YWTGU -Chapter 33 Your Majesty, This “Soft Rice” Isn’t That Tasty

The next day, in the Imperial Garden.

This was the most lavish banquet hall in the entire palace, and today it had been decorated even more magnificently than usual.

Li An arrived fashionably late, standing at the entrance of the Imperial Garden. Looking at the carefully prepared scene before him, he felt his scalp tingle.

At the main seat up front, Emperor Zhao Ling’er naturally wore a bright yellow dragon robe, seated on the dragon throne with her full aura on display.

To her left, Murong Xue today was dressed in red, exuding an exotic elegance mixed with a sharp, commanding energy.

To her right, Liu Wanqing wore a plain-colored long dress, gentle and refined, yet her eyes carried a determined glint.

Looking further back, Prime Minister Wang Fu, Imperial Uncle Liu De, Grand Marshal Sun Qian… the entire court of civil and military officials stood densely packed, like a dark sea of humanity.

Li An felt as if he had walked in like a monkey on display.

No, more like a small white rabbit being stared down by several tigresses.

“Minister Li, why are you just standing there? Take your seat,” Zhao Ling’er’s voice rang out, tinged with teasing.

“Your servant… obeys the order,” Li An replied, bowing slightly and bracing himself as he walked past all those gazes.

His seat had been arranged in the very center, exactly at the intersection of the three women’s lines of sight.

What kind of divine seating arrangement was this?

No sooner had he sat down than three completely different gazes hit him.

Zhao Ling’er’s eyes were scrutinizing, tinged with… possessiveness?

Murong Xue’s gaze was full of admiration and testing.

Liu Wanqing’s eyes were filled with concern and affection.

Li An felt utterly uncomfortable under such “attention.”

“Today, I have set this banquet and invited all the ministers to welcome the arrival of the Ninth Princess of Northern Yan,” Zhao Ling’er announced, her voice cool but commanding.

“It is also to show all ministers the sincerity of rebuilding diplomatic relations between Great Qi and Northern Yan,” she continued.

Hearing this, Murong Xue stood up and performed a distant bow.

“Your Majesty of Great Qi, Murong Xue greets you on behalf of the Northern Yan royal family.”

Zhao Ling’er nodded slightly. “Princess, you have traveled a long way. It must have been arduous.”

“Not at all,” Murong Xue’s lips curved into a smile. “Coming to Great Qi and seeing Minister Li made this trip worthwhile.”

At this, the Imperial Garden fell silent.

All eyes focused on Li An.

Li An: …

Why are you pointing at me directly?

Did I offend you somehow?

The audacity of Northern Yan women… truly, Princess, you’ve outdone yourself!

Zhao Ling’er’s eyes narrowed slightly.

Liu Wanqing’s expression also changed.

Prime Minister Wang Fu stroked his beard, a trace of schadenfreude in his eyes.

Oh? Today, this Li An is going to struggle with not one but several beauties!

“What do you mean by that, Princess?” Zhao Ling’er’s voice grew colder.

“It means…”

Murong Xue walked up to Li An, sizing him up from head to toe.

“This time I come to Great Qi by my father’s order, specifically for Minister Li, and I come with sincerity.”

“Sincerity? What sincerity?”

“The sincerity of a marriage proposal.”

At this, the Imperial Garden erupted again.

Marriage proposal?

The Northern Yan princess is really going to form a marital alliance with Great Qi?

The rumors were true!

“My dowry,” Murong Xue paused, “is that the Northern Yan cavalry will postpone its southern campaign by three years.”

The entire hall burst into uproar.

Postpone the southern campaign by three years?

This was enormous!

The Northern Yan cavalry had always been a major threat to Great Qi. If peace could be guaranteed for three years…

The ministers whispered among themselves, discussing excitedly.

Li An’s heart tightened.

Three years of postponed attacks?

This wouldn’t do!

He was Northern Yan’s undercover agent; his mission was to ruin Great Qi’s national fortune.

If Northern Yan guaranteed peace for three years, Great Qi would immediately develop its economy and strengthen its power, leaving him unable to complete his task.

“Your Highness, I have received the Princess’s sincerity,” Zhao Ling’er’s voice rang out, cutting through the ministers’ chatter.

“But the matter of a marriage alliance is not decided by me alone. Though my word is law, I would never force my ministers…”

Her gaze landed on Li An. “Minister Li, the Princess clearly favors you. What is your opinion?”

Li An: …

Your Majesty, what do you mean by this?

In front of everyone, with the Princess openly showing her sincerity…

You’re letting me decide?

This isn’t just a trap—you’re pointing at a huge pit and telling me to jump!

“My…,”

Li An braced himself and stood up, his mind racing.

No, he had to find a way to ruin this marriage proposal.

But how?

Refuse outright?

The Northern Yan delegation would be unhappy and might turn hostile on the spot, and Great Qi’s national fortune would drop…

Wait.

National fortune drop?

Li An’s eyes lit up.

Perfect!

He could deliberately offend the Northern Yan princess, ruin diplomatic relations, and make national fortune plummet!

Perfect!

With that thought, Li An took a deep breath and spoke:

“Your Majesty, I have something to say.”

“Speak.”

“Your servant… has no grand ambitions. I’ve always wanted to find a rich wife and live off her!”

At this, the Imperial Garden fell silent again.

Everyone froze.

Zhao Ling’er froze.

Murong Xue froze.

Liu Wanqing froze.

The entire court froze.

This… what is he saying?

Li An felt a rush of satisfaction.

How’s that? Shocked, huh?

I, a top scholar who passed the imperial exams on my own merit, have publicly admitted I want to live off a wife.

He continued, “So my decision is simple! Whoever is richer, I’ll go with them!”

The hall immediately went completely silent.

Prime Minister Wang Fu nearly twisted his beard in anger.

This boy!

In front of the entire court, he openly admits he wants to live off a wife?

This is ridiculous!

You are Great Qi’s top scholar, the pride of its literati!

“Minister Li, what do you mean by this?”

Murong Xue spoke first, her face full of anticipation as she looked at Li An.

“It means…”

Li An put on a greedy expression. “I don’t care about marriage or diplomacy. I only care about one thing—money!”

“Whoever can give me more money, I’ll go with them!”

Ding!

【Host Li An publicly declares he loves wealth, not women!】

【Refusal of marriage proposal damages Great Qi’s image!】

【Great Qi National Fortune -300】

【Current National Fortune: 54,979】

Li An grinned at the system notification.

It dropped! Keep going!

“Princess, how much wealth does Northern Yan have?”

Li An turned to Murong Xue, looking greedy.

“If Northern Yan can hand over its treasury to me, I… might consider?”

At this, the entire hall erupted again.

Hand over the treasury?

This wasn’t just greed… it was…

Prime Minister Wang Fu jumped to his feet.

“Outrageous! Li An, you want to defect to Northern Yan!”

Li An grinned inwardly.

Defect to Northern Yan?

You’re overthinking.

I am already Northern Yan’s agent; this absurd request is just…

to disgust the princess enough to break off the marriage.

“Prime Minister, there’s no need to alarm everyone,” Li An pretended to be humble. “I am loyal to Great Qi! I only care about money.”

However…

Murong Xue’s reaction exceeded his expectations.

She was neither angry nor did she storm off.

Instead, her eyes sparkled ever brighter.

“Minister Li…”

She spoke slowly, her voice tinged with admiration.

“Truly extraordinary.”

Wait a minute.

Li An froze.

Extraordinary?

I just said I want to swallow your treasury, and you call me extraordinary?

“Across the world, men see me and think only how to please me,” Murong Xue said as she approached Li An, fixing her gaze on him.

“Yet only Minister Li is not bewitched by beauty. Instead, he directly asks me to hand over the entire treasury of Northern Yan!”

“Such appetite, such vision…”

Her eyes glimmered with respect.

“Minister Li is telling me that Great Qi is already prepared to swallow Northern Yan from an economic strategy standpoint! That this request for the treasury is a metaphor?”

Li An: ???

Is that what I meant?

I just want to be a freeloader and live off women!

Why does everyone have such imagination?

Ding!

【Murong Xue misinterprets Li An’s intention!】

【Believes Li An is using economic strategy to intimidate Northern Yan!】

【Northern Yan Princess’s favorability towards Li An soars!】

【Great Qi National Fortune +500】

【Current National Fortune: 55,479】

Li An stared at the system prompts, dumbfounded.

Gained again?

I was exposing my true nature and humiliating myself—how did it become economic intimidation?

Zhao Ling’er, seated at the main throne, also displayed a flicker of surprise.

So… Minister Li meant it this way.

I thought he was simply greedy and lecherous.

Turns out, he’s retreating to advance, using this method to intimidate Northern Yan!

Impressive! Truly impressive!

“Minister Li is indeed a pillar of my court,” Zhao Ling’er murmured, her voice full of satisfaction.

“Not swayed by beauty, not dazzled by power. At a critical moment in the two nations’ diplomacy, he remains clear-headed and plans for Great Qi.”

“Your Majesty, I did not misjudge him.”

Li An: …

Your Majesty, are you… imagining things again?

Are all the people in this world like this?

Liu Wanqing was listening nearby, her eyes full of pride.

She knew that Master Li was not that kind of person!

He wasn’t greedy or lustful at all!

He was clearly using the pretense of greed and lust to assert his power and intimidate Northern Yan!

“Master Li…”

Liu Wanqing stood up and walked over to Li An.

“Wanqing is willing to dedicate all the family assets of the Guojiu Mansion to support you!”

Li An: …

What are you doing barging in?

I’m not accepting this marriage!

Why are you throwing yourself into another marriage instead?!

Murong Xue looked at the suddenly appearing Liu Wanqing, a trace of challenge flashing in her eyes.

“And who might this be…?”

“The daughter of the Guojiu Mansion, Liu Wanqing,” came the proud reply.

Liu Wanqing held her head high. “I am also Master Li’s future wife!”

The hall erupted again.

Future wife?

When was that decided?

Murong Xue sneered.

“Miss Liu, you have quite the audacity. The princess hasn’t said anything, and yet you already call yourself the future wife?”

“Your Highness’s dowry is three years of peace,” Liu Wanqing retorted without hesitation, “my dowry is the entire wealth of the Guojiu Mansion!”

“In terms of wealth and sincerity, I daresay I am not inferior to Your Highness!”

The two women faced off, sparks practically flying between them.

Li An, caught in the middle, felt as if he were trapped between swords.

His head was buzzing.

This is not the script I wanted!

I just wanted to publicly declare that I want to mooch off someone a little, and now these two women are fighting over me?

“Ladies…”

Zhao Ling’er’s voice rang out at the perfect moment, interrupting their squabble.

“Today is a welcoming banquet, not a dowry contest.”

Her gaze shifted to Li An, a gentle smile on her face.

“Li Aiqing is our newly crowned top scholar of Great Qi. Naturally, I will take care of his marriage arrangements, so… I have it all planned.”

“Planned?”

Li An’s heart skipped a beat.

What does His Majesty mean by that?

Is he trying to get involved too? No way he’s planning to marry off the Empress to me, right?

That would be absurd!

Just then, Murong Xue suddenly stood up.

“Since the Emperor of Great Qi mentioned arrangements…”

A determined smile tugged at her lips.

“I, too, have a proposal.”

“Speak.”

“I came this time to attend the Great Qi International Expo.”

Murong Xue’s gaze lingered on Li An for a moment.

“Why not make this expo the wager?”

Wager?

Everyone froze.

“If the profits of the Northern Yan trade caravan I bring exceed those of Miss Liu’s Guojiu Mansion at the expo…”

Murong Xue looked at Liu Wanqing, her smile laced with provocation.

“Then Master Li will belong to me!”

Liu Wanqing’s expression changed.

“What does Your Highness mean? Master Li is not a commodity; how can he be a stake in a wager?”

“Afraid?”

“Who’s afraid of whom!”

Liu Wanqing squared her shoulders. “Fine! I accept this wager!”

Li An was dumbfounded.

Wait a second!

They’re using me as a bargaining chip?

But… did anyone ask me first?

You just rushed to decide this unilaterally?!

He was about to protest when Zhao Ling’er spoke.

“Interesting.”

She too seemed amused, but for the sake of imperial dignity, she held back a laugh and said:

“This wager is approved.”

Approved?

Your Majesty approved it?

You’re making decisions on your own too?

Did you ask for my opinion? I’m the one involved here!

Li An hurriedly said, “Your Majesty, I—”

“Li Aiqing need not speak further.”

Zhao Ling’er raised her hand to stop him.

“I trust that with Master Li’s abilities, no matter the outcome, he will bring glory to Great Qi.”

Glory? This… this is what counts as glory?

I just wanted Great Qi’s national fortune to drop, Your Majesty!

Ding!

【Princess Murong Xue of Northern Yan has initiated a wager!】

【Liu Wanqing accepts the challenge!】

【Approved by the Emperor of Great Qi!】

【International Expo PLUS mode activated!】

【Li An becomes the focal point of both sides’ attention, greatly boosting national prestige!】

【Great Qi national fortune +800】

【Current national fortune: 56,279】

Li An stared at the system prompt, utterly speechless.

All I wanted today was to make a “mooching declaration,” act a little arrogant, and ruin a marriage.

And the result?

I didn’t get to mooch at all, and instead became the coveted prize for two top-tier wealthy beauties.

National fortune didn’t drop—it soared by over a thousand points?!

What kind of world is this?!

“Master Li,” Murong Xue approached him softly, “I look forward to seeing you at the expo.”

She turned and left, her skirts flowing elegantly.

Liu Wanqing also approached, full of fighting spirit.

“Master Li, don’t worry! Wanqing will win!”

Li An felt his head spinning.

Your Majesty… this mooching isn’t nearly as enjoyable as it looks…

After the banquet.

Li An dragged his exhausted, helpless body back to his residence.

The moment he entered, he collapsed onto his bed, staring blankly at the ceiling.

Today was a total failure.

He wanted to humble himself, and instead got portrayed as powerful and awe-inspiring.

He wanted to mooch and got rejected, and instead became a hot commodity.

He wanted to lower the national fortune, and instead it skyrocketed.

Li An—what kind of fate is this?!

Just as he was sulking, Hongmei’s voice came from outside the door.

“Master, someone from the palace has arrived.”

From the palace?

Again?

Li An sighed and sat up. “Let them in.”

Xiao Dezi walked in with a smile, holding an imperial edict.

“Master Li, His Majesty has issued a decree.”

Another edict?

Li An quickly knelt.

“The Emperor commands—”

Xiao Dezi cleared his throat.

“Li An, hearing of your loyalty, fearlessness in crisis, and your defense of Great Qi’s dignity before Princess Murong, I am deeply comforted. You are hereby awarded one thousand taels of gold. Furthermore, during the expo, you are to be fully responsible for coordinating the activities of both trade caravans.”

Li An nearly fainted.

Fully responsible?

Both trade caravans?

Does that mean Murong Xue and Liu Wanqing’s competition… is entirely on my shoulders?!

“Is that all?”

“Yes, that’s all.”

Xiao Dezi leaned closer and whispered, “Master Li, His Majesty also asked me to convey a message.”

“What message?”

“His Majesty says…”

Xiao Dezi paused, a meaningful smile tugging at his lips.

“Do not disappoint me.”

He then turned and left.

Li An remained kneeling for a long while, deep in thought.

Don’t disappoint me?

I’m already completely disappointed, Your Majesty!

Ding!

【Emperor Zhao Ling’er’s trust in host Li An reaches a new high!】

【Entrusted with full coordination of the expo!】

【Great Qi national fortune +200】

【Current national fortune: 56,479】

Li An stared at the system prompt, speechless.

After all today’s events, the national fortune jumped from 54,979 to 56,479.

A full 1,500 points!

His “mooching declaration” not only had no effect—it became a tool for increasing national fortune.

What am I supposed to do with this?!

“Master…”

Hongmei’s voice sounded again, this time with a trace of strangeness.

“Both Miss Liu and Princess Murong have sent gifts.”

Gifts?

Now?

“Miss Liu sent a chest of jewels, saying it’s to support you in showing your prowess at the expo.”

“Princess Murong sent a Northern Yan treasure horse, saying she looks forward to seeing you again at the expo.”

Li An: …

I only said, “Whoever has money can go for it.”

And now these two women have started competing in gifts?!

“Also…”

Hongmei’s voice lowered further.

“The palace sent something as well.”

The palace? Didn’t they just send a thousand taels of gold?

“His Majesty personally bestowed a golden-trimmed robe of brocade, saying you are to wear it at the expo to represent Great Qi’s prestige.”

Li An was completely speechless.

Three sources, three gifts.

All aimed at him.

“Sir, what’s wrong?”

Seeing Li An’s strange expression, Hongmei couldn’t help asking.

“Nothing…”

Li An let out a long sigh.

“I’m just thinking… am I really that charming? Two incomparable beauties fighting over me like this?”

Hongmei: …