necessary to continue."With no other matters, I shall dismiss court." Li Chen waved his hand.The entire court, both civil and military, was silent. Everyone needed to go back and digest what had just...Chapter 195: The Rake is the Crown Prince

Everyone's heart skipped a beat.

Every person's innate expression generally turned solemn.

They instinctively lowered their heads and adjusted their attire. To be undignified in front of the Emperor and Crown Prince was a serious offense.

Dozens of people in the Kangle Hall were silent as church mice.

In the stillness, came a steady and firm footstep. A figure walked from the side of the main hall onto the central platform.

She knew, the owner of these footsteps, was the most crucial figure in her journey, the Crown Prince of the Qin Empire.

Given the current Emperor's health, it is very likely that he will not be able to rule for much longer. The next emperor of the Qin Empire will then be chosen, ruling over a vast empire with countless subjects under Heaven. He will be the most honorable and powerful figure in this world, the supreme ruler known as the Son of Heaven.

Although she was also a princess, the two were worlds apart. Not only was she inferior to her counterpart, but even her own father, the king of Xianchao, was just a humble figure in front of her.

Just as Jin Xueyuan was lost in thought, led by Su Zhen Ting, the Qin Dynasty officials bowed to the figure who had already stood in the middle and said: "We, the ministers, greet Your Highness, the Crown Prince. Your Highness a thousand years, a thousand years, a thousand thousand years!"

At this moment, Jin Xueyuan was startled and quickly followed suit, saying: "I am Jin Xueyuan, the princess of the Xia Guo (small country) Xian Chao. I lead the Xian Chao delegation to pay respects to His Royal Highness, the Crown Prince of Da Qin (great country), Huang Tai Zi! Your Highness a thousand years, a thousand years, a thousand thousand years!"

"My lords, there's no need for formalities."

At the top, a young and clear voice came.

After everyone has expressed their thanks, this marks the end of the ceremony.

But Jin Xueyuan was struck dumb.

This voice, it's so familiar!

This voice, countless times it teased her in her ear, taking her innocence when she was vulnerable, and would still spout filthy words. Most adeptly, it would claim to be "honest and fair" while shedding its own clothes...

The shock within her compelled her to raise her head and gaze directly at the prince above.

That figure, tall and imposing, was clad in a crimson robe adorned with nine coiled dragons. He wore an eagle-shaped crown upon his head, and two jade pendants, a jade scepter, and a jade seal hung from his waist, their varying lengths creating a visually striking effect. His gaze was cold and profound, yet simply standing there, he seemed like the center of the world, instilling both fear and reverence in those who beheld him.

Isn't this person the very prodigal son!

Jin Xueyuan was almost about to exclaim.

Astonishment, horror, and disbelief swirled within her, making her already extremely tense emotions instantly complex and overwhelming. For a moment, she stood there, frozen in place.

As the most important supporting role at this banquet, Jin Xueyan's unusual performance immediately caught everyone's attention.

Everyone looked at each other, but none of them could figure out what was going on.

All of this was seen by Li Chen.

With a light chuckle, Li Chen said, "Princess Jin, have you seen this palace before Why are you so surprised"

That familiar emphasis, that tone of voice, made Jin Xueyuan instantly abandon the absurd idea of her twin brother, someone who looked exactly like her. She could be certain, that rogue was the prince!

Pressing down the terror and complex emotions within, along with a touch of indescribable grievance, Jin Xueyuan lowered her head and said, "The Crown Prince is very handsome, I have failed to behave properly."

A Qin dynasty official bowed and said with a smile, "Your Highness is divinely gifted and martial. It's only natural for the princess of a foreign country to fall in love with you at first sight."

This flattery is downright crude, not nearly as satisfying as the earlier maid's.

Li Chen glanced at the other party nonchalantly, then looked at the envoys from Xian Chao. Indeed, each of them had an awkward and indignant expression.

"Well, let's all just sit down."

Li Chen sat down first and said, "Today the wind and snow have not stopped, and the frost has not diminished. However, even in the cold month of March, there is always a time when swallows herald spring. The arrival of envoys from Xianchao is also fortunate for the empire. Since my father's health is not well, he cannot host them properly. I, therefore, have prepared a humble cup of wine today. It is offered to heaven and earth, to show respect and affection towards the envoys from Xianchao. The great Qin and Xianchao are like the sea and the stream, or the sun and the stars. Although their size and status may differ, the friendship between the two countries, the spirit of mutual support and love, will always remain."ntly, it would hurt Su Zhen's heart.This would further endanger the Su family's prestige within the military.Now, Li Chen needs to use the Su family's prestige to reshape the military's cohesion."Sinc...