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墨書 Inktalez
The Emperor felt completely relieved after hearing Lo Cheng's response.
"Prince, did you hear what Prince Luo said? In that case, let's postpone the matter of the marriage for now," the Emperor turned to Murong Cheng and said.
Murong Cheng was not willing to give up easily. He prepared a variety of reasons, all grand and elaborate.
However, no matter what he said, Lo Cheng insisted that Luo Jingxian was unwell and had no plans for marriage at the moment, thoroughly rejecting the proposal.
In the end, the Emperor grew annoyed and made a decisive ruling, dismissing Murong Cheng's request for marriage.
Murong Cheng was publicly rejected by the Emperor and saw Luo Jingxian's unabashed disdain, which filled him with rage. The remaining rationality barely kept him from storming out on the spot.
It wasn't that he didn't want to; it was that he didn't dare.
As long as he was the Crown Prince, there was still the Emperor above him. Murong Cheng returned to his seat silently.
Only he knew that he was on the verge of grinding his teeth to dust.
The atmosphere became awkward; the Ministers were anxious, their heads bowed as they dared not speak loudly. Neither the Emperor nor the Crown Prince was someone they could interfere with.
Just as everyone was unsure of what to do, the Emperor cleared his throat, intending to change the subject. At that moment, Shangyang Princess jumped in.
"Father, I also have something to report!"
The lively voice of the princess broke the oppressive silence, drawing everyone's attention to her.
"Oh?" The Emperor looked at his cheerful daughter, feeling a bit relieved. "What is it, Shangyang?"
Princess Shangyang's gaze floated around, landing on the Envoy of the Departed Nation, causing everyone present to tense up.
Lo Cheng's heart raced as his eyes met Princess Shangyang's in mid-air, and alarm bells rang in his mind.
This headstrong princess was unpredictable; she could do anything!
Sure enough, the next moment, the banquet was filled with Princess Shangyang's clear voice.
"Father, the Crown Prince is not wrong either. A marriage between Dongchuan and the Exiled Nation would strengthen ties between the two countries." Princess Shangyang said with a bright smile. "It's a pity Sister Luo is too weak to marry over. Since that's the case, why not let Son marry instead? It would be just as good!"
As soon as she finished speaking, a wave of astonishment swept through the crowd. Everyone was baffled by what was happening today; why were two people suddenly considering marriage?
Could this actually be the Emperor's idea?
The quick-thinking ministers began to churn thoughts in their minds. However, this time they were completely mistaken; the Emperor was even more surprised than they were.
"Shangyang, stop messing around! Do you think marriage is a joke?" The Emperor waved his hand, signaling Princess Shangyang to step back.
Princess Shangyang insisted, "Father, just agree! Son has already decided; he will only marry Prince Luo!"
Ye Xiaohan was dumbfounded and quietly nudged Gu Bei. "What is the princess thinking? When did she and Lo Cheng secretly decide on a lifelong commitment without us knowing?"
"I have no idea," Gu Bei shook his head. He hadn't heard the Emperor mention anything about a marriage alliance either.
Both of them turned their heads in unison to look at Lo Cheng. However, Lo Cheng wore a shocked expression, finding it even harder to accept this reality than they did, making it clear that no gossip would be forthcoming.
The two silently turned back, exchanging a glance that conveyed their deep sympathy for Lo Cheng.
Your Highness was far too impulsive; it seemed this whole affair was entirely her whim, with no one else consulted beforehand. Their suspicions were further confirmed when they noticed the surprise on Murong Jing's face as well.
For Ye Xiaohan and Gu Bei, this tragedy could only be rated a nine out of ten; the remaining point was reserved for their happiness, which meant they would have to bid farewell to Lo Cheng.
The Shangyang Princess shifted her focus away from Gu Bei, and they both breathed a sigh of relief.
Of course, it wasn't just about escaping the princess's entanglement; during their interactions, Ye Xiaohan had also realized that Lo Cheng didn't harbor any dislike for the Shangyang Princess.
Although the princess's excessive enthusiasm sometimes drove him to flee, their interactions were quite pleasant when she was more composed. In fact, over time, Lo Cheng had grown accustomed to the princess's presence.
Thinking back on it, their backgrounds were quite similar—both were talented and beautiful. They had received similar educations as elite members of high society. If they truly ended up together, they should be able to get along quite well.
The emperor furrowed his brow. Lo Cheng was indeed a good person; marrying him would be a fine choice for the Shangyang Princess. Yet she appeared so naive; had she really thought about her future?
None of his children were particularly worry-free, and the emperor felt a slight headache coming on.
"My daughter has always been spoiled and acts recklessly! However, her character is still decent," he said directly addressing Lo Cheng. "Lo Cheng, what are your thoughts?"
Lo Cheng had been stiff and frozen since earlier but finally came back to himself at this moment. Seeing Luo Jingxian watching him with concern warmed his heart.
Gently patting Luo Jingxian's hand, Lo Cheng planned to defer this matter for now.
"Thank you for your kindness, Princess!" Lo Cheng said politely. "However, this is a matter of marriage, and I cannot decide on my own. I must return to my country to consult with my father, the Mother Empress. The journey between our two nations is long, and I fear it may delay the princess."
He could only defer the decision to the Empress and Emperor of the Exiled Nation. Having just rejected the proposal from the Crown Prince of Dongchuan, he was now faced with rejecting the Princess of Dongchuan as well. The atmosphere would only worsen, and if he angered the Emperor, their mission to Dongchuan would lose its value.
The Emperor also thought this was for the best; it was wise to consider carefully.
However, before the Emperor could speak, the Queen spoke first.
"Prince Lo is indeed knowledgeable and well-mannered; he is a good child who follows the rules. For Shangyang to marry you is indeed her fortune." The Queen gestured slightly, and a palace maid presented something.
The Queen slowly placed the item on the table—it was a letter. "As for your father, the Mother Empress, you need not worry. I have inquired on your behalf before; both the ruler and Queen of the Exiled Nation have gladly agreed."
She glanced around, and the maid immediately delivered the letter to Lo Cheng.
Lo Cheng was astonished as he took it and opened it. Inside was indeed a handwritten letter from the Emperor and Empress of the Exiled Nation, expressing their delight at the proposal for an alliance with Dongchuan and confirming their agreement.
"This..." Lo Cheng's face turned pale; this was entirely beyond his expectations.
Ye Xiaohan was somewhat surprised. When did Princess Shangyang become so cunning? She seemed to understand how to take initiative by using the Emperor and Empress of the Exiled Nation to put pressure on Lo Cheng.
Curiously glancing over, she noticed that the princess also wore a look of surprise as she gazed at the Queen.
Hmm? Ye Xiaohan felt puzzled; things didn't seem so simple after all.
Only the Queen maintained her usual demeanor, smiling with authority as she said, "Prince, since your father, the Mother Empress, has already agreed, then this matter is settled."
The Queen turned to the Emperor and asked, "Your Majesty, what do you think?"
Upon hearing this, the Emperor had no better suggestion: "In that case, let's choose an Auspicious Day. What about you, Prince Lo Cheng?"
At this point, Lo Cheng had no chance to object. Moreover, if he publicly resisted the marriage, it would implicate Luo Jingxian. If the Exiled Nation were to ally with Dongchuan and truly betroth Luo Jingxian to Murong Cheng, it would be disastrous.
Given Luo Jingxian's character, she would rather shatter than compromise.
"Alright, thank you for your grace, Your Majesty!" Lo Cheng had no choice but to accept. However, aside from his shock, the only displeasure he felt stemmed from the Queen's subtly threatening attitude, which was aggressive beneath her gentle demeanor.
As for the Shangyang Princess, he didn't harbor much resentment towards her; he simply felt a bit helpless when he saw her beaming with joy as she covertly waved in his direction.
A chorus of congratulations erupted from below as the Ministers began to praise this union. Only the parties involved did not share in the excitement.
Finally, this awkward situation was dragged through, and the atmosphere at the banquet became even livelier than before.
However, some individuals could no longer sit still.
For instance, without anyone noticing, Liu Susu quietly stood up and left the banquet table.
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