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But not long after, another marriage proposal came knocking at the door. This time it was Prince Anling Xiao Mian of Southern Qi. "What? Prince Anling wants me to be his princess?" Chao Qinglan was dumbfounded once again.
A maid hurried in, shouting, "Miss, miss, Prince Anling Xiao Mian has come to propose marriage!"
Chao Qinglan couldn't help but burst into laughter when she heard it: "So soon again?" It was the first time she realized what they meant by "a beautiful face is a disaster."
Inside the magnificent Zhao Mansion, with bright candlelight, Chao Qinglan sat on a high phoenix chair, facing Prince Anling Xiao Mian of Southern Qi.
"The daughter of the Zhao family is certainly not an ordinary person. Today, upon seeing her, it is clear that her reputation is well-deserved," Xiao Mian's mouth curled slightly, and a hint of shrewdness flashed in his eyes.
Chao Qinglan smiled inwardly: This guy is indeed good with words. However, she maintained a hint of humility, slightly lowering her head and replied, "Thank you for the prince's favor, but I'm afraid I cannot agree to this marriage."
Xiao Mian frowned slightly, seemingly not expecting such an answer. He curiously asked, "What reason is making Miss Zhao hesitate so much?"
Chao Qinglan took a deep breath, her expression turning serious, and said, "My lord, I have an unspeakable illness."
Xiao Mian couldn't help but frown and asked curiously, "Miss Zhao, what kind of hidden illness do you have?"
Chao Qinglan observed Xiao Mian's reaction and felt secretly delighted. She pretended to be weak and replied, "My lord, this is the pain of my life. The doctor said I am weak and sickly, afraid that I may not live past thirty. I don't want to burden you, my lord, or become a liability to you."
Xiao Mian, upon hearing this, showed a hint of embarrassment, but quickly composed herself and displayed a tolerant and magnanimous attitude, saying, "In that case, I will no longer insist. If this causes any inconvenience to the Zhao family, I hope Miss Zhao can be understanding."
In the following days, Chao Qinglan pretended to be ill and lay on the luxurious mahogany bed, with a diffuser emitting a faint lavender scent placed at the head of the bed.
She held her head in one hand and cradled a delicate Peony porcelain bowl in the other, containing the Chinese medicine prescribed by the doctor for her.
The doctor from the mansion came out to testify, with a worried look on his face, informing everyone, "Miss Zhao's heart fire is too strong, she needs to rest more these days."
Fortunately, she successfully rejected the marriage proposal. Chao Qinglan lay on the bed, watching the light breeze in the room gently sway the hanging gauze, with a smug smile on her face. The reason for going to such great lengths this time was not only to dispel the Prince's doubts, but also to hope to deter others who were interested in proposing marriage. From now on, it would be a permanent solution, and no one would come to propose marriage again.
Chao Qinglan snuggled on the silk sheets embroidered with Dragon and Phoenix, wrapped in the soft, water-like bedding, feeling like a bird trapped in a golden cage.
The entire mansion was filled with the heavy scent of osmanthus and sandalwood, symbolizing nobility and purity.
The exquisite paintings on the ceiling are not just works of art, but also feel like heavy shackles, binding her tightly to a time that does not belong to her.
"All of this is just too crazy," she couldn't help but sigh. The ancient world of romantic tales and chivalry in the books now feels so distant in this moment.
Every fairy in the painting seems to be mocking her, like a ridiculous farce.
Chao Qinglan covered her eyes with her arm, trying to let her thoughts drift away. "They got married so early in ancient times, I wanted to enjoy a few more carefree years."
Moreover, she has not yet adapted to this new identity and must face so many unbearable things. But this woman named Chao Qinglan, who has attracted numerous suitors at such a young age, is not only renowned for her talent and beauty, but more importantly, for the significant influence and prestige of the Zhao family.
the Zhao family in the Southern Qi society is like an indestructible mountain, not only wealthy but also with deep connections.
Chao Qinglan knows deep down that as a member of the Zhao family, she cannot escape this fate. However, she still holds onto her own plans and dreams in her heart.
" Qinglan, are you really not considering the prince's proposal?" Zhao Zhangyuan furrowed his brows with concern and doubt. As the head of a prestigious family, he knew well that a good marriage could bring many benefits to the family.
Chao Qinglan sat at the rosewood desk, flipping through the "Zuo Zhuan" and occasionally jotting down a few annotations. Without looking up, she replied calmly, "Father, you should understand that the attitudes of these nobles may not necessarily match their outward appearances. How can I easily agree to it?"
"However, this is still the prince after all. If we can form a marriage alliance, it would also benefit our Zhao family," Zhao Zhangyuan said with great emphasis.
Chao Qinglan finally put down the pen in her hand. Her gaze was as sharp as a knife as she looked at Zhao Zhangyuan and said, "Father, do you truly believe that the prosperity of the family can be solely secured by a marriage alliance? Although I am young, with the political situation of the Southern Dynasties being so unstable, you might as well let me go to school and learn some real skills."
Zhao Zhangyuan was surprised and couldn't help but look at Chao Qinglan with new respect. He suddenly realized that this daughter had always been exceptional, exceptionally intelligent, well-read, and skilled in various arts. Previously, she had even predicted the downfall of Southern Song's Liu Yu like a fortune teller.
"Well, since you say so, Qinglan, we'll wait for the school's opening notice," Zhao Zhangyuan finally compromised.
Chao Qinglan smiled slightly, but hidden within that smile were all the experiences and knowledge of the male archaeologist Zhang Yi from the past.
"That daughter has fulfilled dad's wishes." Chao Qinglan said contentedly.
Suddenly, a faint lotus fragrance wafted into the room, followed by a maid who walked in. The maid was holding a box of jade green porcelain, inside of which were some freshly brewed ginger tea.
"Miss, you're under a lot of pressure, which can easily affect your health. Please have some ginger tea to relax a bit," Beyue said softly.
Chao Qinglan sat up, smiled slightly, and appeared a bit more relaxed. "Thank you, Beyue. Please put the tea on the desk."
Beyue obediently placed the ginger tea on the intricately carved rosewood desk and then quietly slipped away.
Chao Qinglan held the ginger tea, gazing leisurely out the window. The lingering glow of the sunset seeped through the window grilles onto her face, giving a sense of tranquility and beauty. As a woman, she suddenly realized that she must find a foothold in this ancient era in order to fully control her own destiny.
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