Su Yunmo frowned and withdrew her hand, her expression also becoming complicated.
It was indeed impossible. She hadn't done anything, and hadn't even touched the box.
What was going on?
She looked up at Hu Bao, her expression wary.
Hu Bao's expression remained unchanged, a hint of depth hidden in his eyes. "I didn't expect this young lady to be so exceptionally talented. This treasure belongs to you."
Everyone gasped, all looking at Su Yunmo with envy and admiration.
So many people couldn't do anything with the box, and in the end, a young girl had unlocked it. It was truly baffling.
Emperor Ye Yao was also a little surprised, not expecting her to succeed.
Ye Yunshuang was so angry she almost gritted her teeth.
Damn Su Yunmo!
That box was also blind. It would have been fine if it were someone else, but how could it have been unlocked by this dead girl!
Emperor Ye Yao said with a deep smile, "It seems Momo is fated with this box. Quickly open it and see what treasure is inside."
Everyone's eyes were fixed on Su Yunmo.
Su Yunmo lowered her brows, picked up the box, and opened it completely.
The box was formed by six sides joined together. Opening one side revealed a luminous pearl inside.
The pearl was purple all over, faintly emitting a white light. Although the light was weak, it contained a unique and powerful force, making it a rare treasure.
Everyone's eyes lit up.
"It is indeed a treasure. Since Momo is fated with this treasure, take it home," Emperor Ye Yao commanded as a reward.
Zhou Wanyou then stood up to thank him on behalf of the little one.
Ye Yunshuang looked at the luminous pearl greedily, her heart burning with desire.
Giving such a good treasure to a dead girl was a complete waste of heavenly resources. It should have been hers!
Su Yunmo held the luminous pearl, feeling its warm touch.
But even hotter than the warmth were two gazes.
One came from Ye Yunshuang, and the other from Lin Yuning.
At this moment, Lin Yuning also clenched her fists, staring intently at the luminous pearl, her eyes filled with longing.
Su Yunmo could guess the expressions of these two women without even looking up, and sighed inwardly.
She didn't know if this thing was a treasure, but it was definitely a hot potato.
"It's so beautiful, but Momo doesn't seem to like it?" Ye Ningyuan reached out and touched the luminous pearl, smacking her lips. "If you don't like it, why don't you give it to me? I think this thing is definitely worth a lot."
Su Yunmo glanced at her sideways. "Does the Yunyi Royal Manor lack your pocket money?"
Ye Ningyuan covered her mouth and stopped speaking.
Hu Bao spoke again, "Your Majesty, since the box has been unlocked, I should present the second treasure to Your Majesty as ordered."
"Oh? What treasure is it? Present it," Emperor Ye Yao said with some interest.
Hu Bao clapped his hands.
The dancers from before leaped in, and in the center of the dancers, a veiled woman was brought in as if presenting a lotus.
The woman walked gracefully to the center of the hall and bowed. "This humble one, Mei Yan, wishes Your Majesty peace."
As she lowered her head, the veil on her face fell, revealing a face as exquisite as porcelain.
It could only be described in six words: a beauty adorned with a hibiscus face.
The men present stared wide-eyed.
Hu Bao seemed satisfied with the scene the woman had created. "Your Majesty, this is a princess from the Southern Border royal family. She has followed me here under the command of the King of Southern Border and wishes to serve Your Majesty."
Luo Yun'e's face changed instantly.
The word 'no' almost escaped her lips.
But the Empress's dignity made her manage to swallow it, though a flicker of anger rose in her eyes.
If such a bewitching woman were to enter the palace, could the harem ever be peaceful again?!
One Liu Lanxue had already cost her so much effort, she absolutely would not allow another Liu Lanxue to be by the Emperor's side!
"Mei Yan? A good name," Emperor Ye Yao praised in a deep voice, wearing his usual faint smile, making it impossible to tell if he was pleased or not.
But a single word of praise was enough to make Luo Yun'e vigilant.
She took a deep breath, clenched her fists tightly, and said in a deep voice, "Your Majesty, the Princess of Southern Border is of royal blood. If she were to enter the palace as a mere concubine, it would be beneath her status. This subject believes it is not appropriate."
Emperor Ye Yao twirled a cup of wine. "Oh? Then, according to the Empress, what should be done?"
Luo Yun'e was stunned for a moment, not expecting Emperor Ye Yao to ask for her opinion. She looked at the woman below.
Mei Yan lowered her gaze, standing there like a beautiful landscape.
Luo Yun'e clenched her fists tightly, her fingernails digging into her flesh, and tentatively said, "This subject believes that the Princess could be betrothed to a prince, which would also show our Zhaoyao's importance to Southern Border."
Everyone began to discuss.
If Mei Yan entered the harem, it would at most be seen as Southern Border sending a woman to appease the Emperor.
But if she were to enter a prince's manor, it would be an alliance.
Among the princes, their expressions varied.
Even Ye Jingguang, who was always jovial, lowered his head deeply, almost burying it under the table.
Don't see me, don't see me, don't see me~
Ye Ningyuan completely put down her hand and raised her eyebrows. "If you need my help, just give me a call."
Su Yunmo glanced at her.
Giving her to a prince was not giving her to her father. Why would she need her help?
Emperor Ye Yao remained silent.
Luo Yun'e was also a bit uncertain, and said with a forced smile, "This is just my humble opinion. How to arrange for the Princess still depends on Your Majesty's decision."
Emperor Ye Yao picked up his wine cup and took a sip. "How can it be a humble opinion? I actually think this suggestion is very good."
Luo Yun'e was stunned.
His Majesty actually agreed?
She was overjoyed.
Emperor Ye Yao looked at the person below. "I intend to betroth the Princess to a prince, but I wonder which prince would be suitable?"
Everyone exchanged glances.
Normal alliances were arranged in advance. Such an event happening today had never occurred before. Who knew which prince would be suitable with such haste?
Emperor Ye Yao: "I haven't asked the Princess's age yet?"
Mei Yan bowed, her voice like a celestial melody. "Replying to Your Majesty, this humble one just reached the age of capping a month ago."
From the moment the Empress proposed to betroth Mei Yan to a prince, Lin Yuning had been tense. Upon hearing her age of only 15, she froze completely.
She gritted her teeth fiercely, her eyes bloodshot.
In normal alliances, women would marry princes with higher prestige in the court. Although there were two princes who were on equal footing now.
But considering her age, the most suitable person would be Ye Jingcheng.
Indeed, when everyone heard Mei Yan's words, they all agreed that Prince Lian was suitable.
Emperor Ye Yao: "Since that is the case, then I shall betroth you to..."
"Father Emperor!" Lin Yuning suddenly stood up, interrupting Emperor Ye Yao. "This subject believes the Princess should be betrothed to Prince Yu."
Ye Jingyu narrowed his eyes dangerously, a hint of malevolence flashing in his eyes.
Su Yunmo's eyelids twitched, and she turned her head to look at Ye Ningyuan. "You really are a jinx."
Ye Ningyuan smacked her lips, accepting the compliment.
Emperor Ye Yao: "Oh? What do you mean?"
Lin Yuning took a deep breath. "Among the current princes, only two princes can assist Father Emperor in governing the court. However, Prince Lian already has this subject as his primary consort. If the Princess enters Prince Lian's manor, she can only be a secondary consort, which might be a slight to the Princess."
She paused, then played her trump card. "Moreover, this subject is pregnant. If the Princess enters the manor, this subject fears she will not have enough time to properly care for her."