Unlimited estates for rural beauty-Chapter 456 Alliance (2)

The next day, Xuan Yue hurried to the post station to convey the Emperor’s decree, inviting the Crown Prince of Sunset Kingdom to enter the palace for a meeting.

Xuan Yue led the Crown Prince through the palace gates, around the long corridor, and finally arrived at the Imperial Garden.

"Long life to Emperor Jinghe," Lou Qianyu said with a beaming smile, bending over to greet Dugu Chen.

"Prince Lou is too courteous. Please, rise and have a seat," Dugu Chen said.

"Thank you, Emperor Jinghe," rising to his feet, he sat down beside Emperor Jinghe.

Dugu Chen picked up a teacup from the table and lightly sipped the tea, enjoying it with great pleasure. Lou Qianyu watched as Dugu Chen relished the tea from his cup and decided to pick up his own, moistening his lips lightly. Although it was slightly bitter to taste, it was followed by a rich fragrance, sweet yet mellow, lingering in the mouth and offering an endless aftertaste. After finishing, it was clear his spirits had lifted considerably, and he felt quite content.

"Excellent tea, truly indescribable. Only now do I truly understand what good tea is," said Lou Qianyu, as if addicted, and he went ahead to pour himself another cup.

Dugu Chen pursed his lips in a shallow smile, saying nothing and simply continuing to enjoy his tea.

After having drunk three cups, Lou Qianyu went to pour more only to realize there was no tea left, and embarrassedly chuckled, "I’ve behaved indiscreetly, prompting laughter from Emperor Jinghe."

"Not at all. When I first drank this tea, I did the same. If the Crown Prince likes it, I’ll have some sent to you for your enjoyment," replied the Emperor.

Seeing Dugu Chen’s generosity, Lou Qianyu felt even more uncomfortable: "Then I will not pretend modesty and will accept your generous gift without shame. I just wonder if this could be considered seizing what others hold dear?"

Dugu Chen laughed upon hearing this: "The Prince is overthinking it. This tea is planted by my brother, the Empress. Although it’s not in abundance, there is more than enough for me to enjoy."

"Haha, then I can accept it with ease," Lou Qianyu laughed a few times, paused, and then produced a bright yellow silk scroll from his wide sleeve.

Dugu Chen raised an eyebrow, instantly confirming his guess, but still asked with curiosity, "What’s this?"

"Emperor Jinghe, please open it and see," Lou Qianyu said.

Frowning slightly, Dugu Chen brushed his hand, unfurling the yellow silk, and immediately his eyes caught several bold characters, ’Alliance Document.’ He looked up at Lou Qianyu, then down again to read the content below. After finishing, he closed the silk, remaining silent and staring off into the distance.

Lou Qianyu was quite nervous, his palms soaked with sweat, his heart beating thunderously and speeding up, his hands unconsciously drawing together. What felt like an eternity passed until finally, a voice as divine as music reached his ears.

"While peaceful coexistence is indeed favorable, I am no bloodthirsty maniac, nor do I harbor ambitions to conquer all under heaven. However, should trouble be stirred without cause, infringing upon my borders, I will likewise lead my troops to crush your Sunset Kingdom," the Emperor’s authoritative voice pierced through the cold air as he fixed his eyes on a rigid-looking Lou Qianyu.

With clasped hands, Lou Qianyu assured, "Your Majesty, rest assured that Sunset Kingdom will regard Xueyan Country with the highest respect and will not initiate any disturbances. Sunset Kingdom is firmly determined to form a lasting bond of friendship with Xueyan Country," looking directly into Dugu Chen’s eyes.

After this exchange of glances, Dugu Chen nodded his head: "May our friendship last forever."

It was only then that Lou Qianyu felt like he had come back to life, able to let go of the weight on his heart and happily express, "We will definitely form a lasting bond."

The following day, during the early morning court session, Lou Qianyu stood inside Jinluan Hall along with everyone else. The other Ministers were very curious, but none asked why he was there; instead, they greeted him in a friendly manner.

Dressed in casual clothes, Dugu Chen walked out from a side hall, his piercing eyes briefly scanning the assembly before pausing on Lou Qianyu for a few seconds and then moving away.