Chapter 438 Never
Wen Zhiming sat on the throne, and upon hearing this, he raised his eyes to look at Mo Sixuan and chuckled.
"You know a lot about me, but you don't know that I said before that I would never bestow a marriage upon someone else. I can issue an edict to recognize Lu Shui as my sworn sister, and I can also make her a princess, but I will not force her to marry a foreign prince to the Blue Feather Kingdom."
The ministers looked embarrassed.
Wen Zhiming's words were too direct, equivalent to the forceful statement, "I have money, but I'm unwilling to lend it to you."
Mo Sixuan's face immediately turned ugly.
Wen Zhiming's previous enthusiasm combined with his current indifference seemed like a mockery, which made Mo Sixuan's face contort with rage.
"So, the Golden Moon Kingdom has no sincerity in peace talks? My demands are not high, and there is only one: if you agree, I will sign immediately; if you do not agree, then the peace talks will be called off."
The entire Jin Yue Kingdom hoped for peace talks between the two countries, and he simply didn't believe that Wen Zhiming would ruin everything for an unrelated woman.
His anger made the ministers even more convinced that his feelings for Green Water were extraordinary, so it was very likely that the two countries of Golden Moon and Blue Feather could achieve a political alliance through marriage.
The ministers, having received prior instructions from Wen Zhiming, would certainly not allow the matter to fall apart.
"Please don't worry. The Emperor did say that he would never bestow a marriage upon a young lady, but if she is willing, he will not stop her. Now that the Emperor is willing to recognize Lushui as his sworn sister and bestow upon her the title of Princess, that status is sufficient. As long as Lushui is willing, this matter can be accomplished."
"Yes, I've met that Dr. Green Water. She's a sensible young woman. If we go and persuade her one by one, she'll definitely agree."
“That’s right. The title of princess comes with responsibilities and obligations. Now that Miss Green Water has taken this position, she naturally has to share the burdens of the country.”
With the encouragement of the others, Mo Sixuan's expression gradually softened.
The thought that Green Water had just been thankful for escaping from his clutches not long ago, and that she would soon be advised by her country's ministers to marry him, her enemy, under moral blackmail, gave him a strange sense of pleasure.
Mo Sixuan clasped his hands together and looked at Wen Zhiming, waiting for the other party to express his opinion.
After a long while, Wen Zhiming said, "They are right. I will neither bestow a marriage nor obstruct it. If Lushui is willing to marry into the family, I will not interfere."
"Good! That's great!" Mo Sixuan clapped his hands, then turned to look at the ministers.
"Whether I can win the heart of the beauty, and whether the peace talks between the two countries can be reached, all depends on you. I will come to sign the contract whenever Green Water agrees."
The ministers quickly responded, "We will do our utmost to live up to your trust."
Mo Sixuan stood up, his smile radiant.
"By the way, I would like to remind you all that you need to hurry. In a few days, my men will be welcoming me back to the palace, so you only have a few days left."
The ministers stammered, "Yes..."
"Then I await your good news."
After saying this, Mo Sixuan lightly flicked his sleeves and left with a faint smile.
On the way here, he had already planned that no matter what Wen Zhiming asked for, he would pretend to agree first. However, Wen Zhiming's requests were all reasonable, but he instead asked for a marriage alliance, which led to the failure of the peace talks.
Although he did act somewhat impulsively when he said those words, Mo Sixuan did not regret it.
The desire for peace among the people of Jin Yue Kingdom was genuine, so they would never abandon the peace treaty because of his small condition. Green Water was a woman of loyalty and had a close relationship with Meng Lingge. After being persuaded by the eloquent ministers, even though she was unwilling, she could only nod and agree to the matter in the end.
Thinking about how that bitch would treat him like a god and fawn over him when she met Green Water again, Mo Sixuan's face lit up with a triumphant and sinister smile as he strode confidently.
The officials watched Mo Sixuan walk away before looking up at Wen Zhiming.
"Your Majesty, what do you suggest we do?"
Wen Zhiming's expression remained indifferent.
"Didn't we just agree? We should persuade those who need to be persuaded, and look for those who need to be looked for... Just do what you promised Mo Sixuan."
"This... Your subject obeys the decree."
They thought the emperor was only superficially agreeing and would actually prevent them from coercing or making things difficult for Lu Shui, since their emperor always valued human rights. They never expected the emperor to actually agree.
Then they will have no worries about the future.
To persuade a young girl to consider the bigger picture, and given her noble character, maturity, and good manners, this task was a piece of cake for them.
Each of the ministers had prepared a set of explanations in mind, and as soon as they left the Hall of Diligent Governance, they went straight to the Imperial Hospital.
Wen Zhiming indeed issued an imperial edict, recognizing Lushui as his sworn sister and bestowing upon her the title of Princess Jiahe. He then continued processing memorials, only returning to Fengyi Palace at sunset.
At this time, news of the marriage alliance between the Jin Feng and Lan Yu kingdoms had spread throughout the capital.
The people were overjoyed, as if the peace talks between the two countries had been completed and the marriage alliance was a sure thing.
The courtiers were both pleased and worried. Those who were pleased were displaying their talents, taking pride in persuading Green Water and hoping to gain great merit from the matter. Those who were worried feared that Blue Feather Kingdom was cunning and that the marriage alliance was a facade with ulterior motives.
Nobody cares whether Green Water is willing or not.
When personal feelings are compared with national interests, personal feelings seem insignificant. The slightest unwillingness is seen as ungrateful and ignorant of the bigger picture.
When the news reached Fengyi Palace, Meng Lingge was in her treasury choosing a gift for Chunhong. When she saw a string of emerald green kingfisher feather necklaces, she felt that they matched the name "Lvshui" (Green Water), so she specially took them out to give to Lvshui.
Upon hearing this news, I lost all interest in continuing to choose a gift.
She wanted to go directly to Wen Zhiming to get to the bottom of things, but out of trust in him, she held back.
Wen Zhiming didn't even have time to greet her before issuing the imperial decree, likely due to the current situation. If she were to question him now, it might ruin Wen Zhiming's plans.
Meng Lingge thought for a moment, then sent someone with a message to Lushui, telling her not to worry. She then continued with her own affairs, calculating that Wen Zhiming would be back soon, before instructing the servants to prepare hot tea in her room.
When Wen Zhiming arrived, the tea was at the perfect temperature. Seeing Meng Lingge sitting upright with a hint of worry in her eyes, he quickened his pace.
"You must be getting impatient."
Meng Lingge handed him the tea and nodded, saying, "I am a little worried. In order to help us lure out Mo Sixuan, Lu Shui has completely offended him. If we really let her marry into the Blue Feather Kingdom, it would be tantamount to killing her."
"Even if you say you won't let Mo Sixuan return to Lanyu Kingdom alive, as long as Lu Shui travels with him, it's still like a lamb entering a tiger's den."
Wen Zhiming took the tea and nodded, saying, "I know. That's why I won't let Mo Sixuan return to Lanyu Kingdom alive, and I absolutely won't let Lushui go back with him."
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