A Foodie Transmigrated into the Palace Chapter 1169: Pushing Their Luck

Adris, the king of Portland, is presented. Around fifty years of age, he stands tall, adorned in peculiar attire. His features include a high nose bridge, deep-set eye sockets, and fair skin, with his lower face concealed by a luxuriant beard. At first glance, he bears a striking resemblance to modern Europeans.

After offering Zhao Junyao a beverage, King Adris forthrightly stated his intentions. His lengthy discourse summarized into a single plea: their nation is small and requires a protector. He regarded the Great Chu Dynasty as the Celestial Empire, holding them in high esteem. He emphasized their need for Portland's resources, while he desired their support and protection. He proposed an alliance through marriage, suggesting mutual benefit and a win-win collaboration.

Zhao Junyao listened impassively, his deep eyes pondering the proposition. Xia Ruqing remained outwardly serene, her reaction unaffected. Zhao Junyao had been briefed on the situation beforehand, whereas Xia Ruqing had made an educated guess. Accompanying the king with seven daughters, their intentions were fairly predictable with a moment's thought.

She subtly glided a glare towards Zhao Junyao. 'He wouldn't really sacrifice himself for the country, would he?' 'To be precise, isn't this also a form of national sacrifice?' 'Furthermore, he gets to win a beauty! A foreign beauty! This deal is undoubtedly profitable!'

Amidst her wayward musings, Zhao Junyao suddenly interjected.

"There is no need to rush this matter!!"

"You have traveled a great distance, and as your hosts, we must ensure your comfort!"

"Let us first partake in a hearty feast, and we can discuss other affairs later, shall we?"

King Adris showed a hint of reluctance. However, since Zhao Junyao had spoken, he could not push the issue further. He downed his drink in one gulp, patted his posterior, and departed.

Melodious tunes were performed by female singers multiple times, followed by graceful dances from female performers. As the banquet was nearing its conclusion, King Adris abruptly stood.

"Emperor of Great Chu, my seven daughters have prepared a grand gift for you, please be so kind as to observe!"

Zhao Junyao, despite his underlying impatience, managed a smile.

"Please proceed!"

The attending ministers exchanged bewildered glances, their eyes wide. Despite knowing their Emperor was in a foul mood, curiosity about the foreign princesses' purported beauty still lingered. Even Xia Ruqing found herself intrigued. What would ancient Europeans look like? Would they resemble modern ones?! A flicker of anticipation surprisingly stirred within her heart?!! Emperor husband, I apologize!

Amidst the collective, bated anticipation, the seven princesses emerged. Dressed in classic European-style voluminous gowns, they walked forward in a line, their waists slender. They wore magnificent sapphire blue velvet gowns, meticulously adorned with dazzling pearls and gems on their necks, ears, and wrists. The collars and cuffs of their puffy sleeves, along with the hems of their voluminous skirts, were all trimmed with lustrous lace, lending each a radiant, glittering appearance.

Observing their facial features, they shared their father's traits: fair skin, deep-set eyes, large eyes, blonde hair, and blue eyes. Their hair, resembling golden seaweed, cascaded gently, thick and soft, draping over their shoulders like waves of golden curls.

Contrasting sharply with the women of the Great Chu Dynasty, they did not prioritize slenderness as the ideal of beauty. Instead, each possessed a voluptuous figure. The waists of these seven princesses were quite ample; put plainly, they appeared broad and stout.

Xia Ruqing covertly glanced at her Emperor husband, offering a reassuring expression. 'It's quite alright, Your Majesty!' 'At the very least, they possess fine features!' 'At the very least, those deep blue eyes, like the sea, are a sight to behold!'

Zhao Junyao: "..." He gazed at the princesses, each nearly twice his stature. His composure began to falter, revealing a trace of apprehension and discomfiture. That... if all of them were to be incorporated into the harem, the Ministry of Internal Affairs might face bankruptcy! Zhao Junyao was a man who preferred to avoid complications. If it were a single princess, he might have considered her for the harem. But before him stood seven, a total of seven! How daunting!

"Hahaha!" King Adris suddenly burst into hearty laughter. "What do you think? Are the princesses of Portland not breathtakingly beautiful?"

Zhao Junyao: "..." Sincere praise was out of the question. He furrowed his brow for a prolonged period before finally managing to utter a line.

"The princesses are indeed... each..."

"Each extraordinarily beautiful!"

Xia Ruqing smiled, deftly completing his sentence on his behalf. Zhao Junyao immediately cast a grateful glance her way; Qingqing understood him best. At this juncture, King Adris pressed onward.

"Then, how do they measure up against the Empress?"

Empress? Zhao Junyao's countenance shifted abruptly; his eyes narrowed. Gradually, a tempestuous coldness began to gather in his gaze, and his fists clenched tightly. 'These stout, unattractive women, what right do they possess to be compared with his Empress?'

’How insolent of them to question the Great Chu Dynasty like this!’

’Do they truly believe their perceived importance forces us to submit to their every whim?’

’Utterly preposterous!’

A chilling smile played on his lips as he responded with an emotionless tone.

"My Empress is the one I cherish above all others!"

"Even with all the princesses combined, they could never equal even a tenth of her worth!"

With those words, he stood, casting a stern gaze upon his assembled ministers.

"I have pressing matters to attend to, so I shall depart. Ensure the Portland envoys are well-entertained and drink to their fill!"

He then offered a sweeping farewell to King Adris.

Taking Xia Ruqing by his side, he exited with an air of refined dignity.

Leaving behind a king rendered speechless, princesses utterly bewildered, and ministers completely astonished.

...With the Emperor’s departure, the banquet lost much of its Momen tum.

However, the ministers could not simply dismiss their guests without causing offense.

They engaged in a flurry of appeasement and pleasantries, maintaining a facade of vibrant conversation and laughter.

Keeping the Portland envoys entertained.

They were then escorted directly to their assigned accommodations, awaiting further imperial instruction.

Upon exiting the guest quarters.

The Assistant Minister of Rites dabbed his brow, sweat beading on his forehead.

"Truly audacious of them to bring the Empress into this! It’s a good thing we rely on them, otherwise, wouldn’t the Emperor have had their heads mounted as trophies?!"

The Grand Scholar of Honglu Temple wore a grim expression.

"Did you truly think otherwise?"

"Fortunately, I managed to soothe the atmosphere with a few carefully chosen words earlier, lest the tension escalate further!"

The Minister of Public Works appeared even more drained.

"Why even mention the Empress unnecessarily?"

"The Emperor is clearly displeased, so this marriage alliance is certainly doomed."

"Without this alliance, they won't cooperate, leaving the Jiangnan riverbanks unrepaired indefinitely. When will that task ever be completed?"

The three weary officials offered each other commiserating pats on the shoulder for comfort.

Each departed with heavy hearts.

...

Within the imperial confines.

In the hallowed halls of the Imperial Study Room.

Zhao Junyao returned, his countenance a mask of sheer fury.

It took Xia Ruqing’s extended efforts, soothing him with gentle words, before his expression began to soften.

"Your Majesty, such a minor nation speaks with little regard. Let us not stoop to their meager level!"

Zhao Junyao acknowledged her words with a nod.

"Hmm!"

"Your Majesty! Perhaps we could endeavor to develop a mortar superior to theirs?"

Zhao Junyao remained uncharacteristically silent.

’They desire it, of course!’

’But… truthfully, he has never encountered such a substance!’

’To create something of that caliber, how formidable a challenge would it truly be?!’