Chapter 9, Negotiation

After several generations of the Xiao surname dynasty, a court rebellion occurred, similar to other dynasties in history. The legitimacy of a certain emperor's lineage was called into question, and ultimately, the throne was inherited by this emperor's sister, who is the Empress Chang Le that Tan Cangyu just mentioned

"Alright... I will be the princess..." Qin Sisi said weakly, hearing her own voice.

Qin Sisi was taken aback, but quickly regained her composure. She pointed at him and herself with her chopsticks and chuckled, "Well, let me put it another way: I will immediately annul the engagement between you and me..."

Tang Cangyu was thrown into disarray by her earlier actions, his mind in turmoil. At that moment, he looked up and saw her enlarged visage before him. Angrily and shamefully, he said: "No, to prevent you from running away halfway, I will not give you the antidote to the 'migratory bird.' It is night now; you should rest. We need to set off early tomorrow morning." With that, he waved his sleeve and stood up, slamming the door as he left.

Well, everyone in the courtyard saw you impersonating Princess Ya tonight. Sigh, the crime of impersonating royalty could lead to the extermination of nine clans! Oh, don't worry, I will do my best to explain it to him!" Tan Cangyu said very seriously.

"So, can you?" The smile in Tan Cangyu's eyes did not reach the depths of his gaze. Through the flame of the oil lamp, he stared at the charming face within reach. It was so familiar, yet it made him feel so strange.

"So, to whom did Empress Chang Le pass the throne later?" Qin Sisi interrupted his words. Regarding his recent historical introduction, she was almost certain that at least two time travelers had come to this timeline before her arrival. One was the Empress Dugu, as the history she was familiar with had its turning point from there. The other must certainly be this Empress Chang Le. If they were not modern individuals, how could they possibly understand these trendy concepts like kindergartens?

"Secondly, after assisting Xiao Run in reclaiming the position of Crown Prince, I will regain my freedom." Being a princess is actually quite dull; having traversed through time, how could it be worth the experience if I don't take the opportunity to enjoy myself outside the palace?

Looking into the deep plea in Tan Cangyu's eyes, Qin Sisi swallowed hard. Could she bear to say no? Being a princess is indeed appealing! However, being a princess in exile is not a life of enjoyment

Qin Sisi exaggeratedly dug at her ears to confirm whether she was experiencing auditory hallucinations

However, in Qin Sisi's view, that smile was as wicked as it could be

This is the first time Qin Sisi has been addressed as "young lady." She blinked in surprise and then smiled playfully, saying, "Does it matter where I am from? What’s important is that you need to be sure it won’t affect your plan to have me impersonate Princess Ya"

It seems she can look forward to the days ahead, which are sure to be splendid

"Sure." Tang Cangyu casually replied as she put down her chopsticks. She was thinking quite far ahead, wondering if it was so easy for the deposed prince to regain power. Although he spoke lightly of it, gaining the support of the prominent families was exceedingly difficult. Failure would lead to dire consequences. He began to feel somewhat guilty, realizing that he was forcing a girl he barely knew to bear such a heavy responsibility, and he truly felt sorry for her. He secretly resolved that, regardless of her other requests, he would do his utmost to fulfill them.

"Of course, you are a princess." Tan Cangyu's smile was somewhat desolate; this request was tantamount to nonexistence. If he could protect Ya'er, would there still be such a conversation tonight?

First, regardless of the circumstances, you must ensure my safety My life is of utmost importance

Tang Cangyu pondered for a moment, then lowered his eyelids and sighed heavily: "Everything happened so suddenly. When I was at my wit's end, I happened to see you, and I almost thought that Ya'er had returned to my side, as if all of this were merely a nightmare I had created. Yet what has happened is a fact; I neglected your feelings and only considered my own interests. I apologize to you."

What? Returning to the capital? Qin Sisi widened her eyes, struggling to keep up with Tan Cangyu's train of thought

Qin Sisi couldn't help but roll her eyes dramatically and said irritably, "Do I have a choice?" Had this man forgotten how he had just threatened her outside?

Tang Cangyu spoke unexpectedly, gazing into her eyes, and said very earnestly: "What if I give you a choice?" and - picture - book

Tang Cangyu raised a victorious smile

"It's gone." After shaking her head, Qin Sisi suddenly remembered something and leaned over with a giggle, saying, "Oh, right, since we have reached an agreement, could you give me the antidote for 'Migratory Bird' all at once?"

Tang Cangyu noticed Qin Sisi's hesitation and continued speaking to himself: "If Miss Qin is unwilling, then we shall part ways tomorrow. However, I wonder if that brat Lu Guo will easily let you go. Oh, rest assured, I will certainly explain to him patiently that you are not Princess Ya. He shouldn't insist on sending you back to the capital, right?"

What should be done? Now this small courtyard is surrounded by so many people, she cannot easily escape. Moreover, in the darkness outside, there may be hidden assassins who wish to take the "Princess Ya"'s life. She thinks that those people will not listen to her explanation, nor will they care about killing one more person.

Ah, however, I am still a suspect in the murder of Princess Ya! I think no matter how I explain it, it probably won't matter; I must prioritize saving my own life! Miss Qin, you will understand, right?" Tan Cangyu smiled very innocently

"I would like to hear more details," Tan Cangyu said as he picked up his chopsticks and placed a piece of honey-glazed sweet date into his mouth

This is the third one! Qin Sisi furrowed her delicate brows, deep in thought, casually tapping the teacup with her chopsticks, producing a tinkling sound. "Ah! I've got it! Immediately annul your engagement with Princess Ya!"

Qin listened attentively, unashamed to ask questions. Although Tan Cangyu's narration was quite obscure, it was not difficult to understand. It turned out that this place did not belong to the history she was familiar with; this time and space also had the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States, as well as the Han Dynasty. However, history diverged during the Sui Dynasty, and the emperor who ultimately ascended the throne was Yang Yong rather than Yang Guang. The Sui Dynasty managed to last for five generations, but that does not mean there was no second Emperor Yang of Sui; chaos ensued after the five generations. The Xiao family was originally a general of the Sui Dynasty, who raised the banner of rebellion and established the Great Zhou Dynasty.

Qin Sisi felt a lump in her throat, afraid to breathe loudly. Is this man pretending to be pitiful? Using a tragic tactic? ... However, seeing him in such a lowly state ... . ... Ahem, she admitted that it indeed had an effect on her.

Tan Cangyu then understood her meaning, his expression changing several times as he awkwardly replied: "Sure. Are there any other requests?"

Tang Cangyu replied without a moment's hesitation: "No!"

However, I have conditions Qin Sisi still wants to fight for her rights in the end

What? Extermination of nine clans? Qin Sisi's mouth fell open, wide enough to fit a chicken egg.

"It was passed to her younger brother." Tan Cangyu did not continue speaking, but looked at Qin Sisi with a hint of curiosity, feeling that something was amiss. Logically speaking, if she were truly an ignorant country girl, she would have at least heard of the deeds of Empress Zhangle! Moreover, when discussing historical events, she did not show any signs of interest on her face until the Sui Dynasty was mentioned. Tan Cangyu could not understand why this was the case, but he thought of a question he had always overlooked. "Miss Qin, where are you from?"

I reopened Yaar's place of rest, actually harboring a certain selfish desire, thinking that she had not truly left me. However, alas, it ultimately was just my one-sided wish. Tan Cangyu took a deep breath, raised his head, and looked steadily at Qin Sisi, "If Miss Qin is unwilling to continue impersonating Princess Ya, then I shall not insist."

Tan Cangyu slightly shook her head, thinking that this woman truly resembled a rustic village girl, not at all comparable to a refined princess. Silently doubting whether bringing her in to impersonate the princess was a poor decision, Tan Cangyu sighed and began to explain: "Since the time of Pangu creating the heavens and the earth..."

The Empress of Chang Le, even while she was still a princess, began establishing royal kindergartens. At that time, no one could discern the profound significance of her actions. Later, after she assumed power, she successively established royal primary schools, royal secondary schools, and royal academies, thereby completing an important educational system. She once stated that it was essential to ensure that "those who cultivate the land have their fields, and those who read have their books." She also achieved many other accomplishments, such as holding the Royal Games every four years. Tan Cangyu spoke enthusiastically about the anecdotes of the Empress of Chang Le, reiterating her statement about ensuring that "those who cultivate the land have their fields, and those who read have their books." She had many other achievements, including the organization of the Royal Games every four years, which is a topic of conversation cherished by everyone in the streets and alleys.

Qin Sisi licked the grease off her chopsticks, a playful expression appearing on her face

This is the Xiao surname dynasty