, was a setback. Fortunately, there was still the Northern Kingdom's princess. Shangguan Yao shifted his attention to Yan Ling, the princess of the Northern Kingdom, his gaze softening as he looked towards her.
"Does the princess have anyone who has caught her eye at tonight's banquet?"
As Shangguan Yao finished speaking, Yun Xiao, seated not far from him, rolled her eyes with a mocking smile, unable to refrain from cursing inwardly. "You truly are a master of pretense. Do you not understand the Northern princess's feelings? It's obvious she fancies you, or rather, the position of Empress of Eastern Qin. This woman's ambition is truly boundless. Yet, she is a blockhead. No matter how ambitious she is, the position of Empress of Eastern Qin will never fall to a princess of Northern Yan. Would this Emperor truly offer a piece of meat to a wolf? How foolish."
Yun Xiao's internal diatribe concluded as she raised her eyes again, observing the unfolding events in the hall. Northern Princess Yan Ling, shedding her earlier boldness and spirited nature, shyly lowered her head. A strand of ink-black hair cascaded down, partially obscuring the blush on her face, making her appear even more delicate and charming. Shangguan Yao was no fool; having experienced numerous romantic encounters, he understood the meaning behind a woman's expression. The Northern princess was indeed enamored with him. Normally, this would be a cause for pride. How many men were favored by a princess, and this princess was a beauty as well. Merely gazing at her doe-like expression sent ripples of affection through his heart. However, in his current situation, he was powerless, forced to turn away this alluring prospect.
"Does the princess have someone in mind? Whether it be a prince or the foremost young gentleman, I will gladly arrange it for the princess."
The moment Shangguan Yao finished speaking, Yun Xiao rolled her eyes again, her lips forming two silent words: "Fake piety." He clearly knew who she favored, yet he brought up Prince Lin and Ye Wuyun. These two were truly pitiable, to have such a master who not only supported him in political matters but now also dictated their marital choices. Prince Shangguan Lin and Ye Wuyun, having been named, both shivered simultaneously, their eyes flashing with disbelief. Anyone with perception could see that the princess wished to marry the Emperor. Why were they, the two of them, being mentioned?
Ye Wuyun's expression turned cold. He knew that being summoned tonight boded no good, and now they intended to force a woman upon him. Not a chance. He moved to rise and speak, but a hand reached out faster, stopping his action. Turning his head, he saw it was Shangguan Lin, who had also been named. Shangguan Lin subtly shook his head, signaling him to remain calm. This Northern princess was no ordinary person; she was bold and spirited. Would she so easily accept the Emperor's deception? Ye Wuyun sat back down, quietly observing the situation in the hall.
Upon hearing Shangguan Yao's words, Northern Crown Prince Yan Yu agreed that his imperial sister should marry Prince Shangguan Lin. Firstly, he was a prince with an equally distinguished status. Secondly, marrying the princess to him would not be a slight to his honor. As for Yan Ling marrying Shangguan Yao, Yan Yu did not approve. His sister, proud and haughty since childhood, not only fancied Shangguan Yao but also coveted the title of Empress of Eastern Qin. However, this position would forever be beyond her reach, as she was a princess of the Northern Kingdom.
Princess Yan Ling was taken aback. She believed her intentions were evident. How could the Emperor still utter such words? Was she not beautiful enough? Had her hints not been sufficient? Tears welled in her eyes, and she gazed fixedly at Shangguan Yao. Yan Yu, before his sister could react, interjected.
"Emperor Yao is most thoughtful. I believe it is best for the princess to marry a prince for the sake of forging an alliance between our two nations."
Since their father desired an alliance, Yan Ling should marry Shangguan Lin. Although this man appeared indifferent, Yan Yu had made inquiries and found him to be an upright individual. As long as he married Yan Ling, he would not trouble her.
Upon hearing Yan Yu's words, a flicker of darkness crossed Shangguan Yao's pupils. However, the Northern Crown Prince's suggestion saved him unnecessary trouble, and he responded in a deep, resonant voice.
"Very well, then let the princess marry Prince Lin. Henceforth, our two nations shall maintain eternal peace."
At the Emperor's decree, both individuals concerned shivered simultaneously and regained their senses. Princess Yan Ling immediately leaped to her feet and refused.
"I disagree."
Shangguan Lin also stood, and in a deep voice, declared, "I also disagree."
After speaking, they exchanged glances, glaring fiercely at each other before turning their gaze towards the Emperor in the center. Yan Ling spoke first, "I do not like Prince Lin."