Chapter 216 - 216: Discussion of Important Matters

Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

Emperor Qi Ming was reading the memorial. Wang Kun was standing beside him. When he saw Xiao Nanye’s slender figure appear at the door, Wang Kun quickly said.

Upon hearing the voice, Emperor Qi Ming put down the brush in his hand and looked up at Xiao Nanye.

Walking up, Xiao Nan Ye casually bowed to Emperor Qi Ming before taking a seat in a chair nearby.

Then, he looked at Emperor Qi Ming and said, “Imperial Brother, why did you call me into the palace?”

“Why? Can’t I seek your company for no reason?”

A hint of anger flashed in Emperor Qi Ming’s eyes as he said, looking at Xiao Nanye with evident irritation, “Tell me, how long has it been since you last visited me in the palace?”

“I’ve been rather busy recently,” Xiao Nanye replied.

“Busy? Busy with what?”

“Imperial brother, have you forgotten that in a month, your younger brother is going to get married?”

Upon hearing this, Emperor Qi Ming said nothing further. After a moment of silence, he looked at Xiao Nanye and said,” I called you here today because I have something to discuss with you.”

“Please speak, Imperial Brother.”

“Look at this.”

As he spoke, Emperor Qi Ming passed a memorial to Wang Kun, who quickly took it and placed it before Xiao Nanye.

Xiao Nanye took the memorial from Wang Kun and opened it. After glancing over the contents, he frowned. “So, the tribes from the grasslands wish to marry the princess as a peace alliance?”

“According to the words of the Northern Border, that’s what it means.” Emperor Qi Ming replied. “I’ve heard that they’re sending their First Prince for the marriage alliance. Given the distance, he will arrive in Qi Kingdom in no more than three days.”

As Emperor Qi Ming spoke, Xiao Nanye listened quietly. When the emperor finished, Xiao Nanye said, “You seem reluctant about this marital alliance, Imperial brother.”

“Princesses from our Qi Kingdom who have married into the Northern Border in the past haven’t lived long lives. From our founding emperor to the previous one, more than ten princesses have been married off to the Northern Border. Now, only the Ninth and Eleventh Princesses remain. 1 am loath to part with either.”

The Ninth Princess was the legitimate daughter of the Empress and her only child. The Eleventh Princess was born of the noble concubine and is the sister of Prince An.

“The weather in the northern border is cold. It’s indeed not suitable for the women of Qi Kingdom to live.”

“Nanye, help me think of a way to prevent the Ninth Princess and the Eleventh Princess from marrying into the Northern Border.”

Hearing Emperor Qi Ming’s words, Xiao Nanye fell silent. A moment later, he directly looked at Emperor Qi Ming and said, “Imperial brother, If you’re reluctant about this alliance, simply decline the marriage proposal.”

“I would like to directly refuse, but I’m worried that this will cause the Northern Border to harbor resentment.”

“If the Northern Border dares to have rebellious thoughts, “If the Northern Border dares to rebel, I am willing to lead troops to conquer it on your behalf. After all, Qi Kingdom is a vast empire. Why should we fear a minor kingdom like the Northern Border?”

While Xiao Nan Ye’s tone was mild, his words reassured Emperor Qi Ming. After considering, the emperor said, “In that case, when the First prince of the Northern Border arrives, you will help me personally greet him.”

“I won’t have the time. Please find someone else, Imperial Brother.”

Facing Emperor Qi Ming’s dissatisfied gaze, Xiao Nanye said calmly, “Now, the princes are all grown up. It’s time for you to give them some tasks.”

“In the end, aren’t you just wanting to be with your fiancee who hasn’t formally married into the family?”

“Don’t think I don’t know what you’re thinking.”

“If Imperial Brother understands, then don’t bother me.”

Xiao Nanye very openly admitted his intentions, which prompted Qi Ming Emperor to throw the seal from the table at him, shouting, “Get out!”

Looking at the seal on the floor, Xiao Nanye calmly stood up and headed towards the door.

But as he reached the door, he paused.

Turning around, he smiled at Emperor Qi Ming and said, “Imperial Brother, since the first prince from the Northern Border has come to our kingdom to propose marriage, he must have brought many treasures, hasn’t he?”

“What? Are you planning to empty my private treasury?”

“I am about to get married, and there are many places in the mansion that need decoration. When the first prince arrives, I’ll come and ask for rewards.”

With that, Xiao Nanye left the hall.

Qi Ming Emperor watched his retreating figure, chuckling to himself, “That boy, always eyeing the treasures in my possession.”

“It shows the good bond between his highness and Your Majesty,” Wang Kun, who was standing beside, quickly added.

By the time Xiao Nanye left the palace, it was already afternoon.

As he reached the palace gate, Han Feng greeted him, “Master, the carpenters have already arrived at the mansion. Do you want to oversee their work? After all, it’s where the Eldest Miss will stay in the future.”

Hearing this, Xiao Nanye nodded.

Over the next few days, he kept a close eye on the carpentry work in his mansion.

On the fourth day, Ye Xiao came to the Cheng Mansion.

It turned out that the Xue family had arrived in the capital ahead of schedule.

Considering what Xiao Nanye had previously mentioned, Jiang Peihuan sent Ye Xiao to check if he was available.

An hour later, Xiao Nanye arrived at the General’s Mansion on Zhui Yun.

All of Jiang’s immediate family was there. Seeing him arrive, Xue Yan softly laughed, “Why has Your Highness come?”

“I heard that Old Madam Xue has also come to the capital, so I naturally should go and welcome her.”

Hearing this, the smile in Xue Yan’s eyes deepened, as she realized everything Xiao Nanye was doing was because he cared for Jiang Peihuan.

Once everyone was ready, they headed out of the city.

Inside the carriage sat Xue Yan and Jiang Peihuan. Jiang Hong led the way on horseback, followed by others. Jiang Sijin chose not to take the carriage. Seeing this, Xue Yan didn’t insist.

So at that moment, Jiang Sijin rode beside Xiao Nanye.

“Brother-in-law, thank you for coming today.”

Ever since Xiao Nanye secretly gifted her some rare weapons, Jiang Sijin had been calling him brother-in-law.

Jiang Peihuan corrected her a few times, but seeing Jiang Sijin continue, she let it be.

Now, hearing Jiang Sijin’s address, a smile appeared in Xiao Nanye’s eyes. “It’s my duty. You don’t need to thank me.”

“How have you been in the military camp lately?”

Currently, Jiang Sijin, though dressed in a traditional dress, had her hair tied up with a red band. Her dress gave her a warrior’s aura.

However, Xiao Nanye’s expression was very gentle when he saw Jiang Sijin like this.

Hearing his question, she proudly replied, “I have achieved much recognition lately. I haven’t let my parents down.”

Seeing her proud smile, Xiao Nanye also smiled, “In a while, I’ll send you some