Chapter 218: Future Sovereign’s Declaration

A rare trace of amusement lingered within Song Liangxue's icy eyes as she stepped forward, her flowing blue robes swaying gently with each measured step.

She stopped at the edge of the northern dais before cupping her fists toward the countless distinguished guests gathered beneath the crystal dome.

"This junior, Song Liangxue, greets all the honored seniors."

Her voice was neither loud nor forceful, yet it reached every corner of the immense hall with perfect clarity.

"Like my husband, I have never been particularly fond of making speeches. Fortunately, he has already spoken well enough that there is little left for me to add." A faint smile appeared on her face. "If I simply repeated his words, this banquet would likely last until sunset."

Warm laughter spread through the hall, easing the formality of the occasion.

Song Liangxue allowed the sound to settle before her expression gradually returned to its usual composed calm.

"Even so, there are a few things I wish to say."

Her gaze slowly swept across the representatives of the Imperial Court, the patriarchs of the Great Clans, the elders of the great sects, and finally the countless young geniuses seated throughout the banquet hall.

"My mother has announced our marriage to the world. I imagine many of the seniors present have already begun wondering why the Song Clan made such a decision, and whether the man standing beside me truly deserves the position he has been given.

"I do not find those thoughts offensive. In fact, if I were seated where you are today, I would likely be asking the very same questions."

Several elders nodded almost instinctively. Even Prince Zhao's eyes revealed a trace of interest. Though his eyes held a strange warmth as he stared at her.

Song Liangxue's voice remained calm.

"The Song Clan has stood at the northern frontier for countless generations. We have survived not because we rush into decisions, but because we weigh every choice with utmost care. Every alliance we forge, every sword we draw, and every decree we issue carries the future of the North behind it."

She paused before adding, "So believe me when I say this. We did not choose Ye Jun on a whim. My mother did not. My grandfather did not. And I certainly did not."

A quiet ripple spread through the younger generation.

Song Liangxue's expression remained calm as she continued, her voice steady from beginning to end. There was no attempt to convince anyone, only the quiet certainty of someone stating what she believed to be true.

"I know there are people in this hall who believe my husband has yet to prove himself. There is nothing wrong with thinking that. Reputation is earned through deeds, not titles. Whether he is worthy of the Song Clan's name, whether he deserves to stand among the younger generation's finest, whether he possesses the qualifications to become the Lord Son-in-law of the North..."

She smiled faintly.

"Time will answer every one of those questions far better than I ever could."

Her calm eyes swept toward the younger disciples seated throughout the hall.

"The Heaven Opening Chasm will soon reopen. Every genius of North will eventually step into its depths. When that day arrives, watch with your own eyes. If, after witnessing everything for yourselves, you still believe the Song Clan made the wrong choice..."

She shrugged ever so slightly.

"Then you are free to keep that opinion."

A wave of laughter echoed throughout the hall, though several of the younger geniuses wore complicated expressions instead.

Song Liangxue paid them no mind.

"The Song Clan has never governed the North by seeking the approval of others. We protect our people because it is our duty. We defend our borders because they are ours to defend. And when we make a decision concerning our own family..."

Her voice grew firmer.

"...we neither ask for permission nor apologize for it."

The laughter disappeared almost instantly.

Even several veteran patriarchs found themselves looking at the young princess with renewed appreciation.

She stood there with her hands calmly folded before her, not a trace of arrogance upon her face. Yet the confidence in her words made it abundantly clear that she had inherited the pride of generations.

"I chose Ye Jun because I believe in the man he is today. Not because of the heavenly tribulation. Not because of his talent. And not because one day he may become a Saint. I chose him because when the world sees opportunity, he sees responsibility. When others pursue power for themselves, he carries the burdens he has accepted without complaint. That alone is enough for me."

A profound silence settled over the hall.

Many of the older cultivators subconsciously glanced toward Ye Jun. His speech had been humble and restrained. Song Liangxue's words, however, revealed how highly the future ruler of the North regarded him. Coming from someone as proud and discerning as the Northern Princess, the weight behind those words was immeasurable.

Song Liangxue slowly turned toward Ye Jun, a gentle smile appearing on her usually aloof face before she looked back at the assembled guests.

"So allow me to say one final thing. From this day onward, Ye Jun is my husband. He is family. He is one of us. Any honor he earns will be celebrated by the Song Clan. Any burden he carries will be carried by the Song Clan. And should anyone believe that becoming the Lord Son-in-law of the North makes him an easy target..."

Her icy blue eyes seemed to brighten ever so slightly.

"...then I welcome them to test that assumption."

The words fell lightly.

Yet beneath their simplicity lay the unmistakable declaration of the Northern Princess herself.

No threats.

No killing intent.

Only absolute confidence.

Song Liangxue cupped her fists once more toward the assembly.

"Thank you, honored seniors, for witnessing this day."

She stepped back beside Ye Jun, her expression returning to its usual calm. Yet the atmosphere within the grand hall had subtly changed. Many who had come intending only to judge Ye Jun now found themselves reflecting upon the unwavering conviction of the woman standing beside him.

For the first time that evening, they truly understood that the marriage before them was not merely approved by the Song Clan.

It was defended by its future sovereign.