I've announced that I'm destined to have many children, and my father has bestowed upon me

Liu Ruoshuang seemed to notice his gaze and lowered her sleeves.

She winked at him, giving him a playful "you're welcome" look.

"cough!"

Ye Haoran coughed heavily, drawing Zhao Chen'an's attention back. His face was flushed, but his tone was extremely firm.

"Your Highness, this is no child's play! I am serious!"

He was afraid that Zhao Chen'an would think he was joking, so he took another step forward.

He was practically glued to Zhao Chen'an, his spittle almost landing on his face.

"My daughter, Sheng Ling, is exceptionally talented, but unfortunately, she is aloof and not good with words."

"But her respect for His Highness is as clear as day!"

"It is her blessing, and the honor of our Heavenly Sword Mountain, to be able to marry His Highness!"

These words were spoken with sincerity and conviction.

What else could Zhao Chen'an say?

He looked at Ye Shenglin, who was completely petrified beside him. A blush had spread from her cold, pretty face to her snow-white neck.

She instinctively gripped the hilt of the Traceless Sword, as if only the cold touch could calm her chaotic mind.

She wanted to argue, but the words wouldn't come out.

Her father's eagerness, Liu Ruoshuang's smile, and Zhao Chen'an's slightly playful inquiry left her mind blank.

The words "to pledge oneself to another" were like a curse, stirring up a tidal wave in her heart.

Zhao Chen'an coughed lightly, preparing to find a way to back down, since this matter was too sudden.

But Ye Haoran didn't give him a chance at all.

"Your Highness! Just give me a straight answer!"

"If this matter succeeds, our Heavenly Sword Mountain will henceforth be willing to follow Your Highness's lead!"

Good heavens, isn't this the legendary money-bringing boy... no, the father-in-law who brings wealth to his daughter?

Even the sects have been dragged into this!

The system notification sound appeared in Zhao Chen'an's mind almost instantly.

Another one?

Another system reward is coming?

Moreover, Ye Shenglin's aptitude score is definitely not low; he was once ranked first on the regional prodigy list.

A swordsmanship prodigy—if he succeeds, the reward will likely be extraordinary.

His journey to Dongsheng Shenzhou is long and fraught with danger, so having more trump cards means more security.

Thinking of this, his hesitation vanished instantly.

One more or one less won't make a difference.

"Sect Leader Ye, you flatter me."

Zhao Chen'an cleared his throat, a perfectly timed smile appearing on his face:

"Miss Sheng Ling is a favored daughter of heaven, and it is an honor for Chen An to have won her favor. However, this matter still needs to be reported to Father Emperor for his decision."

He passed the ball to Zhao Daoting.

Upon hearing this, Ye Haoran was overjoyed.

That's exactly what he wanted to hear!

As long as Zhao Chen'an doesn't object, given how much the current Zhou emperor dotes on him, is there any chance this will happen?

"Good, good, good! That's how it should be! That's how it should be!"

Ye Haoran nodded repeatedly, rubbing his hands excitedly: "I will go to the palace gates immediately to request an audience with His Majesty!"

As he spoke, he actually turned to leave.

"Sect Leader Ye, please wait."

Zhao Chen'an stopped him, both amused and exasperated.

"It would be best if I went to the palace first to report this to my father."

With such a fiery and impulsive personality, it's no wonder she could raise a sword-obsessed daughter like Ye Shenglin.

……

The news spread faster than the wind.

Before Zhao Chen'an could even set off, the events that had occurred at the Prince of Wei's residence had already been presented word for word to the imperial desk in the Imperial Study through certain special channels.

Zhao Daoting was taken aback when he saw the contents of the secret report. Then, he was overjoyed and couldn't help but slam his hand on the table.

"Excellent! Ye Haoran has good taste!"

He was worried about how to provide Zhao Chen'an with another layer of protection before he set off.

What kind of place is Dongsheng Shenzhou?

With powerful figures everywhere and numerous sects, the Great Zhou Dynasty was but a drop in the ocean on that land.

Zhao Chen'an's journey, ostensibly to escort Mo Yuqing, was in reality a perilous trial.

If he could marry Ye Shenglin before setting off, he could receive another reward from that "ancient great power".

Zhao Chen'an's foundation will surely surge again, and the safety factor will also be greatly improved!

"This Ye Haoran is truly a timely help!"

Zhao Daoting stroked his beard, his eyes gleaming.

He knew that this kind of thing had to be done while the iron was hot, otherwise things might get complicated.

"Someone come here!"

An old eunuch who was serving outside the hall heard the noise and entered, bowing respectfully.

"By imperial decree, prepare the imperial carriage! I wish to personally visit Tongfu Inn!"

The old eunuch was startled, almost thinking he had misheard.

Your Majesty... is going to leave the palace in person and go to an inn?

"Your Majesty, isn't this... somewhat impolite?"

The old eunuch cautiously offered this reminder.

"It's alright." Zhao Daoting waved his hand and stood up.

"Today, I am not acting as the Emperor of the Great Zhou Dynasty, but as a father, to discuss a marriage for my son."

As soon as he finished speaking, he strode out of the imperial study, leaving the old eunuch standing there, his face full of shock and horror.

Early the next morning.

The entire imperial city was not yet fully awake, and a low-key yet dignified team was present.

They set off from the palace and went straight to the largest inn in the city, Tongfu Inn.

When the innkeeper saw the bright yellow ceremonial guard and the imposing figure in the dragon robe at the head of the procession, his legs went weak and he almost knelt on the ground.

"Welcome...Welcome, Your Majesty!"

The inn's staff and guests were all terrified, kneeling on the ground, not daring to lift their heads.

Ye Haoran was also startled by the commotion and hurriedly came downstairs. The moment he saw Zhao Daoting, he was also shocked.

He had considered many possibilities, but he never imagined that the Emperor of Great Zhou would personally come to his door!

"Ye Haoran of Tianjian Mountain greets Your Majesty!"

He immediately bowed deeply in respect.

"Sect Leader Ye, there's no need for such formalities."

With a gentle smile on his face, Zhao Daoting personally stepped forward to help him up.

"Between you and me, there is no need to adhere to the etiquette between ruler and subject."

The two fathers chatted for a full hour in the lobby of the inn.

No one knows exactly what they talked about.

All that is known is that when Zhao Daoting left satisfied, Ye Haoran's face was filled with undisguised ecstasy.

Half an hour later.

An imperial edict was issued from the palace, proclaiming it to the world.

By the mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees:

I have learned that Ye Shengling, daughter of the Heavenly Sword Mountain Sect Leader, is dignified, virtuous, intelligent, and quick-witted. She and my sixteenth son, Chen'an, are a match made in heaven. Therefore, I hereby bestow this marriage upon them. A grand ceremony will be held at the Prince of Wei's residence in three days from now. This is my decree!

The moment the imperial edict was issued, the entire Great Zhou Dynasty, and even the surrounding regions, were in an uproar.

The number one on the regional prodigy list and the second-ranked person in everyone's hearts are getting married?

Moreover, it only took three short days from the proposal to the bestowal of marriage and then to the wedding.

This speed is even faster than a cultivator's escape light!

The reaction from Tianjian Mountain was also extremely swift. As soon as the imperial edict arrived, the Supreme Elders who remained in the sect immediately mustered their forces.

Carrying a mountain of dowry, they marched in a grand procession toward the capital of the Great Zhou Dynasty.

The spectacle made it seem as if they wanted everyone to know how satisfied Tianjian Mountain was with this marriage.

Apart from the Great Xia Dynasty, which was at odds with the Great Zhou Dynasty, all the surrounding dynasties, sects, and aristocratic families, large and small, prepared generous gifts and sent envoys to offer their congratulations.

For a time, the capital of the Great Zhou Dynasty was bustling with activity, and powerful figures gathered there. Its liveliness even surpassed that of the previous Heavenly Pride Competition.

Everyone's conversation revolved around the legendary Prince Wei.

A prince who was once a useless person who could not cultivate has now become the most sought-after person in the entire region.

Every move he makes can affect countless people.

Three days passed in the blink of an eye.

On this day, the Prince of Wei's mansion was decorated with lanterns and colorful ribbons, and red silk was everywhere.

Outside the mansion gate, guests thronged, and the procession of messengers who came to offer their congratulations stretched from one end of the street to the other.

Inside the mansion, the hall was filled with distinguished guests. Officials from the Great Zhou Dynasty, imperial relatives, and representatives from various powerful forces gathered together, clinking glasses and laughing and chatting.

Zhao Chen'an, dressed in a festive red royal robe with a large red flower pinned to his chest, stood before the main hall, receiving congratulations from everyone.

He wore a calm smile on his face, but was secretly making plans in his heart.

I wonder what good things the system will reward me with this time?

Just then, a melodious sound of ceremonial music drifted from outside the mansion, growing louder as it approached.

"The auspicious hour has arrived! The bridal sedan chair has come!"