Ji Yun: "Yingdi, I heard you're going to be the emperor's son-in-law, so I brought my sister-in-law here to congratulate you." Upon hearing this, I felt like vomiting blood. Could it be that only Ji's mother and father knew this in the entire Fu family?!
To avoid arousing suspicion, I had no choice but to put on a smiling face and deal with the two of them. Fortunately, my sister-in-law was tired from the long journey and would have to go back to rest after a short while, so I got some peace and quiet.
I stayed in my room until dinner time when I finally saw my father. His face was clean, unlike that of a military general. He had a beard, but it looked smooth and not glaring. Are the TV shows all lies? Who says that generals have to have a full beard?
Father Ji looked stern. We only started eating after he picked up his chopsticks. He didn't say a word during the meal. I had something on my mind, so I couldn't eat much.
But Wan'er told me that Father Ji values etiquette the most, so at the dinner table, you can only pick up your chopsticks after he starts eating, and once he puts down his bowl, you can stop eating.
After waiting for him to put down his chopsticks, I took the tea to rinse my mouth, wiped my mouth, and then took a sip of the tea.
Father Ji coughed and led me to the study. As soon as I stepped inside, I smelled the fragrance of books, which made me want to read even more than in a library.
Ji's father sat at the desk, and I stood to the side with all my might. He always carried an air of authority, and even I, a battle-hardened special forces soldier who had only been in the line of duty for two or three years and whose abilities were not outstanding but were not at the bottom, felt a sense of pressure from him.
Ji's father sat in a chair, flipping through the books on the table. He was truly a military general who loved reading. I saw the calluses on his hands; they were indeed the hands of a military general.
I stood quietly to the side, the study was filled with the fragrance of incense, keeping out the stuffy heat from outside the window.
Finally, Ji's father spoke: "The Emperor's decree has been issued, and there is now a change in Consort Ji's position. Now, the best solution is to form a marriage alliance with the princess."
For the sake of a concubine, she had to sacrifice her daughter. I felt sorry for Ji Ying, but it was I who was hurt!
Seeing that I remained silent, Father Ji spoke up, "Ying'er, I'm afraid you'll have to suffer this time. I'll definitely find a way to get you out of here. The most important thing now is to keep it a secret from the princess and those around her. She is the emperor's most favored daughter. Don't let this slip, or your whole family will be executed!"
What else can I say? Even if I escape, unless God helps me, I'll still be caught. I might as well just take it one step at a time.
Seeing that I agreed, Father Ji calmed down and finally smiled: "You are indeed my good son. I heard from your mother that your swordsmanship and archery have improved recently. Let's have a spar tomorrow."
My palms were sweaty. I cupped my hands and said, "Father, you have had a long journey. Please rest and recover first. There will be opportunities to exchange skills in the future."
Now, the wedding is only half a month away, and I've been reluctant to get married, but I'm helpless. This Great Zhao Kingdom is heavily guarded everywhere, and in terms of military strength and economy, it can rival the Han Dynasty, and even has a trend of surpassing it.
I am the young master of the General's Mansion, the Marquis of Dingcheng, personally appointed by the Emperor. The imperial decree has been issued; where can I possibly escape to?
The palace sent many rare treasures, and the most favored Princess Zhaole was getting married with great fanfare.
Time marches on every day, and the further I go, the more anxious I feel.
She always thought that even after marriage she could stay in the Ji family mansion. Who knew that the emperor would insist on bringing the princess's husband into the palace for her sake, and even built the Heqing Palace as the princess's husband's residence.
I was heartbroken and just wanted to wait for nightfall so I wouldn't have to face a bunch of people or listen to a bunch of rules. I never gave up and tried to escape, but every time I was caught and brought back like a chick.
The wedding day finally arrived. Before dawn, I changed into my bright red wedding dress. To emphasize the princess's nobility, she wouldn't kneel at the Ji residence, so I led the empty bridal sedan chair, accompanied by a group of wedding guests, towards the palace.
When they parted, Ji's mother shed tears as easily as ever. I remember Ji's father's face was neither sad nor happy. Perhaps he was worried, after all, Ji Ying was his own daughter.
The palace was magnificent and solemn, but today was a joyous occasion, so it was decorated with lanterns and colorful decorations, just like any ordinary family's home, and thus filled with emotion.
I dismounted, crossed the main gate, and followed the directions of the head eunuch to smoothly arrive at the princess's palace.
As soon as I entered, I saw a group of people kneeling on the ground, trembling with fear. One of them was dressed in fine clothes, about seventeen or eighteen years old, with a pretty and delicate appearance, but a rather loud voice.
She was Princess Zhaole. Li Zhaole threw her wedding dress on the ground and stomped on it a few times as if she was still angry. The nanny next to her hurriedly stepped forward and tried to persuade her.
Li Zhaole snorted and sat down by herself at the carved and gilded mahogany table, turning her head away to sulk. I was secretly delighted; it seemed this princess didn't want to get married, and now I had an excuse.
Seeing that she couldn't persuade him, the old woman was as anxious as an ant on a hot pan. She turned around and saw me standing at the door.
The old woman was overjoyed. Despite her plump figure, she walked quickly and strode up to me. "The prince consort has arrived. I am Zhang Mama. Please help persuade the princess. The auspicious time cannot be delayed."
I caught a glimpse of the princess turning her head slightly, then frowning and turning away again. I felt a sense of relief and said to Zhang Mama, "Thank you for your trouble, Mama. Please wait over there."
I tossed the red ribbon in my hand to the guard standing to the side, my face expressionless, my steps light as the wind. I really wanted to tell this proud princess directly, "Let's dissolve the marriage," but thinking of Ji's mother's tearful face and Ji's father's expectations, I decided to take it one step at a time.
Standing next to Li Zhaole, I bowed and said politely, "Please, Princess, get into the sedan chair."
Li Zhaole took out a silver whip from her sleeve and swung it directly at me. I dodged the attack by the side, and seeing that she wanted to strike again, I stepped forward and snatched half of the whip that was not yet raised.
Li Zhaole looked displeased, so I said loudly, "Princess, today is a joyous occasion. Even if you are unhappy or find me disagreeable, you should still change your clothes and pay your respects to the Emperor and Empress."
Li Zhaole was about to start a fight, but upon hearing the Emperor's name, she sneered, "It's a joke that my father actually chose someone as weak and greasy as you to be his son-in-law."
The more she complained, the happier I became: "Princess, this is how I am. You can look at me later. The auspicious time has arrived, please get into the sedan chair."
Li Zhaole was about to rush over and slap me, but luckily I stopped her in time and whispered, "Princess, if you're going to hit someone, do it when there are fewer people around. Everyone's watching."
Seeing Li Zhaole in a daze, I cleared my throat: "Zhang Mama, quickly help the princess change her clothes and prepare her for the sedan chair."
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