All the officials could see through Zhao Yi's cunning scheme. Some radical ministers sighed inwardly, thinking that it was inappropriate for the emperor to humiliate a foreign prince in this way.
However, Xie Yun and others shared the same idea as Zhao Yi: marriage alliances were a sign of a weak dynasty. Although most of the women sent were from the imperial clan rather than the emperor's own daughters, they were still granted the title of princess!
Suppressing his inner joy, Zhao Yi pretended to be very troubled and said, "Your Highnesses, I want to tell you the truth. Even if I am the emperor, it is not appropriate for me to make decisions about other people's lifelong affairs. I respect the choices of everyone in my country."
Zhao Shu suppressed her laughter, a difficult task indeed.
The princes were not giving up. Although they did not know much, they all knew that Zhao Shu was the Empress Dowager's most beloved granddaughter, and that the current emperor had an excellent relationship with her. Marrying Zhao Shu would be equivalent to marrying the powerful Da Yong, who could help them seize the throne and save their lives in critical moments.
It's like a life-saving charm, and with trade between the two countries, you might even get a musket.
"Your Majesty, I have long heard that the women of your country are reserved and shy. This is my first meeting with the Princess, and I imagine she is unaware of my identity. I humbly request Your Majesty's permission to have more contact with the Princess. I am confident that Your Majesty will recognize my merits."
Zhao Shu was speechless upon hearing this.
"Your Highness, please don't talk nonsense. In this dynasty, boys and girls are not allowed to sit together after the age of seven, so it's impossible for me to have too much contact with you." Zhao Yi suppressed a smile and refused. He knew when to stop and didn't say anything more.
However, most of the foreign princes felt that marrying Zhao Shu was the best deal they could get and were unwilling to give it up easily. One of the princes then spoke up, "Your Majesty, I wonder what the princess likes? I am skilled in music. How about I play a tune for the princess?"
In Dayong, it was forbidden for concubines to perform songs and dances for outsiders. Even now, during the state banquet, it was the palace maids who were performing. But now that a prince was going to play a tune, everyone immediately became interested.
"Wouldn't this make things difficult for the prince?" Zhao Yi didn't really want him to play, because if Zhao Shu didn't like it after he played, wouldn't that cause her displeasure?
Of course, this is only true if the prince cannot afford to lose.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
