I started as a concubine, and I made the crown prince cry with my delicious food.

"Your Majesty, do you think... His Majesty... he wouldn't really agree?" Fuyun asked cautiously, looking at Ye An'an's face. "I heard that many ministers in the court are tempted. They say that if they could marry Princess Yuezhuo, it would be equivalent to subduing the entire Black Wolf Tribe without bloodshed, which would be of great benefit to stabilizing the northern border."

Chenzhu chimed in, "Yes, Your Majesty, that Princess Yuezhuo is utterly shameless! She was the one who imprisoned His Highness back then, and now she has the nerve to come begging for peace and even tries to steal your position! It's infuriating!"

The two maids were indignant and even more anxious than Ye An'an, the person in question.

Ye An'an smiled.

She reached out and pinched her daughter's chubby little face, and said softly, "What's the rush? The emperor is your ruler, and also my husband. I trust him."

Her tone was calm, without the slightest hint of panic.

She understands Xiao Jingshi.

That man might weigh the pros and cons and make choices when it comes to matters of national importance. But when it comes to emotions, he's as pure as a child. Once someone enters his heart, there's no room for a second.

What's more, he had just told her, "Forgetting you is the biggest regret of my life."

If she were to show even the slightest doubt or jealousy at this moment, it would be an insult to their relationship.

"But Your Majesty..." Fuyun was still worried.

"There's no 'but' about it." Ye An'an interrupted her, stood up, and said, "Let's go check on the small kitchen. His Majesty will probably be holding meetings until very late tonight. I made him some soup, so we should check on the heat."

She acted as if the arrival of Yue Zhuo was nothing more than a trivial matter.

Seeing their mistress's calm and composed demeanor, Fuyun and Chenzhu felt a little more at ease, though they were still somewhat apprehensive.

Yes, who is their queen? She is that extraordinary woman who invented self-heating hot pot and came up with the idea of ​​the Royal Bank! How could a mere grassland princess be her match?

That evening, Xiao Jingshi returned to Kunning Palace very late.

As soon as he entered, he saw Ye An'an sitting under the lamp, holding a needle and thread, seemingly sewing clothes for her child. The warm candlelight illuminated her beautiful profile, a scene of serene beauty, like a painting.

He felt a warmth in his heart, stepped forward, and hugged her from behind.

"It's so late, why aren't you asleep yet?"

"I've been waiting for you." Ye An'an put down her needlework, turned around, and smiled at him. "Have you finished dealing with matters at court?"

"Hmm." Xiao Jingshi sat down next to her, looking somewhat tired.

"Is it about Princess Yuezhuo?" Ye An'an asked casually.

Xiao Jingshi raised his head and looked intently into her eyes, trying to find a trace of displeasure, but he only saw calmness and trust.

He felt both touched and amused.

"Aren't you worried at all? Aren't you jealous?" he couldn't help but ask.

"Why worry?" Ye An'an countered. "I trust my judgment, and I trust your character. Besides..." She paused, then winked playfully, "Is there any queen in the world better than me, better able to make money for you? Would you really replace me, the goose that lays the golden eggs?"

Xiao Jingshi was amused by her analogy and burst into laughter, his weariness vanishing instantly.

He reached out and pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly, and whispered in her ear, "You're not a hen, you're my life."

"Today in court, General Lin and the others all agreed to accept Yue Zhuo. They said that sacrificing some personal feelings for the sake of the country is worthwhile. They urged me to consider the bigger picture."

Ye An'an listened quietly without saying a word.

Xiao Jingshi continued, "At that time, I was thinking, what is the greater good? Is it the greater good if my Empress suffers? Is it the greater good if I betray my promise to my wife for an uncertain alliance?"

"I disagree."

He lifted Ye An'an's chin, making her look into his eyes, and said with utmost seriousness, "I will protect my empire myself. You will help me earn my treasury. I do not need to exchange my marriage for anything."

"In my harem, you alone are enough."

Ye An'an's eyes instantly welled up with tears.

She knew he wouldn't let her down.

"So... how did you reply to them?" she sniffed and asked.

"I will give them an answer tomorrow. An answer that will satisfy everyone." Xiao Jingshi smiled mysteriously.

Morning the next day.

Princess Yuezhuo was summoned to the main hall once again. She had dressed up specially today, wearing a gorgeous Rouran palace dress and with exquisite makeup on her face, clearly full of anticipation for today's outcome.

However, what Xiao Jingshi said next sent a chill down her spine.

"I appreciate Princess Yuezhuo's offer of a marriage alliance," Xiao Jingshi said, his voice echoing throughout the hall as he sat on the dragon throne. "I am also willing to forge an eternal alliance with the Black Wolf Tribe."

A look of joy appeared on Yue Zhuo's face.

"However," Xiao Jingshi changed the subject, "my harem already has an empress. The empress and I have known each other since we were young, and we have shared hardships and joys. Our feelings for each other are very deep. I once promised her that she would be the only one for me in this life."

A ruler's word is his bond.

"Therefore, I can only appreciate the princess's kindness. As for the alliance..." He looked at Yue Zhuo, a meaningful smile playing on his lips, "I believe that another method might be more solid than marriage."

He explained Ye An'an's "trade city" plan in detail in front of all the civil and military officials and Yue Zhuo.

"I can assure you that trade in Yong'an City will be fully open to the Black Wolf Tribe. I can sell you the grain, ironware, and cloth you lack. And I am willing to pay high prices to buy your warhorses, cattle, and sheep."

"I believe that a trading city that can provide enough food and clothing for everyone in your tribe is far more effective in maintaining peace between our two countries than a princess who is married off to the capital, never sees her family, and may not even receive their favor."

His words were reasonable and justified, giving Yue Zhuo a way out while also demonstrating the sincerity and strength of the Great Liang.

Yuezhuo's face turned pale and then flushed.

She never expected that her request, which she had staked her entire dignity on, would be so decisively rejected by him in front of everyone.

And the reason for his refusal was none other than his empress.

A strong sense of humiliation welled up inside her. But at the same time, she had to admit that his proposed "trade city" plan had a fatal attraction for her tribe.

Just when she was in a difficult situation, Xiao Jingshi uttered one last sentence, which completely set the tone for the entire incident.

He looked at the ministers below, then at Yue Zhuo, and said in a tone that seemed to proclaim to the world:

"My Empress, though born into a merchant family, has the world at heart. The military rations she produces can save soldiers from peril; the national policies she proposes can bring peace to the world invisibly. With such a wife, what more could a husband ask for?"

"By imperial decree, proclaim to the world: In the harem of Great Liang, only Lady Ye remains. As long as I reign, this vow will remain unchanged!"

"My Empress is unparalleled in the world!"