Volume 1, Chapter 27: The True Heiress is a Mastermind

With everything arranged on Si Chengnian's side, An Qianqian entered the study with An Mingxia for a detailed discussion.

"Qianqian, as the only daughter of the Duke of Rong's estate, your father has prepared a dowry for you befitting an Empress, along with three hundred Black Armored Guards..."

An Mingxia went through the list with An Qianqian, item by item, writing each one down on the dowry register as he spoke.

"Since you are going to the Yan Kingdom, where our banknotes will not be in circulation, I have exchanged everything into silver hacksilver and various types of jewelry. Whether for your own use or for rewarding others, you will not find yourself lacking."

An Qianqian listened quietly, occasionally chiming in with a few words. The father and daughter talked until late at night, and An Mingxia still found it hard to let go. His daughter had only just been reunited with the family, and now she was about to leave; he was naturally reluctant. However, the imperial decree had been issued, and his daughter’s heart was set on that young man. As a father, he could only ensure that her path ahead was well-paved.

The next day, just as the sky was beginning to brighten and An Qianqian was still asleep, Si Chengnian arrived at the Duke of Rong's estate carrying two brocade boxes. The gatekeeper, recognizing him, hurried to announce his arrival with a fawning expression.

An Huanyan happened to be practicing his swordsmanship in the front courtyard. Seeing him enter, he let out a cold snort and lowered his blade. "It’s barely past five in the morning; Your Highness is certainly more diligent than the roosters in our estate."

Si Chengnian did not take offense and handed over the box in his left hand. "Fourth Brother, I heard that you have been assisting in managing the disaster relief at the Eastern Palace recently. This is a method for locust control passed down through generations in the Yan Kingdom; it can ensure three years without a locust plague."

An Huanyan raised an eyebrow, took the box, and opened it to find a thick stack of notes. The handwriting was neat, and every detail—from the habits of the locusts to the timing for prevention—was clearly laid out. He was momentarily stunned, though his words remained biting: "I suppose you are of some use after all."

At this moment, An Mingxia had heard the news and hurried over. Seeing Si Chengnian holding another wooden box in his other hand, he said in a deep voice, "What is His Highness doing now?"

Si Chengnian presented the wooden box. "My father-in-law has great prestige in the military. This is the rare, original manuscript of the 'Si Family Art of War' that the Empress sent via courier last night. The flyleaf contains personal annotations on military strategy written by my maternal grandfather himself. Though not as valuable as gold or silver, it is a treasured collection of the Yan royal family. I hope my father-in-law will not despise it."

An Mingxia opened it to find a yellowed, ancient scroll. The ink on the annotations was still fresh, each word worth its weight in gold. He looked up at Si Chengnian with a complex expression. This boy truly knew how to play to one's interests.

"You have a thoughtful heart," An Mingxia said coolly. He took the wooden box and turned to leave without a word of invitation to stay.

Si Chengnian watched his retreating figure, the corners of his mouth curling upward. The threshold of the Duke of Rong's estate would finally be a little easier to cross.

Three days passed in a flash. An Mingxia and Cheng Mingyue said little, but in truth, the dowry was fully prepared. They had been preparing for over a decade, so this was merely adding a few more items. The three hundred Black Armored Guards were granted permission by the Emperor of the Shang Kingdom to accompany An Qianqian to the Yan Kingdom. To ensure she had support from her maternal family, An Huatuo also joined the entourage.

Naturally, Lingyi, who managed the horse farm, went along as well. An Mingxia trusted no one more to manage the farm. As for Xia Tao and the others, An Qianqian left them behind in the Shang Kingdom. Their families were all in the Shang Kingdom, so there was no need for them to leave with her. Chun Tang, an orphan adopted by the Duke of Rong's estate since childhood, accompanied An Qianqian as a senior maid alongside Lingyi.

This journey lasted more than two months.

The capital of the Yan Kingdom was known as "Sheng'an City." By the time Si Chengnian arrived, two rows of guards in golden armor were already standing solemnly at the city gates, their long halberds forming a forest with a chilling, blinding glint. The Empress's ceremonial procession stretched from the main gate of the palace to the city entrance. Beneath a bright yellow canopy, the Empress, dressed in her imperial robes, sat upon the dragon carriage. Her brows held both the majesty of a monarch and a hint of anticipation for the return of her only child.

The sound of carriage wheels rolling over the bluestone road grew from a distance to a crescendo, and the carriage escorted by Si Chengnian finally appeared in view.

"Crown Prince returns—"

As the ceremonial official’s long-drawn-out announcement faded, the Empress rose slowly. The civil and military officials stood in order of rank to the end of the street, a sea of crimson robes and blue gowns. The high-ranking ministers held their tablets and bowed their heads, not daring to let out a breath.

Si Chengnian leaped off his horse and helped An Qianqian step out of the carriage.

"Your son pays respects to the Empress Mother," Si Chengnian said, bowing with a clear voice.

The Empress’s gaze fell on An Qianqian. She nodded slightly and raised a hand to signal, "Crown Prince, Crown Princess, follow me into the city."

As soon as she spoke, the officials bowed in unison: "Welcome, Your Highness the Crown Prince! Welcome, Your Highness the Crown Princess!"

The combined voices of the officials were enough to make one's heart tremble. An Qianqian glanced at the Empress, a subtle, imperceptible smile touching her lips. *Interesting, her soul actually comes from another world. But it doesn't seem to affect anything.*

She walked across the red carpet without glancing aside. When her skirt brushed the boots of the officials, she did not even flicker an eye. Watching her back, Si Chengnian suddenly smiled. His future Empress was even more of a natural-born ruler than he was. As he hurried to catch up, he heard the Empress whisper to her attendant: "As expected of a daughter raised by the Duke of Rong; her bearing is truly remarkable."

After a tiring day, An Qianqian should have been taken to the Eastern Palace, but she refused and went with An Huatuo to a residence already arranged by An Mingxia. The Imperial Observatory had already selected a date for the wedding: ten days later.

Back at the An estate, An Huatuo busied himself like an old mother. The hundred maids and guards who had arrived early had already cleaned and decorated the estate; now, it was just a matter of verifying the personnel. An Qianqian had no interest in this and called everyone to the front hall to familiarize herself with their faces.

[Congratulations to the Host for unlocking a new map. Main quest: Please spend ten thousand taels of silver within half an hour. Of course, all the silver has been converted into small hacksilver pieces, compliant with the usage regulations of the Yan Kingdom.]

"This quest comes at a convenient time."

[Of course, the system's mission is to ensure the Host remains unfathomably wealthy.]

Seeing his sister in a daze, An Huatuo thought she was tired and quickly comforted her. "Little sister, if you are tired, go and rest first. I will handle things here."

"It's fine, Fifth Brother. Is everyone here?"

"They are."

An Qianqian summoned Lingyi. "Go and distribute rewards according to everyone's rank. Whether they are Golden Armored Guards or sedan chair bearers, leave no one out."

Lingyi acknowledged the order, turned, and called two Black Armored soldiers, giving them low-voiced instructions. In a moment, over a dozen heavy wooden chests were brought into the hall. As the lids were opened, the cold light of the silver dazzled everyone. She stepped forward herself, pointing her fingertips across the crowd, quickly distributing the rewards.

The people held the silver and knelt, shouting in unison: "Thank you for the Lady's grace!"

An Qianqian raised a hand, and the voices ceased.

"The reward is a grace." Her gaze swept over the crowd, and just one look made them feel as if a mountain were pressing down on them, leaving them unable to breathe. "From now on, serving me, following the rules is your duty. If you break the rules, while rewards can be given, punishments will also be doubled."

She paused, her tone softening slightly. "Work hard, and your monthly wages will be increased by thirty percent."

"Thank you, my Lady!"

The crowd kowtowed, their awe deepening.

The next day, Si Chengnian arrived at the An estate early with the betrothal gifts. After An Qianqian had risen, he dismissed everyone else and spoke of the conversation he had with the Empress the night before.

"Qianqian, the Empress Mother hopes that ten days from now, it will not only be our wedding feast but also the day I ascend to the throne."

An Qianqian sipped her congee before saying calmly, "She has only been Empress for a few months, and she is already giving the throne to you?"

"Naturally. This was always her intention and my grandfather's. They were just holding the throne until I returned."

"Then has your wish been fulfilled? Is inheriting the throne your wish?"