Marriage Alliance

Dong Yue Kingdom, imperial capital.

The imperial palace was bustling with people. All of the lanterns in the palace were lit and it was very festive.

On this day, all of the palace servants had changed into new clothes. The eunuchs wore purplish blue clothes and the palace maids wore light pink clothes.

The Emperor was already seated in his seat. The Empress and the imperial concubines also went forward, greeting the Emperor followed by officials and their family members.

Fei Chi hall in the evening was extremely beautiful, with brightly lit lanterns and decorations. All the people present were stunned by the beauty of the place.

The Emperor was hosting a banquet for the crown prince of Chang Qing country, who came to the imperial capital to pay tribute.

Dong Yue Kingdom is surrounded by four countries on four sides. Liu Yun country in the east, Fei Xing country in the west, Long Yuan country in the north and Chang Qing country in the south. The four countries are vassal states of Dong Yue Kingdom.

Every year, during new year eve, the four countries send envoys to pay tribute. But, this year, Crown prince of Chang Qing Country personally came to pay tribute. Also, it was still a month away from new year eve. Many officials and royal princes felt puzzled over this matter.

As everyone was feeling puzzled, they heard the Emperor speak. The Emperor did not make a speech about the banquet. Instead, he praised the crown prince of Chang Qing. "Crown prince of Chang Qing came to the imperial capital to pay tribute and brought a number of treasures from the small desert countries. We also have expanded our horizons, as there are quite a few things that cannot be found in Dong Yue."

The Emperor's words caused all of them to become confused again. The crown prince of Chang Qing country came to pay tribute before new year and also brought a number of treasures for the Emperor. This only meant that he has a request to be fulfilled. And this request wouldn't be something small as the crown prince came personally.

At this time, the crown prince of Chang Qing, Chang Zhao Yu, stood up. He stepped forward and saluted the Emperor and Empress. Then, he pulled out a small glazed bottle out of his sleeve. The glaze was very colourful and it instantly drew everyone's attention.

The glazed bottle had a bit of space inside. One could tell that there was fluid inside the bottle. It was light colored, but it was quite pretty. Immediately following this, the crown prince of Chang Qing removed the lid of the bottle for an instant before covering it again. But in that instant, a fragrance filled the hall. It spread throughout and even men became intoxicated by it.

The lid has been placed back long ago but there people were still immersed in that smell. Even the Emperor and the Empress were amazed. The Empress asked, "Is this the famed unique perfume of Chang Qing?"

The crown prince of Chang Qing shook his head saying, "No, Your Highness. That unique perfume was made using ten different types of flower fragrances. As for the one that I'm holding, it is made with a hundred different fragrances. In the past three years only one bottle of it was produced."

Hiss!

Everyone inhaled sharply. Someone in the croud could not help but ask, "So the crown prince of Chang Qing personally came to Dong Yue to show this thing?"

The crown prince of Chang Qing smiled. "Of course not." He then raised his hands and clapped twice.

Following the claps, people carrying huge chests made of gold started entering.

After all the ten chests were carried inside, one by one they were opened.

The sight inside made everyone gasp in shock.

All the chests were filled with luminous pearls from east sea. The pearls were a thousand times more precious than gold.

The crown prince of Chang Qing spoke again, "Your Majesty, each of the chest contains thousand luminous pearls. Chang Qing is a desert country with three sides surrounded by sea. There are many foreigners and sailors who visit our country. So, we are not short of riches. If Your Majesty allows, we are willing to share our riches." These words caused all the people to be dazed again.

The Emperor looked at the crown prince of Chang Qing coldly, "On what condition? "

The crown prince of Chang Qing also stopped beating around the bush. "Your Majesty is sage, I can't hide anything from you. Your Majesty, Chang Qing is surrounded by sea on three sides. If the foreign countries attack us, we won't have any defense. We just want Your Majesty to help us fight the war if we are attacked."

The Emperor just continued looking at him coldly as if waiting for the crown prince to continue. Sure enough, crown prince of Chang Qing continued, "And I also request a marriage alliance with a royal princess."

His words made the croud of people suck in a cold breath. A marriage alliance in return for never ending riches may seem like a great deal. But, currently in the imperial family, only two princess are suitable for this alliance. First one is Princess Zhaoren of first rank, only daughter of Emperor and Empress. Second one is Princess Rongxian of first rank, third daughter of Empress Dowager and younger sister of the Emperor.

Both the princesses are close to the Emperor. If anyone of them becomes queen of Chang Qing country, the Emperor will have no choice but to help them in war situations. If the Emperor chose not to help after marriage, the princess will have no choice other than death. So, it was a very difficult decision to make.