Chapter 565 - Chapter 565: Lifelong Matter
Chapter 565: Lifelong Matter
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
In the middle of the square, a complex porcelain piece was placed for the competitors to model after. Before starting, they could approach for a closer observation, but they needed to manage their time well.
The area around the square was surrounded by many spectators, creating a lively atmosphere. Chu Qingzhi and her group stood under a large birch tree, watching the activities in the square.
Granny Chu looked around and said, “It seems like Qingshuang isn’t in the first round.”
Grandpa Chu said, “1 didn’t see Qingshuang either.”
Li Zhenzong said, “Qingshuang is probably in a later group. Each round lasts an hour. Let’s see if she’s in the next one.”
Li Qingyu, somewhat worried, asked, “Master Li, with so many competitors, what position can Qingshuang secure?”
Li Zhenzong confidently replied, “She will definitely be among the front runners.”
Hearing this, Li Qingyu felt considerably relieved.
Since Chu Qingshuang wasn’t competing yet, the group decided to split up and explore Xilin Garden.
The place was similar to a food festival, bustling with many stalls, providing an enjoyable way to pass the time.
In the imperial court.
Civil and military officials stood in separate rows, clearly distinguished.
Bei Chunyi stepped out of the line to pay respects, “Your Majesty, yesterday I happened to meet Second Miss Fan and fell in love at first sight. May I ask for Your Majesty’s permission to marry her?”
As soon as these words were spoken, the atmosphere in the court became tense.
General Fan clenched his fists tightly, frustrated by his daughter’s disobedience in going out, and now this predicament.
This Second Prince dared to propose marrying his daughter. He wouldn’t mind killing him and leading his cavalry to flatten the Mobei Kingdom, expanding the territory of the Dating Dynasty.
Tang Jinghong thought to himself, This is going to be troublesome.
The minister in charge of foreign affairs stepped forward, “Your Majesty, Second Miss Fan, the daughter of General Fan, is skilled in both literary and martial arts. It’s not surprising that the Second Prince is fond of her. However, in our Dating, marriages are based on mutual consent. If the Second Prince wishes to marry Second Miss Fan, he must first gain her approval.”
The statement was diplomatically put, neither agreeing nor refusing the proposal, essentially implying that unless the lady willingly agrees, the prince’s wishful thinking is in vain.
The emperor looked at the Minister of Foreign Affairs with approval and said, “The minister is right. Second Miss Fan is no ordinary woman. If I rashly issue a decree forcing her to marry, it might lead to a tragedy.”
“Also, there’s another matter. Second Miss Fan has inherited General Fan’s martial arts skills. The Second Prince should be careful when interacting with her.”
A flower may be beautiful, but beware of its poison, for it can be deadly.
…After all, Fan Yuru is the emperor’s sister-in-law. If the emperor orders her to marry to a vassal kingdom, the empress might throw a knife at him.
Several other ministers expressed their opinions, similar to those of the Minister of the Foreign Affairs.
Bei Chunji and Bei Chunlu were furious when they heard this, but they did not dare to flare up at all. Otherwise, it would be even more impossible for them to obtain support.
Bei Chunyi, with a calm expression, asked, “So, Your Majesty and the ministers mean that if Secon Miss Fan is willing, I can marry her?”
The Emperor nodded. “Yes.”
“I understand,” Bei Chunyi said and returned to his position.
General Fan looked at the Bei brothers and could not suppress the anger in his heart. He really wanted to kill the two of them to prevent future troubles.
Tang Jinghong glanced at the two of them from the corner of his eye. This was the wife candidate Qingzhi had found for her disciple. Although it was not confirmed yet, no one could say for sure what would happen in the future. If these men dare to pursue her, they might find it hard even to return to their Mobei Kingdom alive.
After the morning court session, General Fan hurried back to his residence. Coincidentally, Fan Yuru was leaving for Xilin Garden to watch Chu Qingshuang’s competition.
General Fan asked with a heavy voice, “Yuru, where are you going?”
Fan Yuru, puzzled, replied, “Father, did something upset you at court? You seem angry.”
General Fan swept his eyes over two maids and ordered, “Take Second Miss to my study.” Then he turned and walked inside.
Fan Yuru, watching her father’s retreating figure, called out, “Father, what’s wrong?”
Without turning back, General Fan’s voice came, “Come here quickly.”
Fan Yuru stood still for a moment, then followed, asking, “Father, what’s the matter?”
In the study, General Fan sat behind the desk, taking a deep breath and looking at Fan Yuru, “How did you provoke the prince of the Mobei Kingdom yesterday?”
Fan Yuru explained the whole story, saying, “They bullied someone first…”
General Fan sized up his daughter. She had a beautiful face and was in the prime of her youth. She was like a blooming flower. If she married Bei Chunyi, it would be like a flower stuck in cow dung. He would never allow it. “Today, Bei Chunyi asked to marry you in the imperial court.”
Fan Yuru felt like she had been struck by lightning, incredulously asking, “Father, what are you talking about?”
General Fan grew angry at the mention, “Bei Chunyi wants to marry you.”
“A toad lusting after a swan’s flesh!” Fan Yuru cursed angrily, “Father, I absolutely disagree. I’d rather die than marry him.”
General Fan’s brows were tightly furrowed. “No one agrees, but this issue remains a concern.”
Fan Yuru pondered for a moment, “Father, let me consult with my sisters. We can surely find a solution.”
General Fan objected, “Your sisters are all ladies from respectable families. Who among them could solve such a matter? You stay in the house and don’t go anywhere.”
“Father, are you suggesting I should just sit and wait for disaster?”
“No, I will think of a solution.”
Fan Yuru declared fiercely, “I must find a way to deal with my own lifelong matters. If that prince dares to force me, I’ll make sure he becomes a eunuch.”
Although General Fan was angry, he felt reassured by Fan Yuru’s words. Like father, like daughter. “Alright, let’s think of a solution together.”
Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
All foreign envoys were accommodated in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
When Bei Chunji and Bei Chunlu returned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, they were flustered and exasperated. She was just the daughter of a minister, yet everyone was speaking up for her.
After calming down, Bei Chunlu asked, “Second Brother, what should we do now?”
Bei Chunyi’s heart was burning with anger, but he looked calmer and calmer. “Didn’t they say that as long as Fan Yuru agrees, she can be married off?”
Bei Chunlu said hesitantly, “Second Brother, what do you mean?”
The teacup in Bei Chunyi’s hand was crushed. “Then let Fan Yuru do it willingly.”
Yipin Tea House.
The door was knocked, and Fan Yuru went to answer it.
TWo girls, wearing white fur hats, stood at the door. As soon as Fan Yuru opened it, they quickly entered the private room and closed the door behind them.
Fan Yuru looked at them, “Why are you dressed like this?”
Sun Qingqing, granddaughter of the General of the Cavalry, removed her hat and said, “Isn’t it to avoid those two princes?”
Feng Xuejun, the daughter of a general, agreed, “If we didn’t dress like this, our families wouldn’t let us out at all.”
Fan Yuru poured tea for them, “Sit down. We’ll wait a bit longer; two more people are coming..”