Chapter 311 Resolute
Huo Ran's words reminded the emperor of his past. When he was young, he only wanted to marry the girl he liked. At that time, he only wanted love and didn't care about his future or career prospects.
Later, his mother forced him to marry the most prominent daughter of the court. He did marry this woman, and with her family as his backing, his ascension to the throne was greatly aided. However, some things remained in his heart and could never be erased.
When he had free time, the emperor would still think about that woman, wondering what his life would have been like if he had chosen her.
Looking at Huo Ran, he suddenly saw himself in a younger version of himself.
"Huo Ran, you must understand that life cannot be relived. Once you've made a choice, there's no going back. If you choose the woman you like today, and she doesn't help you in the future, you can't blame her if you're unhappy later. But if you choose a woman who will benefit you in the future, even if you regret it later, you can't go back to the present, and you can't find that girl again."
Looking at the Emperor's bewildered expression, Huo Ran felt that he was using his own experience to illustrate this point. No matter what happens in the future, at this moment, Huo Ran only wanted to choose Jiang Mi.
"I can't say for sure that I won't regret it later, but if I don't choose her now, I will be in great pain. I can't accept that my future life will be without her, and I can't accept that she will marry another man."
The Emperor laughed when he heard him say that: "You are quite devoted in love, just like your mother. But have you ever thought that you might meet someone you like even more in the future?"
Huo Ran shook his head with absolute certainty: "No, there will never be anyone as special as her in this world. There is only one her, and I don't want to miss her."
Hearing Huo Ran say this, the Emperor became even more curious about Jiang Mi: "In that case, I'd like to see what kind of woman she is that you're so infatuated with. She must have some special skills."
Huo Ran's eyes were full of light: "She herself is a being of light. As long as I see her, no matter how tired I am, I can disappear."
Seeing Huo Ran's determination, the Emperor could not separate the couple: "It's just that your statuses are too different. How about I elevate her to the position of a concubine or a secondary consort? Liu Zijun is very fond of you, or she may really be Princess Chongyang. Their statuses are more compatible with yours."
Huo Ran shook his head: "If I cared about social status, I would have been married long ago. Why would I wait until today? Please grant my wish, Your Majesty."
He suddenly knelt down. He wouldn't hesitate for a moment if it meant he could marry Jiang Mi and kneel there forever.
The Emperor sighed, "Then I need to speak with your father. After all, this is a matter of great importance to your life, and it must be arranged properly. If your father is also willing, then I will not interfere. I remember this woman; she's the one who grew those sweet potatoes, isn't she? The Empress Dowager also mentioned her to me a few times. She also runs a soap shop, and her soaps are very good. After all, she's a businesswoman..."
Huo Ran said, "If it weren't for these merchants, our country wouldn't be so prosperous and wealthy today."
That's the truth. In fact, the emperor didn't discriminate against those who gave gifts. It's just that the old ideas of our ancestors are deeply ingrained, and many people still hold the old mindset of discriminating against merchants.
"Enough, enough. You're all grown up now and have your own ideas. I'd better not say anything more, lest we create a bunch of unhappy couples out of nowhere. That would be my fault."
Upon seeing this, Huo Ran immediately kowtowed and said with delight, "Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty."
The Emperor hadn't even granted his wish yet, and he was already so impatient. The Emperor sighed and said, "Alright, I understand. Remember to bring her into the palace when you have time. I'm very curious about this extraordinary woman."
"Yes," Huo Ran replied happily, his steps as he walked out were much easier than when he came.
Meanwhile, in the Prime Minister's residence, Liu Zijun paced back and forth like an ant on a hot pan. Madam Liu sighed, "My dear daughter, why don't you sit down? This pacing back and forth is making my eyes tired."
Liu Zijun sighed:
"Why hasn't Father returned yet? I wonder what's going on. The Emperor will probably grant the marriage out of respect for my father, right?"
Madam Liu said, "That's natural. Your father has so much power now that even the Emperor is somewhat wary of him. Besides, your marriage to Huo Ran would also benefit the Emperor."
As the two were talking, Prime Minister Liu walked in, and Liu Zijun immediately asked, "Father, how is it? What did the Emperor say?"
Prime Minister Liu said confidently, "His Majesty will naturally give me some face. This matter is basically settled. Even if that woman bewitches Huo Ran, the position of Crown Princess will still belong to my daughter."
Liu Zijun was not happy to hear this: "But I think Brother Huo Ran can like me. If he marries me but doesn't like me, what's the point of us being together? We'd just be walking corpses."
Madam Liu comforted her daughter: "My dear daughter, you don't understand. Men are like donkeys that need to be stroked. Once you're married, if you coax him with sweet words and serve him well every day, he will naturally fall into your gentle embrace. He won't remember other women. Over time, feelings will develop. You live together every day, and in his heart, you are his wife. No other woman can compare to you."
Hearing her mother's words, Liu Zijun breathed a sigh of relief: "That's good, thank you, Father and Mother."
Liu Zijun was now confident. She would be able to face that vixen with more confidence next time. Even if Huo Ran didn't like her now, she would be his wife in the future, and in his heart, she would always be special.
Jiang Mi was unaware of all the things that had happened outside. Since the lantern festival ended, her shop's soap inventory had dwindled, especially since many people wanted to pre-order her daisy soap, but she hadn't accepted a single order. Whether she could become a royal merchant depended on this opportunity.
"Miss, this bill is making my head spin, but just looking at this string of numbers, I know that business must have been booming lately."
Mo Hua smiled foolishly. She and Si Qin were not only learning to read, but also to read accounts. In the future, Jiang Mi planned to entrust the affairs of the house and shop to them. Even if they only helped out occasionally, it would be more reassuring than having outsiders.
"We can still supply enough regular soaps," Jiang Mi calculated.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com