Chapter 86: Yan Luoying's Decision

Sword intent soared unabated into the sky as the painting unfurled.

A faint sword chime could be heard from the void.

Emperor Zhou's eyes shone brightly as he muttered, "This Gray Cloud Crane Pines Painting is majestic and imposing. It's filled with sword intent and has fused the sword intent into the brush strokes. It's truly a rare treasure. If I meditate on it, perhaps I can comprehend some of the essence of Xu Maozhi's sword intent from it. A treasure! A worthy treasure!"

Su Changqing, who was hiding behind the old eunuch, smiled and said, "Looks like this painting is real?"

"It's authentic! It's indeed a real piece. Whether it's the power of the brush or the sword intent, it can't be forged! I didn't expect Minister Su to have such a precious treasure!" Emperor Zhou looked at Su Changqing and said with a smile.

Su Changqing quickly said, "This was brought back from the Southern Ocean a few days ago by the trade caravan. I don't know how this treasure ended up in the ocean, but this time, I'm not sure if it's authentic or fake, so I brought it here for Your Majesty to see. However, since it's real, why not leave it in the palace? After all, I don't cultivate martial arts, so I can't look at it at home. It's useless to keep it here, and it'll only attract attention. Your Majesty, please show mercy to me and take this into the palace!"

The old eunuch looked at Emperor Zhou and saw a hint of joy in his eyes. It was obvious that Emperor Zhou was very satisfied with Su Changqing's performance.

He sighed to himself. This Su Changqing could be said to have truly mastered how to placate the Emperor.

"Alright, since this thing is making things difficult for you, I will accept it!"

Emperor Zhou waved his hand and the painting scroll closed. Someone came up to take away the painting.

After everyone left, Su Changqing returned to the front of the Zhou Emperor and knelt down. He kowtowed and said, "I have sinned. Your Majesty, please punish me!"

A hint of amusement flashed in the eyes of Emperor Zhou. "What crime have you committed?"

Su Changqing said in a deep voice, "These few days, I have been spreading rumors in the imperial court, saying that Your Majesty has summoned me to discuss the matter of the Secret Shadow Guards. Actually, I want to use this matter to help Su Wen fight for Miss Yiyi against the three princes! Your Majesty, please punish me!"

Emperor Zhou laughed coldly and said, "You really love your son. You even helped him to plan this!"

Even though he was displeased, he felt much better in his heart instead. It was like this most of the time. A superior wasn't afraid that his subordinate would have some thoughts, but if his subordinate took a superior to be an idiot, then it would be a completely different matter.

Although Su Changqing had given Emperor Zhou his favorite gift today, it was impossible for him to just get off scot free just like that.

On the contrary, if he had just given the gift and left, he would make the Zhou Emperor think that he was brushing him off with a mere gift!

Could it be that a subject could do something that the emperor did not like, but in private settling it with a gift? Then did the word Emperor even mean?

Su Changqing's attitude of seeking forgiveness made Emperor Zhou much more relieved.

Su Changqing explained, "The reason why this subject is like this is not entirely because of my son! That Miss Yiyi is inextricably linked to that Xie Dajia. As for her, this subject knows of her origins and that she has a martial background. His Majesty even had the Martial Inspectorate monitor her movements. For such a person to attempt to send a woman to the prince's side, there must be a motive! The three princes are young. If they really bring this woman into the residence, they might fall into some strange trap. We have to guard against it!"

"I was just thinking about how to deal with this matter when my son begged me again and again. My heart softened and I agreed to lend him a hand. This can also be considered as putting an end to the ambitions of Xie Dajia!"

Emperor Zhou smiled. "Aren't you afraid that something will happen to Su Wen?"

Su Changqing said righteously, "It is a fortunate thing for a minister to suffer calamity on behalf of his master! The three princes may be the future masters of Great Zhou, and we cannot afford to lose them. If my son really suffers calamity because of this, it will be considered a meritorious deed for Great Zhou!"

Emperor Zhou pondered for a moment and waved his hand. "Forget it! Let this matter pass like this! However, I think Su Wen and Yan Luoying's marriage is still not suitable. This Su Wen is a lustful person and in a short period of time, he has already taken in two concubines consecutively. Yan Luoying is getting betrothed due to her merit after all.

Last time, she rejected the marriage because Su Wen took in that prostitute from the brothel. This time, Su Wen is going to marry someone who sells her artistic talents. This is not appropriate. However, Changqing, don't worry. I will not mistreat this child Su Wen. I see that he and Wanrou have been very close recently and the two of them are quite compatible. When his engagement with Yan Luoying is annulled, I will bestow the Seventh Princess to him!"

Su Changqing lowered his head, understanding flashing across his eyes.

As expected, Emperor Zhou already wanted to cancel the engagement between Su Wen and Yan Luoying.

"Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty!" Su Changqing's eyes were full of gratitude as he said," Your Majesty loves him like your son, I… I am very grateful…"

As he spoke, two drops of tears even rolled down his cheeks!

Emperor Zhou was very satisfied and immediately ordered, "Pass the decree, let Yan Luoying enter the palace!"

Not long after, Yan Luoying entered the palace.

Upon seeing Emperor Zhou, Yan Luoying bowed. Emperor Zhou smiled and said, "Luoying, I summoned you to the palace because I have something to tell you."

As he spoke, he glanced at Su Changqing, who was beside him, then turned his head and said, "Minister Su here told me something interesting today about Su Wen. He has taken a fancy to this dancer Miss Yiyi, and wants her to become his concubine. I've thought about it. This Su Wen is indeed a little too frivolous."

Yan Luoying looked indifferent as she said softly, "Didn't Your Majesty say last time that it's not a big deal to be a lustful youth?"

Emperor Zhou: "???"

Su Changqing: "??????"

Both of them were smart people, so they could tell that something was off with just one sentence!

Emperor Zhou frowned slightly and said, "But there must be a limit to everything."

Yan Luoying replied, "There's only two concubines, it's not considered much. The Great Zhou Dynasty has always been like this. Even a landlord in the countryside has four or five concubines, let alone Su Wen who is the son of the prime minister!"

Emperor Zhou looked at Yan Luoying, whose face was calm as she said these words. He felt that things were getting more and more wrong. He planned to cut to the chase.

He smiled and said, "But didn't you tell me last time that you don't want to marry Su Wen? I also feel that the two of you are indeed not on good terms. I have already discussed this marriage with Minister Su. As long as you agree today, I will cancel the engagement for you. You can choose any of the descendants of the capital's nobility!"

Yan Luoying looked up at Emperor Zhou and clenched her fists.

The opportunity to annul the engagement was right in front of her.

Should she… annul… the engagement?

Yan Luoying felt that her heart was being squeezed.

That bastard always had a wicked smile on his face. His eyes lit up whenever he saw a beauty.

He was even clamoring for concubines.

At this moment, she was also unclear about her relationship with that annoying Wu Muyu. But now, Yan Luoying felt her heart ache at the thought of having nothing to do with this bad guy.

These days, because she was worried about her gains and losses, she became more hesitant in some of her actions.

The atmosphere in the hall turned somewhat stagnant.

Emperor Zhou remained quiet, only staring at Yan Luoying. Finally, she opened her mouth, "I feel that this marriage… doesn't need to be changed!" Yan Luoying's eyes flashed with relief and she straightened her back.

The moment she spoke, it meant that she had made her decision!

There would not be any more hesitation or regret on her part!