Emperor Xue Ye spoke slowly:
"Royal Duke privilege allows one to meet the emperor without performing grand ceremonies and to sit as equals. Rongrong is Fengzhi's only daughter, which is why she can enjoy this honor!"
Meng Bei squinted his eyes.
What did he mean?
Was he mocking him for not understanding etiquette?
Was Emperor Xue Ye really that bold?
Meng Bei had indeed guessed correctly.
Next, Emperor Xue Ye sipped his tea, observed the garden scenery, then asked Meng Bei as if making casual conversation:
"Meng Bei, I don't know much about you. Could you tell me which family's young master you are, and what noble title you hold?"
Young master? Noble title?
Meng Bei had no noble title—he was just a commoner. According to what Emperor Xue Ye said, he should now perform the great ceremony of kneeling and prostrating, then sit on that small stool only after receiving Emperor Xue Ye's gracious permission while trembling with fear.
Upon hearing this, Ning Rongrong immediately showed anger and was about to stand up.
Fortunately, Meng Bei promptly reached out to press down on Ning Rongrong's shoulder, otherwise with Rongrong's temperament, she would have cursed Emperor Xue Ye thoroughly before letting this matter pass.
However, although Meng Bei stopped Ning Rongrong, this didn't mean Meng Bei wasn't angry.
He just didn't show his anger on his face.
Emperor Xue Ye pretended not to know and asked about Meng Bei's noble title, but Meng Bei absolutely didn't believe that Emperor Xue Ye hadn't investigated him.
He had been pondering the deeper meaning in Emperor Xue Ye's words, but now it seemed there was no deeper meaning. The real meaning was probably that Emperor Xue Ye had sores on his behind and didn't want to sit on the throne anymore!
Meng Bei was already beginning to consider in his mind who should be given the position of the next emperor of the Heaven Dou Empire. Of course, this matter was of great importance and would need careful discussion after he returned.
Strong people don't show their emotions on their faces. Although he was angry, he wouldn't lose his rationality due to anger.
After thinking, Meng Bei remained seated without standing up, and directly looked Emperor Xue Ye in the eye:
"Your Majesty, Meng Bei is not a young master, nor a noble lord, but truly a barbarian from the Extreme North. It is only through the grace of my father-in-law and Miss Rongrong's affection that I have today."
Upon hearing this, Emperor Xue Ye stared at Meng Bei with deep eyes.
Meanwhile, Meng Bei met Emperor Xue Ye's gaze without flinching.
This greatly surprised Emperor Xue Ye.
Based on his investigation of Meng Bei's background information, Meng Bei shouldn't be this assertive.
According to Emperor Xue Ye's original plan, Meng Bei should now apologize to him about the etiquette issue, and he would then throw out his olive branch to win over Meng Bei after he showed submission.
This was the simplest tactic of giving a stick then offering a sweet date.
But now something had gone wrong somewhere—Meng Bei seemed completely unafraid of him.
He was the emperor of the Heaven Dou Empire! Even Ning Fengzhi didn't dare take his existence lightly. How dare this young soul master challenge his authority?
Emperor Xue Ye's instincts were extremely sharp. He immediately speculated that this boy was either a reckless hothead or had some backing he didn't know about!
After realizing this, Emperor Xue Ye's attitude instantly changed.
Regardless of which situation Meng Bei was in, it meant that his previous intelligence on Meng Bei was flawed. What he should do now was first stabilize Meng Bei, then conduct a more detailed investigation of his intelligence.
Emperor Xue Ye's face suddenly produced a somewhat kind smile:
"Xiao Bei, having no noble title won't do! You're currently the youngest known Soul Ancestor on the continent. How can such talent not have a noble title? How about this—to celebrate your marriage with Rongrong, I'll grant you the title of Earl of the Heaven Dou Empire?"
Earl—this was the sweet date Emperor Xue Ye had prepared for Meng Bei long ago.
However, his original plan was to first suppress Meng Bei, then offer this title when Meng Bei was trembling with fear, to maximize the goodwill he could gain from Meng Bei.
But now there had been some unexpected developments, forcing him to bring out this sweet date early.
"Earl..."
Meng Bei thought about it and shook his head.
"Your Majesty, forget about the Earl title. I think I'm more suited to the position of Imperial Son-in-law of the Heaven Dou Empire."
Emperor Xue Ye: "Imperial Son-in-law???"
Meng Bei's words made Emperor Xue Ye cough violently.
"Cough, cough, cough. You young people really like to joke. My Xue Ke has long wanted to be matched with a talented young man, but I'm afraid Fengzhi wouldn't agree."
Upon hearing this, Meng Bei smiled:
"Your Majesty, you misunderstand. I'm not talking about Princess Xue Ke, but about Rongrong!"
"Hm?" Ning Rongrong tilted her little head and looked over in confusion.
Meng Bei smoothly took one of Ning Rongrong's small hands and played with it casually.
At the same time, he explained:
"Your Majesty, when Rongrong and I came earlier, we had a conversation with Crown Prince Qinghe. He treats Rongrong like his own sister. Since that's the case, why doesn't Your Majesty strengthen family ties by issuing an edict for Brother Qinghe to recognize Rongrong as his sister, promoting this joyous occasion?"
"Ah, this..."
Emperor Xue Ye fell into thought.
He was somewhat uncertain about this matter.
Having Xue Qinghe recognize Ning Rongrong as his sister seemed to have no major problems on the surface, but he didn't dare agree easily.
Meng Bei didn't want a noble title but wanted to be an imperial son-in-law. Was there some scheme behind this?
Emperor Xue Ye thought it over but couldn't think clearly for the moment.
So he simply said:
"Rongrong, Xiao Bei, I understand your thoughts, but this matter is of great importance. I need to discuss it with Fengzhi first. You should go back for now!"
Emperor Xue Ye chose to send them away.
Meng Bei and Ning Rongrong then left the imperial palace.
On the road, Ning Rongrong couldn't help asking Meng Bei:
"That old emperor Xue Ye's attitude was really too much. Aren't you angry? Also, why do you want me to become a princess? Isn't it fine as things are now? Becoming a princess would mean being bound by various etiquette."
Upon hearing this, Meng Bei hugged Ning Rongrong and explained in her ear:
"Because I want Xue Qinghe to become emperor."
"Ah!"
Ning Rongrong's cherry lips parted slightly.
"You want to commit regicide?"
Meng Bei said:
"What regicide? I'm a barbarian from the Extreme North. I didn't want his noble title or his land, so how can he be considered my sovereign?"
Ning Rongrong nodded as if understanding.
"Then why do you want me to become Xue Qinghe's sister? Just for the princess title?"
"Exactly!"
Meng Bei nodded:
"The Heaven Dou Empire has lasted for a thousand years with deep roots. This title's effect is still very powerful."
"With the princess title, after Xue Qinghe ascends the throne, you can naturally act as regent. Otherwise, without this justification, even if our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's strength is powerful, it would cause many people to oppose us."
"If we were attacked by a united front, even though we could suppress the opposition with our powerful strength, the losses during this period wouldn't be small, and other forces might even take advantage of the chaos."
After hearing Meng Bei's explanation, Ning Rongrong suddenly understood:
"So that's what you're thinking!"
Suddenly, she thought of something else and asked in confusion:
"Hey, wait, there's still one problem. Even if Xue Qinghe ascends the throne, how will you handle his side? Will he unconditionally support us?"
Upon hearing this, Meng Bei smiled.
"Brother Qinghe~"
"I have my own clever plan. In just three days, I'll make her obey my every word."
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