World-Ending Demon Emperor
Chapter 470 - 249: Nai’er makes it possible, Ashi Liren

Chapter 470: 249: Nai’er makes it possible, Ashi Liren

The Gao Clan Eunuch Group’s second-in-command, Elder Gao Yu, rode a griffin beast into Tianshui City.

However, he did not go to find Suo Lun immediately but instead headed to the military camp to meet with Yan Nai’er first.

Seeing the King’s personal eunuch by her side, Nai’er couldn’t help but be astonished. Why had he come to find her?

"A royal decree from the King," Gao Yu said.

After a brief hesitation, Nai’er knelt on one knee, as her military attire allowed for a half-kneeling salute.

Gao Yu said, "It has come to our attention that the Commander of the Tianshui City Defense Army, Yan Nai’er, is intelligent, brave, loyal, and righteous. The King greatly admires these qualities and has thus taken the liberty to adopt you as his foster daughter and, on behalf of Princess Zhen Yan, appoint you as her maid-in-waiting, by this decree."

Hearing that the King had taken her as his foster daughter and she was to become a maid-in-waiting for Princess Zhen Yan, Yan Nai’er frowned.

Since the Zhen Yan Princess had arrived in Tianshui City, she had always tried to avoid her as much as possible. Although becoming a Princess’ maid-in-waiting was a distinction usually reserved for high nobility or the children of lords, and being appointed to this position was considered an honor, Yan Nai’er greatly disliked it.

Moreover, being extremely astute, she instantly understood the hidden meaning behind the King’s royal decree.

The King intended to arrange a marriage for her with Suo Lun but feared she would object. By adopting her as his foster daughter and appointing her as Princess Zhen Yan’s maid-in-waiting, he devised a way to turn a blind eye and let her be married off alongside the Princess in the future.

For Suo Lun, this was undoubtedly a great blessing.

In this world, apart from some tribes, the majority of people practiced monogamy.

Of course, a man could have several women, but concubines did not count as wives.

As for the husband of a princess, the situation was even worse, more akin to a man marrying into the Princess’ household. In that home, the Princess was the master, and her husband was a vassal; let alone taking concubines, even to conduct marital relations with his wife, he would need to earn her consent.

Now the King’s covert message was actually to have Yan Nai’er be married off along with the Princess.

The first emotion that surged in Yan Nai’er was anger. She was deeply in love with Suo Lun; why did Princess Zhen Yan and the King have to meddle?

She was clearly Suo Lun’s betrothed, yet now she was expected to step aside and be demoted to concubine?

Nai’er was ready to outright refuse.

Gao Yu said, "Miss Yan Nai’er, please hear me out. You might be wondering why His Majesty insists on marrying Princess Zhen Yan to Suo Lun. Without this marriage arrangement, would Count Suo Lun not devote himself wholeheartedly to the Princess’ plans? Of course not—the King believes that even without the marriage arrangement, Suo Lun would definitely assist the Princess wholeheartedly. However, His Majesty has arranged this marriage for the future of Count Suo Lun."

Nai’er said, "Please speak."

Eunuch Gao Yu said, "As it stands, the likelihood of Princess Zhen Yan’s succession seems slim. However, Count Suo Lun is of exceptional talent, and a day may come when Princess Zhen Yan ascends to the throne."

Nai’er nodded.

Eunuch Gao Yu continued, "Then, how shall the royal family repay Count Suo Lun for his services and favor? As you know, lords may lead troops in battle, but unless posthumously honored, they are not to be promoted in rank or to hold major offices within their lifetime."

Indeed, both Count Suo Long and Turing Tuo had fought for the kingdom in the south and the north, their achievements by no means inferior to Turing Tuo’s.

However, Suo Long remained an Earl for his entire life, only posthumously awarded the title of Marquis. In contrast, Turing Tuo was promoted to Duke nearly ten years ago, simply because Suo Long was a lord.

Nai’er said, "I believe, my lord assists Princess Zhen Yan out of loyalty and righteousness, and to protect the foundation of Tianshui City, not for glory or wealth, nor for high office or abounding favors."

Eunuach Gao Yu said, "I am unwavering in this belief as well. But Miss Yan Nai’er, do you think Count Suo Lun’s talents should be limited to that of a mere lord? Moreover, if Princess Zhen Yan ascends to the throne one day after enduring hardships and dangers, with the kingdom heavily damaged and power structures upended, wouldn’t there be countless matters in need of rebuilding? Don’t you think that’s precisely when Count Suo Lun’s talent will be even more essential?"

Nai’er fell silent.

Eunuch Gao Yu said, "Therefore, His Majesty’s arrangement of this marriage for Count Suo Lun is not a show of favor, but out of a need for Suo Lun’s talents. However, he is a lord and cannot be promoted in rank or hold a major office. Unless, of course, he gains another status that supersedes his lordly position. Thus, His Majesty intends to marry the Princess to Suo Lun. When Princess Zhen Yan succeeds to the throne, Count Suo Lun will be able to be crowned the Regent King, with supreme control over state affairs."

On hearing the words "Regent King," Yan Nai’er couldn’t help but tremble with emotion.

She had never imagined that His Majesty valued Suo Lun to such an extent.

Eunuch Gao Yu said, "I believe Miss Yan Nai’er also sees that Princess Zhen Yan is naturally inclined towards a simple life, detached from worldly concerns, suitable to be a Queen. But when it comes to governing state affairs, she lacks the requisite skills. So, who else could the kingdom trust to handle its affairs? Only Count Suo Lun. But as a lord, he cannot become the Military Department Commander nor the kingdom’s Prime Minister. Hence, making him the husband of the Queen is the only solution."

Nai’er softly nodded her head.

Gao Yu pressed on, "I can see that you and Count Suo Lun are deeply in love. Naturally, you would want Suo Lun’s talents to be recognized and for him to achieve a legacy that endures through the ages—making a lifetime of effort worthwhile. As for your prior relationship with him, it can still be perfect and complete, so why covet the vanity of being husband and wife in title? Moreover, the King has also decreed that in the future, Suo Lun and Princess Zhen Yan’s son shall inherit the throne, while the son between you and Count Suo Lun shall become the Lord of Tianshui City. By doing so, wouldn’t this be the best of both worlds?"