Song Qingshu considered it carefully and ultimately agreed to Yelü Nanxian's plan. He was not the sort of man who traded women for profit, but neither did he fear marriage alliances as the two Song dynasties had.
For more than three hundred years, the two Song dynasties had never once entered a marriage alliance with foreign powers. Because of their inner weakness, such alliances meant humiliation to them. In sharp contrast, the stronger Han and Tang dynasties had never shied away from them, because they were powerful enough that marriage alliances represented the grace and glory bestowed by the suzerain state.
Song Qingshu had enough strength and confidence to ensure Yelü Nanxian's safety. With that as a prerequisite, why not secure the greatest possible benefits?
Early the next morning, Yelü Nanxian dressed herself with meticulous care, becoming breathtakingly beautiful. When she emerged from her room, Song Qingshu could not help staring blankly. Her crystal-clear face was tender and rosy, her brows and eyes gathered an exceptional beauty, and her formal attire added several more touches of splendor.
"Seeing how beautiful you are now, I suddenly feel a little regretful." Walking to her side, Song Qingshu could not help sighing.
Yelü Nanxian lifted her chin, her smooth, lovely face glowing with radiant beauty. "Hmph, you are still sweet-talking at a time like this." Yet the faint upward curve of her lips showed that she quite enjoyed such praise.
Since the members of the delegation were all present, the two could not act overly intimate. After exchanging a few quick words, they returned to their respective roles: the future Crown Princess going to meet the emperor, and the general escorting the bride.
Officials from Western Xia's Ministry of Rites had already come to receive them. Before long, the Liao delegation was led