The Emperor of Liang was slightly taken aback, and a sense of guilt welled up in his heart.
Not only was Xiao Ziwu still unmarried, but his Linhua Palace was also deserted, without even a concubine.
It was truly his fault as the emperor's father.
Emperor Liang was immediately moved. He looked gently at Xiao Ziwu, who was expressionless, and had an idea in mind. "Now that you ministers have brought your daughters here, it is a good opportunity to choose a gentle and virtuous imperial consort for my son."
Consort Lin's five fingers dug deeply into her palms, her heart filled with a mixture of anger and rising contempt.
"Has Your Majesty forgotten my beloved Yan'er?"
She stood up angrily, but her voice remained calm as she said, "He is the Third Prince's elder brother. Logically, he should be engaged before the Third Prince!"
Today's guests are all high-ranking officials of the third rank or above, and the women they brought are all legitimate daughters of their families. No matter which one His Majesty betroths to Xiao Ziwu, it will not be a good thing!
Moreover, he has just taken on an important position in the military camp, and is currently at the height of his power. It is no longer a pipe dream for him to compete with Yan'er for the throne.
If he could also receive help from his wife...
No, she absolutely could not stand by and watch Xiao Ziwu's wings grow stronger!
"Why is my beloved concubine so agitated?"
Consort Lin's commotion was too great, and the Emperor turned to look at her with displeasure. "It's just an engagement, not an immediate wedding. Besides, Yan'er's marriage is something you, as his mother, will arrange. Does my son have any plans?"
The Great Liang Dynasty was inherently strong in civil affairs but weak in military affairs. While it had its share of brave and skilled generals, they were few and far between.
Xiao Ziwu is highly skilled in martial arts. If he also studies military strategy, he will surely become an incomparable general of the Great Liang in the future!
Furthermore, there is no need to worry that the military tally will fall into the hands of others, causing the emperor to be unable to sleep peacefully every day.
Xiao Ziwu lowered his eyes, as if a painful memory had been brought up, and said in a low voice, "What the Imperial Concubine said is true... Your subject should not have been disrespectful to Your Majesty. I beg Your Majesty to consider Your Majesty's feelings more."
"You...!" Consort Lin gritted her teeth in anger.
His statement of retreating in order to advance will surely provoke even greater guilt in His Majesty.
As expected—
"Enough! My mind is made up!"
An impatient anger surfaced on the Emperor of Liang's face. "General Gu, please continue."
When the emperor and his concubines quarrel, innocent bystanders are also affected.
Gu Yi, however, remained calm in the face of danger and quickly revealed his intentions: "I have a daughter named Gu Beiye. Since she was a child, she has admired those skilled in martial arts and extraordinary talents. The Third Prince is a man of talent that my daughter has always longed for."
If the Third Prince doesn't mind, wouldn't it be better to bring her into his household so she can serve him tea and water and attend to his needs?
Tianyun's face turned pale. Why did the name Gu Beiye sound so familiar?
Where have I heard this before?
There were immediately whispers among the princes.
One minister sneered, "What a boorish brute! He dares to speak so boldly! The Third Prince showed a little talent today, and he couldn't wait to stuff his daughter into the Third Prince's palace. His skin is thicker than a city wall!"
Someone else spat and said, "General Gu is really shameless. I think he's just after his own interests. He first wants to become the Third Prince's father-in-law, and then pave the way for the Third Prince in the military camp. In this way, he can reap all the benefits!"
Ignoring their jealous whispers, Gu Yi shouted in his loud voice, "It's one thing for you to pretend to be reserved, but to blame me for striking first is quite another!"
The Emperor of Liang was so taken aback by his blunt words that he could only sigh and say, “I will definitely give General Gu’s daughter a serious consideration.”
This reckless man really did seize the initiative!
The ministers immediately erupted in excitement and began to recommend themselves.
"I have a daughter who is of excellent character and appearance, and is about the same age as the Third Prince. She may be a good match for him, Your Majesty!"
"Your Majesty, please hear what this old minister has to say. My youngest daughter has been well-versed in poetry and literature since childhood. She is gentle and virtuous. If she could enter the Third Prince's palace, she would surely be a reliable wife and mother to the Third Prince, allowing him to train in the military without any worries!"
"You old scoundrel, your daughter is so big and strong, what do you mean by 'keeping the home safe'? You're probably planning to use some kind of crushing force, aren't you?"
"Hey, you old scoundrel! It's true your daughter is beautiful, but she's spoiled and domineering. The other day she whipped a maid's face in the street, and the whole of Bianjing knows about it. Who are you trying to fool?!"
The two old ministers were arguing so fiercely that their faces turned red and they were about to come to blows!
The courtiers stroked their beards as if watching a play, observing the two bickering. If their descriptions were true, marrying these two young ladies would certainly make the Third Prince's harem quite lively!
Xiao Ziwu remained calm and composed, as if he were not the object of the ministers' scramble for power.
With his elegant figure and refined features, he stood amidst the court officials, exuding a unique and unparalleled charm. Many noble ladies in the women's section were already captivated by his presence!
How come I never noticed how dazzling the Third Prince was before?
This scene was within her expectations. Tianyun secretly took a sip of wine, feeling both gratified and heartbroken.
He used to be unassuming and aloof, which made people overlook his brilliance.
Now, he is radiant with glory, yet so humble and poised, like an eagle soaring freely in the boundless sky, exuding an aura of unapproachable arrogance.
Tianyun is now experiencing the same feelings as those crazy fans in real life, hoping that their idol will become famous all over the country, while also feeling a bittersweet sense of loss that their own treasure has been discovered.
Thinking this, she took another swig of wine.
I feel so empty inside...
Shangguan Ming huddled in the corner, his dejection palpable. He didn't even dare to stand up and recommend his beloved daughter to His Majesty!
He was just a minor official who was temporarily given a seat.
His Majesty's statement that the Third Prince's consort would be chosen from among the female relatives of the ministers present clearly excludes Shangguan Ming from this list of "present ministers."
Xiao Ziwu's long, narrow eyebrows furrowed slightly as he kept his eyes fixed on the side of the door. He clearly saw the young woman drinking her sorrowful wine glass after glass, and he felt anxious.
If it weren't for the fact that everyone was watching, he would have already gone over and snatched her wine glass, then given her bottom a couple of hard slaps as punishment!
Therefore, his tone was somewhat somber. "My lords, please do not let this cause any trouble. I already have someone I admire, and I would be sorry to disappoint your beloved daughters. I hope you will forgive me."
Emperor Liang asked with interest, "Oh? Which minister's daughter is she?"
"It is Shangguan Tianyun, the daughter of Shangguan Siye."
Shangguan Ming? The Emperor of Liang withdrew from his forward-leaning posture. He pondered to himself: His official rank is slightly too low; he's not quite qualified to make his eldest daughter the Third Prince's principal wife.
The emperor wanted to make amends and valued Xiao Ziwu highly, so he naturally didn't want to settle his marriage so hastily.
Gu Yi pursed his thick lips. Something was definitely wrong!
Why do I feel like I've done all the work for someone else?
His eyes widened, and he suddenly said, "Your Majesty, the Third Prince's loyalty and righteousness have earned my even greater respect. I would not mind having the daughter of the Director of Studies serve Your Highness alongside my son!"
Whether she's the daughter of a minor official or not, this way Gu Beiye can firmly hold the position of the principal wife, and no matter what, she will never be surpassed.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
