Chapter 360

Qiao Zhongguo was a bit bewildered upon hearing this. He hadn’t expected the Emperor to bestow such favor upon Jiaojiao on his first day of reign.

Initially, Jiaojiao had been wondering in her heart what it looked like from the Emperor’s seat, with a sense of control that could capture every small movement.

Then, suddenly, she heard Shen Yuanzhan’s intention to grant her the title of County Princess.

Jiaojiao: Huh?

Where did this sudden wealth and status come from?

She had originally come to be cute and to help her father and elder brother relieve their situation. Who would have thought she would earn herself a county princess title?

Seeing Qiao Zhongguo hesitate for a moment, Shen Yuanzhan couldn’t help but clear his throat lightly.

When Qiao Zhongguo looked up, he saw Shen Yuanzhan wink at him, conveying:

“Master Qiao, you can’t look down on the title of County Princess. At least leave some room for me in the future, or else if I have no more titles to grant, it would be embarrassing for me.”

All the Minister: (•̅灬•̅ )

Ah!

The Emperor actually showed such blatant favoritism towards the Qiao family! Damn it! They saw that little glance just now!

Feeling deeply grateful for the Emperor’s strong support of their Qiao family, Qiao Zhongguo immediately knelt down and thanked him.

“Thank you very much for your grace, Your Majesty, on behalf of my daughter!”

Jiaojiao: ◟(∗˙ ꒵ ˙∗)◞

Wow! I’m a County Princess now!

Shen Yuanzhan nodded in satisfaction upon hearing this.

He glanced around and saw the Ministers still in a daze, so he held Jiaojiao in one arm and supported his chin with the other hand, smiling as he asked,

“What’s the matter, esteemed Ministers? Any objections?”

All the Ministers: (ꐦ ´͈ ᗨ `͈ )

“Long live the wise Emperor!”

The Emperor was so supportive of the Qiao family, who would dare to have any objections?

Damn it, look at how smug Qiao Zhongguo is. His butt is practically in the air!

Qiao Zhongguo inexplicably felt a series of burning gazes on his butt…

Shen Yuanzhan waved his hand broadly. “Let the banquet begin!”

Throughout the entire banquet, Jiaojiao was passed around between the Emperor, Empress, and Empress Dowager, never touching the ground!

The Ministers, from their initial reluctance, slowly turned into envy and jealousy.

If only they had put in more effort and produced such a lovely and adorable daughter with their old wives at home!

His old wife on the side: (|||❛︵❛.)

Disdain! Don’t even think about it!

…

As the banquet approached its end, when Shen Yuanzhan stood up, everyone in the banquet also naturally stopped eating and stood up.

Shen Yuanzhan glanced at the people sitting below and then turned his head slightly, whispering to Xiao Qianlan beside him,

“Lan’er, I need to have a chat with my father-in-law for a while. It’s a good opportunity for my mother-in-law and younger sister to keep you company, alright?”

Jiaojiao was currently being held by Xiao Qianlan and was instantly fed a mouthful of dog food.

Wuwuwu, on the surface, he claims to be an unyielding young emperor, but secretly not only does he refer to himself as “me,” he also addresses Xiao Qianlan so gently as “Lan’er.” I’m going crazy!

Xiao Qianlan’s eyes curved gently, nodding slightly. She lowered her voice and said, “Thank you, Shen Lang. Lan’er also wishes to have a chat with Mother and Second Sister.”

Jiaojiao: ♡( ˃᷄˶˶̫˶˂᷅ ) Falls to the ground in shock!!

[Ah! Shen Lang! Direct hit to the heart!]

Shen Yuanzhan separately called Qiao Zhongguo and Xiao Hongda, and even Xiao Xi was summoned along.

The group arrived at the study, with the young eunuch Liu Fuzi attending beside.

At this moment, Shen Yuanzhan spoke seriously about state affairs.

“Master Qiao, I have carefully reviewed the reports you previously submitted, and they are very thorough.”

“However, once the bow is drawn, the arrow must be released. After much consideration, I am more inclined to spend more time preparing to minimize casualties.”

Upon hearing this, Qiao Zhongguo instantly felt warmth in his heart and bowed, saying:

“Your Majesty’s care for the people is like that of a son, a blessing to the nation. This war is inevitable, but as Your Majesty said, ample preparation can ensure our confidence in victory.”

“Now, while the people harbor hatred towards the Northern Kingdom, we also need a pretext to justify our mobilization. Before declaring war on the Northern Kingdom, we must first handle our relations with the Nanli Kingdom.”

Regarding Shen Yuanbai’s escape to the Nanli Kingdom, the Qiao family had already reported to Shen Yuanzhan.

“According to Princess Nanning, Yuliu’s maid, Yin Zhu, disguised herself as the favored concubine of the Crown Prince to intervene in the Nanli royal family’s succession struggle.”

“Now that Shen Yuanbai has joined in, the situation in the Nanli royal family is even more chaotic.”

“If we do not secure the Nanli Kingdom before attacking the Northern Kingdom, Shen Yuanbai’s interference could leave us vulnerable on both fronts.”

Shen Yuanzhan nodded in agreement, “I also have this concern.”

When it came to the Nanli Kingdom, Xiao Hongda clearly had more authority to speak.

“Your Majesty, if I remember correctly, next September will mark the fifty-fifth birthday of the Nanli Kingdom’s ruler. According to Nanli customs, major celebrations are held every fifth year.”

“Last time, the ruler of the Nanli Kingdom sent the Third Prince to congratulate the Empress Dowager. It’s customary to reciprocate. Shouldn’t we also send someone to offer congratulations?”

“I dare to guess that the ruler of the Nanli Kingdom will likely send an invitation. By then, the Northern Kingdom may also be among the invitees.”

Upon hearing this, Shen Yuanzhan’s eyes brightened, “Minister Xiao, you’ve hit upon what’s on my mind. This is exactly what I want to discuss!”

“According to my sources, the ruler of the Nanli Kingdom seems to be considering retirement. It’s rumored that he may designate his successor during next year’s birthday celebrations.”

“Such a grand event is something we cannot afford to miss.”

This statement carried profound implications.

Should we not miss the birthday celebration, or should we not miss the selection of the new ruler…

Xiao Hongda thought for a moment before speaking, “Your Majesty, regarding the three princes of the Nanli Kingdom, the Crown Prince is a pawn for Shen Yuanbai and Yin Zhu.”

“I have dealt with the Second Prince before. He is ruthless and aggressive, often instigating minor rebellions in the south. These incidents are often linked to his actions.”

“In this light, perhaps it would be most advantageous for the Third Prince to become the new ruler of the Nanli Kingdom for our Yong Dynasty.”

Shen Yuanzhan was equally impressed by Baili Chengyou.

“The Third Prince harbors hidden talents and will undoubtedly be a formidable figure…”

Shen Yuanzhan did not refute Xiao Hongda’s words. Clearly, everyone understood that Baili Chengyou was the most suitable candidate to become the ruler of the Nanli Kingdom, even though he might also be a powerful adversary.

“For now, let’s temporarily appoint the Minister of State as the ambassador to the Nanli Kingdom. There’s still over a year to go, no need to rush. First, let me see what tricks the three princes have up their sleeves.”

Shen Yuanzhan was also curious about Baili Chengyou’s capabilities and potential to contend with Shen Yuanbai.

“Master Qiao, I leave the preparations for the Northern Kingdom to you. Feel free to act boldly, and I will fully support you.”

With the assurance given, Qiao Zhongguo respectfully accepted the command.

After Qiao Zhongguo and Xiao Hongda took their leave, Shen Yuanzhan turned to Xiao Xi beside him, smiling as he reached out to pat his head.

“Come on, let’s test Xiao Xi. What have you learned tonight?”