Yi Tianxing was fully aware that Hanhai had gone so far as to throw away all decorum. What more could be done? The only choice left was to accept—there was no other path. Of course, how Bohai and Hanhai would be treated going forward depended on how things were handled. If managed wisely, the two dragon palaces might be made to check and balance each other, allowing Great Yi to reap the benefits from between them.
That had been the idea all along. This time, everything was simply being laid bare for all to see.
"Transmit my decree: open the Rainbow Bridge and welcome the dragon princesses of Hanhai and Bohai. If they dare to marry, then this emperor dares to wed them."
Yi Tianxing took a deep breath and spoke decisively, his tone filled with unwavering resolve.With his status and ability, there was no dragon maiden in the world he couldn't marry.
Hua Mulan was the first to receive the message.She turned to the two dragon princesses and said, "His Majesty has issued a decree. Both princesses are to enter the palace together."
"Open the Rainbow Bridge!!"
Whoosh!
A brilliant rainbow arced across the sky like a flowing ribbon, appearing above the city of Golden Sands. The dazzling arc painted a perfect curve in the sky, stirring longing in all who saw it. Many gazed upon it in a daze, intoxicated by its beauty.
In Great Yi, the Rainbow Bridge had long become a legendary treasure. It could instantly connect all regions within the empire, allowing armies to arrive anywhere at a moment's notice. It was a strategic-level treasure.
"A Rainbow Bridge…"
Ao You and Ao Qing's expressions shifted slightly upon seeing it. They were no strangers to it; the Rainbow Bridge was a major reason why Great Yi could control such vast territory without fear of rebellion. It had proven invaluable in the recent campaign against the Snow Continent. With it, war potential increased exponentially.
"Princesses, please step onto the Rainbow Bridge," Hua Mulan said with a smile.
Whoosh—
Two beams of seven-colored light flashed, and in an instant, the two bridal processions on the sea were transported onto the Rainbow Bridge. Wrapped in invisible power, they flew across the sky toward the distance.
The Rainbow Bridge pierced the sky. Along its path, every immortal city in Great Yi could clearly see the two massive bridal processions and the astonishing amount of dowry gifts they carried.
Before long, they arrived at the imperial capital—Xuanhuang City.
Suspended in the void, Xuanhuang City was awe-inspiring and majestic. Golden Auspicious Clouds of Merit spread through the sky, where five-clawed golden dragons flickered in and out of view, exuding an invisible and overwhelming pressure.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
As the two dragon princesses arrived, fireworks shot into the sky from Xuanhuang City, bursting into colorful blooms even in daylight. Their brilliance painted the world in a festive glow.
"By decree, Princess Ao You of Bohai shall be conferred as Imperial Consort You of Great Yi."
"By decree, Princess Ao Qing of Hanhai shall be conferred as Imperial Consort Qing of Great Yi."
"Both shall enjoy the fortune of the Imperial Dynasty."
Though imperial consorts ranked below the empress, they still enjoyed blessings equivalent to dukes or imperial princes—a 42-fold increase in fortune, surpassing even first-rank officials.
As the decrees were read aloud, surging destiny energy flowed into the bodies of both princesses. In an instant, they could feel their cultivation realms tremble, on the verge of breaking through to the next level.
"Such powerful destiny… The path of the fortune dynasty is truly formidable. With this much fortune granted, it's difficult not to advance," Ao You thought with awe, now feeling even more respect for the might of Great Yi.
In the past, her trade dealings with Great Yi had only scratched the surface. Now, as an official member of the imperial family, she could begin to appreciate the dynasty's true wonders.
Having received their titles, the two princesses stepped down from their bridal carriages.
Both wore brilliant red palace gowns that radiated festivity. As they walked down, many officials couldn't help showing amazement. Ao You had a refined, intellectual aura, calm and competent—like a strong woman from the professional world. Now dressed in wedding red, she exuded a graceful and dignified charm.
But when Ao Qing appeared, everyone momentarily lost their composure. Her allure was beyond words—as if a born enchantress, a beauty that could topple nations and captivate souls.
This wasn't some charm technique—it was an innate ability. Her very presence stirred a primal desire to pamper and possess her.
The more one looked, the deeper they fell into her aura.
Realizing this, many ministers quickly lowered their heads, afraid they might lose control and act inappropriately.
"Sister," said Lianxing, "this Ao Qing doesn't look simple… she's like a fox spirit. That natural charm—born to beguile and ruin nations."
Such temptresses had appeared throughout history and usually brought disaster. For Hanhai to send such a woman—was this a scheme to seduce the emperor and throw the court into chaos?
"Don't worry. With our husband here, she won't be able to stir up any storms. Since she's entered the Yi household, she is Yi's. The imperial palace isn't a place she can toy with," said Cai Yan firmly.
Though displeased, she said no more. This marriage was already decided and would shape Great Yi's future. No one could stop it. The alliance brought maximum benefit to the dynasty.
"This consort Ao You greets Your Majesty," Ao You bowed respectfully.
"This consort Ao Qing greets Your Majesty," Ao Qing followed with flawless etiquette.
Every word and movement was flawless. No one could fault them.
"Very well. From today on, we're all family. Go and meet the Empress and your sisters. From now on, live harmoniously together. We'll be sharing this home for a long time," Yi Tianxing said with a smile.
He, too, was dazzled by the two women—especially Ao Qing. Her allure was nearly impossible to ignore. She clearly embodied the perfect seductress, capable of stirring any man's desire. Yi Tianxing understood this well—Ao Qing's inclusion was Hanhai Dragon King's deliberate protest against Bohai being the first to marry in. It was meant to trap him in the pleasures of the harem.
"The emperor no longer attends court from this day on."
"Yes, Husband!" the two replied sweetly.
Whether they truly meant it—no one knew.
"Greetings, Sister Cai, and sisters. Please look after us. If we make mistakes, don't hesitate to correct us."
Ao You humbly greeted Cai Yan and the others like a respectful newcomer meeting the matriarch.
Ao Qing did the same.
They weren't fools. Being from the dragon race didn't mean they could act wantonly in Great Yi. The palace was not a place where they could act freely.
"No need for formality. From now on, we're all one family. Let's assist our husband in ruling the realm. Palace life isn't overly strict—those complicated customs can be ignored when possible," Cai Yan replied calmly, signaling acceptance.
"Today, the dragon princesses have entered our Great Yi. Our alliance with the dragon race is now sealed. The empire shall celebrate—let all citizens share in our joy."
"Tonight, a grand banquet in the palace. Court officials may attend. To the people of Great Yi: ten Eternal Coins, one jin of spiritual rice, and one jin of beast meat shall be distributed to all!"
Yi Tianxing nodded and gave the order to Cao Zhengchun.
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Yi Tianxing was likely the only ruler who gave out rewards to the people during every joyous occasion—festivals, births, weddings. Today, with the marriage of two dragon princesses, he again shared his fortune with the people.
Afterward came arrangements for the private armies of the Bohai and Hanhai dragon princesses. After discussion, the two armies were stationed separately within the War Soul Battlefield, not in the mortal realm.
This was both a gesture of welcome and a security measure, as these powerful troops were potential threats.
Later, the dowries were tallied and stored in the treasure vault. Personnel were arranged. The banquet lasted until nightfall like a flowing feast.
The dragon princesses selected their palaces:
Ao You chose "Palace of Forgetting Worries",
Ao Qing chose "Palace of Pure Heart".
"Your Majesty, which palace shall you visit first tonight?" Cao Zhengchun asked as he walked behind Yi Tianxing.
"I'll go to Forgetting Worries Palace first. No need to inform them. I'll go to Pure Heart Palace later—just tell them I'll be a bit delayed."
Yi Tianxing didn't hesitate.
Since the original marriage proposal was for Ao You and Ao Qing was a late addition, it was only proper to visit Ao You first. This also served as a subtle message—a reminder to Ao Qing of her position.
With that, Yi Tianxing strode forward toward the Palace of Forgetting Worries.