371: Tang Dynasty Sincerity

"However, it's also a reminder for the Princess." Cheng Yaojin looked at Princess with a smile.

"Thank you for the reminder, Uncle Cheng. Lizhi understands." Princess nodded.

While they were talking, they arrived at the gates of Dali City. The defending general grew tense upon seeing a motorcade of such scale.

"Halt! Who are you? What is your business in Dali?"

"Greetings, young man. We are envoys from the Great Tang here to see Prince Duan. We would appreciate it if you could make things convenient for us." Cheng Yaojin stepped forward and handed a silver ingot to the soldier.

"So you are envoys from the Great Tang. With so many people and soldiers, I cannot let you in yet. I need to report the situation to the Prince's residence."

"Then we shall trouble you, young man."

Cheng Yaojin smiled and didn't get angry; as a general himself, he naturally understood a soldier's duty.

"Old Li, the quality of these Dali soldiers is quite good. They aren't inferior to our Great Tang's at all—in fact, they might even be a bit stronger."

"And this is just a low-ranking soldier guarding the gate. It seems Dali isn't as simple as it appears on the surface," Cheng Yaojin whispered into Li Jing's ear.

"Indeed, you're right. These soldiers have already reached the Acquired Martial Artist Realm. Such strength is rare in our Great Tang's rank and file; someone with this power would be a centurion at the very least."

"Yet, in Dali, he is merely a gate guard."

"As expected of Dali, a nation founded on martial arts. Their strength is truly formidable," Li Jing agreed, nodding.

"Yeah, I'm starting to get a bit nervous now. What if Prince Duan doesn't agree?" Cheng Yaojin looked toward the city gate with some trepidation.

Li Jing didn't speak. Although he appeared calm, he harbored the same worries in his heart.

After all, Duan Zhengchun's reputation was immense. So many Imperial Dynasties across the Nine Provinces continent wanted to establish a connection with him.

Originally, the Great Tang could have arrived in Dali before Great Qin, but their Emperor was a doting father who delayed them for a few days. As a result, Great Qin and Northern Liang had beaten them to it.

Fortunately, only Great Qin had succeeded so far; as for Northern Liang, no news had been released yet.

Soon, the gate guard returned.

"Generals, our Prince invites you in."

"Haha... Thank you for your hard work, young man."

Hearing the soldier's words, a smile instantly broke across Cheng Yaojin's face.

This meant there was still a chance.

Princess also breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing the news; at the very least, being able to meet meant there was an opportunity.

As for what would happen next, they could only take it one step at a time.

The group soon arrived at Prince Kaoshans Residence. Cheng Yaojin, Li Jing, and Princess were led into the guest hall.

"Please wait a moment, our Prince will be here shortly."

"Thank you. We'll wait here," Cheng Yaojin said with a smile.

Looking at the surrounding decor, Cheng Yaojin's face showed surprise. He had originally thought that given Duan Zhengchun's current strength and status...

...his residence would be extremely extravagant. Now it seemed that wasn't the case. The standard here was only equivalent to that of an ordinary prince in the Great Tang.

"Old Li, don't you think the furnishings here are a bit too simple? Isn't this Prince Duan a young man? Why does this feel a bit off?" Cheng Yaojin looked around with a face full of surprise and curiosity.

"Indeed, it is quite surprising. Prince Duan's taste is actually similar to ours."

"The two of us are over fifty, so it's normal for us to have such tastes."

"For Prince Duan to be so young yet have such taste is truly unexpected," Li Jing agreed.

At that moment, the sound of footsteps rang out as a handsome, dignified young man walked in.

Upon seeing the newcomer, Cheng Yaojin and Li Jing knew the man of the hour had arrived.

"Great Tang envoys Cheng Yaojin and Li Jing greet King Kaoshan."

"Li Lizhi of the Great Tang greets Prince Duan."

When Princess saw Duan Zhengchun, she was momentarily stunned. She admitted that her heart had skipped a beat.

Yes, in just that one instant, Princess felt a stir of attraction.

Whether it was his temperament or his looks, he perfectly matched her aesthetic preferences.

"Duan greets the two generals," Duan Zhengchun greeted them with a smile.

However, upon hearing the name Li Lizhi, Duan Zhengchun paused.

He hadn't expected that Emperor, that doting father, would actually be willing to send his precious eldest Princess over just to win him over and form an Alliance with Dali.

Princess felt her heart race under Duan Zhengchun's gaze. A faint blush unconsciously crept onto her pretty face, and she lowered her head, not daring to meet his eyes.

Only then did Duan Zhengchun realize he was being somewhat impolite.

"So it is Princess Changle. Please forgive my lack of hospitality," Duan Zhengchun said with a smile, cupping his hands.

"The Prince is joking..." Princess returned the gesture gracefully, a smile on her face.

The lingering blush on her face only added to her charm.

"Haha... Please, sit. There's no need for such formalities here." Duan Zhengchun smiled and walked to the main seat to sit down.

Cheng Yaojin and Li Jing waited for Duan Zhengchun to sit before taking their seats; Princess sat on the right.

"Prince Duan is truly a dragon among men. To have such glorious battle achievements at such a young age, Cheng is truly impressed." Cheng Yaojin looked at Duan Zhengchun with a smile.

"General Cheng is too kind. Those are just trivial matters." Duan Zhengchun smiled and shook his head.

Hearing Duan Zhengchun's dismissive tone, Cheng Yaojin's mouth twitched.

For a moment, he didn't know what to say.

These words sounded a bit like showing off, yet he had no proof.

"Prince, you likely already know the purpose of our visit. Our Great Tang is very sincere."

"These are all the dowry for our Eldest Princess. In addition to gold, silver, and jewelry, there are three peerless Secret Manuals."

"The Longevity Formula, the Tiangang Art, and the Nine Nether Profound Heaven Art." Li Jing looked at Duan Zhengchun with a serious expression.

Duan Zhengchun's face showed surprise upon hearing Li Jing's introduction.

He hadn't expected these three Cultivation Techniques to be included in the dowry; it was quite a surprise.

In the Great Tang, these three were definitely renowned, top-tier techniques.

The Longevity Formula had rather harsh requirements for cultivation, but once successful, it was a technique that could grant longevity.

However, while it could grant long life, its combat power was not very significant.

As for the Tiangang Art, according to his knowledge, this was the technique Yuan Tiangang cultivated. It leaned toward the Daoist lineage and was very powerful.

It was hard to find a match within the same Realm. As for the Nine Nether Profound Heaven Art, it was the core technique of the Xuanming Sect and was considered a top-tier cultivation method.

He hadn't expected Emperor to send three such techniques as part of the dowry; he was indeed much more sincere than Great Qin or Northern Liang.

"The Tang Emperor is indeed full of sincerity. However, is Princess Changle really here of her own free will?"

"I have never liked forcing anyone. If you are unwilling, I will not force you." Duan Zhengchun looked at Princess with a smile.

"The Prince is joking. Given my father's affection for me, if I were unwilling, he would never force me."