Chapter 776: I Feel It's Inappropriate

Chapter 776: I Feel It's Inappropriate

Qin Feng glanced at Eunuch Li again, but this time the latter turned away for some unknown reason.

His expression betrayed a sense of conflict, not because he didn’t receive feedback from Eunuch Li, but because he was tasked with introducing a partner to that girl disguised as a man, which made him feel quite uncomfortable.

Qin Feng couldn’t help but be slightly stunned.

If a man and a woman who have been together for a long time were to maintain a pure friendship, there is only one possibility, and that is that one of them is extremely ugly.

Obviously, he and Anya did not fall into this category.

Qin Feng mocked himself inwardly, ‘Lusting after what’s beyond one’s reach, is this a common trait among men? It seems I can’t escape it either.’

With this in mind, he clasped his fist and said, “Apologies, Your Majesty, but I don’t have any suitable candidates here.”

Upon hearing this, Eunuch Li looked at him again. He had thought it was Princess Anya’s unrequited love, but he hadn’t expected it to be reciprocated. However, if the Qin Family boy were to marry Princess Anya, the Qin Family would likely become the most powerful family in the Great Qian.

The daughter of the Military God of the Liu Family, a woman from the Dragon Clan’s lineage, plus a royal princess—just thinking about it would make any man envious. And the backgrounds associated with these women were enough to make one’s scalp tingle!

Emperor Ming raised an eyebrow, lightly tapping his finger on the desk, making a crisp sound. “Qin Feng is one of the Thirty-Six Stars of the Demon Slaying Department, and he must know many people within the department.”

“The Demon Slaying Department has worked hard to protect the borders of the Great Qian from the invasion of demons and ghosts. I have also considered betrothing Princess Anya to a high-ranking warrior from the Demon Slaying Department to express the royal family’s recognition and gratitude toward them. What do you think, Qin Feng?”

Qin Feng didn’t hesitate. “I feel it’s inappropriate, Your Majesty.”

“Why is that?”

“The contributions of the Demon Slaying Department to the Great Qian are undeniable, but they are constantly engaged in battles with demons and ghosts, with one foot often stepping into the Gate of Hell.”

“In case of an accident that prevents them from returning, it would undoubtedly leave Princess Anya heartbroken. Moreover, the high-ranking warriors in the Demon Slaying Department are already old. I hope Your Majesty will reconsider.”

“That’s a reasonable point.” Emperor Ming nodded in agreement and then changed the subject, “I remember both you and Liu Jianli were present at the founding of the Sword Dao Alliance, and you even received a token from Sword Emperor Bai Yan.”

“Speaking of the Sword Dao Alliance, I am also pleased with its establishment to nurture warriors for the Great Qian and enrich the talent pool. If Princess Anya could be betrothed to a talented young man from the Sword Dao Alliance, it wouldn’t be a bad choice.”

“This...” Qin Feng hesitated to speak.

“What’s wrong again?” Emperor Ming asked curiously.

“The Sword Dao Alliance is filled with talented young individuals, but they are primarily warriors whose minds are focused on cultivation and the path of the sword. Moreover, Princess Anya follows the Literature Saint Dao lineage, so how could she possibly have common topics with these warriors? I’m afraid she won’t be happy after marriage,” Qin Feng explained.

“According to Qin Feng’s words, finding someone from the Literature Saint Dao Lineage would be the best match for Anya? If so, I have some candidates in mind, such as Sun Qi, the second disciple of the Heavenly Tower National Teacher,” Emperor Ming suggested.

“Sun Qi has profound cultivation, but his character is a bit eccentric,” Qin Feng stated frankly.

“What about Xu Lexian, the third disciple?” Emperor Ming continued.

“His character is acceptable, but his appearance...” Qin Feng stopped himself before being impolite.

“That makes sense,” Emperor Ming nodded slightly. “What about Yang Qian?”

“Senior Brother Yang excels in cultivation, appearance, and character, but unfortunately, there is quite a significant age difference between him and Princess Anya,” Qin Feng lamented, shaking his head.

“In that case, it seems Fei Xun is the only option,” Emperor Ming mused.

Qin Feng wanted to voice some objections, but after thinking for a while, he couldn’t find any faults related to Senior Brother Fei.

His cultivation, character, appearance, and age were all exceptional. The only complaint was his somewhat arrogant and scheming personality, but most scholars were like that. Moreover, considering the disguised woman’s peculiar demeanor, perhaps they were indeed a perfect match?

No, they were a match made in heaven!

Just as Qin Feng was conflicted, Emperor Ming shook his head and said, “Still inappropriate. Fei Xun is acceptable in every aspect, but he is from a humble background and lacks a title. He’s not a suitable match for Anya.”

With a sigh, Emperor Ming lamented, “Finding a suitable husband for Anya is truly not an easy task.”

At this moment, Eunuch Li, who had been silent for a long time, suddenly spoke up, “Your Majesty’s requirements are too strict. How can there be a man who meets so many criteria? You want someone from the Demon Slaying Department, related to the Sword Dao Alliance, and also following the Literature Saint lineage. Not to mention having exceptional cultivation, character, appearance, age, and a title. It’s practically impossible, hmm?”

“Hmm?” Emperor Ming seemed to have an epiphany.

“Hmm?” Qin Feng also seemed to realize something. Were all these conditions pointing towards himself?!

As he looked up, he indeed found both the Emperor and Eunuch Li staring at him.

After all, looking back on Qin Feng’s journey since arriving in the Imperial City, calling him a legend was not an exaggeration.

From inventing gunpowder, improving the Martial Qi Control Art, to establishing the Peaceful Academy, his various accomplishments had strengthened the Great Qian’s military might and significantly increased the number of Literature Saint Dao Lineage practitioners.

It’s no exaggeration to say that the current prosperity of the Great Qian was not only due to the Emperor’s wise rule but also owed much to Qin Feng!

Of course, Eunuch Li kept these thoughts to himself. Matters concerning the Imperial Court symbolized the Emperor’s supreme authority and couldn’t be discussed with outsiders.

However, Emperor Ming openly acknowledged, “The prosperity of the Great Qian owes much to Qin Feng. Since Anya is also fond of him, settling this marriage would ease my mind. Moreover...”

Emperor Ming didn’t finish his sentence. Instead, he looked at the painting of an unopened sword in the study, lost in thought.

The words of the Heavenly Tower National Teacher echoed in his mind for a long time.

He would not blame Emperor Tianxuan for his choice. Being able to open the eyes of the nine dragons was enough to show what an amazing person this ancestor was.

Thinking from the perspective of leaving behind a prosperous nation, who would be willing to sacrifice themselves to fulfill the dreams of future generations?

‘What choice will I make when that time comes?’ Emperor Ming asked himself in his mind, but he didn’t have an answer.

It was approaching the end of autumn and it was getting dark early. When Qin Feng returned to Qin Mansion, it was already dark.

Emperor Ming’s words in the study continued to echo in Qin Feng’s mind, leaving him feeling quite conflicted.

“If I were to see her now, I wouldn’t know how to face her,” Qin Feng sighed as he pinched the bridge of his nose.

“Who are you unsure about facing?”

The gates of the Qin residence opened, and Anya appeared in an elegant white dress. Under the moonlight, her eyes sparkled, her skin glowing with a radiant warmth.

Qin Feng had long known that Anya was a stunning woman, but in his current state of mind, her beauty seemed even more enchanting.

Fortunately, he noticed the lack of curves on her chest and quickly regained his composure, and a hint of regret flashed in his eyes.

“What are you looking at?!” Anya noticed his gaze and became annoyed. She crossed her arms over her chest, though there was no curvature to emphasize.

“I’m just curious, it’s so late, why haven’t you gone back yet.” Qin Feng coughed.

Since I hadn’t seen you, Anya hid her unnatural look and calmly replied, “Qin Xiao and Qin Lan are too adorable. When I am with them, time flies without me noticing it.

“I see. Children are always so innocent and lovely. If you truly like them, why not have one yourself? Then you’ll have one to bother you when the time comes,” Qin Feng joked without thinking.

But the moment the words left his mouth, he regretted them.

“Is it amusing?”

“Not at all.”

The two fell into a silent gaze, Anya maintaining her usual demeanor. She casually brushed her hair to cover her slightly flushed ears.

“Would you accompany me for a while?” Anya broke the silence first after a moment.

“Of course.”

As a princess, Anya naturally had a carriage waiting outside the old tavern’s stable.

Although it was only a few streets away, they deliberately slowed their pace, walking for quite some time.

It wasn’t until they saw the royal stableman grooming the horses that they realized they had arrived at their destination.

After a simple farewell, Qin Feng intended to return home but was stopped by Anya.

“What’s wrong?”

Anya asked softly, “What kind of relationship do you consider us to have?”

Qin Feng was slightly surprised, “Of course, we’re close friends.”

“Friends, huh?” A hint of disappointment flashed in Anya’s eyes. This answer was within her expectations but not what she wanted to hear.

She took a deep breath, as if gathering courage, and finally said, “But I don’t want to just be your friend anymore.”