Chapter 67: Husband-killing
Xiao Fuguang looked at the fifth prince's back.
Oh well, here comes another sick person.
This guy and I have never had any contact before. Even at today's banquet, the two of us didn't even glance at each other, and yet we still admire each other?
Xuanyuan Jing suddenly laughed.
"I never thought that the Princess Protector of the Country would become such a hot commodity now."
"However, the Protector of the Country Princess is indeed a man of both civil and military talents, worthy of the attention of all men in the world. However, you all are seeking her hand in marriage, and there is only one Protector of the Country Princess, which puts me in a difficult position."
At this time the Queen spoke.
"Your Majesty, Prince Rong already has a princess consort, and their legitimate son is over a year old. Princess Rong is still in the palace. Prince Rong is publicly proposing to marry Princess Huguo. Aren't you afraid that Princess Rong will be jealous?"
"If this marriage is really granted to Prince Rong, how will Princess Rong cope with the situation in the future?"
Upon seeing this, Concubine Yao spoke.
"It's a pity that the Empress is worried. Prince Rong does have a princess, that's true, but the position of concubine is still vacant. Princess Rong has always been a virtuous woman and will definitely get along well with the Princess Protector."
The queen smiled gently, with a sharp look in her eyes.
"I and Princess Huguo hit it off right away, but I didn't expect that Concubine Yao and I would have the same vision this time."
Was this a hint that she was competing with her for the person? Concubine Yao smiled and spoke.
"Even the Emperor has high praise for the Princess Protector of the Country, so it is only natural that I should be fond of her."
Seeing the Queen and the Imperial Concubine arguing with each other in a subtle yet cunning manner, Emperor Xuanyuan glanced at the two of them, then turned his gaze to Xiao Fuguang and spoke in a joking tone.
"Princess Protector of the Nation, it seems your heroic deeds on the battlefield have attracted many people to marry you. One is the prince of Beipan, and the other three are my sons. Who do you want to choose?"
No matter who you choose, you will offend someone. Xiao Fuguang bowed slightly, with a barely perceptible firmness in his voice.
"Your Majesty, you are too kind. I am but a common woman. It is my great honor to have received the favor of Your Majesty and all the other highnesses. However, my status is humble, and no matter which highness, I am not worthy of your love."
"I have no great ambitions. I just want to live a simple life with my family and study astrology diligently. If I am lucky enough, I will be able to help the emperor in the future. This will be considered as fulfilling my father's last wish."
Seeing how Xiao Fuguang spoke without making any mistakes, the queen liked him even more.
"Fuguang, you are indeed a good child, but women still have to marry. If you choose the Crown Prince, you can continue to study astrology in the Imperial Master's Mansion and you can return to the Marquis' Mansion at any time. Neither I nor the Crown Prince will restrict your freedom."
After saying this, he gave the prince a look.
The prince spoke to Xiao Fuguang.
"The princess is wholeheartedly interested in serving Xuanyuan, which is a good thing. I wanted to marry her to give her a support, so you can rest assured. Once you enter the Crown Prince's Mansion, no one will be able to interfere with your freedom. You can live your life the way you want."
Seeing this, Concubine Yao covered her mouth and smiled.
"The Queen and the Crown Prince are really optimistic about the Princess, but I don't know what the Crown Princess will think of this. I heard that the Crown Prince's concubine is pregnant again. If the Crown Prince marries the Huguo Princess at this time, I'm afraid he will neglect the pregnant concubine in the palace."
Listening to what the two said, Xiao Fuguang was really speechless. Could it be that the two ladies were taking people for fun? With so many people watching, how could such a thing be glorious?
Concubine Yao's gaze was already turning towards Xiao Fuguang.
"Princess, why don't you choose Prince Rong? Princess Rong's health has not been good. If you enter Prince Rong's mansion, you can help Princess Rong manage the household. The housekeeper was already in your hands. Isn't it your freedom to go wherever you want?"
After saying this, he looked at Princess Rong again.
Princess Rong stood up and spoke after hearing this.
"Don't worry, Princess. If you don't mind, I will definitely treat you as my own sister. My body has never been good enough. If you enter Prince Rong's Mansion, I will trouble you to manage the household affairs in the future."
The fifth prince didn't say anything at this time, but he looked at Xuanyuan Jing, and then quickly looked away.
Xiao Fuguang spoke with an embarrassed look on his face.
"Grand Prince, Empress Dowager, Imperial Concubine, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, His Royal Highness Prince Rong, Fu Guang is just a willow, please don't make fun of him. Your Highnesses are all outstanding people, and many women regard you as their lovers. Your Highnesses should not damage the harmony because of Fu Guang."
Prince Rong tilted his head and glanced at Xiao Fuguang.
He is indeed very eloquent. No wonder Su Yan repeatedly suggested that Xiao Fuguang must not fall into the hands of others.
"Could it be that the princess doesn't even look down on the royal family?"
Look down on the royal family? Who dares? Although Xiao Fuguang thought so in her heart, she still maintained a decent smile on her face and said slowly.
"Your Highness, Prince Rong, you are too kind. How dare I have such thoughts? Fu Guang had a very unhappy marriage before, and now I am afraid to talk about marriage. Fu Guang does not want to marry in this life, and I just want to protect the Xiao family."
Upon hearing this, Prince Rong looked at Xiao Fuguang with a sharper gaze.
"Does the princess really not want to get married for the rest of her life?"
Xuanyuan Jing drank the wine in the glass in one gulp and placed the glass on the table.
"If she is willing to get married, it won't be your turn to embarrass her here. Perhaps you should call her the Imperial Aunt."
As soon as these words were spoken, the hall was once again plunged into shock. Everyone turned their gazes towards Xuanyuan Jing, their faces filled with disbelief.
Even Hu Yanqing, who had always been calm and composed, couldn't help showing a surprised expression at this moment.
Xiao Fuguang suddenly clenched the handkerchief in his hand. Just now, no matter whether it was the Crown Prince, Prince Rong, or the Fifth Prince, he was not panicked. Even if he was going to marry a foreign prince, Xiao Fuguang thought he could think of a way later. Now that Xuanyuan Jing opened his mouth, he couldn't help but feel panicked.
As if he could see her embarrassment and panic, Xuanyuan Jing stood up and bowed to Emperor Xuanyuan.
"Your Majesty, Princess Huguo is eager to learn astrology and share your worries. How about Your Majesty fulfill her loyalty?"
Hu Yanqing looked at Xiao Fuguang. It seemed that she did have some abilities, otherwise Xuanyuan wouldn't have so many people trying to win her over.
"Emperor Xuanyuan, a marriage between our two countries is a major event. To demonstrate my sincerity in seeking the princess' hand in marriage, I, Beipan, am willing to open up trade between our two countries for her and also offer Xuanyuan five thousand sheep and two thousand cattle."
Upon hearing this, Emperor Xuanyuan's eyes flickered slightly, and he was obviously quite tempted by the conditions proposed by Hu Yanqing.
The opening of trade is undoubtedly a great benefit to Xuanyuan Kingdom. It will not only promote economic development, but also enhance exchanges and mutual trust between the two countries.
"What do you think, Regent?" There was a hint of tentativeness in Emperor Xuanyuan's voice, and he was obviously skeptical about Xuanyuan Jing's previous remarks.
Xuanyuan Jing's expression was calm, and he spoke slowly and calmly.
"The eldest prince's sincerity is admirable. However, the Princess Protector of the Nation is no ordinary person. She is the legitimate daughter of the Marquis of Loyalty and Bravery, and has made countless contributions on the battlefield. Her marriage should be as good as she feels. Therefore, I feel that whether we consider the Marquis of Loyalty and Bravery or her military achievements, we should respect the Princess's wishes."
Emperor Xuanyuan looked troubled, because a woman made things complicated.
At this time, a eunuch came in and saluted respectfully.
"Your Majesty, the Imperial Master requests an audience."
Xiao Fuguang slowly loosened his hand that was tightly holding the handkerchief, and his master came.
Emperor Xuanyuan spoke hurriedly.
"Please invite the Imperial Master in."
Yun Wuhen came in and bowed, saying "Greetings to the Emperor."
Emperor Xuanyuan raised his hand to support him.
"No need to be polite, Imperial Master."
"Quick, give the Imperial Master a seat."
Yun Wuhen bowed again after hearing this.
"Thank you, Your Majesty. I rarely attend banquets, so I will just sit next to my disciple."
Soon the eunuch added a seat for Yun Wuhen next to Diao Fuguang.
Yun Wuhen bowed to Emperor Xuanyuan.
"Your Majesty, I have come to the palace today to report an important matter to you."
Upon hearing this, Emperor Xuanyuan's expression straightened slightly and said.
"Master, please speak."
Yun Wuhen's gaze swept across everyone present, finally landing on Xiao Fuguang, with a hint of imperceptible tenderness and determination.
"What I want to report is precisely the marriage of Princess Huguo Xiao Fuguang."
As soon as these words were spoken, the hall fell silent again, and everyone's eyes were focused on Yun Wuhen and Xiao Fuguang.
Yun Wuhen spoke slowly.
"The Protector of the Nation Princess was taught the art of astrology by this humble servant. Not only is she gifted, but she also has a heart dedicated to serving her country and her people. Therefore, even though she is a woman, she stepped forward when Xuanyuan needed her."
"However, she was stained with too much blood on the battlefield this time. It is really not suitable for her to get married within a year, otherwise she would be suspected of being unlucky."
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