"A gem?" Xue Zining asked, frowning.
Han Xixia said with interest, "Legend has it that this gem is the same one as the supreme treasure in the Snow Kingdom's divine palace."
Xue Zining trembled all over and asked nervously, "Really?"
Han Xixia shook his head, "This prince has not seen it either, but the old man said that whoever marries the princess consort can enter the Han Palace, and let the gem choose its master for itself, becoming the next Han Emperor."
"I'll marry," Xue Zining said.
Han Xixia looked at the girl who had just refused, but now hesitated not at all, and smiled, "Good, this prince likes decisive people."
"When do we depart?" Xue Zining asked, eager to see the gem and whether it was the same as the Snow Kingdom's supreme treasure.
"Tomorrow," Han Xixia said.
Xue Zining nodded and turned to leave.
Han Xixia stroked his chin, "She's truly straightforward."
The next day
Xue Zining got into Han Xixia's carriage. Midway, the carriage stopped. Han Xixia lifted the curtain, and she immediately saw a young man in black riding a horse in front of them.
Her gaze paused slightly. Han Xixia beside her chuckled, "Your admirer is here."
Xue Zining glared at Han Xixia. Han Xixia smiled heartily, "Aren't you going to say goodbye?"
"In the end, there is nothing between us," Xue Zining sat back in the corner.
"Continue forward," Han Xixia lowered the curtain and said to the girl in the corner, "Miss Feng is indeed clean and efficient."
"Thank you for the compliment. Since we are in a cooperative relationship, I will certainly consider your feelings, Prince. After all, it's not good for rumors to spread if you see your future princess consort dating another man?" The girl looked up, her tone cool.
Han Xixia smiled, "That won't happen. The people of the Han Kingdom are very open-minded. As long as two people love each other, they don't need to care about the world's opinions. Where are there so many complications?"
Xue Zining fell silent.
Yuan Zhao stood still on his horse, unwilling to give up. He realized it had always been his one-sided affection.
Both in the past and present.
"Feng Ning, take care!"
He turned and rode away.
Han Kingdom
The carriage entered the Han Kingdom. Xue Zining lifted the curtain and saw a prosperous scene before her eyes, which was no less than the advantageous conditions of the barren land's innate superiority.
The Han Kingdom was in eternal spring, without summer or winter, making it very suitable for people to live there.
The carriage drove straight into the Han Kingdom's imperial palace. Guards stopped the carriage outside the palace gate.
Han Xixia said, "We're here. The rest of the way requires walking."
Xue Zining nodded and got out of the carriage. The guards immediately saluted Prince Xixia.
"Old man, are you here?" Han Xixia asked.
Perhaps accustomed to Han Xixia's way of speaking, the guard replied, "His Majesty and the Empress are both in the Han Qian Hall."
Han Xixia was taken aback, "Are there visiting envoys?"
The guard said, "The Seventh Prince has returned."
Han Xixia's expression changed, "Seventh Brother? Didn't the old man send many people but couldn't find him?"
The guard did not answer. How could a mere palace guard know royal secrets?
Han Xixia said coldly, "I'm going to see the old man."
Saying that, he walked forward. After a few steps, he turned and said, "Aren't you coming with me?"
Xue Zining stepped forward. Han Xixia looked at her with a frown and said, "You don't look good like this. Go change your clothes."
After being bathed and dressed by Prince Xixia's people, Xue Zining was stunned when she looked at the person in the bronze mirror.
Was this cold and beautiful woman in front of her really her? It seemed as if she was no longer herself.
"Miss Feng, the Prince asks that if you are ready, please follow this servant."
Xue Zining nodded, "Okay."
Outside the Han Qian Hall, Han Xixia stood there. Seeing her arrive, his gaze paused slightly.
Han Xixia had not expected that one person could have so many sides.
Where was the cold, pure girl from before, compared to the cold, noble girl in front of him now?
"What is it?" Xue Zining asked.
Han Xixia shook his head and smiled, "My princess consort is very beautiful."
Xue Zining was startled and frowned, "Can we go in now?"
Hearing this, Han Xixia withdrew his smile and entered the hall. Da Feng Novel Network
Soon, a hearty laugh came from within.
Suddenly, Xue Zining felt her hand being grabbed. The cold touch made her frown involuntarily. She turned to see Han Xixia's face looking very displeased.
"Father Emperor, Mother Empress," Han Xixia bowed.
Xue Zining followed suit and bowed. A voice came from above her head, "Eighth, you're back."
"Yes," Han Xixia replied.
Xue Zining looked up and saw the man at the head, wearing a bright yellow robe adorned with many colors.
His expression was majestic, exuding a mighty kingly aura.
Beside him was the Han Empress. Although time had taken away her youth, it was evident that she had been a beautiful and gentle woman in her youth.
The Han Empress looked at Han Xixia with a gentle gaze.
"Eighth Brother, you're back," a voice said.
Xue Zining looked at the Seventh Prince Han Xichen, whom Han Xixia had mentioned as missing for many years.
He was a handsome man, but for some reason, she felt a sense of familiarity.
Han Xichen also noticed her presence and said, "Eighth Brother, did you bring back a princess consort?"
Han Xixia replied in a stiff tone, "Yes, don't you have one, Seventh Brother?"
"Naturally, I do," Han Xichen said.
Saying that, he stepped forward and looked at Xue Zining, "Miss, have we met somewhere before?"
Xue Zining bowed, "Seventh Prince, you jest. How could I possibly know you?"
Han Xixia stepped forward and stood between Han Xichen and Xue Zining, his tone stiff and cold, "Seventh Brother, this is my princess consort."
Han Xichen chuckled softly, "Eighth Brother, why are you so anxious? I haven't done anything, have I?"
Han Xixia's gaze turned cold. At this moment, the Han Emperor spoke, "Alright, Eighth, Seventh has just returned, don't be so aggressive."
"I am tired, I will take my leave!" After speaking, Han Xixia pulled Xue Zining and left the place.
Han Xichen gazed at the woman following beside Han Xixia, narrowing his eyes. She looked somewhat alike. Could it really be her?
Outside the Han Qian Hall, Han Xixia finally released Xue Zining's hand and said coldly, "Stay away from Han Xichen from now on."
Xue Zining nodded, "I will." Even if Han Xixia hadn't said it, she would have. Han Xichen gave her a very bad feeling.
She had indeed never met this Han Xichen. How did that sense of familiarity arise?
"I'll have someone escort you back to rest. There will be a family banquet tonight, and I'll need you to accompany me to handle it," Han Xixia said.
Xue Zining nodded, "Okay."
Upon arriving at Han Xixia's residence, Xue Zining immediately saw a huge cage in the courtyard, containing a giant fierce beast, resembling a dog but not quite.
It was very strong, and upon seeing her, it suddenly let out a roar, revealing its bloody maw.
Xue Zining was so scared that she took several steps back. It was the first time she had seen such a large beast.
"Princess consort, do not be afraid. This is the Prince's new favorite, a Cang Ni dog."