Having children earns benefit, start competing for dominance in the world by marrying a wife

However, it's no surprise that Yelv Nanyan would choose the Preserving Beauty Pill, that woman covets beauty.

Lu Chen smiled, then conjured a small porcelain bottle out of thin air and said to Yelv Nanyan, "Inside this is the Preserving Beauty Pill that can keep a woman eternally youthful."

Hearing what Lu Chen said, Yelv Nanyan asked with slight surprise, "Prince, is there really such a pill in this world?"

Lu Chen replied, "Of course, there is. However, it is an Immortal Pill, exceedingly precious."

Upon saying this, Lu Chen placed the small porcelain bottle amid the Gentle Jade Fragrance, then added, "This is for you. After taking it, impurities will be expelled. Later, have your maids prepare some hot water for you to bathe with."

Immediately, Yelv Nanyan said, "Thank you for bestowing the pill upon me, Prince!"

At that moment, Lu Chen got up from Yelv Nanyan's side, glanced at her voluptuous body, and couldn't help but sigh internally. Having a Martial Artist become pregnant was indeed difficult.

Another half a month passed and there was still no reaction in the bellies of Yelv Nanyan and the other Martial Artists. Only Chu Yuqin became pregnant almost immediately.

Lu Chen didn't think too much about it and got off the bed. Yelv Nanyan also quickly got up and helped Lu Chen dress.

An hour later.

Hall of Political Affairs.

The main topic for today's early court was discussing Princess Wu's mission to North Country.

Regarding this matter, a great number of officials from North Country held an opposing stance.

As an important figure in Great Wu, if Princess Wu was coming to North Country, there had to be a hidden agenda, one which was certainly no secret to anyone.

It was apparent that Great Wu was aiming to incite an internal war between North Country and Great Sum so that it could capitalize on the resulting division within Great Sum for its own benefit.

It was then that an official from the Universal Academy faction said, "Prince, I believe North Country doesn't yet have the capacity to stand independently.

Although North Country has signed trade agreements with Great Jue and engaged in commerce with other dynasties, many of our important resources still come predominantly from other regions of Great Sum, particularly the ores related to weapons production."

"If we become estranged from the Great Sum imperial court now, and if the court decides to cut off relations completely with us, North Country will struggle to find means to obtain those resources in a short time."

"Although North Country now possesses masters of the Heavenly Human Realm, nobody knows whether His Majesty has a trump card capable of countering a Celestial. I heard just a while ago that the royal family acquired a Sacred Artifact from Mysterious Moon Palace, capable of temporarily elevating a Grandmaster's prowess to match that of the Heavenly Human Realm."

Officials from the Universal Academy faction knew much, since being insiders meant that Lu Chen usually tasked them with the procurement of materials for weapons production, giving them insight into the current situation of North Country.

To the Universal Academy officials, an immediate war with Great Sum would not only preclude the North Prince from seizing the throne in short order but might also cause the loss of methods to acquire many resources due to the outbreak of war.

Moreover, with Great Wu having recently quelled the unrest in the southeast and eyeing North Country covetously, a war between North Country and Great Sum at this time would play straight into Great Wu's hands.

The key consideration was North Country's possession of a Celestial master, while the Great Sum imperial court also had means to contend with Celestials. A collision between two powerful forces could likely result in mutual destruction, which would only benefit a third party.

Lu Chen's agreement with Great Jue had already provoked the imperial court, and further close relations with Great Wu might provoke Great Sum's court even more to take drastic actions.

Although North Country now possessed a certain strength, it was not yet mighty enough to overturn a dynasty, which is why most officials believed that it was not a good idea to permit Princess Wu's visit at this time.

Seeing that the Universal Academy faction's officials held this opinion, Li Rui stepped forward, "Prince, I also believe that now is indeed not the right time to further provoke the imperial court."

Although the presence of Heavenly Realm masters had bolstered the confidence of North Country officials, most officials remained clear-headed, and it was evident that Lu Chen had no immediate plans for direct confrontation with the imperial court.

After hearing their views, Lu Chen smiled faintly, then looked towards Zhuge Zhongguang and asked, "Great Scholar, what is your opinion?"

Zhuge Zhongguang replied, "Old subject believes that since Princess Wu of Great Wu wishes to come, we should let her. Prince, did you not mention that not only is she coming, but Prince Wu Ming of Great Wu is also accompanying her?"

"If Great Wu seeks to agitate the relationship between North Country and the Great Sum court, North Country can also stir up the relationship between their Princess and the Prince."

Hearing Zhuge Zhongguang's comments, Lu Chen pondered, then said, "The Great Scholar makes a good point. In that case, let them come."

Lu Chen also saw through the Martial Emperor's intention behind allowing Prince Wu Ming to accompany Princess Wu to North Country; it was to keep her in check and prevent her from monopolizing all the merit.

As a woman, Princess Wu was always contending with the princes for achievements, and the princes of Great Wu surely resented her for it.

Given the situation, it would be possible to exploit this and stir up tension between the princes of Great Wu and Princess Wu, ideally intensifying Great Wu's political infighting.

Seeing Zhuge Zhongguang and Lu Chen agreed on allowing Princess Wu's visit, the court officials said no more, and the matter was settled. The following task was preparing for the reception.

Princess Wu's delegation was different from that of Great Jue's, and as a princess with significant power in Great Wu, the reception standards had to be high.

A half month quickly passed, and the delegation from Great Wu finally arrived at Yan County in North Country.

Sitting inside the carriage, Princess Wu thought about the last time she hastily left Yan County and couldn't help but feel amused. When she left back then, she thought she wouldn't be coming back to North Country any time soon, and yet here she was, returning to Yan County so quickly.

Opening the carriage window curtain, Princess Wu glanced at the welcoming crowd outside and felt a sense of anticipation. Last time, she left Yan County in a hurry and didn't have the chance to see what the North Prince was like. Now, at last, she had the opportunity to meet him face-to-face.

Talking to herself, Princess Wu said, "I hope you won't disappoint me."