Unfolding the list, Mao Sui began to read aloud unhurriedly:
"Gold coins: One billion Eternal Coins."
"Top-grade Cloud Brocade: One thousand bolts."
"Five Elemental Spirit Fruits – one of each: Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, Earth."
"Life Immortal Dew: Ten bottles."
"Du Kang Immortal Brew: One thousand vats."
"Heavenly Astral Pills: Five hundred bottles."
"First-Rotation Yin-Yang Pills: One hundred bottles. Second-Rotation Yin-Yang Pills: One hundred bottles."
Mao Sui announced each item one by one. Of course, this wasn't the complete list—what had been read aloud already constituted a staggeringly generous dowry, each item of immense value. Even this small portion could be considered a treasure trove. As a betrothal gift, it was worthy of the highest honors.
"The full list of betrothal gifts need not be recited in detail. Your Majesty the Dragon King, please have a look for yourself."With a smile, Mao Sui presented the list.
Inside the grand hall, not only was the Bohai Dragon King present, but so were numerous powerful members of the Dragon Palace. When they heard the contents of the list, their expressions shifted to awe. Though the Dragon Palace boasted boundless resources and treasures, there were some things even they lacked—such as rare pills, top-tier spirit fruits, and exquisite man-made goods.
The Cloud Brocade, in particular, was immensely popular in the Dragon Palace. It was one of the finest materials for refining magical garments and immortal robes—high-class, elegant, and prestigious.Especially among the dragon princesses, clothing made from Cloud Brocade was highly prized.
Even more so were the Five Elemental Spirit Fruits—each capable of enhancing one's bloodline and strengthening its essence, potentially inducing a dragon's bloodline evolution.
And that was just the surface of the list. The full inventory was far more extensive.
The Bohai Dragon King gave it a glance and couldn't help but feel deeply moved.
"Your Majesty, since the Yi Emperor has shown such sincerity and claims to have fallen in love with the Seventh Princess at first sight, why not agree to the proposal? A marriage alliance would bring joy to both sides," the Turtle Prime Minister stepped forward and advised respectfully.
Even the other dragon elders couldn't help but take the proposal seriously. Many of the treasures listed couldn't be acquired even with vast wealth. In that context, even the one billion Eternal Coins seemed like the least valuable item.
"Mmm, I see the sincerity of the Yi Emperor," the Bohai Dragon King nodded. "However, the one I cherish most is my seventh daughter. Whether or not she marries lies not in my hands but in hers. If she agrees, this union shall be formed. If not, then I must decline. I ask the envoy for understanding."
He waved a hand. "Summon the Seventh Princess."
"Yes!"
A dragon attendant immediately departed to bring in Ao You.
While waiting, Mao Sui remained engaging and talkative. He shared tales of the Great Yi Dynasty—its culture, inventions, local specialties, and the prosperity of its people.
The more the dragon elites listened, the more intrigued they became. Their impression of Great Yi grew increasingly favorable. They could vividly imagine the brilliance of human civilization—how much they created, how fast they innovated. The dragons had to admit: humans were one of the most creative and adaptive races under the heavens.
Items like Cloud Brocade, or the art of brewing, were simply beyond the natural strengths of dragonkind.
"Father!"
Before long, Ao You entered the grand hall. She first bowed to the Bohai Dragon King, then gave formal greetings to the other dragon elders.
The dragon elites all had warm expressions toward her. Clearly, she was well-liked.
"My dear Little Seven," the Dragon King said fondly, "you already know why I've summoned you. The Yi Emperor is deeply enamored with you and has sent an envoy to propose marriage. If you are willing, I shall grant this marriage. If not, I shall decline it on your behalf."
His tone was full of fatherly love.
Ao You's heart was a torrent of emotions. She hadn't expected the Great Yi's proposal to be aimed at her. When she first heard it, even with her composed nature, she was stunned. On her way to the hall, she had been wrestling with the decision—accept or refuse? Her thoughts kept swaying.
She wasn't unfamiliar with political marriages. As a dragon princess, it was expected. Privileges came with prices—one of them being the lack of freedom in marriage.
"Father, I have long admired the Yi Emperor. Naturally, I am willing."
Ao You bowed her head slightly, her voice calm and clear.
"Good!"
The Dragon King looked at her deeply, then declared, "In that case, I shall make the decision as your father. This marriage will proceed. You will marry into the Great Yi Dynasty. And since the Yi Emperor has offered a betrothal of such value, my Dragon Palace shall not be stingy."
He waved his hand with gravitas.
"Let the Blackwater Legion be Ao You's personal guard, accompanying her as part of her dowry."
The Blackwater Legion?
The entire hall stirred. Faces changed slightly. It was clear that this army held significant weight within the Dragon Palace.
This was no ordinary force.
The Blackwater Legion, also known as the Black Flood Dragon Corps, consisted of hundred thousand elite black flood dragons. Known for their ferocity and fearlessness, each soldier was battle-hardened and unafraid of death. Their power was leagues above that of mere shrimp soldiers or crab generals.
To assign this legion as Ao You's private army and send it to Great Yi? That was no simple gesture. It was a strategic move, a deep expression of trust… or perhaps something more.
"Thank you, Father."
Ao You responded with her usual calm.
"Does His Majesty the Dragon King have any other instructions regarding the marriage? I must return and report to our Emperor, so he may prepare accordingly," Mao Sui asked, his smile even broader now that success was within reach.
Marrying Ao You had been the mission. The rest was mere formalities.
"Hmph. Since my daughter has no objection, I have no reason to oppose. But a wedding must not be rushed." The Dragon King paused and said firmly, "Let the ceremony be held three days from now. On that day, the Bohai Dragon Palace shall marry off its princess."
A swift and decisive answer.
After all, this was no ordinary wedding. The Dragon Palace's dignity had to be upheld. Great Yi had offered a rich dowry; the palace had to match it with an equally grand send-off.
"Very well. Great Yi shall make all preparations," Mao Sui replied with a bow.
After that, he took his leave—leaving behind the full betrothal list for the Dragon Palace.
Returning via the undersea passage, Mao Sui headed straight for Xuanhuang City, entering the palace to report to Yi Tianxing in the Hall of Knowledge and Action.
Yi Tianxing listened quietly to the full account without interrupting.
"So the Bohai Dragon King has decided the wedding shall take place in three days?"
Yi Tianxing nodded.
"Yes. The date was chosen personally. I await your orders regarding the reception plans," Mao Sui responded.
Naturally, the ceremony couldn't be understated, but it also mustn't be excessive. It had to reflect both dignity and strategy.
"In my humble opinion," said Heshen, "we must avoid both extremes. This marriage is a strategic maneuver—to block the Vast Sea Dragon King from meddling in our affairs. It plants a seed of tension between Bohai and Vast Sea. However, the Dragon King gifting ten thousand Blackwater troops likely means he wishes to maintain some influence in Great Yi. So we cannot be too quiet nor too flashy—better to keep it low-key but formal."
"You've said nothing useful," Su Shi retorted with a snort. He always held Heshen in low regard. "We haven't stolen or cheated anyone. We have no reason to be timid. In fact, I suggest we send an invitation to the Vast Sea Dragon Palace. Let's give them face and invite them to the feast. Whether they come or not, that's their choice—but our decorum will be unimpeachable."
Ritual and etiquette could not be compromised.
Once the proper rites were observed, no one could accuse them of wrongdoing. They would occupy the moral high ground.
"Agreed. Send the invitations," Yi Tianxing concluded.
Vast Sea Dragon Palace
A golden invitation landed on the desk before the Vast Sea Dragon King.
Smack!
The Dragon King slammed it down hard, his face dark and cold.
"How daring! He dares marry the Bohai Princess and not mine? What is Yi Tianxing playing at? Trying to use Bohai to block my rightful interference? Does he think I'm blind?"
His tone was chilling.
He could see through the political ploy immediately—marrying into one dragon palace to block out another. Yet despite seeing it, he had no way to protest.
The invitation claimed mutual affection and love at first sight. No one could force marriage; that was an unassailable defense.
By marrying into the Bohai Dragon Palace, Great Yi had closed the door to any interference from the Vast Sea.
A perfect counterstroke.
But this was far from the end…