The pronouncements made by the Princess of the inner city quickly reached the ears of the emperors of the vassal states. Several emperors who had initially sought marital alliances were now intimidated by the powerful inner city and promptly canceled their engagements, turning their attention to forging alliances amongst themselves.
Meanwhile, Huangfu Xi was confined to his room, unable to leave, and forced to relieve himself within the premises. He had never endured such indignity.
Creak. The door opened. He immediately stepped forward and saw Fan Zehao. Witnessing Fan Zehao's extremely displeased expression, one that could be described as so dark it dripped ink, Huangfu Xi's spirits plummeted.
What transpired between the two in the room was unknown, but when Huangfu Xi emerged, he was clutching his lower body, his face bruised and battered. He then ran to the princely estate and knelt before Zhao Jiaqi, begging for forgiveness, weeping profusely.
Zhao Jiaqi turned away in disgust, finding the sight of such a person repulsive: "You don't need to kneel before this Princess pretending to seek forgiveness. You didn't wrong this Princess, but that innocent maidservant."
Upon hearing this, Huangfu Xi's mind conjured the idea of being forced to kneel before a lowly maidservant as an emperor.
However, during this moment of hesitation, Zhao Jiaqi had already risen and left, without so much as a glance his way. This left Huangfu Xi bewildered, but he knew that the Regent Princess truly despised him.
If she despised him, it meant Fan Zehao, the Regent Prince, would also come to despise him. Fortunately, he had allied with several other vassal states. He believed that even if Fan Zehao wanted to kill him, he would have the strength to resist.
At that very moment, Huangfu Xi had no idea that everyone was now avoiding him.
Fan Zehao saw that his wife was truly resolute this time, her disappointment in Huangfu Xi and her lack of familial sentiment towards Yun Country now palpable. This presented an opportunity for Fan Zehao to showcase his capabilities.
Publicly, he allowed Huangfu Xi to leave, but in private, he made his moves.
When Huangfu Xi returned to his villa, his guards were also released. Upon hearing about what had transpired during his confinement, their faces turned extremely grim. They immediately gave orders to pack up and leave.
He was afraid. If they didn't leave, his life would eventually be lost at Zhao Jiaqi's hands.
At the princely estate.
While several princes and their consorts were discussing the upcoming wedding of the children with Helian Zhicheng and his wife, they received a report from their subordinates stating that Huangfu Xi had left, and rather hastily at that.
Prince Xian chuckled: "This Huangfu Xi, truly thinks he's the boss just because he's been emperor for a few more years."
Prince Xiaoyao, fanning himself, pointed at Prince Xian: "What you're saying is incorrect. Emperor Huangfu Xi has just incorporated Xuanyuan Kingdom into his dominion. Yun Country's territory has increased significantly, and its military strength has also grown. It's understandable why he doesn't take our place seriously."
Fan Xudong, listening to the sarcastic exchange between the two brothers, responded with equal disdain: "Brothers fight together, especially a sickly tiger. I don't even need my elder brother to act; I can eliminate him myself."
With that one statement, the brothers of the Huangfu family were rendered speechless. This hothead could indeed accomplish such a feat.
Prince Xian, chuckling, repeatedly praised Fan Xudong: "We brothers have witnessed your physical prowess. In this regard, we are truly willing to concede defeat. Of course, we also trust your other abilities. If you were to conquer Yun Country one day, you would eat the meat, and we would just have a little soup."
Prince Xiaoyao agreed: "Indeed. Among the four princes present, having a few more cities each wouldn't be bad. If divided, it's barely acceptable."
Fan Xudong glanced at Huangfu Xu: "Then if I eliminate Huangfu Xi, you can go back and be the emperor. This would be more than just a few cities; the entire capital would be yours."
These words made Huangfu Xu quite nervous. He quickly distanced himself: "Fan the Stubborn, stop it. Giving me a few cities is manageable, but asking me to govern an entire country is like asking for my life. I want to live a few more years and have a few children with my consort."
Prince Xian nodded repeatedly, sharing the same sentiment. A few more cities, managed by capable subordinates, wouldn't require much effort from them.
The biggest concern would be where to store the increased wealth.
"If you ask me, the marriage of our niece is more important. Let's change the subject and discuss what gifts we uncles will prepare for Yu Meng's wedding."
Prince Xian changed the topic, giving Helian Zhicheng an opening. He immediately began requesting items for his daughter-in-law, and what he asked for was far beyond mere gold and jewels.
Duan Yao sat by, smiling foolishly, remaining silent. Zhao Jiaqi covered her forehead in exasperation: "Sister-in-law, can't you manage your husband? Look at what he's saying."
She feigned ignorance and smiled: "How can I manage him? Besides, what he's asking for are just policies beneficial to the country and its people. Why don't you have your husband guide him more?"
Zhao Jiaqi was displeased: "Elder Sister, we are marrying off a daughter. The dowry is her lifelong provision. You can't give policies as a dowry to my daughter. If they were to divorce, my Yu Meng would get nothing, right?"
Duan Yao also became unhappy at these words and retorted: "What kind of mother are you? These two children have a strong relationship and won't divorce."
She paused and thought, perhaps it was too soon to say. If they were to divorce, wouldn't their family lose everything?
No, absolutely not. Such an excellent daughter-in-law, hard-won, how could they let her go?
Helian Zhicheng, on the other hand, clearly realized the problem. Thus, he immediately made a decision, slapped his thigh, and said solemnly: "In that case, although I am Yu Meng's future father-in-law, I am also her uncle. Therefore, I will add to Yu Meng's dowry."
His words piqued everyone's curiosity. Crucially, Helian Zhicheng, as the prospective father-in-law, was now offering to add to his daughter-in-law's dowry, which was quite a spectacle.
Prince Xiaoyao, always eager for drama, was the first to ask: "Then tell us, what dowry will you add?"
Helian Zhicheng declared magnanimously: "I will give the throne of Dingbei Liao as Yu Meng's dowry. If my son dares to divorce Yu Meng, Dingbei Liao will naturally belong to Yu Meng. Brother, Sister-in-law, are you satisfied with this addition to the dowry? Will it give Yu Meng sufficient security?"
Zhao Jiaqi and Fan Zehao exchanged glances. They realized that this wasn't about security, but rather about shirking responsibility, pushing an entire country onto Yu Meng. This was unacceptable.
They were unwilling to let Yu Meng manage the inner city, so why would she manage Dingbei Liao? Zhao Jiaqi immediately objected: "Elder Brother, you can't say that. Jinli is the Crown Prince. Dingbei Liao should be given to Jinli. If it's given as Yu Meng's dowry, what will happen to Jinli?"
Fan Zehao immediately chimed in, ready to shirk responsibility: "Yes, yes, this is true. If the family is female-dominant and male-weak, marital harmony will be even more strained. My Yu Meng has a quick temper and is not suitable for managing a country. We cannot accept this dowry."
"Furthermore, although our inner city is small, it is no less inferior to your Dingbei Liao."
The unspoken implication was clear: they simply did not want Yu Meng to be so burdened.