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

Chapter 261 This time you win, we'll see.

Inside the Tiger Palace,

Qin Lou had already prepared fruits, vegetables, and fine wine, and said to Ming Chen, "Ming Chen, I have two men under my command. I want to send them to the southwest to deal with some barbarians. Can you give me some advice on which one is suitable?"

After some small talk, Qin Lou seemed to have forgotten about the arranged marriage from the day before and instead brought up official business.

"Oh? Is His Majesty testing Chen now?"

A leader like the Northern Emperor only cares about official business.

The reason Mingchen caught his eye was because of his outstanding talent.

It's not that I don't want to talk about everyday things.

However, in Qin Lou's eyes, such chat content was just an everyday topic that should be discussed with friends.

Mingchen didn't take it to heart, simply waving his hand and saying, "Your Majesty, please speak freely."

This doesn't mean he's making enemies. The world doesn't revolve around Mingchen alone, and what he says isn't necessarily all correct.

The Northern Emperor quickly grasped the situation, and after a brief explanation to his ministers, the political affairs were settled.

I guess it's just to start a conversation with Mingchen.

The topics that kings chat about in their spare time often involve the fate of millions of people, which is completely different from the casual conversations of ordinary people.

"The first is General Shi Cheng, who is twenty-eight years old. He is exceptionally skilled in martial arts, especially archery. He has a bold and unrestrained personality, though he is somewhat careless. However, he is quick-witted. He loves his soldiers like his own children, eating and living with them. He easily becomes one with his soldiers. He has repeatedly encountered the main force of the barbarians, but he has managed to survive by virtue of his boldness, resourcefulness and superb martial arts. He is quite famous, and the people of the southwestern border all praise his bravery. He is truly a divine general of our dynasty."

"Secondly, there is an old general of our dynasty named Liu Zhen, who is forty-seven years old this year. He came from Tian Hong's command. He is strict in his military discipline and acts without any loopholes. He rarely suffers defeats. However, he has no experience in fighting against barbarians. Whenever he leads his army westward, those nomads retreat far away and do not fight against him."

Qin Lou toyed with his wine glass, looking at Ming Chen with interest: "In your opinion, who should I send?"

Mingchen smiled and said, "Your Majesty yourself said that Shi Cheng was careless and narrowly escaped death, but all his soldiers perished. Liu Zhen's military discipline is strict and watertight. Your Majesty has already made up your mind about who is the best commander, so why ask me again?"

"Nomads are selfish and self-preserving. They will only attack if there is profit to be made, and they will naturally flee if there is no opportunity to escape. The fact that they attacked Shi Cheng shows that Shi Cheng is an easy target in their eyes. The fact that they ran away when they saw Liu Zhen shows that Liu Zhen and his men are no match for them."

"Since General Shi Cheng is brave and valiant, then give him a few hundred men as his vanguard; he should not command a large army."

What does a monarch want?
It's about composure and absolute security.

These two people, Qin Lou and Shi Cheng, seemed to be praising each other to the extreme, but in reality, a single careless mistake was enough to bring him down.

No monarch would willingly entrust the vast army that the nation has painstakingly trained to a careless general.

He may seem like an unremarkable veteran, but his 'rare number of defeats' is enough to demonstrate Qin Lou's fondness for him.

"Hahaha, Mingchen understands me perfectly!"

Actually, everyone has something to say about whoever you choose.

This matter has nothing to do with right or wrong.

Perhaps Shi Cheng will improve? Perhaps Liu Zhen will make a mistake?

However, different people have different perspectives on the issue.

At least on this issue, Mingchen's choice was consistent with Qin Lou's thoughts, which naturally resonated with him.

He slapped the table, laughing heartily, "There aren't many people in this court who understand me as well as Mingchen!"

He initially accepted Mingchen as a friend simply because he lost a bet and was willing to accept defeat.

But now, having known each other for a long time and enjoying our conversations so much.

He increasingly felt that Mingchen was different from ordinary officials.

Mingchen laughed and said, "Your Majesty flatters me. If these words get back to the court, they might make the officials resent me!"

"Hey! I didn't see you embarrassed at all, you were actually quite smug!"

"Come!"

Qin Lou raised his wine cup, and the two drank together.

The two men were talking about national affairs and how to govern people... topics that the little fox outside the door didn't like.

It lay on the door frame and lazily yawned.

What's going on?
Why haven't these two started arguing yet?
"Your Majesty, I will be leaving the day after tomorrow."

After a glass of wine, Mingchen's words caused Qin Lou to pause for a moment.

"Leaving now?"

He seemed somewhat regretful.

Mingchen smiled and said, "What, does His Majesty intend to marry the princess to me?"

Now we've finally gotten to the main topic.

The drowsy little fox suddenly raised its head, its gaze seemingly piercing through space as it looked towards the Tiger Palace.

"Forehead……"

Qin Lou was taken aback, not expecting Ming Chen to bring up the old matter again.

The Crown Prince had already discussed this matter with him yesterday. Now that he was back to his senses, he also felt that this move was somewhat rash and might backfire.

So when he saw Mingchen today, he didn't mention this matter at all.

Mingchen seemed somewhat resistant and evasive about the matter the day before yesterday, so the two of them tacitly agreed not to mention it, and the matter was thus forgotten.

A king's promise is often kept secret by few, and there is no written decree; it is merely a drunken joke.

However, I don't know what this guy was thinking, bringing it up again at this critical juncture.

Seeing Qin Lou hesitate, Ming Chen asked somewhat 'naively,' "What's wrong, Your Majesty? Are you trying to renege on your debt?"

"This was a prize that His Majesty personally promised to Chen. Did Chen Bai win?"

This guy usually speaks very cryptically, never explicitly stating anything or making things definitive, always leaving room for maneuver.

What's wrong with this now?
Qin Lou frowned slightly.

Words spoken are like water spilled; they cannot be taken back easily.

As a monarch, he clearly did not like such sharp words from others.

Qin Lou looked at Ming Chen and asked in a deep voice, "Ming Chen, do you really want to marry my princess? Do you really like her?"

From the perspective of a friend and a subject, Mingchen couldn't be more perfect.

But if he were a prince consort, from the perspective of a husband... he wouldn't seem so perfect.

Now he is not only a monarch, but also a father.

The atmosphere inside the Tiger Hall seemed a bit heavy.

However, the little fox outside had bright, expectant eyes.

It's starting! It's starting!

Start fighting!
Mingchen was not intimidated by Qin Lou's imposing presence, and simply said with a smile, "Of course I like her. A beautiful and graceful lady is the object of a gentleman's affections~"

A lady? A gentleman?
These two people don't seem to have much in common.

Qin Lou narrowed his eyes and said in a low voice, "Since you like it, what was the meaning of going to Huayue Tower again yesterday?"

As a mandatory lesson for those in positions of power, one must never allow oneself to become the subject of criticism.

No matter what the mistakes are, they are all the fault of others.

I just granted you the title of Imperial Son-in-Law, and you immediately went to visit brothels. What is the meaning of this?

If Qin Lou wants to break the contract, it shouldn't be because of his own breach of trust. He needs to find a fault with Ming Chen to justify breaking the contract.

"I've long heard that the Flower Moon Pavilion in Beilie is exceptional. I only wish to take a look, broaden my horizons, and listen to some music. Your Majesty is free to investigate whether I have been close to any woman or touched any woman."

"Or does His Majesty intend to break the agreement?"

Everything went as the little fox outside the door wished.

This renowned and extraordinary Marquis is truly audacious and reckless.

Very good!
This show is so good!

Punch! Punch! Give me a punch!
Slap that Northern Emperor in the face!

"you!"

The Crown Prince told him that Mingchen's opinion on this matter was entirely up to the Northern Emperor's wishes.

What's wrong with this guy?

What is going on in his mind?
Qin Lou glared angrily at the dissolute man.

Mingchen has his advantages, but he also has the disadvantages of being a dissolute and arrogant person.

No one in the court dared to speak to him like that anymore.

That's really infuriating.

Qin Lou finally sighed: "Since you've said we're friends, stop beating around the bush. Tell me, what exactly do you want?"

The Crown Prince's words, Mingchen's attitude... all the information was gathered here at Qin Lou.

He knew one thing very well: Mingchen didn't like his daughter.

Now he's going around in circles and making a fuss, clearly he has his own agenda.

It's one thing for Qin Lou to beat around the bush with the court officials, but since they're friends, he should just speak frankly.

"Does His Majesty no longer wish to marry the princess?"

Qin Lou glared at him: "That's right, I just don't want to get married!"

"Does Your Majesty intend to break the agreement?"

"so what?"

"Hahaha~"

"I have a solution that satisfies both sides. Would Your Majesty be willing to listen?"

Qin Lou rolled his eyes at him.

The best way is for them both to stay silent, and the matter will be over and resolved.

This guy just had to make it so complicated.

"Since Your Majesty is unwilling to marry off your daughter, why not find someone else to take her place?"

Qin Lou frowned: "Hmm?"

Who have you taken a fancy to?

He wasn't very old either; the eldest princess, Qin Xuan, was only seventeen and of marriageable age. The other princesses were only three to five years old. Was this scoundrel a pedophile?
Mingchen had no idea what Qinlou was thinking, and simply said, "I do have someone I love, named Yingxue. I once made a vow to her that we would never betray each other. I wonder if Your Majesty would be willing to give her up?"

He never lies.

Every single word was spoken perfectly.

He had made promises to the girl beforehand, and although she was a mischievous and clever girl, he couldn't just break his promises!

Let's reluctantly take it with us.

"Yingxue? Who?"

Qin Lou frowned, somewhat puzzled.

The name sounds familiar, but I can't quite place it. I search through portraits of women in the palace, but I still can't place the name in my mind.

However, the little fox, who had been watching the commotion with great interest outside the palace, suddenly sat up, his eyes wide open, staring in disbelief at the palace.

Who is Yingxue? Although it's not its real name, it's been called that for so long that it knows it all too well.

The situation took an unexpected turn, and the anticipated fight did not occur!
The excitement is gone!
That damned Mingchen!

You dare to mess with me?!

It turns out he had already discovered it!
No wonder the vows of eternal love sounded so incongruous; the talk of fait accompli and elopement never quite matched what it wanted.

The show got out of hand and burned back on us!

The little fox felt like a clown.

Inside the hall, the person was all smiles, chatting with the noble Northern Emperor, but his gaze seemed to pierce through space and fall upon him.

Damn it!

It's always been the one playing tricks on people, but this time it's been tricked in return!
Qin Lou had no idea what had happened.

Still wondering who this 'Yingxue' is!
Suddenly, she saw the little bird that Mingchen had brought, and as if she had thought of something, she widened her eyes in disbelief: "Yingxue?!"

Ok!

Isn't this the name he gave to the fox he gave to the girl?
Seeing that Qin Lou had finally remembered the little fox, Ming Chen nodded with a smile, confirming Qin Lou's guess: "Yes, Yingxue."

"As Your Majesty knows, Chen has a fondness for these adorable and clever creatures."

Mingchen took the little bird, gently touched her chin, and said to Qin Lou, "Since the Princess is unwilling to marry me, how about replacing me with this beloved pet? A pet in place of a person."

"In this way, His Majesty's vow can be fulfilled without ruining the princess's happiness, and Chen Yi is completely satisfied."

"how?"

After going through all this trouble, all he really wanted was that little fox.

The little bird couldn't sense the fox's location, but he knew that the fox must be lying somewhere, watching his antics.

He then teased it in front of its own eyes.

"Ok?"

Qin Lou narrowed his eyes upon hearing this.

Replacing your daughter with an insignificant little pet is the best deal you could ever make.

A little fox, nothing to worry about, it was given away without a second thought.

However, he showed no joy on his face and did not immediately agree.

He wasn't stupid; he knew that Mingchen had gone through all this trouble, making his demands absolute, and that what he wanted was clearly no ordinary thing.

You must know that demons and spirits exist in this world.

Extraordinary people emerged one after another, and demons and monsters roamed the world, attracting many people to seek refuge with him.

Mingchen's bird is intelligent; it can grow bigger or smaller and carry him out of trouble.

The Crown Prince also told him that Mingchen had a little white dog that could change size, and when it grew up, it became a peerless white wolf.

He, the emperor, might not recognize the value of these demonic creatures, but Mingchen certainly would.

He asked for this little fox, so this little fox must be extraordinary.

Who doesn't want good things?

To be honest, he didn't want to give it away.

Mingchen wanted to be direct, so everyone might as well speak frankly. Qin Lou lowered his eyes and asked her, "Mingchen, is Yingxue an extraordinary spiritual creature?"

Mingchen didn't try to hide anything and nodded readily: "Yes!"

"It's incredibly clever! It understands people's hearts, is quirky and mischievous, and charmingly adorable~"

Mingchen deliberately used some flattering words, not knowing if the little fox could hear them.

The little fox on the door frame kept raising its head, its ears perked up, its eyes gleaming, yet it also curled its lips in disdain.

You know your stuff!

"Then I can't give it to you!"

If Mingchen says it's a good thing, then it must be a good thing.

Qin Lou isn't stupid. The so-called marriage agreement that Ming Chen caught was just idle talk from a drunken fight. If he doesn't acknowledge it, so be it.
He also said he wanted to make a hundred-year alliance with Qian Yuan, which was a written promise. Didn't he still break it?
Promises are empty words; only tangible benefits are real.

Even with friends, you shouldn't just give them nice things.

He gave it neither to his daughter nor to the fox.

Such a spirit is a national treasure; how can it be easily given to others?

This is a perfectly reasonable refusal.

Mingchen chuckled, completely unconcerned: "Hahaha! Your Majesty, think about it, how long has Yingxue been following you?"

"Did you see anything supernatural about it?"

"Have I been of any help to you?"

"Since Chen dares to ask His Majesty directly and acknowledge Yingxue's special qualities, he is not afraid that His Majesty will not give it to me."

Before meeting Mingchen, Fuyao was nothing more than a little white dove who almost ended up on the dinner table.

Even demons and spirits need people who recognize them.

Ultimately, the decision-making power did not actually lie with the Northern Emperor.

If the little fox is willing to go with him, then no army can stop her.

Even if the Northern Emperor issues an imperial decree, no one can capture the little fox and have it accompany Mingchen if it is unwilling.

Similarly, this power is no longer in Mingchen's hands.

The little fox is free; if she's determined not to go with him, there's nothing he can do.

Now it's just a matter of making a deeper impression on it.

Whether it's a good impression or a bad impression, as long as it can stir up their emotions, that's enough.

Traveling with him would be much more interesting than being a pet in this palace.

This is Mingchen's confidence.

The little fox on the door frame also pouted when it heard this.

How can this person be so arrogant!
I want to tear that smug face of his apart!
snort!
But things didn't go as he wished!
"This……"

Qin Lou paused upon hearing this.

What Mingchen said seemed to make sense.

The little fox entered the palace and was sent to Qin Xuan as a pet. In the past few years, it has not shown its abilities.

Instead, he caused a lot of trouble, which resulted in Qin Xuan receiving many reprimands from him.

If it truly intended to save and protect the country, it should have appeared like other extraordinary beings and openly offered its assistance.

Instead, they live a peaceful life as little pets, causing minor troubles and annoying people.

Even if he were the emperor, he could not force other living beings to serve the Northern Fierce Army.

Seeing his silence, Mingchen smiled and added, "Besides, Your Majesty might as well think about how you obtained Yingxue?"

Does it really like you?

"I think it would be a good thing for you to have it come with me!"

Qin Lou paused upon hearing this.

His mind is still sharp; he can still remember previous memories.

It was a winter hunting day when he led his men on a hunt and caught the little fox in a grass burrow.

Beilie lives in the north, and the climate and environment there are suitable for foxes to live in.

Even further back in history, the fox was a totem worshipped and revered in this country.

Although there is no longer the same reverence as in ancient times, Qin Lou has not committed any heinous acts of patricide or matricide.

There was only one little fox in the den, but catching the little fox seemed to disturb its peaceful sleep and ruin its home.

Look at it, baring its teeth and glaring angrily.

Looking back now, although it was quite spirited, it doesn't seem to be a good expression.

"Mingchen, let's change your terms!"

I cannot grant your request!

Qin Lou shook his head. He didn't know how Ming Chen knew about these things, but he clearly couldn't agree to it.

He even brought up those old and outdated stereotypes that he disliked the most: "The fox is a sacred beast that my ancestors have revered for generations, how can it not help my Northern Fierce?"

The fun is over!
And he got himself into a lot of trouble!

I got up early to see the excitement, but the whole show was ruined.

At the heart of their conversation, the little fox, perched on the doorframe, rolled its eyes.

The emperor treats it like an object, giving it away or keeping it as he pleases.
It glared fiercely at the smiling fellow, who must be feeling very smug right now!

He must have thought he saw through everything!
I've got it!

You scoundrel, you win this time, but we'll see!
A flash of red light, and then it vanished.

(End of this chapter)