As an official, what's wrong with raising a few monsters?

Chapter 257 How about marrying you?

Hearing Mingchen praise his maid, Qin Lou finally felt relieved.

Qin Lou smiled and said to Ming Chen, "Since that's the case, and you've won the duel, I've always been able to accept defeat. How about I marry her to you?"

Men should marry when they are of age, and women should marry when they are of age. My daughter is seventeen, and it's time for her to get married.

Qin Xuan was Qin Lou's first child, and he doted on her, spoiling her to the point of being arrogant. Otherwise, she wouldn't have done something like openly storming the Tiger Palace.

He naturally wanted to find a suitable husband for this girl.

Tian Hong had once asked him for a marriage proposal for his two sons, but he had brushed him off.

Firstly, that was Tian Hong's second son, not his eldest son.

Secondly, that kid's future is pretty predictable; his talent is average, and his character... well, it's fair to say he's not quite as good as his father.

Born into the family of the Northern General, he had no trace of bravery or decisiveness. Instead, like Wensheng, he was fond of elegance, composing poems and couplets, and was romantic and frivolous.

It's not that Qin Lou dislikes civil officials; Ming Chen is also a civil official.

However, there is a difference between civil officials and scholars like this.

He could be considered a promising young talent, if not a bright one.

But Mingchen standing before him was like a firefly compared to the bright moon; there was no comparison whatsoever.

What he said earlier was just a momentary impulse before the competition; it was actually just a random thought that came to mind.

The more I think about it, the more suitable it seems.

Among all the talented young men in the world, none can compare to Mingchen, and no one is more worthy of his daughter.

If Qin Lou were a woman, she would want to marry one of these talented young men to Ming Chen.

Following Mingchen means you'll be remembered in history, which is much better than marrying the second son of the Tian family and being lost in the torrent of history.
In the future, when Bei Lie and Qian Yuan go to war, no matter who wins or loses, Ming Chen will not die.

The marriage between the two parties, along with this relationship, also left some room for post-war recovery work.

Being his family members will also guarantee their health and well-being.

It's even possible that the girl could use her strength to pull Mingchen onto Bei Lie's warship.

Even heroes have always found it hard to resist the charms of a beautiful woman!

This move is entirely beneficial and has no drawbacks; the idea that flashed into my mind seems quite good.

"Marry me?"

The Northern Emperor really thinks highly of him, even sending him girls.

One thing after another comes to mind.

However beautiful she may be, thanks in large part to the Empress's genes, this young lady is not some stunningly beautiful celestial being descended from heaven.

To be honest, despite his flattery, Mingchen didn't really like this princess of Beilie.

Although he was a womanizer, he wasn't a lecherous devil who would fill his harem with any kind of woman.

Both are princesses, but compared to His Majesty, who has endured hardships yet persevered, the difference is far too obvious.

A chick is compared to a phoenix.

Spoiled and naughty, willful and quirky are not the same thing.

Mingchen never thought that being willful and capricious was cute.

Fuyao'er may be mischievous and quirky, but that's all just for fun. He's never ambiguous when it comes to important matters and always keeps things in line.

A glimpse into the whole reveals the whole picture. Knowing that her father was receiving guests, she still brazenly barged in. This arrogance is beyond measure. All her ability to read people was used to observe whether her father would punish her.

The girl must have been spoiled since childhood, born noble and superior to others.

Having enjoyed a privileged position for so long, it's only natural that some of the privileged children develop an inescapable arrogance.

This is normal; that's how society is. The hierarchy is very clear, and those in positions of power are naturally superior.

If it has nothing to do with him, Mingchen naturally doesn't care, and becoming friends is fine too.

But if it's a relationship that lasts a lifetime, then you should really think it over carefully.

Such a person as her own, who endured setbacks and whose father remained indifferent, suffered three years of depression that completely shattered her pride as a person of noble birth, is extremely rare.

Secondly, they are from different countries and will face each other on the battlefield in the future.

This world isn't a fairy tale, and there aren't that many people with love-struck minds.

The saying goes that a woman should follow her husband wherever he goes, whether he's a chicken or a dog, and that national affairs are none of her family's business. But a woman's family is the source of her pride in her new home. Can she really just sit idly by and watch two countries go to war?
If Bei Lie has the upper hand, that's fine. But if Qian Yuan has the upper hand, can she stop causing trouble and sabotage in Ji Qu?
If Bei Lie really died, how could she not harbor resentment?
Then there will be chaos again.

Mingchen hates the trouble of family discord.

Even if she were as beautiful as an angel, Mingchen wouldn't want to keep a Buddha statue at home.

Thirdly, Mingchen has never liked arranged marriages. Today is only the first time the two have met. They don't even know each other's names, past experiences, or anything else. There's no connection between them, and perhaps the girl already has someone she loves.

It was somewhat premature for the Northern Emperor to act as a matchmaker.

Most marriages in this era were arranged by parents and matchmakers, but Mingchen didn't like that.

He values ​​his own feelings and emotions more.

Mingchen did not refuse the Northern Emperor's request, but simply smiled and said, "Does Your Majesty not know that I am already married?"

Qin Lou disagreed, saying, "So what? A good man should have three wives and four concubines to continue the family line. That's only natural."

Qin Lou was aware of Mingchen's marriage.

After all, there aren't many generals in the world who can make Tian Hong suffer losses, and for that reason alone, Ling Yu is enough to catch Qin Lou's eye.

The disciple of the God of War was actually a woman.

Qin Lou naturally remembered Ling Yu.

"Given the princess's pride, would she be willing to share a husband with someone else?"

"Forehead……"

That's something that can't really be guaranteed.

Qin Lou hesitated for a moment, then waved his hand dismissively, saying boldly, "It's alright! What arrogance could she possibly have?"

Qin Lou is the patriarchal male figure who best embodies the spirit of this era.

They only consider the macro-level trends and don't delve into the details.

Having multiple wives and concubines is fine, as are the children's own wishes and feelings; they can all be nurtured.

If he thinks it's good, then it's good.

Mingchen didn't directly refuse or offend the Northern Emperor, but simply smiled and said, "Your Majesty, we are equals, and even the Crown Prince calls me 'Uncle.' Are you trying to take advantage of me?"

I thought it was a joke bet, but this guy actually took it seriously. If I had known, I would have just lost to him.

He doesn't want to marry the girl.

But that little fox... he needs to find a way to take it with him.

"Humph!"

"Who is taking advantage of whom?"

He's the emperor; he can do whatever he wants.

Upon hearing this, Qin Lou glared at the guy and said, "What, you've started to cling to the title of 'uncle'?"

"Hahaha……"

……

As evening approached, night fell.

Marriage was ultimately something that came to the Northern Emperor's mind in a flash, and the pros and cons had not yet been carefully considered.

Mingchen also gave evasive answers, and Qin Lou did not pursue the matter further, leaving it for the time being and letting it go unresolved.

After a few brief pleasantries, Mingchen took his leave.

Mingchen wasn't ready to go back yet, as he hadn't gotten his hands on the little fox.

If we stay in Qingcang for a few more days, we'll have another chance to meet.

Not long after Mingchen left, the candlelight in the Tiger Palace flickered.

"Father, I know I was wrong. Please forgive me this time!"

The anxious Princess Beilie was summoned to the Tiger Palace once again.

As soon as she entered, before she could even bow, the girl holding the little fox knelt down, her eyes brimming with tears, looking at Qin Lou as if pleading.

At this moment, His Majesty the Northern Emperor sat upright at the desk, his earlier unrestrained and bold demeanor replaced by a more dignified air.

Qin Lou raised an eyebrow, looked at the girl, and said in an unusually sarcastic tone, "What did you do wrong?!"

“My child… my child shouldn’t have trespassed into the Tiger Palace.”

Do you know what the crime is for trespassing in the Tiger Palace?

Qin Xuan looked at Qin Lou pitifully and said, "Um... I am willing to accept the punishment."

"Humph!"

Qin Lou snorted: "Well said, then you can kneel in the torture chamber for a few days to teach me a lesson!"

"what?"

The girl, who had just looked like she was about to cry, suddenly raised her head upon hearing Qin Lou's words, looking at him in disbelief: "Father, are you really going to punish me!"

This girl is spoiled rotten. Seeing her like this, Qin Lou really felt a little embarrassed to show her off.

"You were willing to be punished, weren't you? I didn't even hit you with a board, and you can't even stand kneeling in the riot room for a few days?"

“Father, that torture chamber is filthy and smelly. How can I live there?! Many palace maids who committed crimes have died in there. I am afraid. I would rather you punish me with a rod.”

"Alright, then go to the ventilator's room and give him thirty strokes of the cane."

"Huh? Father Emperor~~~ Don't you love Xuan'er anymore?"

Qin Lou: ...

Seeing the young woman's pitiful appearance, Qin Lou finally sighed, "How old are you? Look at yourself! What kind of behavior is this!" "You don't resemble a princess at all!"

Qin Lou didn't mention the punishment again, so it seems he's let her off the hook.

Her father may look rugged and fierce, but he is actually very gentle.

He just sometimes speaks a bit harshly.

Qin Lou treated several princes and princesses well.

Only the Crown Prince was subject to stricter requirements due to high expectations, but not harsh ones.

There is no kinship in the royal family, but with Bei Lie, this rough and uncouth man, there seems to be a bit more human presence in the cold palace.

However, it was completely different from the chaotic family of the old emperor.

Bearing the so-called 'destiny', this Northern Emperor seems to be perfect in every aspect.

Qin Xuan stuck out her tongue and grinned at Qin Lou, "Father~ I know I was wrong, I won't dare to do it again~ Please forgive me this time~"

Normally, when this guy is being affectionate, you should come over and give him a shoulder massage.

Qin Lou, his face stern, glanced at the fox the brat was carrying: "Hmph! Carrying a beast while ascending the Tiger Palace, what kind of decorum is this!"

Is it really because he spoiled him?

At the same time, think of the princess, who dared to confront him in court, gained Mingchen's favor, rose to power in the chaos, and forcibly extended Qianyuan's life.

Qin Lou also felt the difference was exceptionally obvious.

However, the empress endured a lot of hardship to achieve her current status.

In comparison, perhaps his girl is happy.

So be mediocre.

Qin Xuan chuckled, stroking the fox's fur, and explained to Qin Lou, "Hehe~ Wasn't Yingxue a gift from Father Emperor? Of course I have to take good care of her~"

This fox was caught by Qin Lou during a winter hunt. He noticed that its fur was shiny, it was small and exquisite, and it didn't have the characteristic stench of a fox, so he gave it to his beloved daughter.

Qin Xuan also liked it very much and took great care of it every day.

"Humph!"

"Is Father jealous?"

"Nonsense! Who taught you this?!"

Qin Lou even regretted giving this girl to him because this beast was playful and made a mistake.

"Hee hee~"

That's a thing of the past.

Qin Lou lowered his eyes, looked at his daughter, and finally steered the conversation back on track: "Now that you've come all this way and met that young master, what do you think of him?"

"That young master?"

Qin Xuan thought about it.

Even if you don't know Mingchen, someone like him is enough to attract attention.

Today, he fought against Qin Lou in the martial arts arena and even narrowly won. If word gets out, he will become famous in Beilie.

It certainly left a deep impression on Qin Xuan.

If this person harbors malicious intentions, even the Emperor's life will be in danger.

"He...is handsome, has an outstanding temperament, and is skilled in martial arts. He must be a genius, a dragon among men. No wonder Father Emperor values ​​him. What position will Father Emperor give him?"

Since the other party appeared in the Tiger Palace and even competed with the Emperor, receiving praise from the Emperor, he must be valued by the Emperor.

Praising someone more is always a good idea.

Upon hearing this, Qin Lou shook his head and sighed helplessly, "I could give him any position, but he'd have to be willing to do it!"

"Hey~"

Qin Xuan chuckled upon hearing this: "Father is the emperor of our Northern Lie. If Father bestows an official position upon him, how dare he refuse? He'd be rebelling!"

He really dares to do that.

Qin Lou inwardly scoffed, but simply asked the maid, "Do you know who he is?"

"Who is he? Could he be a deity descended from heaven?"

"His name is Mingchen."

"A famous minister? That's a good name. Does he want to be a famous minister?"

Qin Xuan gave a thumbs-up, but then seemed to remember something and suddenly looked up: "Mingchen?!"

"Is it that Mingchen?"

"Correct!"

"The man who advised our Northern Lie to build the canal, and whom Father Emperor exchanged for half a province, is the Marquis of Jing'an of Qian Yuan, Ming Chen?"

After all, his starting point was much higher than that of countless ordinary people. Even if he did not participate in national affairs, he had many ways to receive information, so he naturally recognized Mingchen, this trendsetter of the times.

In a sense, Mingchen's initial reputation was built on the back of this Northern Emperor's fame.

The little fox also raised its head, as if it could understand human speech, its eyes sparkling, seemingly quite intelligent.

"Correct!"

I never imagined that the person who is famous all over the world would be so young and look like this.

They actually came to Beilie so openly and brazenly, and even had a martial arts contest with the Emperor.

Seeing is believing, and she couldn't help but be amazed. She sighed with some emotion, "So he is Mingchen!"

Then, as if she had thought of something, she said to Qin Lou, "Father, this is a rare opportunity. Mingchen has actually fallen into the hands of our Beilie. I urge you to send troops to capture him directly and not let him escape!"

Qin Lou chuckled and gestured for her to sit down: "Haha~ Our Xuan'er knows about state affairs now?"

"Father~"

"What if we take him down? What then?"

Qin Xuan said, "The appearance of someone from an enemy country in our country must mean he harbors malicious intentions. This is his problem, and since we have captured him, he has no reason to deny it. We can use him to exchange for leverage with Qian Yuan. Even if we kill him, it will remove a major threat from our lives."

Compared to the Crown Prince, this princess clearly has a completely different thought process.

Qin Lou smiled and shook his head: "He can't die."

With a minister like Mingchen dead, not only would Xiao Xinyue go crazy over him, but Qin Lou himself felt he would also suffer retribution.

Besides...

Even if he wants to catch them, he might not be able to!
"Why?"

Qin Lou patted the girl's head: "He is my friend, and he came to visit me. This shows that he trusts me. How can I do such a treacherous thing?"

"This……"

Qin Xuan found these words rather strange.

Betrayal? The imperial court is not the martial arts world; between nations, there is no such thing as betrayal.
Could it be that Father Emperor really has a close personal relationship with people from that enemy country?

Having revealed Mingchen's identity, Qin Lou asked again, "What do you think of him?"

Qin Xuan hesitated for a moment, seemingly a little hesitant: "Um..."

She had a vague, uneasy feeling about it.

"My duel with him today was actually a bet. If he won, I would marry my daughter to him and make him the prince consort of our Northern Lie. It just so happened that you came along. When he saw you, his moves paused for a moment. It seems that he likes you."

Qin Lou made no attempt to conceal anything and directly revealed the answer: "How about I marry you off to him and make him your husband? He is a genius who appears only once every thousand years, a hero destined to be remembered in history, and he is worthy of you. Do you want to marry him?"

"what?!"

Qin Xuan's eyes widened, and she stood up abruptly.

Seeing the girl's strong reaction, Qin Lou kept asking, "What? You don't want to?"

Qin Xuan tried to calm herself down and said, "Does Father want me to marry him and then kill him during our intimate moments?"

"Or rather, you want me to marry him and become an inside agent for our Northern Lie?"

Qin Lou: ...

How come I never realized this girl was so patriotic?
Qin Lou glanced at the silly girl: "Do you think Mingchen isn't as smart as you and can't see through your malicious intentions?"

"Forehead……"

"A young lady like you, always talking about fighting and killing?!"

"If I ask you to marry him, it means you will be his wife wholeheartedly, live in harmony with him, and grow old together. We men of Beilie are incomparably brave on the battlefield, and we don't need you to do anything extra."

"how?"

Her father genuinely wanted to marry her off to this thorn in the side of Bei Lie, hoping she could live a peaceful and happy life with Ming Chen like an ordinary couple.

Qin Xuan fell silent upon hearing this.

Hearing his father's words, he raised his head and met his gaze.

The emperor was no ordinary person; a single word from him was like a nail being driven into a hole.

The emperor's promise was not something that could be easily relinquished.

Although she was usually spoiled and willful, Qin Xuan was clear about one thing: she must never go against Qin Lou.

She also knew that some things, no matter how prestigious, were not something she could decide for herself.

Suppressing all sorts of emotions, he simply said, "Your son will leave everything to Father Emperor."

As she looked at Qin Lou, Qin Lou was also looking at the girl. The domineering king was full of intimidation, and his gaze seemed to be able to see through her body and into her heart.

Hearing Qin Xuan say this, he waved his hand, not confirming the matter: "Okay, then you can go down."

"Yes!"

(End of this chapter)