Tome of Troubled Times-Chapter 750: Household Chaos

But then, Jiuyou’s cool voice replied, “It’s not that there’s nothing to discuss. Venerable, your diplomatic mission has been presented as an effort to form a temporary alliance and repel the northern barbarians. But this message is not meant for us to hear...”

She paused, then extended a finger, gesturing toward the gathered officials, specifically Wei Changming and the many aristocrats of Guanlong. “It is meant for them and for the people of Guanzhong.”

The officials remained silent, eyes downcast, feigning disinterest.

Jiuyou continued, “But if you speak in such a domineering manner and enrages my father, resulting in his refusal, how will these officials perceive it? More importantly, how will the people interpret it? After today’s exposure of Bo’e’s presence in Chang’an, the common folk will believe my father has rejected the alliance because he colluded with the northern barbarians. Their trust will be shattered. But what if we are the ones to propose sending troops on the condition of a marriage alliance? Then, if the offer is refused, who becomes the true obstacle to unity?”

Vermillion Bird could no longer hold back. She snapped, “Are you in heat?”

Across the hall, numerous officials visibly winced and turned their heads away, unwilling to watch the spectacle unfold.

As expected of a demonic cult’s venerable, she couldn’t keep up the refined act for even half an incense stick’s time before devolving into a brawl with the mountain bandit. It truly is a match made in heaven.

Jiuyou completely ignored the insult, her tone still indifferent as she said, “So, can we discuss terms now?”

Vermillion Bird sneered. “Sure. First, you kneel and kowtow three times before me. Then, we’ll step aside so I can personally verify whether you’re a virgin.”

Jiuyou responded with absolute calm, “If I were to marry into the Zhao household in the future, kowtowing to the Empress Dowager would be expected. As for verifying virginity, the Empress Dowager is welcome to observe personally on the wedding night, right at the bedside.”

“Pfft—!” Someone in the hall could not hold back and spat out a laugh.

At this point, Vermillion Bird was still wearing her mask, operating under the title of a venerable of the Four Idols Cult. After all, there was no precedent for an empress dowager personally acting as an envoy, though most people already suspected her identity, none dared to say it aloud.

Yet now, Jiuyou had brazenly announced it to the entire hall, not just exposing Huangfu Qing’s status but also implying, clear as day, that she too had climbed into King Zhao’s bed. And not just that, she was now being accused of sticking her head in to observe the festivities.

Underneath her mask, Vermillion Bird’s face nearly turned the color of pig liver. Her delicate fingers clenched so tightly that her joints cracked as she resisted the immense urge to outright flip the table.

This level of verbal assault was on par with Baoqin...

Zhao Changhe suddenly realized that Jiuyou’s aggressive remarks likely were not just about negotiation. She was probably also doing her best to resist the urge to punch Vermillion Bird in the face. Judging by the way Vermillion Bird’s hair practically smoked in fury, Zhao Changhe finally cleared his throat and interjected. “Venerable, if I may be so bold...”

Vermillion Bird swallowed her anger, took a deep breath, and turned to him, asking in an eerily gentle tone, “Oh? Brother Qin, what insights do you have?”

Say one wrong word and I’ll make sure you don’t survive this.

Jiuyou’s gaze also returned to Zhao Changhe as if trying to pierce through his disguise and uncover the truth beneath.

Zhao Changhe took his time, speaking slowly. “To my knowledge, King Zhao is not currently in the capital. So does he even know about this proposal brought forward in his name? Has he been consulted at all?”

It was discussed last night in bed.

Vermillion Bird instantly caught his meaning and immediately played along. “Indeed, it was not discussed with him beforehand, but he is not the emperor. Her Majesty need not seek his approval for every decision. However, you do raise a fair point. King Zhao is a pillar of the Great Han. Deciding his marriage without consulting him does seem rather improper. It was an oversight on our part. Let’s table this matter for now. I will consult King Zhao before proceeding further.”

The entire hall watched their back-and-forth with blank expressions, utterly silent.

Li Boping’s tone was thick with sarcasm as he commented, “It truly seems to me that whether the surname of the true ruler of the Great Han is Xia or Zhao is becoming increasingly difficult to determine.”

Zhao Changhe outright refused, which put Vermillion Bird in an exceedingly good mood. She lazily remarked, “Our Great Han is a nation that governs with filial piety. King Zhao is my man, and the Empress is my disciple. What’s so strange about the Empress needing to respect him?”

Casually announcing that King Zhao was her man in front of everyone? Damn, that felt good!

As for how she had previously raged that the Great Han would fail to unify the realm because Zhao Changhe was defiling the imperial harem? Yeah, she had completely forgotten about that now.

Li Boping asked, “So the marriage alliance is to be shelved entirely because of this?”

Vermillion Bird chuckled leisurely. “You sound rather eager to gift your daughter to our King Zhao for his amusement. Don’t be so hasty. Let me ask him first. Who knows, you might get your chance.”

Jiuyou suddenly interjected, “If it’s a marriage alliance, then King Zhao is not the only man on the Great Han’s side. If he is not to be considered, then perhaps... someone else?”

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Vermillion Bird was momentarily stunned before responding, “Among the Great Han’s nobility, there is only King Zhao. If you’re willing to lower your expectations, there are plenty of marquises. Cui Yuanyong? Tang Buqi? Which one would the young lady favor?”

Actually, if she really chooses one of them, it might not be entirely impossible... Cui Yuanyong is already married, so he’s out. Tang Buqi, though—wait, no, no, no, giving Tang Buqi an ancient demonic ancestor for a wife? Tang Wanzhuang would lose her mind. No way, absolutely not.

But then, Jiuyou extended a delicate hand and pointed toward the man standing behind her.

“This gentleman, Qin Jiu—his bow subdued Bo’e, he broke into Profound Control Realm mid-battle, and he slew Papiyas with a golden arrow. In a single day, he has shaken all of Chang’an and made his name known across the land. Such a man is reduced to a mere bodyguard in the Great Han? How laughable. Surely, he will soon rise through the ranks, and a marquisate would be a mere trifle for him. I greatly admire Mister Qin’s heroic spirit and grandeur... and would be most honored to—”

“He’s a Buddhist!” Vermillion Bird and Yue Hongling spoke in unison.

Zhao Changhe, drenched in cold sweat, quickly nodded. “Right, right! I am a devoted disciple of the Buddha! I do not eat pork, especially old cured meat!”

Several officials in the hall struggled to contain their laughter, covering their mouths before they outright collapsed, wheezing.

Jiuyou, for the first time, showed a faint smile. “A Buddhist, is he...? Then surely, Mister Qin, you must be quite concerned about whether Papiyas is truly dead. As it happens, I know a thing or two about that. Would you care to discuss it in private?”

In Zhao Changhe’s consciousness, the blind woman practically shrieked, “He’s not dead! He’s not dead! I’m your damn radar—you don’t need her!”

Zhao Changhe blinked.

Wait... This whole commotion Jiuyou stirred up isn’t entirely without benefit, is it?

As if she had guessed his thoughts, Jiuyou’s smile deepened. “Perhaps you can sense whether he is alive or not. But... if you truly wish to eliminate all hidden threats, you’ll have to know where to find him.”

The blind woman fell into a stunned silence. If Papiyas was inside Kunlun’s secret realm, then she truly could not see him.

Jiuyou’s smile turned ever so playful. “Well? What do you say, Mister Qin? Are you interested?”

Zhao Changhe fell silent for a moment before suddenly asking, “What are you looking for?”

Jiuyou replied, “In today’s world, chaos in a gentleman’s home is more meaningful than chaos anywhere else.”

Zhao Changhe remained expressionless as he retorted, “I told you, I don’t eat old cured meat.”

Jiuyou chuckled lightly and said, “That may not necessarily be the case. Some people are the same age as me and look very similar to me.”