A Heart Secretly Given

Quentin Qian bowed and said, "Your humble servant thanks King Alexander!"

Then Quentin Qian got up, his eyes darting around, and pretended to be unsteady due to old age. He staggered, almost falling over.

Alexander Hayes's sudden action caught the attention of the crowd.

Just then, a young girl dashed forward gracefully and supported Quentin Qian's arm. Half playfully, half affectionately, she said, "Grandpa, are your legs alright?"

"Haha, Mia, Grandpa is fine." Quentin Qian held Mia Qian's hand, a look of appreciation flashing in his eyes.

Of all his granddaughters, Mia Qian was the quickest-witted and most perceptive.

Sure enough, only Mia Qian reacted to Quentin Qian's sudden fake fall. The other two twin granddaughters, though beautiful, weren't as clever as Mia.

After helping Quentin Qian steady himself, Mia Qian noticed Alexander Hayes watching them. She stepped forward, knelt, and respectfully explained, "Reporting to King Alexander, my grandfather's legs are weak. Every time he kneels and rises, he feels unsteady. I saw him nearly fall and rushed to help him, not meaning to be disrespectful before Your Majesty. Please forgive me."

"You are forgiven," Alexander Hayes said with a wave of his hand.

"Thank you for your generosity, King Alexander," Mia Qian said.

While Mia Qian spoke, she snuck a glance at Alexander Hayes, eager to see what the legendary war god looked like.

Behind her, Chloe and Vivian Qian also took the chance to sneak a peek at His Majesty King Alexander.

All three girls knew their mission: their family had sent them to join the harem of His Majesty King Alexander. Along the way, they secretly speculated about the King.

Was he three-headed and six-armed, broad-shouldered and muscular, with a fierce and terrifying face?

The three girls all tried to sneak a look at Alexander Hayes, but were stunned the moment they saw his face.

They had met many outstanding men in their clan, but had never seen anyone as handsome as him!

Not only was Alexander Hayes incredibly handsome, but his regal aura inspired both admiration and awe in women.

After just one look at Alexander Hayes, the girls were completely captivated, their hearts racing.

Seeing her future husband was so handsome, Mia Qian was overjoyed.

Chloe and Vivian Qian, once they recovered from their shock, were frustrated—how could Mia Qian steal the spotlight? His Majesty King Alexander's attention first landed on Mia, much to their dismay!

Quentin Qian was a shrewd man. Seeing the expressions of his three granddaughters, he knew their hearts were blossoming—they must have all taken a liking to someone as outstanding as His Majesty King Alexander.

Quentin Qian felt relieved. Stroking his beard, he smiled and said, "Your Majesty, our Qian family has long resided in the southeast. Now that the southeast has a new ruler, the Qian family is truly delighted. On behalf of my entire clan, I present our family's gifts to Your Majesty and hope you will accept them with pleasure."

As Quentin Qian spoke, he clapped his hands, and several servants carried in large chests, placing them in the grand hall.

This chest contains South Sea pearls, each one as large as a lychee—extremely precious.

This chest contains East Sea coral, as tall as two people, adorned with gold and jewels.

This is silk specially made by the Qian family's silk workshop. It's extremely rare—only three bolts can be produced each year.

Quentin Qian introduced the gifts he brought to Alexander Hayes; they were indeed precious and abundant.

Finally, Quentin Qian cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty, you have just taken charge of the southeast and are only familiar with the area around Chang'an. There is much you do not yet know about the vast southeast. I am willing to remain at the Qin Royal Palace to explain the region in detail, so that you may govern it smoothly."