Chu Qingli smiled coldly, for it was the Empress herself who had summoned her to the palace.
Now everyone in the world knows that the Empress's son, Shangguan Chen, is the most likely candidate to become emperor.
Shangguan Li, however, could only be a prince.
If she manages to get close to Shangguan Chen, she will either become an empress or a concubine in the future.
At that point, Chu Qingxuan would have no choice but to let her do as she pleased.
Following the eunuch who delivered the message, Chu Qingli entered the palace and was taken directly to the Empress's residence. Eunuch Li told Chu Qingli to wait outside while he went in to deliver the message.
"Your Majesty, Miss Chu has arrived."
"Let her in."
The Empress's words were unreadable, revealing neither joy nor anger. Chu Qingli suppressed her inner excitement and waited for her father-in-law to arrive.
"Miss Chu, please come in."
Chu Qingli took a deep breath, trying her best to be gentle and virtuous, like a lady from a respectable family.
"This humble woman greets Your Majesty the Empress. May Your Majesty be well."
The Empress stared at the kneeling Chu Qingli, a sinister glint flashing in her eyes. This Chu Qingli was indeed a good pawn.
She stood up, walked over to Chu Qingli, and helped him up. "Get up, let me take a good look at you."
Chu Qingli looked up and saw the Empress smiling gently at her, then continued, "Everyone says that Miss Chu is as beautiful as a fairy, and seeing her today, it is indeed true."
Chu Qingli covered her face shyly, "Thank you for your praise, Your Majesty."
Just then, the eunuch outside shouted at the top of his lungs, "The Emperor has arrived!"
Chu Qingli was startled. Why was the Emperor here?
Could it be...?
The Empress remained calm and said with a smile, "It seems Qingli has arrived at just the right time. I was just about to introduce you to the Emperor."
"Whom does the Empress wish to recommend to me?"
The emperor entered and, having just overheard the empress's words, asked her in confusion.
The Empress released Chu Qingli, stepped forward and bowed, "Greetings, Your Majesty. What brings Your Majesty here today?"
"I was just passing by and thought I'd come to see the Empress, but it seems she has guests here today?"
The Empress chuckled, then introduced Chu Qingli, “Since Your Majesty has discovered it, then I will not hide it from Your Majesty. It is like this, Prince An is of marriageable age. Although he already has a princess consort, that does not count. So I thought that since Chu Qingli and Princess An are siblings, it would be good for them to marry Prince An together.”
Chu Qingli's eyes widened in shock. The Empress had summoned her to the palace for this very reason!
She opened her mouth to refuse, but the Empress glared at her fiercely, and Chu Qingli immediately choked.
The Emperor was also observing Chu Qingli. Seeing that Chu Qingli was not bad, he said, "The Empress is very kind. Although Li'er is already married, he still cannot give Li'er a son or daughter."
"I heard that he refused the marriage alliance in front of everyone. It's really... sigh. But the Empress's idea is good. I will issue an edict to let Chu Qingli marry Prince An and become his concubine."
Chu Qingli pursed her lips, and immediately knelt down to beg for mercy.
"Your Majesty, please rescind your decree! This humble woman does not wish to marry Prince An!"
The emperor's face was stern as he stared coldly at Chu Qingli and asked in a chilling voice, "Do you look down on His Highness Prince An?"
"I……"
The Empress frowned slightly and hurriedly comforted the Emperor, "Your Majesty, please don't be angry. Allow me to have a good talk with Miss Chu. After all, Prince An now dotes on Princess An, and she is afraid that she will suffer if she marries into the family."
The Emperor snorted coldly, "Since it was arranged by the Empress, then the Empress can handle it herself."
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