"No, absolutely not!" Zu'an was furious upon hearing this. What a joke, sending Manman to a marriage alliance?
Another courtier advised, "Everyone knows that the prince and princess are very close, but this time it is for the sake of the entire country. Please, Your Highness, do not act impulsively."
Zuan retorted directly: "If you want to go for a marriage alliance, you can go yourself, or send your daughter or sister."
What followed was a barrage of criticism from court officials who, under various righteous pretexts, accused him of disregarding the bigger picture. No matter how eloquent Zu'an was, he couldn't out-argue so many seasoned shrewd politicians.
Not only did they suffer repeated defeats, but they were also criticized by everyone for their lack of morality.
Seeing that Zuan was in trouble, a clear voice suddenly came from the entrance of the hall: "Let me arrange the marriage."
When everyone turned around, they saw that it was the Second Princess, Sancai, whose face showed an unusual determination.
Zuan was shocked: "Sancai, what are you doing? There's nothing wrong here."
Other ministers also whispered among themselves, shaking their heads in disapproval.
Sancai retorted directly, "What's wrong with it? Aren't I a princess?"
After another noisy discussion in the court, King Wen Ding of Shang finally made the decision: "Then let the Sancai go for the marriage alliance."
Then he sent an envoy to the west to discuss the matter with Zhou, and the matter was settled.
After the court session, Zu'an and Pei Mianman anxiously asked Sancai, "Why did you take the initiative to propose a marriage alliance? Don't you know that marrying someone from afar is unpredictable, and what's more, it could ruin your happiness for the rest of your life?"
Sancai smiled slightly: "If I don't get married, should I let my sister go instead?"
Zuan's breath hitched, and he continued, "She can't go either. Even if it's a marriage alliance, we can just find any noblewoman. Why would we need you to get involved?"
Sancai shook her head: "It's different. This time our country is facing an unprecedented crisis. My father killed the ruler of the Western Zhou Dynasty. How can an ordinary woman appease the anger of the Zhou people? Only the princess can ease the tension between the two sides and allow our Shang Kingdom to focus on dealing with the Huaiyi, so that we won't be attacked from both the east and the west."
“Now, the only princesses of marriageable age in the royal family are my sister and me. Since my sister is unwilling to go, then I have to go. As a princess, I have enjoyed so many years of luxury, so I should naturally give back to this country.”
Zuan was somewhat surprised, not expecting that she would have such awareness at such a young age. Throughout history, many children of princes and nobles have enjoyed the country's wealth from a young age, but were unwilling to pay the corresponding obligations.
In comparison, he and Pei Mianman seemed somewhat overshadowed. However, since they were there for a trial, they naturally couldn't have a deep sense of identification with the country.
Pei Mianman said in a deep voice, "There is no reason for my younger sister to sacrifice herself. It is only natural for me, as the older sister, to go."
Zuan panicked: "Manman!"
Pei Mianman gave him a reassuring look. With her experience and cultivation, she was confident that she could maintain her innocence in the Western Zhou for the time being. As for what happened later, she would deal with it then.
At this moment, Sancai laughed: "Sister, if you really marry him, what will happen to brother?"
Zuan and Pei Mianman were both taken aback: "Sancai, what are you talking about?"
Sancai sighed softly, "From childhood to adulthood, you two always managed to get me to sleep, and then you would hug each other and kiss each other randomly. Did you think I was a child who didn't know anything?"
Zuan: "..."
Pei Mianman: "..."
She blushed and glared at Zu'an, thinking it was all his fault.
Sancai continued, "You two are in love. Others may not know, but how could I, as your younger sister, not know? Although I don't know how things will end up for you, how can I sit idly by and watch you be torn apart?"
Unexpectedly, she did it to fulfill the wishes of the two of them. Zu An and Pei Mianman's eyes immediately reddened, and they disagreed even more with her making such a sacrifice.
Hearing their persuasion, Sancai also put away her smile: "Big brother, sister, please don't think that I'm doing this for your own good. From childhood to adulthood, I've often been confused by what you two talk about, but I know that in your hearts, the Zhou people in the west are definitely a major threat to our Shang Kingdom, and they may very well destroy us in the future."
“As a princess of the Shang Kingdom, I naturally cannot sit idly by. Unfortunately, I have never been good at anything since I was a child, and I am no match for my older brother and sister in any aspect. If my sister were to marry into the Western Zhou Kingdom with her great strategic acumen, it would be a great loss to our Shang Kingdom. It would be more worthwhile for her to stay here and help the Great Shang, while I go over as an inside agent. In this way, the three of us can work together to protect the foundation of the Great Shang Kingdom that has lasted for hundreds of years.”
Hearing her speak so solemnly, Zu'an and Pei Mianman finally understood that she was not acting on impulse, but rather after careful consideration.
“But this is too unfair to you, it would sacrifice your life’s happiness.” Zu’an and Pei Mianman advised in unison. The three of them had grown up together since childhood and were naturally very close. They really treated her like a younger sister and were unwilling to see her suffer any grievances.
Sancai chuckled, "It might not be unhappy. After all, this time she's marrying the leader of the Zhou people, so in terms of status, she's practically the mother of a nation. Besides, I've heard that Ji Chang is a good person and handsome. Maybe if we truly fall in love with him, we can make him completely submit to us."
“Ji Chang!” Zu An’s heart sank. Although the Shang dynasty was destroyed by King Wu Ji Fa in history, most of its foundation was laid by King Wen Ji Chang. Ji Fa was only responsible for finishing the work. How could such a person be subdued by a woman?
Hearing his concerns, Sancai shook her head: "Even if I can't subdue him, I can just have ten or eight children for him. Humph, with my status, he can't possibly make me a concubine. That way, my children will be the heirs of Zhou, and the leader of Zhou will be the Shang king's nephew. The relationship between the two sides will then be completely eased."
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