Chapter 648 Xia Linyuan's Threat
"I think Prince Xia is dreaming!"
Qiao Qinghe glanced at Xia Linyuan with disdain, "Does Crown Prince Xia really think that just because I persuaded Princess Gaoping to agree, you can actually marry her?"
"Heh, Crown Prince Xia, don't forget that just over a year ago, Dayan and Da'e almost came to blows."
"Although the two countries are on good terms now, it is not a relationship that can be entrusted to each other."
"What makes you think that His Majesty would betroth Princess Gaoping to you, Prince Xia?"
"What makes Crown Prince Xia think that the Yongning Marquis's family would be so foolish as to agree to this marriage?"
Qiao Qinghe was certain that as long as Emperor Xiaozhao wasn't senile, he would absolutely not agree to this marriage.
As for the Yongning Marquis's mansion, as long as they want to maintain their current power and do not want to be suspected by Emperor Xiaozhao, they will definitely refuse without hesitation!
"Madam need not worry about that."
Xia Linyuan said confidently, "As long as the old lady can get the Princess of Gaoping to agree, I will take care of the rest myself."
Whether it was resistance from Emperor Xiaozhao or opposition from the Yongning Marquis's residence, he could find a way to overcome it.
However, with Yu Huanzhen, it was impossible for him to get her to agree simply by trying to find a way.
That's why he set his sights on Qiao Qinghe.
Back in Daxi Xijing, he could tell that Yu Zhenhuan cared deeply for Qiao Qinghe. To protect her, she was willing to assassinate him and easily give up her own life.
He believed that as long as Qiao Qinghe asked, Yu Zhenhuan would definitely not refuse.
Qiao Qinghe shook her head firmly, "I'm afraid I'll have to disappoint Crown Prince Xia. I cannot agree to this."
Not only would she not try to persuade Zhen Huan, but she would also remind Zhen Huan and Lady Yongning to cut off even the slightest possibility.
Xia Linyuan's smile faded slightly. "The old lady really won't help me?"
"Your Highness, please return. I am afraid I cannot help you." Qiao Qinghe resolutely served tea to see him off.
Xia Linyuan stood up and looked at Qiao Qinghe with a half-smile, "It seems that between the Yongning Marquis's Mansion and the Enping Marquis's Mansion, the old lady has chosen the former."
Qiao Qinghe narrowed her eyes and instantly understood the threat in Xia Linyuan's words.
If she agrees, Yu will indeed marry Da'er.
To prevent the Yongning Marquis's Mansion from developing any disloyal intentions, Emperor Xiaozhao would inevitably weaken its power and even suppress it.
However, if she did not agree, Xia Linyuan planned to use the matter of Marquis Pingyan to his advantage against Marquis Enping.
If things escalate, Emperor Xiaozhao may have no choice but to punish Marquis Enping.
No, perhaps Emperor Xiaozhao is currently looking for an excuse to suppress Marquis Enping!
"It seems that Crown Prince Xia's trip to arrange a marriage is a pretense; his real purpose is to create trouble, disrupt the stability of Dayan, and divide the forces within Dayan!"
Qiao Qinghe helped A Shuang to her feet and looked directly at Xia Linyuan. "Crown Prince Xia, would you like to try and see if His Majesty trusts me or you, a crown prince from another country?"
Xia Linyuan suddenly smiled, "Why is the old lady so nervous? I was just making a casual joke, why is the old lady starting to accuse me?"
"After all, we've known each other for a long time. Even if things don't work out, our friendship remains, right? Why make things so tense?"
Xia Linyuan straightened his clothes. "Since the old lady is unwilling to help, I will not force her. I will take my leave now."
With that, he cupped his hands in a respectful gesture, turned, and left.
After everyone left, Qiao Qinghe felt like her head was about to explode.
"Send someone to inform the Yongning Marquis's residence and the Enping Marquis's residence that I have something to discuss with them and ask the Princess of Gaoping and the Marquis of Enping to come over tomorrow."
Ah Shuang hesitated for a moment before reminding her, "Madam, the Crown Prince Da'e just left our residence, and you're already sending people to the Yongning Marquis's residence and the Enping Marquis's residence. This might attract unwanted attention, and it's probably not a good idea."
Qiao Qinghe took a deep breath. "Look at me, I've been so angry with that guy surnamed Xia that I've lost my mind."
"Send someone to Princess Huaiyang's residence to ask if the princess is free tomorrow. If she is, I will visit her at her residence first thing tomorrow morning."
Ah Shuang quickly agreed, "This servant will arrange it right away."
After thinking for a moment, Qiao Qinghe took out paper and pen and wrote a letter. She called Zhuxi out and instructed him, "Go quietly to the Enping Marquis's residence and personally deliver this letter to the Enping Marquis."
"Yes," Zhu Xi replied respectfully, and quickly left with the letter.
"Madam, should we send Zhuxi to see the Princess of Gaoping again?" Ashuang asked.
If you can't go to their door openly, you can do it secretly.
Qiao Qinghe shook her head. "Let's talk about it after I've met Princess Huaiyang."
The Enping Marquis's residence needs to make preparations in advance to prevent Xia Linyuan from causing trouble.
Therefore, she had to inform them in advance.
As for the Yongning Marquis's residence, unless they're foolish, they won't easily agree to the marriage proposal.
She doesn't need to worry about that.
...
Zhu Xi returned quickly, bringing with him a reply from Marquis Enping.
"The Marquis of Enping said he already has a plan in mind, and asked the old lady not to worry."
Hearing what Zhu Xi brought back, Qiao Qinghe felt much more at ease.
Half an hour later, the person who delivered the visiting card to Princess Huaiyang's residence returned, saying that the princess would be free tomorrow and would be waiting for the old lady at the residence.
The servant also said that when he left the princess's residence, he happened to run into the Crown Prince Da'e who was going to pay his respects.
Upon hearing this news, Qiao Qinghe couldn't help but frown.
Judging by the time, Xia Linyuan had just left his side and went to Princess Huaiyang's residence.
It seems they're planning to target Princess Huaiyang.
***
The next morning, Qiao Qinghe had breakfast and went to Princess Huaiyang's residence early.
Upon meeting Li Sanqi, Qiao Qinghe didn't beat around the bush and went straight to the point about what Xia Linyuan had asked her about the previous day.
"Yesterday, when my servant left the princess's residence, he encountered Crown Prince Xia. I wonder if Crown Prince Xia came to see the princess also to inquire about his marriage to Princess Gaoping?"
Li Sanqi nodded with a wry smile: "Prince Xia did indeed come for Princess Gaoping."
"You know, this person is really something. Of all people to fall for, why did he have to fall for Princess Gaoping?"
Li Sanqi has had a headache ever since he met Xia Linyuan yesterday.
Seeing that Qiao Qinghe had also come for this matter, he immediately felt as if he had found a kindred spirit and poured out his grievances.
"Whether it's her father or her three brothers, they are all generals with military power. It's obvious that the Emperor would never agree to marry her off to Da'er!"
"As the Crown Prince of Da'an, do you not even understand this basic principle? How dare you openly ask to marry Princess Gaoping?"
"I really don't know where he gets his courage and confidence from!"
Qiao Qinghe listened to Li Sanqi's complaints and nodded in deep agreement.
But as she listened, she gradually noticed that Li Sanqi's tone was a little off.
Although her words were full of complaints and resentment, her tone almost betrayed her indignation.
It seemed as if he was saying it to her on purpose. It even seemed to carry a hint of testing.
Qiao Qinghe knew Li Sanqi too well, so she didn't think she could be wrong.
Then, her face slowly darkened.
As her expression darkened, the atmosphere in the hall quickly turned cold.
Li Sanqi couldn't continue speaking.
"Madam?" She looked at Qiao Qinghe with some unease.
Qiao Qinghe looked calmly at Li Sanqi and asked in a composed tone, "What did the Seventh Princess promise Crown Prince Xia?"
Li Sanqi chuckled awkwardly, "As expected, nothing can be hidden from the old lady."
Upon hearing this, Qiao Qinghe frowned.
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