Chapter 199: Chapter 199

Nan Guili’s lips curled into a smile, warm and courteous, "The Empress is expecting a royal heir, and upon hearing the news, my brother sent Guili with many fresh items, lots of them from the Western Regions. They are meant to please the Empress, it would be best if they catch her eye."

He clapped his hands, and his men began bringing in the items one by one.

The first item carried in by three burly men was extraordinary, wrapped in red cloth. The gift appeared tall and heavy, causing everyone to glance sideways and whisper in wonder, guessing what it might be.

Nan Guili took long strides and personally unveiled the red cloth.

A mechanical clock with a redwood frame came into view, the swinging pendulum pointing precisely to the center, producing a ’clang, clang, clang’ sound.

The sudden sound and movement startled the Dragon Shadow Guards, who quickly positioned themselves protectively around Emperor Anqing and the Empress, warily eyeing the mechanical clock.

Emperor Anqing’s eyes widened; it was the first time he had seen such an item, and he was very intrigued. Thıs text ıs hosted at NoveIꜰire.net

"It was shipped from the sea; it’s said to be brought from a Western country—a rare item called a mechanical clock. The dial represents time, and a master was specially invited to study it, discovering that the time flow on the mechanical clock is very straightforward. My brother cherishes it greatly, so he specially sent Guili to Great Chao Country with it, gifting it to Your Majesty as a token of his goodwill."

Nan Guili smiled faintly, introducing the mechanical clock with ease.

Emperor Anqing nodded with satisfaction, "I have indeed heard that across the sea, there are other countries, not expecting such a marvelous treasure; it looks indeed very good, much appreciated."

"Giving a clock as a gift sounds unpleasant."

Yu Nianzhao muttered, and many people’s faces changed upon hearing it.

Emperor Anqing originally found nothing amiss; however, upon Yu Nianzhao’s words, his expression altered slightly.

Such homophonic puns, especially in the ears of a ruler, carry certain taboos.

Nan Guili’s smile stiffened momentarily, glancing slightly sideways at Yu Nianzhao.

His gaze froze for a moment upon touching her familiar yet strange face, then he lowered his eyes with subtle darkness, bowing, "Never would I have thought it carried such a misunderstood meaning, it is Guili’s oversight while gifting. If this gift is..."

Emperor Anqing pulled his lips into a forced smile, "Though it sounds similar, it is still the Monarch of Nanwang’s goodwill; there’s no saying we should return the gift. Then let’s... grant it to Duke Luu Mansion. Duke Luu is confined indoors, unable to attend this lively banquet, quite unfortunate. Mr. Chu, take this generous gift back to let him rejoice a bit."

Chu Wenjun stopped holding the teacup, his eyes filled with gloom.

Yu Nianzhao just mentioned the homophonic pun of sending death, and now the clock is gifted to the Chu Family, implying sending them off to death.

The entire room fell silent.

Chu Wenjun took a deep breath, his face radiating a smile, stood up, and bowed respectfully, "Your humble servant, on behalf of my father, thanks Your Majesty for the gracious gift."

The mechanical clock was then placed beside Chu Wenjun, his complexion matching the redwood beautifully.

Regarding the clock’s final home, Nan Guili expressed indifference silently, glanced briefly at Yu Nianzhao, feigning nonchalance, "This lady seems knowledgeable, which esteemed person might she be?"

Xie Jiuxiao blocked his probing gaze, replying coldly, "She is Prince Su’s Princess Consort. Does the sixth prince have any opinions?"

Nan Guili expressed shock, "Prince Su, renowned for his bravery, I’m surprised to hear he is already married?"

He glanced around, and despite Xie Jiuxiao and his seating close to Emperor Anqing, there remained a considerable distance from others; evidently, the evil qi still lingered.

Yu Nianzhao appeared to be the exception, truly admirable to withstand this ominous presence.

"She is the future Princess Consort Su; the marriage date is set for after autumn."

Emperor Anqing laughed heartily, seizing the opportunity to share the joyful news.

Chu Wenxin spilled her teacup, tears filled her eyes, her face pale and terrifying.

Her face seemed slapped, realizing the Emperor had already set the wedding date, indicating her confession earlier was laughable.

Chu Wenjun glanced at her discreetly, his eyes held a warning, making Chu Wenxin shiver in fear, lowering her head silently, swallowing her grievances and choke.

"Is the wedding date so soon?"

Ms Lien, who had been silent, raised her head, feeling somewhat uneasy.

The Empress smiled faintly, "Not fast, I suppose. That time is perfect, a double blessing."

She gently stroked her belly, wishing the child’s birth adjacent to Zhaozhao’s wedding day to garner auspiciousness.

Emperor Anqing laughed heartily, "Prince Su is indeed my brother; this wedding ought to be grandly organized. Though Yu Nianzhao has severed ties with the Pei Family, it wouldn’t be proper for her to marry from the Prince Su Mansion. I intend for Yu Nianzhao to move to the Pei Family a month before the wedding, allowing her to marry from the Pei Family. Mr. Pei, do you have any objections?"

Pei Yuanzheng’s expression was a bit complex, but he quickly stood and knelt, "Given the blood ties with the Pei Family, I was muddle-headed to ever mention severing ties. Your Majesty’s words enlighten me; Zhaozhao is ultimately my legitimate daughter, naturally marrying from the Pei Family. It is indeed a grand occasion, I accept the decree and express my gratitude."

Just released, Pei Yuanzheng now wished only to curry favor, disregarding other matters.

Hence, he did not notice Pei Yunzhi’s unwilling expression and resentful gaze.

Yu Nianzhao’s expression, on the contrary, was less pleased.

The Marquis’s mansion was suffocating; she was reluctant to go stay there.

"You shouldn’t be too happy yet; I only considered that Zhaozhao had no place to marry from, hence asking the Pei Family to make room. Once Zhaozhao marries into Prince Su Mansion, she’ll be entirely detached from the Pei Family."

Perhaps sensing Yu Nianzhao’s displeased gaze, Emperor Anqing quickly added, ensuring Yu Nianzhao’s dignity.

Pei Yuanzheng sweated profusely, awkwardly saying, "Yes, entirely at Your Majesty’s discretion."

Ms Lien sighed lightly, "To witness Zhaozhao marry would fulfill a heart’s wish."

Pei Yuncheng noticed tears in Pei Yunzhi’s eyes, frowned slightly, lowering his voice, "Mother, technically, Yunzhi is the elder sister; now that Zhaozhao’s wedding is set and she must marry from the Pei Family, what about Yunzhi? Her engagement broke, and marrying later than Zhaozhao would surely cause more unpleasant rumors."