Firefly Journey

Chapter 283 Trying to Scoop the Moon from the Mud (8)

Among the row of seats for imperial officials, a man suddenly stood up. He was Grand Duke Robert, Jamie's biological father and Finney's uncle.

This man possessed an extraordinary demeanor, exuding a sharp and shrewd aura. He was both assertive and reserved, embodying all the qualities of a powerful aristocrat.

He was a little bewildered when Henry I singled him out. He had attended many diplomatic meetings like this before, but he had always been a supporting character, just going through the motions and never really taking the lead.

He never expected that he would become the focus of the meeting because of a woman from his tribe, so he had no choice but to say a few words.

The Debasa Empire was very experienced in marriage alliances. In order to win over neighboring small countries and achieve victory without bloodshed, Henry I would send away several noble daughters or even princesses without batting an eye.

Henry I declared that the Chu envoys could choose freely; this was an order that could not be questioned, not even by a Grand Duke.

Kane Roberts knew Finney well; he was intelligent from a young age and stood out among the family members. Everyone in the family liked him, including his son Jamie.

It can be said that Finney's treatment within the family is equivalent to that of a princess of a country.

Emotionally speaking, Kane was Finney's uncle and naturally did not want her to marry a complete stranger. He did not believe Lin Yuanran was telling the truth. Even if she had met the Crown Prince of Chu, it was unlikely that they had any romantic feelings for each other. The family was completely unaware of this.

From a national perspective, however, he had no reason to refuse.

The State of Chu sought a marriage alliance in order to improve relations between the two countries and to seek peace. As a powerful nobleman, he could not help but consider the interests of the empire.

The constant conquests in the north have dragged the empire into a quagmire of war. Although it has gained many tangible benefits, the labels of invader and robber have been deeply etched onto the empire.

If it continues to act willfully, the empire may well become the next Chu state of ten years ago, becoming an enemy of the continent.

With the relatively powerful Chu Kingdom now willing to become an ally, why wouldn't the Empire be happy to accept? The only price to pay is a noble girl, which is a sure win compared to the benefits.

Kane looked at Henry I, then at his colleagues. He knew that everyone thought the deal was worthwhile, and if he objected, he would be isolated at home.

From the very beginning, this was a multiple-choice question.

Kane said, "The Chu Kingdom is willing to form an alliance, which is a good thing for the Empire and the continent. The Chu envoy said that the two children had met before, so they must be in love. I have no objection."

"Good!" Henry I exclaimed happily. "Then it's settled. I'll have the officials discuss the details and set a date."

Upon seeing this, Lin Yuanran also pulled Du Guangting to bow and said, "Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty. I believe that the friendship between our two countries will last forever."

……

……

Robert's family courtyard.

Finney didn't actually change much as she grew up; she was just a bit taller, stronger, and had longer hair. Compared to her previous appearance, she was just a bit larger overall.

The largest tree in the courtyard had a silk thread hanging down from it, with an open book of oracle hanging from the end.

Fene stood not far away, eyes closed, holding his staff, occasionally opening one eye to glance at the oracle, practicing in this way.

rustle--

Someone had stepped on the grass in the yard; it was a pair of military boots.

Finney opened her eyes and exclaimed in surprise, "Big brother, sister-in-law, what brings you here?!"

In front of her were Jamie Roberts and his wife Willolo.

Willolo smiled and said, "Your eldest brother received a message from Father and rushed back from the border overnight. He wanted to see you, so he came over as soon as possible."

Finne Roberts grabbed his sister-in-law's arm and snorted, "Liar! He came with you, which means you were the first person he saw."

Vilolo covered her mouth and chuckled softly.

Jamie replied helplessly, "Of course, what kind of person wouldn't go home and see his wife first?"

“That makes sense,” Finney said. “Actually, I knew you were coming back when I was doing the divination just now. Death guided me, and you came to me with other news.”

Jamie frowned, thinking that this divination technique was really amazing. It could not only predict the big picture of the world, but it was also very useful for small things.

“I have two pieces of bad news. Which one do you want to hear first?” Jamie said.

He had almost finished his leave for the year, and his return was at his father Kane's behest. Because of the news of Finn's marriage, he felt it would be better to have Jamie, who was close to the person involved, tell them. After the date was set, he would represent the Robert family to send her to the State of Chu.

"Why isn't there any good news?" Finney asked blankly.

"Because for you, neither of them is good news."

Jamie sighed: "The first piece of bad news is that the Chu envoy has arrived, requesting an alliance with us to strengthen relations between the two countries through marriage."

"But what does this have to do with me?"

"Let me finish. The Chu Kingdom's diplomatic envoy is Ario, but that's not important. What's important is that he specifically named you as the person to be married to His Majesty the Emperor."

"Ah I?"

Finney pointed to her nose, not quite understanding at first.

In Radiant City, she is quite well-known and has many admirers. Every now and then, someone would come to show their affection, but she has no feelings for them at all, so she remains single.

Unexpectedly, the Chu ambassador would make such a request.

For a moment, she didn't know whether to be happy or sad.

Yes, she was partly happy, and as for why, we have to mention her experience in the Vientiane Shell.

Lu Jianming is the crown prince of Chu. If we were to arrange a marriage, would it be related to him?

Jamie said, "Well, is this bad news?"

Not wanting anyone to see through her thoughts, Finney went along with Jamie's words, saying, "Why me? Did Uncle agree to it?"

Jamie said, "His Majesty the Emperor has agreed, so Father's opinion is no longer important. Now, I have the second piece of bad news."

Finney listened intently, while Willolo took her arm and gently stroked it, as if to comfort her.

"The marriage proposal is with the Crown Prince of Chu, that's right, Lü Jianming. As far as I know, that guy is a spoiled brat who was a hostage in the duchy in his early years and has a chaotic private life."

Rumors circulate that this man is a notorious womanizer, frequently visiting brothels and considered a complete scumbag.

Finne Roberts had heard a bit about Lü Jianming's situation, and to be honest, she found it hard to comment. However, since she hadn't seen the whole story, even with some reservations, she couldn't help but recall their brief encounter in the Vientiane Shell.

Fene was in a daze. Seeing this, Jamie thought she was unhappy, so he comforted her, "If you don't want to get married, then don't. I'll talk to Father and ask him to petition His Majesty the Emperor to find someone else for the marriage."

Finney said bitterly, "When has His Majesty the Emperor ever changed his orders so easily? His daughters and granddaughters can be married off whenever he wants, let alone me."

If my uncle clashes with him because of me, the Robert family will be the ones who suffer. It's not worth it for the whole family to take the risk for just one person.

I grew up in Robert's family, and everyone treated me very well. Now that something like this has happened, it's my turn to stand up.

"I would like to go."

Jamie and Willolo exchanged a glance and both fell silent.