Chapter 566 - Chapter 566: A Small Wish
Chapter 566: A Small Wish
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
Yuan Qingqing looked at Fan Yuru and asked with concern, “Look at your worried face. Did you encounter some difficulties?”
Fan Yuru sighed, “Let’s wait until everyone is here, then I’ll tell you.”
Yuan Qingqing and Feng Xuejun exchanged glances, nodding without further comment.
Soon, there was another knock on the door.
Fan Yuru sprang up and rushed to open it, “Qingzhi, Shiyu.” After calling out, she rushed to embrace Chu Qingzhi, “Qingzhi, I’m facing a problem.”
Chu Qingzhi gently patted Fan Yuru’s back in consolation, “What happened?”
“Take a seat first.” Fan Yuru let go of Chu Qingzhi and pulled the two of them to sit on the stool. She sat at the side and indignantly told her four good sisters what had happened.
Yuan Qingqing clenched her fists, her eyes filled with anger, “Presumptuous!”
Fan Yuru looked upset, “Yesterday at Tainan Restaurant, I clearly scolded him, yet he claimed to have fallen in love with me at first sight. Do you think he’s out of his mind?”
Feng Xuejun cautiously asked, “Yuru, is there any misunderstanding in all this?”
Fan Yuru shook her head, “1 don’t know. My father told me this news when he returned from court this morning, and 1 immediately came to discuss it with you.”
Rong Shiyu thought for a moment and asked, “What was the emperor and the court’s reaction when Bei Chunyi proposed to marry you?”
Fan Yuru replied, “My father said everyone opposed it.”
Rong Shiyu sighed in relief, “That’s good. It would be problematic if the court agreed to a marriage alliance, leaving us with no room to maneuver.”
Fan Yuru also felt relieved, “Qingzhi, what do you think?”
Chu Qingzhi’s delicate brows furrowed slightly, “Yuru, it’s not you they are after, but what you represent.”
These words stunned the four women, and they immediately came to a realization. Fan Yuru was the daughter of General Fan. If they could obtain General Fan’s support, why would they worry that the throne of the Mobei Kingdom would not fall into their hands?!
Fan Yuru slammed her hand on the table, “My father dotes on me. If I marry
Bei Chunyi, he would undoubtedly support him wholeheartedly. It’s a calculated move indeed.”
Rong Shiyu looked worried, “If it’s about the power behind you, those princes won’t give up easily.”
Fan Yuru nodded, “That’s why my father said it’s a hidden threat.”
Yuan Qingqing advised, “Yuru, you should listen to your father and stay indoors for a while.” She decided to do the same, as her grandfather also held military power, and it would be troublesome if she drew attention.
Feng Xuejun also advised, “Yes, ambitious men are capable of anything.”
Rong Shiyu cautioned, “They’re right. If they are after your father’s support, they will surely do everything to have you. Be careful, Yuru.”
Fan Yuru looked towards Chu Qingzhi, eager for her opinion, “Qingzhi, what do you think I should do?”
“Actually, not going out won’t solve the problem.” Chu Qingzhi wasn’t someone who liked to be passive; she preferred to take the initiative and control the situation.
Fan Yuru looked at her with hopeful eyes, “Qingzhi, do you have any good ideas?”
Chu Qingzhi replied calmly, “Just make them leave Daling.”
The four women looked confused. “Leave? How can they leave? They won’t leave without achieving their goals, right?”
Chu Qingzhi looked at the four women and asked patiently, “What do they care about the most?”
In unison, the four girls answered, “The throne of the Mobei Kingdom.”
Chu Qingzhi explained, “If news spreads from the Mobei Kingdom that the king has been poisoned, or is seriously ill, or has met with an accident – essentially, that the kingdom is about to change rulers – do you think they would still stay put?”
The girls’ eyes shone with admiration as they looked at Chu Qingzhi.
Fan Yuru said eagerly, “Qingzhi, I’ll go back and tell my father right away.”
Yuan Qingqing quickly added, “1’11 also tell my grandfather and coordinate our actions to drive those two out of Daling as soon as possible.”
Feng Xuejun and Rong Shiyu also agreed to inform their families.
Chu Qingzhi smiled slightly, “Go ahead.”
Tang Jinghong, having changed into casual clothes, was heading towards Xilin Garden when a young girl suddenly blocked his way, “General, the princess wants to see you.”
Tang Jinghong sidestepped her and continued walking.
The girl threatened, “If you don’t go, rumors of the princess spending the night at your residence will spread immediately.”
Tang Jinghong stopped, his forehead vein throbbing, an intimidating chill emanating from him, “Lead the way!”
The girl, frightened, quickly said, “This way, General.”
Tang Jinghong followed the girl towards a nearby teahouse.
This scene happened to be seen by Chu Qingzhi, who had just returned to Xilin Garden. She looked at it in confusion, thought for a while, restrained her aura, and followed.
Jinghong looked reluctant. Something must have happened.
Entering the private room of the teahouse, the air was filled with a refreshing tea fragrance.
Princess Changle stood up as she saw Tang Jinghong, “Jinghong.” This time, her demeanor was somewhat subdued, not as overbearing as before.
Tang Jinghong stood at the door with indifferent eyes. He cupped his fists and bowed. “Princess, if you have something to say, please say it.”
Princess Changle stared at Tang Jinghong’s handsome face with some infatuation. She did not want to give up, but Chu Qingzhi’s words often impacted her, making her not want to continue pestering him.
Slowly withdrawing her gaze, she said, “General Tang, I have a favor to ask.”
Tang Jinghong responded indifferently, “Please give your instructions, Princess.”
“I don’t want to marry Bei Chunlu. Can you help me think of a way?” For the first time, Princess Changle spoke in a pleading tone.
Tang Jinghong was somewhat surprised, “Bei Chunlu proposed to you?”
“Yes, he did. My brother, the Emperor, neither agreed nor disagreed. 1 beg you to help me, General Tang. If you help me, 1 promise never to bother you again.”
Princess Changle was visibly frightened. The matter concerned the relations between two countries, and if her brother decreed her marriage, she had no means to resist. A marriage alliance was often the most tragic fate for a princess, and she didn’t want that.
Tang Jinghong said matter-of-factly, “A marriage alliance involving the princess affects the entire Daling. 1 believe the Emperor will not agree to it.” “Really?” Princess Changle was pleasantly surprised.
Tang Jinghong explained, “Based on my understanding of the Emperor, unless Daling faces a crisis of national extinction, he would not consent to a marriage alliance.”
Hearing this, Princess Changle’s worries subsided, and she joyfully said, “Thank you, General Tang.”
Tang Jinghong bowed, “1 shall take my leave.”
“Wait,” Princess Changle called out to Tang Jinghong, biting her lip before asking boldly, “If Chu Qingzhi were not in the picture, would you choose to be with me?”
Tang Jinghong answered without a hint of emotion, “No, I wouldn’t.”
“Why?” Princess Changle became agitated, “Even if you disdain my capriciousness, there are so many noble ladies in the capital. Why don’t you like any of them?”
Tang Jinghong replied with something unexpected, “When I am old, I wish to run a small stall and live an ordinary life.. Which one of you could accompany me to fulfill this wish?”