Love Lock

Chapter 163 I'd Give My Life to You

Inside the Brocade Pavilion, nobles were selecting clothing and fabrics.

Wei Chengchao was standing at the back of the hall, surrounded by several merchants who congratulated him and wanted to discuss purchasing goods from Jinxiufang.

Han Lei strolled in, fanning herself with a fan. Like an ordinary customer, she wandered around, searching for the Champion Hou family.

Perhaps the champion thought there were too many people inside, so he didn't come in to join the fun.

After browsing around, Han Lei only saw Princess Chang Le and her daughter excitedly selecting clothes.

Han Lei waited quietly. When Princess Chang Le and her daughter happened to be strolling near Wei Chengchao, Han Lei walked up to Wei Chengchao with a folding fan in hand and offered her congratulations.

"Hey! Brother Wei, congratulations!" Han Lei said in a strained voice.

Wei Chengchao turned around, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes. He didn't seem to recognize the chubby little man dressed in fancy clothes in front of him.

However, since they came to offer their congratulations, he naturally had to say some polite words in return, regardless of whether he knew them or not.

"Uh... You're too kind, brother. There are many people today, so please forgive any shortcomings in our service."

Han Lei didn't seem to mind, laughing it off and casually putting her hand on Wei Chengchao's shoulder as if they were best buddies.

"Haha, the large number of customers means Brother Wei's business is booming! These goods are very popular. I'm not very talented, but I'd like to chat with Brother Wei and buy some goods from you to take back to my hometown to sell."

Han Lei's height is naturally inferior to that of Wei Chengchao, who is a man.

As she spoke, she tiptoed and put her arm around Wei Chengchao's shoulder, leading him toward Princess Chang Le and her daughter, accidentally bumping into the wife of the Marquis of Champion.

Wei Chengchao was completely bewildered, but upon hearing that the chubby young man was also there to discuss business, he naturally struck up a conversation with him.

When the Marquis's wife was bumped, she subconsciously turned her head and saw Wei Chengchao talking to a man with his arm around his shoulder.

She pursed her lips and continued picking out clothes, completely ignoring what they were saying.

After confirming that Princess Chang Le and her daughter had both seen her having an "intimate conversation" with Wei Chengchao, Han Lei casually raised her hand and touched her head.

Almost at the same time, she heard Da Jiu's voice.

"Oh dear! Young Master Wei, I'm late. Congratulations, congratulations!"

Da Jiu, grinning, clasped his hands in a gesture of respect and appeared in front of Wei Chengchao from the crowd.

"Why...why did you come here?"

Upon seeing Da Jiu, Wei Chengchao's expression changed drastically.

Normally, Da Jiu would meet with him in private, giving him the antidote or conveying messages from his great-aunt, and would never appear in public in front of others.

But why is Da Jiu suddenly here today?

Without time to think about the reason, Wei Chengchao looked around nervously. Seeing that no one was paying attention to them, he quickly pulled Da Jiu outside.

At the same time, Han Lei smiled and greeted Princess Chang Le and her daughter with the same joy as if she had just discovered them.

"Hey! Isn't this Princess Chang Le? You're here to browse Jinxiufang today too?"

Princess Chang Le was holding the arm of the Marquis of Champion's wife, picking out a pair of Mary Sue shoes to match her civilized attire, when she heard Han Lei's call and turned around.

"Eh? Young Master Wei, what are you doing here?" Princess Chang Le asked with some surprise.

That day, on the way to the Mandarin Duck Hairpin, Princess Chang Le's carriage hit someone, and she went to the Mandarin Duck Hairpin with Han Lei. That day, she learned that Han Lei was Wei Chengchao's cousin.

Han Lei pointed to Wei Chengchao, who was pulling Da Jiu out, with a helpless expression on her face.

"Well, Jinxiufang is too busy today, so my cousin dragged me here to help."

"Yes!" Princess Chang Le nodded. "There are indeed many people here today."

Han Lei's gaze then fell on the wife of the Marquis of Champion, and she asked, "Princess, who is this...?"

"This is my mother."

Princess Chang Le linked arms with the wife of the Marquis of Champion and rested her head affectionately on her arm.

"Oh!"

Han Lei gave an exaggerated "oh," then looked the champion's wife up and down, her tone filled with disbelief.

"Oh, it's you, Auntie! You're so young, I thought you were the princess's older sister!"

The champion's wife was overjoyed by Han Lei's effusive flattery. She covered her mouth and chuckled, then turned to ask Princess Chang Le.

"Chang Le, who is this young master? He has quite the sweet tongue."

Princess Chang Le replied, "He is Prime Minister Wei's nephew and Wei Chengchao's cousin. He came to the capital to learn business from Wei Chengchao."

"Oh! So it's Young Master Wei."

Lady Marquis of Champion was taken aback by the sudden compliment, then covered her mouth and chuckled, "You certainly know how to talk."

The fine lines around her eyes smoothed out, and she was clearly enjoying herself.

"Mother, don't listen to his nonsense. He's the most glib-tongued person."

Princess Chang Le glared at Han Lei reproachfully, her tone as if she were already familiar with Han Lei.

"Princess, you've wronged me," Han Lei said with a smile. "I'm telling the truth. Your demeanor and appearance are such that you could easily be called a beauty in your late teens. Look at your skin, it's even more delicate than the finest mutton fat jade."

The Marquis's wife was amused by the barrage of flattery and began to laugh out loud, taking a fresh look at the chubby boy.

Seeing that he was plump and, although not particularly handsome, had proper manners, she nodded slightly.

"I never expected that Prime Minister Wei would have such a lovable nephew."

"Oh dear! How rude of me." Seeing that the atmosphere was just right, Han Lei pretended to be embarrassed and patted himself all over, pulling out a delicate enamel box from his sleeve.

“I never expected to meet you here today, Auntie. I didn’t bring any valuable gifts with me. Luckily, I brought a few boxes of rose skin cream with me on this trip to Beijing. It’s made with fresh rose water, pearl powder, and honey. I think it’s perfect for a beauty like you, Auntie, so I’d like to give it to you to try. Please accept it.”

Han Lei respectfully handed it over with both hands. The wife of the champion marquis took the small box, opened it, and smelled it. She was immediately greeted by a sweet floral fragrance.

"Hmm! This fragrance is quite unique."

"If you like them, Auntie, I'll send some more to your home another day."

Han Lei seized the opportunity and said with a smile, "Apply a thin layer of this cream after cleansing your face at night, and your skin will be as soft and supple as ever the next day. My mother loves this the most."

Lady Marquis of Champion's wife, seeing his sincerity and attentiveness, grew increasingly fond of the chubby boy.

She gently stroked the rose ointment in her hand, glancing at Princess Chang Le out of the corner of her eye, and suddenly said:
"Young Master Wei, Chang Le's birthday is in three days, and the Marquis's residence is hosting a family banquet. If you have time, why not come and join your uncle?"

Han Lei was overjoyed upon hearing this, thinking to herself: I've been waiting for you to say that.

On the surface, Han Lei quickly bowed deeply.

"Thank you for your kindness, Aunt. I will definitely come to your residence to offer my congratulations on time. I wonder what the princess likes so that I can prepare a gift."

Princess Chang Le was about to speak when the Lady of the Marquis of Champion spoke first with a smile: "The manor lacks nothing, it's enough that you've come, there's no need to spend money."

"Hehe! How could that be! When the time comes, I will definitely prepare a grand gift for the princess."

Han Lei scratched her head, looking somewhat bewildered. Then, she decided to call it quits while she was ahead.

"Well... I'll go and greet the guests now. Aunt, Princess, please enjoy your visit. We can chat again in three days."

"Yeah! Go ahead!"

Lady Marquis of Champion smiled and nodded. Han Lei bowed and then pretended to go about her business. While the mother and daughter were not paying attention, she quietly left Jinxiufang.

With the successful opening of Jinxiufang, a good thing also happened in the imperial palace of Dajing.

In the palace.

Inside the Golden Palace, the air was thick with the scent of ambergris, and civil and military officials stood solemnly and silently on both sides.

The Turkic delegation of more than ten people walked slowly in on the red carpet. The eldest leader at the head of the delegation had white hair and beard, but his back was as straight as a pine tree, and his eyes were bright and piercing.

"The Turkic envoy He Shu, along with his delegation, paid homage to His Majesty the Great Jing Emperor."

The old chieftain placed his right hand on his chest and performed a standard Turkic salute, the resounding voice echoing throughout the hall. Emperor Jing sat upright on the dragon throne, his bright yellow dragon robe making his face appear even younger.

He slightly raised his hand: "Chief He Shu has come from afar, no need for such formalities."

Princess Yujia followed behind the old chief, wearing a lake-blue Turkic dress, her silver hair ornaments jingling with each step.

She lowered her eyes, but couldn't help glancing at the magnificent palace out of the corner of her eye.

The carved dragon and phoenix beams and pillars, the jewel-inlaid screens, and the lofty dragon throne all demonstrate the wealth and majesty of the grand estate.

"Your Majesty, I have come here on the orders of my Turkic Khan to restore our old friendship and forge a lasting alliance."

He Shu got straight to the point, but out of the corner of his eye, he was observing Emperor Jing's reaction.

Emperor Jing tapped the armrest of his dragon throne with his fingertips, but his gaze unconsciously passed over the old chief and landed on Princess Yujia.

Although the woman kept her head down and looked demure, she could not hide her exotic features, which were completely different from the women in the Great Jing Palace.

"Oh? The Turks have been invading our borders for years, yet now they suddenly seek peace. How can I trust you?" Emperor Jing withdrew his gaze, his tone probing.

He Shu was prepared and cupped his hands, saying, "The border herders are forced by circumstances to make a living, which is not the Khan's intention. The Khan is willing to offer three thousand warhorses and five hundred camels as compensation, and promises not to go south for ten years."

A murmur of discussion immediately arose in the court. Cao Ge, the Minister of War, stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, the Turks are cunning and unpredictable; there is a possibility that they may be feigning surrender."

Upon hearing this, Princess Yujia's fingers tightened slightly.

She glanced up at the minister who had spoken out against her, then quickly lowered her eyes, but had already memorized his face.

Emperor Jing remained silent for a moment, then suddenly asked, "Who is that woman?"

He Shu felt a tightness in his chest, but his expression remained completely calm.

"Your Majesty, this is Princess Yujia of the Turkic Khaganate, the Khan's beloved daughter. She is accompanying us this time only to witness the grandeur of the Great Jing."

As a veteran minister of the Turks, He Shu had already considered this before coming to Dajing.

He only wanted to discuss peace and did not want to mention the marriage alliance. He did not want the Turks to suffer the loss of a princess after making peace and paying tribute.

That would be too frustrating.

But at this moment, Princess Yujia stepped forward and performed a standard Han etiquette upon hearing this.

"Princess Yujia of the Turks pays her respects to His Majesty the Emperor of the Great Jing Dynasty."

Her Dajing dialect was spoken clearly and distinctly, her voice as clear as a spring striking a rock.

A hint of amazement flashed in Emperor Jing's eyes.

Although this Turkic princess did not have the flawless skin of a woman from the Central Plains, she possessed a unique, exotic, and wild beauty.

Her wheat-colored skin glowed with a healthy sheen in the sunlight, and beneath her high, straight nose, her almond-shaped eyes shone brightly like stars.

“Princess, there’s no need for such formality.” Emperor Jing’s tone softened somewhat. “I’ve heard that Turkic women are skilled in riding and archery. I wonder if the princess is?”

Yu Jia smiled slightly: "Your Majesty, I learned to ride at five and to shoot arrows at seven. While I wouldn't dare say I can hit the bullseye every time, I can certainly do so."

These words were spoken with confidence but without arrogance, and several military generals in the court couldn't help but glance at her again.

Seeing that Emperor Jing was quite interested in Yu Jia, He Shu secretly thought to himself that something was wrong and quickly changed the subject.

"Your Majesty, regarding the contract..."

"This……"

Just now someone objected, and Emperor Jing was unsure of what to do, so he habitually looked at Chancellor Wei.

Prime Minister Wei nodded almost imperceptibly.

Emperor Jing smiled slightly, it seemed that Prime Minister Wei shared the same thought as him.

He had only been on the throne for four years, and his power base was not yet secure.

Although the people of Dajing also lived a miserable life, it was still much better than living in war, displaced and living a precarious existence.

The common people are secondary. The important thing is that if the Turks continue to invade the border, it will eventually affect the capital. At that time, he may lose his throne.

Now that the Turks are willing to come to us seeking peace, that would be the best possible outcome.

Since Prime Minister Wei agreed with his idea, Emperor Jing thought for a moment and said, "A peace treaty should naturally be signed. However, I feel that merely compensating with cattle, sheep and camels is not reliable."

Upon hearing this, He Shu's heart tightened.

He tentatively asked, "Then... what does His Majesty the Emperor intend to do?"

Emperor Jing stared intently at Princess Yujia: "I have one more condition."

The hall fell silent instantly; even breathing could be heard clearly.

"I want Princess Yujia to marry into the palace as a concubine."

Emperor Jing's voice wasn't loud, but it resounded like thunder in everyone's ears.

He Shu's expression changed drastically; he never expected that the Emperor of Dajing would take the initiative to propose a marriage alliance.

"Your Majesty, this..." He Shu's forehead was beaded with sweat, "The princess is still young, I'm afraid..."

"I am twenty-five this year, not much older than the princess," Emperor Jing pressed, "Does the Turks think I am unworthy of the princess?"

Princess Yujia sensed the sudden tension in the hall. She took a deep breath and stepped forward.

"Your Majesty's favor is overwhelming for Yu Jia. However, a marriage alliance is a matter of great importance to both nations. I wonder if Your Majesty would be willing to treat us with the same sincerity?"

Emperor Jing raised an eyebrow: "Usually it is princesses or princes who arrange marriages, but I personally arrange a marriage with the Turks. Isn't that enough to show my sincerity?"

"No, if Yu Jia enters the palace as a concubine, I hope Your Majesty will reduce the Turkic tribute for three years and send them three million dan of grain, looms, and cloth. Only in this way can the magnanimity of the Great Jing Kingdom be truly demonstrated."

Yu Jia was neither humble nor arrogant, and her voice was clear and bright.

Upon hearing this, the Minister of Revenue immediately stepped forward: "Your Majesty, this is absolutely unacceptable! Reducing or exempting tribute is already a huge concession; to send grain and other goods on top of that would be tantamount to seeking peace."

Emperor Jing raised his hand to stop the Minister of Revenue's objection and looked at Yu Jia with great interest.

"Your Highness has great courage. However, if I agree to these conditions, what can you offer me in return?"

Princess Yujia took a deep breath, straightened her chest, and looked directly into Emperor Jing's eyes.

"Yujia is willing to dedicate her life to helping Your Majesty understand the customs and culture of the Turks, and even more so..."

She paused, then solemnly said, "I would rather give birth to a prince for Your Majesty who will have the blood of both countries, so as to secure the borders forever."

These words were so bold as to be astonishing, causing an uproar in the imperial court.

He Shu was so anxious that he stomped his feet, but dared not stop him because of the occasion.

Emperor Jing burst into laughter: "Hahaha, excellent! What a witty and quick-witted princess! I grant her permission!"

"Your Majesty!" several senior officials urged in unison.

"No need for further words." Emperor Jing waved his hand. "My mind is made up. Chief He Shu, do you have any objections?"

The old leader was ashen-faced, but he knew that refusing now would only make all his previous efforts futile.

He bowed with difficulty and said, "Your subject... obeys the decree of His Majesty the Great Jing."

Princess Yujia bowed again, her lowered eyelashes concealing the complex expression in her eyes.

She knew that from this moment on, her fate would be inextricably linked to that of this unfamiliar dynasty.

"Hahaha, order the Court of State Ceremonial to treat the delegation well, and order the Ministry of Rites to select an auspicious day for the marriage ceremony." Emperor Jing rose and announced, "Court adjourned!"

"Retreat!"

As the eunuch's shrill voice echoed through the hall, the meeting that would change the fate of both nations finally came to an end.

As Princess Yujia turned around, she caught a glimpse of Emperor Jing's meaningful gaze, and she silently vowed to herself:
Since she had no choice but to enter the palace as a concubine, she would strive for the greatest benefit for her people within this gilded cage.

Thank you all for your support, love you all!