Exactly as Planned

When Ying Zheng casually uttered the words "bestow a marriage," Lin Qi went numb from his toes all the way to his scalp.

Are you kidding me? Bestow a marriage? And your most favored daughter at that? Who are you trying to fool, you ancient undead ghost? That was probably Ying Zheng's daughter, with nothing to do with you, so you were throwing her out as a gift to win people over, weren't you? Fine, win people over if you wanted. Give him more gold, silver, and jewels, or grant Lin Qi another three or five provinces as fiefs, and Lin Qi would have appreciated it.

But you were bestowing a marriage?

Lin Qi bared his teeth and grimaced at Ying Zheng, saying nothing for quite a while.

Beside him, Zhao Lu chuckled. "Oh my, Eastern Harmony King, have you been stunned silly with joy? As for Princess Qingli, this old servant is not bragging—her character, her learning, and her beauty are all among the very finest in the Blood Qin Empire! And you, Your Highness, are young and accomplished, with a family background that could not be more fitting. You and Princess Qingli truly are a match made in heaven!"

Lin Qi smacked his lips, wanting to say something, but Ying Zheng had already widened his eyes. "Eastern Harmony King, are you married?"

Lin Qi instinctively shook his head. He truly was not married.

Ying Zheng immediately laughed. "Then all the better. Zhao Lu, issue the decree. Princess Qingli is bestowed in marriage to Lin Qi. Select a thousand fine islands from the waters around the Qingli Kingdom and send them along as her dowry. This very month, choose an auspicious day and hurry up with the wedding!"

He was forcing a duck onto the perch, giving Lin Qi