Chapter 31: I Only Introduced My Sister Because I Treat You Like a Brother  

You must understand—  

Ying Qingge’s features were already exquisitely refined, her beauty breathtakingly unparalleled.  

Now, after meticulous preparation, she was stunningly captivating, like an enchantress of an imperial princess capable of bewitching the world.  

She wore a wine-red evening gown, blending classical and modern elements, accentuating her flawless figure. Her long, jade-like legs peeked subtly from beneath the hem, and her voluptuous curves were nothing short of awe-inspiring.  

Truly breathtaking.  

Seeing her Junior Brother momentarily dazed, Ying Qingge was quite pleased—this was exactly the effect she wanted.  

While Su Chen was still in a daze, Ying Qingge linked her arm with his.  

The sudden closeness and astonishing softness made Su Chen cough awkwardly.  

“Senior Sister, mind your outfit.”  

“What’s the big deal?”  

“Oh my, could it be that Junior Brother’s heart is fluttering?”  

Under Ying Qingge’s playful smile, Su Chen rubbed his nose in embarrassment.  

He admitted he was a bit flustered.  

And that was precisely the reaction Ying Qingge was aiming for.  

All her effort in picking out the perfect outfit had paid off, capturing her Junior Brother’s attention.  

Then—  

With Ying Qingge holding Su Chen’s arm, the two headed to the venue side by side.  

At this point—  

The civil and military officials, along with other invited guests, had long arrived, but there was no sign of Empress Ying Qingge or Su Chen.  

As the crowd wondered why they hadn’t shown up, a commotion stirred in the distance.  

Hearing it, the officials’ gazes turned in unison.  

They saw Ying Qingge and Su Chen approaching together.  

Su Chen’s tall, upright figure and handsome features were striking.  

Dressed in white, he stood with an elegant poise, his demeanor refined and transcendent, unmatched in the world.  

Even though it wasn’t their first time seeing him, he made the other men present feel inferior by comparison.  

His entrance alone set him apart from the ordinary, as if he existed on a different plane.  

How could there be such a perfect “kept man” in this world?!  

Beside him—  

Their Majesty, Ying Qingge, was breathtakingly beautiful, like a fairy descended from the heavens.  

Her brows were like distant mountains, her eyes like rippling autumn waters, her skin as fair and smooth as jade.  

No beauty surpasses her; she captivates the eye, a peerless beauty fit for the heavens.  

The two walking side by side were a match made in heaven, impossible to find a more perfect pair.  

Some officials had still harbored resentment over Su Chen becoming the Imperial Husband.  

But at this moment—  

Who could dare voice objections?  

If he wasn’t suitable, who in the vast dynasty could be?  

Moreover, Su Chen’s previously displayed talent was unparalleled, unmatched by any.  

In an instant—  

The jealousy and discontent in the officials’ hearts had to dissipate.  

As their biases faded and they reevaluated Su Chen, they suddenly saw a broader horizon.  

Though his origins were mysterious, the glimpse of his backing was already astonishingly formidable.  

Scheming against Great Qin? That was laughable.  

In the end, they had merely judged a gentleman with the heart of a petty man.  

Add to that Su Chen’s willingness to face the world alone for the Empress, remaining humble and composed after his victory—his character and devotion made him perhaps the only suitable choice for Imperial Husband.  

“Sigh, we’re getting old!”  

“Her Majesty’s judgment has always been beyond our reach. We can’t help but admire.”  

“Indeed, Her Majesty has excellent taste!”  

Hearing the surrounding praises, the Left Chancellor’s expression darkened.  

What a bunch of spineless opportunists!  

Suddenly—  

“Left Chancellor, what do you think?”  

“Huh? Your Majesty… as the Empress of Great Qin, your decisions are naturally far-sighted.”  

“So you agree?”  

“Yes!”  

The Left Chancellor shot a resentful glare at the young official who pressed him, answering through gritted teeth.  

On the other side—  

After showing off her Junior Brother, Empress Ying Qingge left first.  

After all, her Junior Brother disliked socializing, so she didn’t want to trouble him.  

Left alone, Su Chen barely had a moment to relax before Ji Hanqing approached him.  

“Imperial Husband, your half-composed Song of Righteousness truly kept me up all night with excitement.”  

“I had planned to clear obstacles for you, but it turned out to be a joke.”  

“You’re really full of surprises!”  

His wistful sigh held no trace of jealousy, only regret for not being able to help.  

Su Chen had a strong impression of this good-natured man.  

He humbly replied,  

“You flatter me, Brother Ji.”  

“If you don’t mind, just call me by my name.”  

Ji Hanqing was about to agree but, recalling his father’s instructions, quickly corrected himself,  

“No, no, I’ll call you Brother Su.”  

Then—  

The two began chatting casually, though Su Chen mostly listened.  

Ji Hanqing was just too enthusiastic and hospitable!  

At first, Su Chen thought Ji’s carefree personality was just his nature, but he never expected—  

“By the way,”  

“Brother Su, there’s something I’m not sure I should mention.”  

“Speak freely.”  

“Alright, then.”  

“Well, my elder sister isn’t young anymore. She may not be as stunning as Her Majesty, but she’s still a rare beauty.”  

“She’s just too picky, but I think you could definitely win her over.”  

“How about meeting her someday?”  

“???”  

Su Chen was utterly stunned.  

After triple-checking, he saw Ji Hanqing’s earnest face winking mischievously.  

This good guy was bold beyond belief!  

My Senior Sister is right nearby, and you’re trying to set me up with your sister?  

Digging at the wall this blatantly?!  

Su Chen hadn’t seen this coming.  

Ji Hanqing had seemed so serious, as if he had something important to discuss.  

Who would’ve thought he’d bring up something so exasperating with such solemnity?  

At that moment, Ying Qingge glanced over, seemingly thoughtful.  

Su Chen’s heart skipped a beat.  

Wait, why am I panicking?  

Quickly regaining his composure, Su Chen politely declined Ji Hanqing’s offer.  

“I get it, I get it.”  

“No worries, we’ll talk again next time.”  

“…”  

Brother, what do you get?!  

Under Su Chen’s resentful gaze, Ji Hanqing acted as if nothing happened, smoothly shifting the topic to martial sparring.  

The rapid change left Su Chen struggling to keep up.  

Was this guy just thick-skinned or missing a few screws?  

This friend… maybe not worth keeping!  

At that moment—  

The dazzling lights in the palace hall dimmed suddenly, and the lively crowd fell silent, all eyes turning to one spot.  

A stunningly dressed woman approached with elegance.  

And Su Chen—he had seen her before.