Chapter 174: Offering - Rebirth of the Noble Daughter

 Chapter 174: Offering

These words sparked ridicule among many present. In all the nations represented, men held power, except in Qinglei, where women ruled. This often prompted disdainful comments from others, highlighting their own sense of superiority.

The goddess cast a cold, emotionless glance at the Third Prince, as if she were looking at a dead man. She slowly walked past him, not even acknowledging him, and softly addressed Emperor Qi.

"Goddess Yueyao of Qinglei greets the Emperor of Jin. May the Emperor live forever."

Her voice, clear and ethereal, was like a reverberating echo in a valley, pleasing to the ear.

"Goddess, you must have had a tiring journey."

As Emperor Qi spoke, his eyes were fixed on her. His gaze seemed to capture her attention, compelling everyone to focus on her.

"The Queen of Qinglei has sent a handwritten letter for Your Majesty. I hope Your Majesty will accept it."

This statement elicited sneers from many. It seemed typical of a woman-led nation to offer something as meager as a handwritten letter as a gift.

The surrounding envoys eagerly anticipated Qinglei's embarrassment. To their surprise, Emperor Qi, after reading the letter, personally descended from his throne to help the half-kneeling Yueyao up. His gaze was deeply captivated by her as he announced to everyone present.

"From this day forth, I confer upon the Qinglei's goddess the title of Shu Consort and grant her authority over the six palaces." Turning to Yueyao, he asked, "Is this satisfactory to you?"

She obediently bowed her head and replied, "Thank you, Your Majesty."

She then gently removed her veil, revealing her stunning beauty, which left everyone in awe.

Years ago, one of the late emperor’s consorts was so beautiful that she eclipsed all other palace women, but she was not as breathtaking as this Qinglei's goddess.

If the former was the epitome of earthly beauty, this goddess was heavenly.

Even the previously insolent Third Prince of Jiaoren could barely control himself, staring at her in a trance.

"Beloved consort..." Emperor Qi, entranced by her eyes, was now even more captivated by her full appearance. He laughed heartily, "The Queen's gesture pleases me greatly. For a hundred years, there will be peace between our nations, with no war reaching Qinglei!"

Such a definitive statement sobered those infatuated with her beauty.

Duke Wei and the Ninth Prince felt the most threatened. Ever since Consort Wei entered the palace, her beauty had garnered her many benefits. But now, her age made it difficult to compete with the young, beautiful, and mysterious Qinglei's goddess.

Losing the Emperor’s favor was one thing, but the greatest fear was her bearing a child.

Given Emperor Qi’s infatuation, who knew if that child might become the next Prince Ding? This potential threat was far more formidable than the current faction led by the Crown Prince.

Knowing the enemy is crucial for victory, but they knew nothing about this goddess, making her an unpredictable force.

Duke Wei attempted to intervene, "Your Majesty, please reconsider. The goddess is an envoy. Making her a consort might harm relations between our nations."

"The Duke need not worry. The Queen’s letter precisely proposes Yueyao become my consort."

"Your Majesty, this cannot be. Jin has countless daughters. If you wish to choose a consort, hold a selection. The goddess has no heirs, no achievements, and directly making her a consort with authority over the six palaces would make us a laughingstock. Please reconsider!"

With that, he knelt, followed by many others, all loudly urging the Emperor to reconsider.

Emperor Qi’s long, narrow eyes flashed with displeasure. Despite the Wei family’s support in his ascension, he had rewarded them generously over the years. Even the Ninth Prince, son of Consort Wei, received extra favor. Yet the Wei family still dared to challenge him.

Darkly, he said, "Duke Wei, such audacity. Do you wish to make decisions for me? Perhaps you’d like to take the throne too?"

Though spoken jestingly, those close to the Emperor knew he was truly angry.

He was no puppet emperor. He had fought for twenty years to claim the throne, standing atop countless fallen brothers.

For over a decade, he had never relaxed his grip on power.

Duke Wei, relying on his status to show off, was delusional.

This statement left Duke Wei’s usually calm face tinged with worry. "Your Majesty, be careful with your words. My duty is to assist you. If you insist on taking the goddess as a consort, relieve me of my duties, so I may honor the late emperor’s wishes."

Tears flowed as he made his heartfelt plea.

It was a good performance. Prince Kang and Duke Zheng exchanged disdainful glances.

Duke Wei, a veteran of three reigns, would never willingly relinquish power. He was merely trying to pressure the Emperor, but it only provoked his wrath.

With the beauty beside him, and foreign envoys present, the Emperor couldn’t afford to appear weak or retreat, lest he become a laughingstock.

"Oh? Since the Duke is so concerned with the late emperor’s wishes, why not guard his tomb and keep him company?"

This remark left Duke Wei red-faced and wide-eyed in disbelief.

Emperor Qi then addressed the kneeling officials, "If any of you wish to join the Duke in guarding the tomb, step forward now, and I will appoint you as Origin Daoist to oversee my father’s tomb forever."

This punishment was more severe than demotion, stripping future generations of their right to serve.

None of the officials dared give up their power. Even the most loyal had to consider their family’s future.

With no one daring to object, Emperor Qi finally felt appeased.

A ruler’s authority is not to be challenged. He needed to remind them that serving the emperor was akin to serving a tiger.

The Ninth Prince wanted to defend Duke Wei but was stopped by his gaze.

"Survive today, and you’ll have a chance tomorrow."

📌 To Read The Latest Updates Click 👇👇

▶▶Rebirth of the Noble Daughter  

Next Chapter ▶▶