"Father has always favored Third Brother and Wu'an. Now that Wu'an has just returned to the palace, I feel guilty towards her because of what happened to the Third Prince and his mother. If I were to cause trouble for her at this time, what do you think Father would think?"
"As the Crown Prince, Your Highness has no need to lower yourself to make things difficult for Princess Wu'an."
The crown prince squinted at Zhao Shi'an, waiting for him to continue.
"Princess Wu'an is already sixteen, and now that even the Second Princess is married, Your Majesty should also worry about Princess Wu'an's marriage."
The prince raised his eyebrows.
It is true that princesses who marry outside the royal family are not allowed to interfere in the affairs of the inner palace or the court.
"Does Shi'an have a suitable candidate? If I remember correctly, Father Emperor praised you highly during the palace examination and was very satisfied with you. If you are willing to be the imperial son-in-law..."
"Your Highness, please don't joke. I am engaged."
The crown prince chuckled.
"Is your betrothal to Fang Qing? As far as I know, you two did not have a matchmaker. If the Emperor were to bestow a marriage upon you and Wu An, what would you do?"
Zhao Shi'an looked calmly at the Crown Prince.
"Why is there no matchmaker involved? I will write a marriage certificate as soon as I get back."
The prince's expression became much more serious.
"Are you really not planning to marry Wu'an? She is the most beloved princess of the Emperor, and her talent and appearance are no less than Fang Qing's. If you marry her, you can also share my burdens."
"Please, Your Highness, do not make things difficult for me."
That calm gaze seemed to be saying to the Crown Prince, "If you dare to scheme against me, neither of us will have an easy time."
The Crown Prince naturally knew he couldn't afford to provoke this madman from the Wind and Rain Pavilion.
The Crown Prince waved his hand and said, "I understand. You also appreciate my attention. Wu An came to see you today because he must know about our relationship. He may not be able to find fault with me for the time being, but he can still make a move against you or Fang Qing."
"Yes, Your Majesty, I will take note."
Zhao Shi'an left the palace and went straight back to his residence.
Fang Qing had just finished cooking dinner and was talking to Seventeen in the yard.
Upon seeing Zhao Shi'an return, Seventeen withdrew.
During the meal, Fang Qing told Zhao Shi'an about Zhao Fen's situation.
"This is a good thing."
"Lord Zhao is indeed a good official. When he has some free time, you can get to know him."
Zhao Shi'an simply responded with a faint "yes".
"By the way, I also saw Princess Wu'an today. Lord Zhao said that this Princess Wu'an is very powerful. It's a pity that she was born a girl, but I don't think it matters. Who says that women have to be inferior to men?"
Fang Qing spoke casually, but Zhao Shi'an glanced at her.
"If Princess Wu'an has the talent to govern the country, do you also think she can sit on the throne?"
Fang Qing thought for a moment.
"It's not impossible. It's always been men who set so many rules and restrictions for women. If women can study and take the imperial examinations, and if they can learn martial arts and fight, then the world should be divided equally between men and women."
Fang Qing knew that if other men heard these words, they would probably attack her to death.
But Fang Qing was speaking to Zhao Shi'an.
Zhao Shi'an thought about it for a moment and then nodded.
"Take my Qing'er for example. Not to mention the boys from ordinary families, even the children raised by prominent clans are not as good as my Qing'er."
Zhao Shi'an had never addressed Fang Qing so intimately before, and Fang Qing felt embarrassed for a moment.
"We're talking about Princess Wu'an."
"Hmm, so Qing'er thinks Princess Wu'an is more suitable to be emperor than the Crown Prince?"
Fang Qing shook her head.
"I don't know. I only know about the two princes from other people. I don't know much about their character and temperament, so how would I know which one is more suitable? Besides, this is something His Majesty should consider."
Zhao Shi'an pondered Fang Qing's words.
"What qualities does Qing'er think a good emperor should possess?"
What a good emperor!
"There is no absolute answer, but first of all, one must have the world in mind, as well as the strategy to govern the country and the ability to manage subordinates. Everyone has flaws and selfish desires, especially the emperor who controls a country, which is even more difficult. Looking at history, no emperor has been absolutely praised; it is normal for praise and criticism to be mixed."
Zhao Shi'an felt that Fang Qing was right.
"What do you think, Qing'er? If I were to assist the Crown Prince?"
Fang Qing felt embarrassed by his affectionate way of calling her "I love you."
"Just call me by my name, it feels so awkward."
"What's so awkward about it? I think it's fine as it is."
"It's just a bit awkward, because you used to call me by my name directly."
"You said it yourself, that was before. Now you are my fiancée, my future wife, so it's normal for me to call you affectionately."
Fang Qing couldn't refute him, so she let him shout.
“Qing’er hasn’t answered my question yet,” Zhao Shi’an said.
"You understand the political situation in the court better than I do, and you should know better than me who is more suitable to be emperor. Perhaps you already have the answer in your heart?"
Zhao Shi'an was taken aback by Fang Qing's smile for a moment, then burst out laughing.
"As expected, Qing'er understands me best."
Perhaps his choice wasn't the right one, but it's the most suitable one so far.
After dinner, Zhao Shi'an took Fang Qing's hand and led her to his room, where he had her sit opposite him.
"do what?"
"Write a marriage certificate and get engaged."
Fang Qing raised her eyebrows and looked at Zhao Shi'an.
Are you in such a hurry?
"I know this is unfair to you, but it's out of necessity. Once the situation in the court stabilizes, I will naturally make it up to Qing'er with a grand wedding."
“What’s there to feel aggrieved about? Just write it. I’ve never even seen what a marriage certificate looks like.”
Fang Qing smiled as she looked at the red paper that Zhao Shi'an had spread out.
Under the lamplight, her expression was gentle, which warmed Zhao Shi'an's heart and soul.
This chapter is not finished yet. Please click on the next page to continue reading the exciting content!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
