Gu Shi Yun, accompanied by her attendants, arrived at the Imperial Palace's Library, where she saw a figure radiating authority.
Gu Zheng, the Emperor of Yun Ze.
Clad in a black python robe, he appeared to be in the prime of his life. His refined features held a stern expression, his eyes deep and sharp.
However, his sternness softened upon seeing Gu Shi Yun.
"It's been a while, Imperial Brother."
"Heh, my Imperial Sister, you finally decided to return from the Holy Land?" The Emperor of Yun Ze seemed to chuckle, gently tapping the armrest of his jade throne with the scroll in his hand. "If it weren't for this matter, we wouldn't have seen each other for another ten or twenty years, wouldn't we?"
"Imperial Brother is jesting."
"Actually, I'd rather you hadn't come back."
Gu Zheng sighed.
He looked at Gu Shi Yun, who had blossomed into a breathtaking beauty with an elegant and alluring aura, and a touch of listlessness washed over him.
Gu Shi Yun sat down opposite him.
"Imperial Brother needn't worry too much. Now that I have the backing of the Holy Land, the Great Yan Empire wouldn't dare to push things too far."
"That may be true, but recent events have been causing me a great deal of stress. Otherwise, I wouldn't have sent for you... Take a look at this."
Gu Zheng tossed the nearby scroll to Gu Shi Yun.
The beautiful woman took it and flipped through it. With just a cursory glance, her brows furrowed.
After a long moment, Gu Shi Yun's face wore a hint of embarrassment. "Are we completely isolated?"
"Indeed. The surrounding nations, both large and small, unilaterally cut off contact with Yun Ze a month or two ago. There are even several sects within our borders who are openly dismissing Yun Ze disciples. Hmph! If not for the Great Yan Empire, where would they get this courage?!"
Gu Zheng sneered, his anger simmering beneath the surface.
"A slow and agonizing death. The Great Yan Empire's move is truly brilliant!"
Gu Shi Yun remained silent for a while.
The isolation of Yun Ze might not seem significant in the short term, but over time, it could lead to a severe decline in national strength. The betrayal of those sects, in particular, was a fatal blow.
And the reason for Yun Ze's current predicament stemmed from a marriage contract – the engagement between Gu Shi Yun and the Third Prince of the Great Yan Empire.
Gu Shi Yun had sought refuge in the Holy Land to avoid this marriage.
The Great Yan Empire, though one of the Three Great Empires on the Central Continent, was still outmatched by the transcendent Holy Land. Due to the influence of the Holy Land, the Great Yan Empire couldn't openly confront Yun Ze.
However, the current situation was still unfavorable...
While the Great Yan Empire couldn't directly intervene, there were countless nations and sects eager to lick its boots. A subtle hint from the Great Yan Empire was enough to plunge Yun Ze into its current state.
Gu Zheng even anticipated that once Yun Ze's national strength began to decline, those surrounding nations, lurking in the shadows, would be incited to attack in unison...
The thought filled him with both rage and a sense of helpless despair. He lacked a solution, so he could only place his hopes on his Imperial Sister, who had the backing of the Holy Land.
"Great Yan... Qin Kuang..."
Gu Shi Yun frowned deeply.
She didn't know much about her betrothed, having only met him once at a grand banquet long ago.
At the time, Gu Shi Yun hadn't paid much attention to him, but unbeknownst to her, he had fallen for her and sent a marriage proposal on behalf of the Great Yan Empire.
The Emperor of Yun Ze at the time wasn't Gu Zheng. Upon seeing the Third Prince of the Great Yan Empire personally deliver the proposal, he naturally accepted with great joy.
"... Imperial Sister."
Seeing Gu Shi Yun remain silent for a long time, Gu Zheng suddenly spoke.
Hmm?
"It is rumored that the Third Prince of the Great Yan Empire, Qin Kuang, has already reached the peak of the Jie Sheng Realm. He is practically guaranteed to break through to the Nie Pan Realm in the future. It's almost certain that he will be the next ruler of the Great Yan Empire."
Gu Zheng's gaze was fixed on Gu Shi Yun.
He didn't say it outright, but his meaning was clear:
If there was no other way, then honor the engagement.
Moreover, the Third Prince of the Great Yan Empire was indeed a suitable match. In fact, there was no one better...
"Please stop there, Imperial Brother. I will give it careful consideration."
Gu Shi Yun's response was calm.
Gu Shi Yun understood her brother's desire for her to compromise. After all, the nation's well-being was paramount, and she was the one being unreasonable in this situation...
She was grateful that Gu Zheng had shouldered the pressure from the Great Yan Empire for all these years.
At that moment, Gu Shi Yun thought of her child, who always liked to be held in her arms and showered with affection. She subtly pursed her lips and left the library.