Chapter 1752: 060, Let Chunchun marry for alliance.

Because the transportation of seafood requires time, and it’s best to transport it in winter to ensure longer preservation, the Old Emperor immediately took He Lienuo’s advice and set the date for this feast for the winter of the coming year.

He Lienuo laughed heartily, clapping his hands and saying, “It seems that next year I have a legitimate reason to come to Dayong to taste the delicacies again!”

Though it was said in jest, everyone was amused by his humor.

He Lienuo’s enchanting phoenix eyes casually scanned the people in the grand hall, and when he saw Princess Cuiwei, he couldn’t help but twitch the corner of his eye.

This year’s palace banquet should be one of the most lively in recent years, not only with the cooking competition but also with the antics of the Crown Prince of Xiliang.

Yet, even at such a lively and interesting feast, Princess Cuiwei always wore a cold demeanor, as if she had already excluded herself from the festivities.

He Lienuo slightly pursed his lips, and a sense of conquest suddenly rose within him.

Yes, he wanted to conquer this woman, to make her laugh freely before him, to let her be carefree!

He Lienuo himself didn’t know that this feeling wasn’t really called conquest; to be precise, it should be called compassion.

But unfortunately, he was always quite ignorant about matters of love and affection, so naturally, he didn’t understand such feelings.

“Speaking of Princess Pingxi, she is exceptionally intelligent and stunning in appearance. I have great admiration for the Princess. It’s just a pity that she has long been spoken for; it would truly harm a gentleman’s demeanor if I were to steal someone else’s love!”

As he withdrew his gaze from Princess Cuiwei, He Lienuo both praised and lauded Lin Yuan.

However, anyone who is astute has already heard the hidden meaning in his words.

Sure enough, many officials already pricked up their ears, their eyes tightly fixed on this side, waiting for someone to follow up He Lienuo’s words.

Although praised, Lin Yuan always felt she was being used as a stepping stone.

Xia Zheng seemed to share the sentiment, glancing at her and gently scratching her palm with his fingers, “Wife, don’t take his praise to heart; he’s not genuinely praising you!”

Lin Yuan silently raised her hand to her forehead, no wonder this guy didn’t get jealous after hearing those words, he had already seen through He Lienuo’s intentions!

Indeed, soon someone followed up on He Lienuo’s topic.

But this person surprised everyone—it was Consort Liu.

Consort Liu covered her lips and laughed, saying, “The Crown Prince Helian is extraordinarily handsome; why worry about not having women willing to marry you? Although Princess Pingxi is outstanding, she is already the future daughter-in-law of the General Mansion! How about this, if the Crown Prince doesn’t mind, I am willing to play matchmaker for you!”

Cough, cough, cough.

Just after Consort Liu finished speaking, the Old Emperor immediately began to cough.

Who didn’t understand the meaning behind this? Yet, Consort Liu played dumb.

“Oh, Your Majesty, are you feeling unwell? Come, quickly, have some tea to soothe your throat!”

With a bit of exaggerated expression, Consort Liu stood up immediately, bringing a cup of hot tea to the Old Emperor.

With the officials, their families, and even the Crown Prince of Xiliang present, even if the Old Emperor wanted to scold Consort Liu to silence, he couldn’t let so many people see the joke.

He glared fiercely at Consort Liu, took the hot tea she handed over, but had no intention of drinking it.

Consort Liu naturally understood the meaning behind the Old Emperor’s gaze, but to thwart a certain person’s wish, she pretended not to understand.

“Your Majesty, what I just said is true!”

Before the Old Emperor could speak, Consort Liu had already turned her gaze to Yan Ruchun, smiling at He Lienuo, “Crown Prince, although my niece may not be as exceptionally intelligent as Princess Pingxi, she is a smart and graceful girl. I have always treated her as my own daughter, and I believe Chunchun and the Crown Prince could be regarded as a talented pair made in heaven!”

Clatter!

Just as Consort Liu finished speaking, the sound of a wine cup hitting the ground echoed in the grand hall.

However, the cup in question was not the one Yan Ruchun was holding, but the one swept off the table by Wei Boyu, who was too shocked and annoyed.

Not only Wei Boyu, but even Lin Yuan was stunned by Consort Liu’s words—this Consort Liu really was everywhere!