Chapter 132 Granted Marriage
Although Concubine Yao was unhappy in her heart, she still maintained a decent smile on her face.
"As expected of the Empress Dowager's niece, she's so talented and outstanding that it's truly enviable. I heard Pan'er is the Empress Dowager's intended daughter-in-law. Training her according to the standards of a Crown Princess is truly special."
The smile on the queen's face froze.
"Your Highness is mistaken. Which daughter in the imperial city isn't carefully nurtured? Pan'er simply happened to demonstrate her skill in painting today."
Emperor Xuanyuan glanced at the Queen, then at the Imperial Concubine, as if he was already used to their tit-for-tat confrontation, and his gaze fell on Chen Paner's face.
"Ms. Chen, your painting is very meaningful today. Tell me, what reward do you want?"
Upon hearing this, Chen Pan'er knelt down and spoke.
"Uncle Emperor, can Pan'er really speak for herself?"
A girl probably wouldn't make any excessive demands, Emperor Xuanyuan said.
"Just tell me what you want."
Chen Pan'er glanced at the prince not far away.
"Pan'er asks the Emperor, my uncle, to grant me marriage. I want to marry my cousin, the Crown Prince."
If it were in the past, the Queen would naturally be happy, and Pan'er was originally prepared for the Prince, but the Prince's current situation is not optimistic.
"Pan'er..."
The prince was also anxious.
"Ms. Chen..."
Chen Pan'er spoke to the queen.
"Aunt, Pan'er knows what he is doing."
Then he kowtowed heavily to Emperor Xuanyuan.
"I beg the Emperor's uncle to grant my wish."
The prince was about to say something else.
"Pan'er..."
But the queen shook her head at the prince.
"Prince."
Then he spoke to the emperor.
"Your Majesty, Pan'er and the Crown Prince have been childhood sweethearts. Since Pan'er has asked, Your Majesty should fulfill her wish."
Chen Pan'er was the one that the Queen had always prepared for the Crown Prince. In fact, it was also tacitly known. Emperor Xuanyuan looked at Chen Pan'er, his eyes moving between her and the Crown Prince. He was silent for a moment, as if weighing the pros and cons, and then spoke in a deep voice.
"Since you are so infatuated, I will grant your wish!"
"Young Miss Chen is a virtuous woman with a kind heart. Since she is chosen, she will be married to the Crown Prince and become his consort."
Chen Pan'er's eyes were filled with joy when she heard this.
"Your Majesty, long live the emperor."
Many people have begun to congratulate the Chen family.
Concubine Yao's smile became more and more forced. After finally looking at Xiao Fushu, she slowly spoke.
"Congratulations to Miss Chen and the Prince."
"Let's continue with the talent show. Which lady will perform next?"
A girl stood up.
"Your humble servant is willing to present your ugliness..."
One after another, some girls performed dances, singing, poetry, playing the piano and pipa.
Concubine Yao's gaze was always on Xiao Fushu. She smiled slightly and said.
"Miss Xiao, I've heard you're incredibly talented. Could you please let me and the Emperor see your brilliance tonight?"
As soon as these words came out, everyone's eyes focused on Xiao Fushu. Xiao Fushu was slightly stunned, then stood up and saluted.
"Your Majesty, your compliments are too kind. Fushu is too incompetent and unlearned to be accepted into such a prestigious position."
But Concubine Yao refused to give in.
"The Third Miss of the Xiao Family is too modest. Everyone in the Imperial City knows that the girls of the Xiao Family are exceptionally talented. I am really looking forward to your performance."
Xiao Fushu had no choice but to glance at Xiao Fuguang, who was smiling and nodding at her, his eyes full of encouragement and trust. This made her feel warm and confident.
"Then I'll paint a picture too."
Xiao Fushu slowly walked to the prepared drawing table, took a deep breath, calmed himself, picked up the brush and dipped it in ink. Xiao Fushu's movements were smooth and powerful, and every stroke revealed its sharpness.
Outside Yanmen City, Xuanyuan soldiers and Beipan soldiers were fighting, blood flowed like a river, war horses neighed, and swords clashed.
Inside Yanmen City, women, old and young were looking out, hoping for the return of their sons, fathers or husbands.
Two scenes inside and outside the city.
After finishing the painting, Xiao Fushu picked up his pen and wrote a poem
"Soldiers charged into the enemy lines with their swords wielded, their blades stained with blood protecting the frontier.
I am just waiting to fight a hundred battles to drive out the enemy, so I can reunite with my family and express my heartfelt feelings."
Then he took a few steps back and examined his work.
When everyone present first saw it, they found the scene shocking. The cruelty on the battlefield formed a sharp contrast with the expectations in the city, which made people feel emotional.
"What is the name of this painting?" Emperor Xuanyuan's eyes were deep, as if he was touched by the emotions contained in the painting.
Xiao Fushu bowed slightly and spoke in a clear voice.
"This painting is titled 'No Victory, No Return.' Outside Yanmen Pass, soldiers fought bloody battles to protect their homes; their loved ones inside the city yearn day and night for a speedy reunion. May the world be at peace, free from the pain of separation."
Upon hearing this, Emperor Xuanyuan was silent for a moment, then slowly clapped his hands and praised.
"What a beautiful painting, 'Looking Back Home,' it conveys both patriotism and deep affection. The Third Miss of the Xiao family is truly exceptionally talented."
A hint of gloom flashed across Concubine Yao's eyes, and then she spoke with a smile.
"Your Majesty, this Third Miss is both beautiful and talented. Her performance today is likely to have the men of our Imperial City bow down to her."
Emperor Xuanyuan also laughed and joked after hearing this.
"Indeed, this painting would probably move any man who has been on the battlefield."
Concubine Yao and Duke Yao looked at each other.
Duke Yao stepped forward and knelt.
"Your Majesty, it's only with great love that the Third Miss of the Xiao family can create such a magnificent battlefield scene. My unworthy son fell in love with her when he saw her painting today. Your Majesty, please grant her a marriage with the second son of the Duke of Dingguo. My Yao family will treat her well and ensure she has no worries about food and clothing."
Xiao Fuguang, who was eating and drinking, suddenly had a cold look in his eyes. He put down his chopsticks and spoke lightly.
"Today is New Year's Eve. Shouldn't you all send your blessings to the Emperor and Empress?"
"As for the marriage of my sister, please do not trouble Duke Dingguo to worry about it."
As expected, Xiao Fuguang wanted to stop him, but Concubine Yao spoke up.
"Princess, this is your biological sister. You are now a princess and have the favor of the Regent, but your sister still has no place to stay. As her elder sister, you should also consider her. Why are you trying to stop her from getting married?"
Then he spoke to the emperor.
"Your Majesty, first Miss Chen from the Chen family expressed her feelings for the Crown Prince, and now the Duke's son has expressed his feelings for Miss Xiao San. This can be considered a double blessing. Why don't you also support these two children?"
Xiao Fushu walked to Xiao Fuguang and pulled her hand nervously.
"elder sister………"
Xiao Fuguang reached out and patted her hand.
"Don't be afraid, sister is here."
Then he spoke to Concubine Yao.
"Your Highness, my sister has found someone she likes. Please don't force her. After all, I am not only the princess of the Regent Palace, but also the eldest daughter of the Xiao family, in charge of the Xiao family affairs. If Your Highness wants to act as a matchmaker, you should invite me for tea privately instead of deliberately making things awkward for everyone."
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