The Anarchic Consort

His Highness’ ministers had not thought of this. They were convinced that it was a lost cause, because once the three kingdoms arrived, they would be in a difficult situation. However, the other party had unexpectedly proposed an arranged marriage. There was a glimmer of hope, all had not been lost!

One of them stood up and addressed Elder Xu Wu with a jovial tone, “My War Dragon Empire and the Xuanyuan Kingdom have always maintained a close relationship, so it would be great if we can further strengthen our bonds.”

The Elder Xu Wu broke into a smile when he heard this. “Lord Chen’s words are indeed true.”

Both of them kept up the flow of the conversation, as if they were old friends.

Zongzheng Wen Ren did not bother to listen to what the people below said. Instead, he glanced toward the slender figure of Baili Jia Jue who sat above. He said leisurely, “Brother Baili, do you remember our promise three years ago? I am here today to fulfil my part.”

Zongzheng Wen Ren’s smile appeared polite, but upon closer inspection, one could notice the hidden provocative undertones in his words.

Helian Wei Wei let out a long sigh as she heard this. Young man, this will not work. Not only is His Highness a clean freak, but he is also bad at remembering faces. There is no way that he would remember a promise from three years ago!

Indeed, Baili Jia Jue’s gaze was steady, not a single hint of recognition to be seen. The only reaction he had was just a twitch of his eye. His left hand held onto the throne’s handle as he parted his lips to speak. His entire being emitted a certain grace which complemented his aloof attitude as he asked, “Who are you?”

Who are you…

Who are you?!

Even though Zongzheng Wen Ren had always maintained a calm and patient image in public, he could not help but clench his fist when faced with this question. His eyes flashed as he thought, is this man trying to pick a fight? Even if Baili Jia Jue had truly forgotten him, someone had just announced his name and title before this! How could he still not know who he was?

Helian Wei Wei tried to suppress her amusement as she provided helpfully, “He is the crown prince of the Xuanyuan Kingdom.”

“Oh?” Baili Jia Jue rested his face on one of his palms and furrowed his brows, as if he was trying to recall who the crown prince of the Xuanyuan Kingdom was.

Zongzheng Wen Ren’s gaze darkened. He mustered up one last smile and said, “Looks like Brother Baili has recollected his memories. I am still hoping to have the chance to challenge you, to find out where each of us stand in terms of ability.”

Baili Jia Jue supported his chin elegantly as his thin lips curved upwards. “Sure.”

After seeing that Zhong Zheng Wen Ren had sat down, Helian Wei Wei looked toward Baili Jia Jue to inquire, “Have you really recalled who he is?”

“Not at all.” Baili Jia Jue casually twisted the black jade ring he wore and smiled sardonically, “But based on what he said, he should be a loser that I defeated previously.”

Zongzheng Wen Ren clenched the porcelain cup in his hand tightly when he heard this, and looked toward Elder Xu Wu.

Elder Xu Wu narrowed his eyes and prepared to speak…

… Only to be interrupted as Helian Wei Wei said, “Ah, then it’s not worth our attention.”

The Elder Xu Wu’s gentle facade faltered. What does she mean by not worth their attention! Is this woman looking down on our crown prince? Or is she patronizing the Xuanyuan Kingdom?

The Lord named Chen was afraid that this would lead to a conflict just like what happened between them and the Huangzi Empire just now. After all, the Xuanyuan Kingdom was unlike the other neighboring countries. They were renowned for their Art of Yin and Yang in Exorcism, and thus it was best to stay in their good graces.

Thus, he supplied hurriedly, “Elder Xu Wu, I heard that on the day the princess was born, holy light shone from the heavens and all the beasts heralded her arrival with their calls. Even the territories plagued with drought were quenched with holy rainfall. Not only that, I’ve heard that the princess’ visage is as ethereal as the gods and she is full of divinity. I’m wondering if she came along today, as it would be a great fortune for me if I could be blessed with her presence.”

On the day the entourage from the Xuanyuan Kingdom entered the capital, even within the dense population of the capital, the presence of a graceful young lady could be spotted among their party. Also, it was widely known that the Xuanyuan Princess fancied Baili Jia Jue, so all the ministers had already received news on the matter.

After some deductions, everyone knew the Xuanyuan Princess must have tagged along.

Therefore, Lord Chen’s words were meant to soothe the Xuanyuan Kingdom and give them a reason to summon their princess.

Elder Xu Wu naturally accepted this proposition and guwaffed, “Who would have thought that the princess’ reputation would precede her all the way here to the War Dragon Empire. Kong Zhu, please escort the princess here.”

“Yes, at once.” At first glance, the girl named Kong Zhu could be mistaken for a young adolescent, because she was clothed in the pure white robes worn by exorcists. She glanced at Helian Wei Wei before she left, a complex expression shining in her eyes.

The little one easily deciphered what that look implied. He went over to Helian Wei Wei and said into her ear, “Third Aunt, I really don’t want to stir up trouble, but that woman just now, she was scorning you as a proxy for her country’s princess.”

Helian Wei Wei bowed her head and laughed. She patted the a little boy and proceeded to feed him a date cake before asking, “Who’s cooler, me or that whatsherface princess?”

“Of course Third Aunt is cooler!” The little guy nibbled on the date cake and replied with absolute certainty. “No one ever dared to challenge my Third Brother. You’re the first, Third Aunt.”

Helian Wei Wei’s lips twitched… was that even a compliment?

The little one did not speak after he obtained the date cake. His eyes were wide as saucers, and he sat obediently by Helian Wei Wei’s feet. He spared a glance downward then took a bite of the date cake. The scene was adorable beyond measure.

He did not rise even when Helian Wei Wei embraced him. As an ancient mythical beast, it was far more dignified to sit alone, so he had to sit there by himself!

Elder Xu Wu watched this play out, chuckling coldly in his mind. He wondered how such a foolish Third Princess Consort could be married to Baili Jia Jue. He casually stated to Lord Chen, who was on his side, “The Third Princess Consort really is naive.”

Lord Chen did not comment on this statement. He knew what he implied, as to an outsider, the Third Princess Consort’s actions would easily come across as disrespectful.

If this had been in the past, he would agree with Elder Xu Wu, but now… after he witnessed that woman’s ferocious battle capabilities, he had been cowed into silence ever since.

However, this time, he could start anew and reap the benefits that arose from this arranged marriage with the Xuanyuan Kingdom. He would only say what he was supposed to and hold his tongue in other unfavorable events. He would not seek out trouble and keep a low profile by the sidelines, to prevent rousing suspicion.

Lord Chen was deep in thought, then he raised his head and was greeted by a penetrating gaze that could freeze anyone in their tracks.

He was not sure if he was mistaken, but upon meeting the Third Prince gaze, he was convinced that that pair of long and narrow eyes was emitting a chilling red glow.

Lord Chen was highly perturbed, and took a step backward.

Elder Xu Wu helped to steady him, and probed him quizzically, “Lord Chen?”

At this, Lord Chen regained his composure and let out a breath. He looked toward the higher seats, where that man was once again wearing a relaxed yet elegant smile, as if what he had just witnessed was merely a figment of his imagination.

Lord Chen sighed in relief. It seemed that he was just being paranoid. He had already established a relationship with the Xuanyuan Kingdom long before the emperor first ascended the throne. Even then, the emperor had not noticed anything, so the Third Prince would be even more ignorant about this matter. After all, the suggestion he made was for the good of the War Dragon Empire, and arranged marriages to ensure peace were the norm among royal families.

As Lord Chen pondered this, he was suddenly interrupted by the loud announcement that sounded from outside the palace, “The Xuanyuan Kingdom princess is here!”