Seeing Tang Qing like this, Qian Renxue's desire to conquer him almost boiled over.
The more unshakeable and indifferent she is, the more it will ignite her competitive spirit.
What a sense of accomplishment it would be to make such a man kneel at one's feet!
Just then, Emperor Xueye's voice rang out again, drowning out the noise in the hall.
"Champion Marquis".
The emperor's voice carried a hint of laughter, yet it also exuded an undeniable air of authority.
"You have returned victorious this time, and the Star Luo Empire has sent an envoy to sue for peace."
"They are willing to cede three northern provinces, and to show their sincerity, Prince Dai Mubai of Xingluo will personally send his fiancée, Zhu Zhuqing, the second young lady of the Zhu family of Xingluo, to Tiandou City as a gift for you."
Upon hearing this, the hall fell silent for a moment.
To cede territory and send over the prince's fiancée is an utter disgrace.
All eyes were on Tang Qing.
Because they knew that all of this was achieved by this young marquis.
Xue Qinghe spoke up at the opportune moment, adding in a gentle voice.
"My father intends to bestow this Miss Zhu upon the Marquis."
Tang Qing's hand, holding the wine glass, paused in mid-air for a moment.
Grant it to me?
He raised his eyes and looked at Emperor Xueye on the dragon throne.
"Everything is at Your Majesty's disposal."
His tone was flat, revealing no emotion.
Xue Qinghe continued, "At that time, the Marquis will need to personally go outside the city to accept the Star Luo Empire's request for peace."
"That Miss Zhu Zhuqing will naturally belong to the Marquis."
"And Prince Dai Mubai of Xingluo will also remain in our Tiandou City as a hostage."
Upon hearing this, Tang Qing fell into a brief moment of thought.
Dai Mubai, Zhu Zhuqing...
interesting.
Emperor Xueye's smile deepened as he watched Tang Qing's reaction.
He suddenly changed the subject and looked at Xue Ke, who had just finished dancing and was standing to the side panting.
"What does the Marquis of Champion think of my daughter, Xue Ke?"
This is an extremely straightforward question.
Their intention to win them over is undisguised.
Tang Qing's gaze finally fell on Xue Ke, and he looked her up and down.
"Princess Xueke is naturally beautiful and has a captivating dance; she is an unparalleled beauty in the world."
He gave a very official, yet impeccable, answer.
Upon hearing this, Xue Ke, who was standing some distance away, blushed instantly. Her heart pounded like a deer's, filled with both shyness and joy.
...
Amidst a mix of thoughts and feelings, the banquet finally came to an end.
Tang Qing had drunk quite a bit of wine, and when he got up, he was slightly drunk.
Emperor Xueye immediately gave the order.
"Xue Ke, you personally escort the Marquis of Champion back to the post station to rest."
"Yes, Father."
Xue Ke lowered her head, her voice barely audible, and quickly walked to Tang Qing's side, carefully taking his arm.
The girl's body was soft and had a faint, sweet fragrance.
She helped Tang Qing out of Chengtian Hall.
The cool night breeze brushed against Tang Qing's face, easing the effects of the alcohol on him.
When Tang Qing arrived at the palace that had been prepared especially for him, he stopped in his tracks.
He withdrew his arm and looked at Princess Xueke beside him, whose face was flushed.
"Princess, please return."
"My lord..."
Xue Ke wanted to say something more, but seeing Tang Qing's calm eyes, she couldn't bring herself to say anything more.
She could only give a curtsy, then turn and leave, filled with disappointment.
Tang Qing pushed open the door and entered.
Hot water had already been prepared inside the hall.
He took off his clothes, immersed himself in the warm water, and let out a long sigh of relief.
A moment later, after changing into clean casual clothes, he felt refreshed and ready to rest.
Outside the door, an announcement was made.
"My lord, His Highness the Crown Prince requests an audience."
Tang Qing raised an eyebrow slightly.
Crown Prince?
Xue Qinghe?
No, it should be Qian Renxue.
What is she doing here so late?
Trying to win me over?
Or... a test?
A playful smile curved Tang Qing's lips as her voice rang out calmly.
"Let him in."
The palace door was pushed open, making a slight creaking sound.
Xue Qinghe, dressed in a moon-white prince's everyday robe, walked in slowly.
She was without any attendants, and the palace doors were gently closed behind her.
"It's so late, what urgent matter does Your Highness have to discuss?"
Tang Qing did not get up, but simply picked up the teacup on the table and took a small sip.
Xue Qinghe walked over and sat down opposite him, her movements elegant.
"At the banquet, there are many people and many eyes, so it's inconvenient to say some things."
Her gaze fell on Tang Qing's young yet composed face, filled with admiration.
"I have heard that the title of Marquis is the youngest one on this continent in the last hundred years."
"The Heavenly Dou Sect has been weak for a long time. Those veteran Soul Masters have long lost their ambition and are nothing more than incompetent people who hold positions without contributing anything."
"Only the Marquis can turn the tide and save the collapsing edifice."
These words were extremely complimentary.
Tang Qing's face remained expressionless; he simply gave a faint "hmm."
Xue Qinghe didn't seem to mind and continued speaking gently:
"Today, Father Emperor had Xue Ke perform a dance and also mentioned the marriage alliance between Xingluo and the Marquis. I believe the Marquis understands Father Emperor's meaning."
She paused, her phoenix eyes fixed on Tang Qing, as if trying to see through his heart.
"I just wonder, what kind of woman does the Marquis prefer?"
"Is she as charming and adorable as Xue Ke, or as aloof and arrogant as Zhu Zhuqing?"
Tang Qing put down his teacup.
The cup collided with the table, making a crisp, light sound.
"Does Your Highness think I would have feelings for them?"
Xue Qinghe was slightly taken aback.
"Women will only slow down my sword-drawing speed."
"A true man is born between heaven and earth; he should wield power, tread upon mountains and rivers, and pursue the ultimate in strength. How can he be burdened by mere beauty?"
Xue Qinghe, or rather, Qianrenxue, felt a sudden jolt in his heart.
She looked at the young man before her, his beautiful phoenix eyes sparkling with an almost overflowing light.
What a brilliant Tang Qing!
What a wonderful statement: "How could I be burdened by mere beauty!"
He was not obsessed with women, nor did he covet power; he even treated the princess offered to him by his father as nothing.
This is the kind of man who is truly extraordinary!
No wonder.
No wonder he was able to single-handedly reverse the power gap between Tiandou and Xingluo, leading his army to force the Xingluo Empire to submit and cede territory to make peace.
How fortunate is the Heavenly Dou Empire!
If the Spirit Hall could acquire such a talent...
Qian Renxue's mind raced.
To win them over?
What can be used to win them over?
Power? He was already the Marquis of Champion, second only to the emperor.
A beautiful woman? He didn't even glance at her.
Money? To a powerhouse of his caliber, it's nothing but dirt.
seem...
There's nothing left to use to win him over.
A strong sense of powerlessness welled up in Qian Renxue's heart, but what followed was an even more fervent desire to conquer.
Since we cannot win them over.
Then... conquer!
Only by completely trampling such a man underfoot and making him submit can one experience true happiness.
(End of chapter)