On the side of Great Chu, along with Grand Secretary Mr. Zhou, there were so officials from the Ministry of Rites.
Under the emperor’s signal, Minister of Rites Du Wei frequently toasted Wanyan Zhang and Wulinda Hai.
Accompanied by the sound of silk and bamboo instrunts, the atmosphere in the main hall gradually beca lively.
The emperor, feeling the timing was right, gave Empress Zheng a aningful look.
Empress Zheng, smiling, raised a glass to Wanyan Zhang, "I heard the Second Crown Prince has yet to take a principal consort. What does the Second Crown Prince think of the won of Great Chu?"
A few days ago, officials from Great Chu had proposed the idea of a marriage alliance, but Wanyan Zhang did not respond to this topic.
Now, the emperor was determined to send a princess for a marriage alliance, believing that such an arrangent could better maintain the relationship between the two countries.
With the growing strength of Da Jin, Great Chu was feeling as if sitting on pins and needles.
The emperor had long since decided with Empress Zheng that she would test the waters.
Being rely a woman, she could casually chat with nephews and nieces. Even if she were refused, it wouldn’t escalate to the level of national affairs.
Wanyan Zhang, upon hearing Empress Zheng’s words, was about to politely refuse, but suddenly, an idea struck him, and he raised his glass with a smile, "The won of Great Chu are gentle and beautiful, naturally very good."
"I was thinking of taking a Great Chu woman back to Da Jin with , just wondering if the emperor and empress would be willing to part with one."
Upon hearing this, the emperor waved his hand, "No matter which woman the Second Crown Prince fancies, even if it’s one of my princesses, I am willing to part with her."
He believed his words were clear, expressing his willingness to offer a princess in marriage.
Wanyan Zhang smiled faintly, "Is this true?"
The emperor said, "A ruler’s words carry no jest."
Wanyan Zhang put down his wine glass, "In that case, I will speak plainly. The woman I desire is Doctor Gu from Renxin Hall."
The emperor was taken aback, unable to imdiately recall who Doctor Gu was.
The empress’s face imdiately changed, and she smiled apologetically, "Second Crown Prince, perhaps you are unaware, this Doctor Gu is already married and is now the wife of the Heir of the Duke of England."
When Wanyan Zhang ca two years ago, he assud Yun Jiao was from the Wu’an Hou Mansion, so he dared not make any moves. Subsequently, he returned to Jin Country with his people, and the matter was shelved.
This ti upon his arrival, he sent his people to inquire and soon obtained definite information, so he was well aware of Yun Jiao’s identity.
Wanyan Zhang smiled at Empress Zheng, "Your Majesty, the empress misunderstands. Doctor Gu is a divine physician, and I rely wish for Doctor Gu to visit Huining to treat my mother."
Upon hearing this, the emperor said, "Just for treatnt? Then—"
Halfway through the sentence, he was interrupted by Empress Zheng, "Second Crown Prince, since it’s for treatnt, the Second Crown Prince can privately invite Doctor Gu from Renxin Hall. There’s no need to ntion it here."
She smiled warmly, "Today, the two countries have signed a treaty. It’s a day of great joy; let offer another toast to the Second Crown Prince."
Wanyan Zhang raised his glass, sighing slightly, "But Doctor Gu refuses to go with to Huining. I can only appeal to the emperor and empress for help."
The smile on Empress Zheng’s face beca sowhat forced.
The emperor also started to realize that Doctor Gu was already a married woman, and if she were to go with Wanyan Zhang to Huining, what of her reputation?
If it were soone else, perhaps it would be different, but Doctor Gu was the daughter-in-law of his own nephew. If he forcefully compelled her to go, the princess would not let it rest.
Quickly, the emperor gave Du Wei a aningful look, signaling him to change the topic.
Given Du Wei’s relationship with Jiang Zhongxing, even without the emperor’s hint, Du Wei was ready to lend a hand. He smiled and said, "Second Crown Prince, during your visit to Great Chu this ti, have you had the opportunity to tour around?"
Wanyan Zhang replied coolly, "I have not."
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