The "bride price" offered by Dota was so tempting that there was no room for refusal.
"How wonderful! Not only can the princess' marriage bring fifty years of peace between the two countries, but it will also allow Dacheng to obtain land for horse breeding. This is a great thing!"
"Yes! Grassland is scarce in our dynasty, so horse breeding has always been limited. The grassland in Ningcheng is large and the grass quality is excellent! If we can really take Ningcheng, we will never lack war horses in the future!"
"That's right! Huo Pingchang can also be taken back for punishment, to comfort those soldiers who died in the battle and to give an explanation to the people."
"This is really good!"
"It just so happens that Princess Zhaohe has already divorced her husband and is now alone. I heard that the Northern Qiang King is handsome, young and strong, and his sincere request to marry the princess is not an injustice to her."
…
The ministers almost unanimously supported the marriage.
Even the people on Yuancheng's side were a little shaken, but out of consideration for Yuancheng, they did not act too recklessly.
But it’s different for Concubine Shu.
They received instructions from Concubine Shu and were determined to make this marriage happen.
Therefore, a minister from the Imperial Censorate said to Yuan Cheng, "Your Highness, although the princess is your sister, marrying her is a good thing for the country and the people."
"For the country, one can capture rebels, raise troops, and enrich the country and strengthen the army."
"For the people, it can reduce the fighting and allow them to rest and recuperate."
"Your Highness, as the crown prince of a country, don't you understand this principle?"
After hearing these words, the hall fell into silence, and everyone couldn't help but turn their eyes to Yuan Cheng.
Yuan Cheng's eyes were cold and his fingers clenched his sleeves.
At this time, another minister stood up and echoed, "The princess is a member of the royal family, enjoying the blessings of the world and having a fief of hundreds of households. She should share the country's worries."
Yuan Cheng's face instantly turned cold. He slowly raised his eyes, his gaze like ice locked on the minister, his voice filled with suppressed anger.
"So, Lord Chen is saying that as a member of the royal family and the mother of two sons and two daughters, the princess should sacrifice herself for the so-called 'great cause'?"
Mr. Chen was still calm, he bowed slightly, with a hint of a smile on his face.
"As a princess, Princess Showa naturally shoulders responsibilities unlike those of ordinary women. If she can single-handedly bring peace between the two countries, her loyalty will surely go down in history."
Many ministers in the palace nodded in agreement after hearing these words.
"Yes! A princess is not just a princess, she is also a symbol of the country!"
"This is what a princess should do. With so much in exchange for one person, a marriage is naturally better!"
Yuan Cheng laughed in anger, his eyes as sharp as knives.
He slowly walked down the imperial steps, each step revealing silent pressure.
He stared at the Censor Chen who had spoken, almost gritting his teeth and saying, "If I send Master Chen's biological daughter to Northern Qiang, would Master Chen be willing?"
Lord Chen curled his lips in a smile, his face expression nonchalant. "Your Highness, you are too kind. Firstly, the new King of Northern Qiang intends to marry Princess Zhaohe, and there is no point in giving up my daughter. Secondly, Princess Zhaohe is your Majesty's biological daughter. This decision... I'm afraid it still requires your Majesty's final say."
As soon as he finished speaking, everyone in the hall turned their attention to Emperor Xuan, who was sitting high on the throne.
This matter is actually very simple. As long as Emperor Xuan nods, both Yuan Cheng and Yuan Zhao have to agree.
Emperor Xuan half-closed his eyes and seemed a little tired.
He listened to the ministers arguing with each other for a long time without frowning, as if the voices were just background noise.
After a while, he finally waved his hand and said lazily, "Let's stop here for today and discuss it another day."
As soon as Emperor Xuan spoke, all the ministers in the hall looked at each other in bewilderment. They dared not say anything more, but could only bow and say in unison: "As you wish."
As Emperor Xuan stood up and left the court, the ministers filed out one after another, and the huge court hall suddenly became quiet.
Yuan Cheng stood in the hall, his face as gloomy as water, and finally left with a sullen face.
Some ministers walked out together, discussing from time to time,
"Even if this princess is the Crown Prince's sister, you can't keep her forever, right?"
"If you ask me, since the princess has already divorced Wei Shaoqing, isn't it a good time to send him off for marriage?"
"Back then, I shouldn't have married Wei Shaoqing. Wouldn't it have been better to send her to be a foreign marriage partner earlier?"
"That's right. Throughout history, there have been many princesses who have been married off to foreign countries. It was because the princess was the descendant of the previous queen that she had someone to back her up."
"Your Majesty has a deep affection for the late Queen, but the Crown Prince and Princess are too presumptuous!"
"Speaking of which, do you feel that His Majesty's spirit has been getting worse these days?"
"Indeed, Your Majesty does look a little unwell. Could it be that his dragon body is not in good condition?"
"No matter how healthy His Majesty is, his age is there. I advise you not to openly oppose His Royal Highness the Crown Prince. You never know..."
"hehe……"
"Who can say for sure until the end?"
…
After Emperor Xuan dismissed the court, he did not go back to the imperial study to handle government affairs directly, but asked Zheng Lu to support him and walk around.
Zheng Lu quickly supported Emperor Xuan's arm and advised, "Your Majesty, you haven't been feeling well these past few days. Why don't you go back and rest?"
Emperor Xuan waved his hand and said, "Listening to their quarrels gives me a headache. I want to breathe some fresh air."
Zheng Lu didn't try to persuade him any further, and only said, "Then your Majesty, please be careful where you step."
He supported Emperor Xuan and walked towards the harem.
Even though Emperor Xuan didn't say it, Zheng Lu knew where he was going to relax.
When they arrived at the gate of Changchun Palace, Emperor Xuan went in by himself, while Zheng Lu stood guard at the door.
He looked at Emperor Xuan's somewhat hunched back, his eyes suddenly felt sore, and he sighed.
Your Majesty is also old...
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