Staying Alive Cautiously in the Celestial Realm and Becoming the Strongest

Emperor Shaowu couldn't help but stroke his younger sister's head.

They say the royal family is ruthless, yet he's never been a decisive monarch when it comes to killing; he values family bonds highly.

However, after ascending to the throne, he naturally grew distant from his relatives.

Even Emperor Shaowu himself could not change such transformation.

Now, within the Imperial Palace, the only true family he had left was this younger sister from the same mother.

As for the Empress Dowager, who spent her years in the ancestral temple fasting and praying yet never ceased to meddle in the affairs of the harem, Emperor Shaowu felt only reverence for her, without any closeness.

That was why he particularly doted on Princess Qingyun, almost indulging her every whim: "What's the matter?"

Princess Qingyun sneakily glanced at Emperor Shaowu, then lowered her head and spoke, "I just went to see Thousand Household Wang of the Tiqi."

"Thousand Household Wang of the Tiqi?"

Emperor Shaowu was momentarily startled, "You mean Wang Chen?"

"Yes."

Princess Qingyun nodded, suppressing the excitement in her heart as she said: "Brother, do you know? Thousand Household Wang helped me open up my meridians, he's really amazing!"

Emperor Shaowu was shocked, "He helped you open up your meridians?"

The Emperor of Great Liang had never imagined that his little sister could be so bold!

To put it accurately, both Qingyun and Wang Chen were excessively courageous.

One dared to dream, the other dared to act; both utterly disregarding their statuses without fearing any ensuing troubles!

"Brother, please don't blame Thousand Household Wang."

Princess Qingyun, observant of others' expressions, quickly spoke: "I asked him to do it. I feel great now, and I've also learned the Technique of Drawing Qi. I can start learning Taoist Skills soon."

Emperor Shaowu took a deep breath, calming his emotions.

Given his lenient nature, since what's done cannot be undone, and his sister was unharmed, he did not fly into a rage: "Remember not to be reckless in the future, in case something happens..."

Emperor Shaowu shook his head, "This time I will not punish Wang Chen, but I will not reward him either."

Princess Qingyun meekly said, "Brother, I want to take Wang Chen as my master and have him teach me Taoist Skills."

"No!"

Emperor Shaowu rejected without hesitation, his demeanor even slightly rough: "Stop thinking about it!"

Princess Qingyun was startled, her eyes immediately reddened, and she pouted, looking aggrieved.

Seeing his sister's expression, Emperor Shaowu's heart softened again.

The Emperor of Great Liang took his sister's small hand, just like when they were children, and sat down with her on a soft couch nearby.

"Qingyun, you are already fourteen, there are some things you should be informed about."

Emperor Shaowu smiled bitterly, "Regarding your marriage."

Princess Qingyun's expression instantly changed, "Emperor brother, I don't want to get married, I don't want to leave you!"

She was still at the innocent and carefree age, the sudden mention of her marriage naturally triggered strong resistance.

Emperor Shaowu sighed, "I don't wanna do this either."

Princess Qingyun's marriage had actually been decided ten years ago, and it was the current Empress Dowager who made that decision.

Although Emperor Shaowu had ascended to the throne by then, his position wasn't stable, and many decisions required the Empress Dowager's support and aid, leaving him no room to object.

Most importantly, Princess Qingyun was betrothed to the Third Prince of Great Yan, a political alliance between the two nations.

Great Yan was a neighboring country to Great Liang, with comparable national strength.

But, thirty years ago, Great Liang was defeated by the powerful Great Qi from the north, which led to a severe loss of territory and decline in power, from which it had not yet recovered, already falling behind Great Yan.

Fortunately, over the years, as Great Qi's power continued to grow, posing a huge threat to both Great Liang and Great Yan, the two countries formed an alliance to jointly curtail Great Qi's ambitions.

Princess Qingyun's marriage to the Third Prince of Great Yan was born under such circumstances.

Great Liang is currently facing both internal strife and external threats. Apart from the archenemy Great Qi, the Southern Barbarians in the south are also extremely restless, frequently raiding the border counties, which drags down a considerable amount of military and financial resources.

Thus, no matter how much Emperor Shaowu loves his sister, he cannot call off the marriage.

Otherwise, once it provokes Great Yan, if they join forces with Great Qi, annihilating and swallowing up Great Liang wouldn't be a problem at all.

Of course, Great Yan understands the principle of the lips and teeth relying on each other, but the repercussions of calling off the marriage are too dire, and such consequences are beyond his ability to bear.

"Great Yan currently has no Crown Prince..."

Emperor Shaowu said solemnly, "As I understand it, the Third Prince Yin Zhen is very promising and has the support of many ministers and generals; if he truly becomes the ruler of Great Yan in the future, then you will be the Empress!"

"By then, Great Liang and Great Yan could fully join hands to attack Great Qi, reclaim our lost lands, and thoroughly resolve this formidable foe..."

He became more excited as he spoke but failed to notice the way Princess Qingyun was looking at him.

"Qingyun, don't blame your brother."

Emperor Shaowu then patted Princess Qingyun's head, saying, "Although we are members of the Royal Family, we are not masters of our own fates."

"Mhm."

Princess Qingyun gently responded, with the light in her eyes fading as she lowered her head.

Emperor Shaowu felt guilty, "If there's no accident, you'll be married to Great Yan after the New Year."

Princess Qingyun was shocked, "So soon?"

"No choice."

Emperor Shaowu explained, "The King of Yan sent a state letter, and I have already responded with an agreement."

Princess Qingyun lowered her head again.

Emperor Shaowu sighed, "Qingyun..."

"Brother!"

Princess Qingyun suddenly interrupted him, "I'm willing to marry into Great Yan, but before that, I want to learn Taoist Skills from Thousand Household Wang. That way, after I marry the Third Prince of Great Yan, I won't be bullied by anyone."

Emperor Shaowu was stunned.

Emperor Shaowu wanted to say no one would bully her, but he swallowed his words.

After all, this sister was naturally frail and unfamiliar with the tactics of palace struggles, going to a foreign country, she really might be bullied!

Thinking back on their childhood, the Emperor of Great Liang's heart softened again.

"Alright, I agree to your request, but you must also promise me, do not cause any trouble before the marriage."

Princess Qingyun nodded vigorously, "Mhm."

"Emperor brother, then please write a sacred decree to Thousand Household Wang, he said he won't teach me without your permission."

This Wang Chen was quite sensible.

Thinking this, Emperor Shaowu got up and went to his desk, picked up a pen and paper, and personally wrote a sacred decree.

"I will summon Wang Chen to the palace tomorrow, and fulfill your wish."

"Brother!"

Princess Qingyun pursed her lips and said, "I don't want others to know about this, especially Mother; I want to study Taoist Skills with Thousand Household Wang outside."

"Ah?"

Emperor Shaowu was troubled—how could this be!

Princess Qingyun clung to his Imperial robes pleadingly, "Brother, please!"

Emperor Shaowu hesitated for a long time, finally letting out a long sigh.

"Fine, have it your way."

Even if Princess Qingyun was being willful, this was her last time being willful!

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The second update is delivered.