"yes."
At this time, the emperor referred to General Shen as a senior to several princes, which is enough to show the influence General Shen had in people's hearts.
The crowd applauded and cheered again, their respect for General Shen evident in their expressions. In particular, the young noblemen from aristocratic families who pursued martial arts secretly vowed to take General Shen as their role model and strive to become like him.
Suddenly, a flash of ruthlessness crossed the Emperor's eyes, which Shen Danru still noticed.
Everyone was cheering for General Shen and for the entire Great Shun Dynasty, and no one noticed the Emperor's expression.
General Shen cupped his hands and said, "This victory is not my achievement alone. Every soldier who participated in the battle is a hero of this victory."
An adult said, "General Shen is too modest. I heard that a young general played an indispensable role in this victory. He risked his life to enter the enemy's camp and captured the enemy general. That young general happens to be General Shen's grandson. He truly has the demeanor of General Shen."
"Yes, General Shen, you have a worthy successor. This is a blessing for our Great Shun Dynasty."
"I wonder if that young general has arrived yet, so we can get to know him."
...
With everyone chiming in, Shen Yutang had no choice but to stand up, cup his hands in greeting, and humbly say, "You flatter me, sirs. This victory is inseparable from the joint efforts of all the soldiers. I was just lucky to have made a small contribution."
"As expected, heroes emerge from among the young. General Shen has accomplished such a feat at such a young age, which is truly admirable."
Shen Yutang was humble and polite, neither arrogant nor impatient. He was tall, handsome, and dignified, and at this time he captured the hearts of many noble ladies.
Even Jiang Jingxian and others became Shen Yutang's little fans, and were obsessed with him.
The image of a hero in their hearts is nothing more than someone like Shen Yutang.
Looking at his grandson, Shen Shi felt a surge of joy and pride.
The officials all pondered in their hearts that marrying their daughters to Shen Yutang would surely be a good match.
Consort Lan said, "General Shen, General Shen is of marriageable age. My niece is not yet betrothed. This is a good match."
Shen Yutang said respectfully, "Thank you for your kind words, Your Highness. However, I was already engaged when I was at the border, and I cannot be the one to break my promise."
Consort Lan showed a hint of regret.
The gentlemen and ladies present felt even more regretful.
At this moment, Qingtan's face turned bright red, and Shen Danru covered her mouth and laughed.
As the music and dance began, the geisha, dressed in their costumes, gracefully danced on the stage.
After the song ended, the young ladies from various wealthy families came out to showcase their talents.
Their eyes occasionally glanced at the princes and young masters.
Shen Danru suddenly felt a gaze fixed on her, which sent a chill down her spine.
As expected, Crown Prince Qi Jingcheng stood up, walked to the Emperor, bowed and said, "Father, I wish to marry Shen Danru, the daughter of the Shen family. Please grant my request."
Shen Danru was about to get up to refuse when a figure beat her to it.
Qi Shuoyu, who was also the sixth prince Qi Jingyu at this time, also stood up: "Ahem~ Ahem~, Father, your son has also fallen in love with Miss Shen Shen Danru at first sight. I beg your father to grant your wish."
Qi Jingcheng's face turned ashen. He frowned and glared at Qi Shuoyu, giving him a warning look.
You dare to steal my woman? Do you want to die?
The latter responded with a friendly smile.
The Emperor saw through all their little tricks.
He frowned. It seemed he had been too lenient with Cheng'er before, and couldn't even tolerate his younger brother Yu'er.
Yu'er is in poor health and poses no threat to Cheng'er. I don't know why Cheng'er can't treat him well.
He was very clear about his own health, and what worried him most now was his son Qi Jingyu, whom he had just reunited with.
It seems he needs to find a reliable backer for Yu'er.
The Emperor looked at Shen Danru and asked, "Princess Chaoyun, which of my two sons have you taken a fancy to?"
The crowd was in an uproar, not expecting the Emperor to directly let Shen Danru make the selection.
Song Yuqing twisted the handkerchief in her hands, clenching her teeth, wishing she could go forward and tear Shen Danru apart.
As expected, the Crown Prince only had that woman in his heart.
After being called upon by the Emperor, Shen Danru had no choice but to stand up and kneel down to reply, "Your Majesty, I do not wish to marry at the moment. Our family has just been reunited, and I hope to stay by my grandfather's side for a few more years."
The Emperor looked at the Duke of Shen.
Shen Shi bowed and said, "To be honest, Your Majesty, Ru'er is the most beloved child among all my descendants. I really can't bear to see her get married."
The Emperor laughed and said, "General, a woman should marry when she comes of age. Do you intend to keep her for the rest of your life? Princess Chaoyun is already sixteen and of marriageable age. You have no choice but to let her go, General."
“I respect Ru’er’s choice. If Ru’er wants to get married, she can. If Ru’er doesn’t want to get married, I can afford to raise my granddaughter.”
Although Shen Shi spoke in a gentle tone, his eyes were extremely domineering, which even made the emperor somewhat wary.
"Ru'er, don't be afraid. If you don't want to marry, even a prince can't force you."
Shen Danru was deeply moved that her grandfather was willing to offend the Crown Prince for her sake.
Shen Danru understood that Qi Jingcheng was determined to marry her, and he would pester her as long as she didn't marry him.
She made up her mind and pointed at Qi Shuoyu, saying, "I will marry the Sixth Prince."
Qi Jingcheng's face was extremely pale as he stared at Shen Danru in horror: "Ru'er, why?"
"As for why, I'm sure the Crown Prince knows perfectly well, so I don't need to explain it too clearly."
Even a clay figure has some backbone. It was Qi Jingcheng who wanted to break off the engagement in the first place, but now that he sees that she is the granddaughter of General Shen, he regrets his decision and wants to marry her again. It's too late.
Qi Shuoyu coughed twice more, his frail body frail, and said, "Your Majesty, I will take care of Ru'er from now on. I hope you can rest assured. As long as I live, I will cherish Ru'er like a precious jewel and will never let her suffer any more grievances."
Shen Shi glanced at Qi Shuoyu and frowned slightly.
The sixth prince's health is really too poor. If her granddaughter marries him, she will probably have to live a life of widowhood.
"Ru'er..."
“Grandfather, Ru’er is willing to marry the Sixth Prince.”
She was well aware of her grandfather's worries.
The Emperor said, "That's excellent. Eunuch Yu, issue an order to have the Imperial Observatory select an auspicious day for Yu'er to marry his principal wife soon."
Qi Shuoyu said, "Thank you, Father Emperor."
Qi Jingcheng: "Father..."
"Cheng'er, this matter is settled, you don't need to say anything more. There are plenty of good women in the world, why do you have to compete with Yu'er for her, especially since she is already yours..."
"Grand Tutor's granddaughter, He Yunlan, is also a famous talented woman in Shengjing. It is not a disservice to you to bestow her upon you as the Crown Prince's principal wife."
The Emperor's voice echoed throughout the entire Star-Picking Tower, his tone leaving no room for doubt.
Qi Jingcheng was truly panicked at this moment, and a sense of sorrow welled up in his heart.
The pain in his heart felt like a thousand needles piercing his soul, making it almost impossible for him to breathe.
He was powerless to resist his father and could only accept it silently.
He never imagined that one day he would truly lose Shen Danru.
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