Chapter 226 Absurdity
Enraging Mu Xi to lose his composure, Gao Quan chuckled instead: "The founding of our Great Yu Kingdom was based on breaking down the old and establishing the new. Young Master Mu married into the family, and the Marquis and Crown Prince of Yong... You all claim to be working for the country and its people. Now that we have such a good opportunity to form strong alliances and protect the peace of the East Sea, you are doing everything you can to obstruct us. What are you really up to?"
Mu Xi's rationality was about to crumble under her emotions: "The one who keeps questioning others about their intentions is none other than you..."
"Enough..." Princess Li Li of Qingyang, who had been watching coldly from the sidelines for a long time, shouted, "I have come from afar to sincerely seek marriage with this man, who is merely the second young master of the Jin Fang family. I have never failed to obtain anything I have ever wanted since I was a child. Since the heir of the Jin Fang family is so ungrateful, then don't blame me for being ruthless. Today, this man... I am determined to have him. Whether you agree or not... hehe... at worst, I will fight my way through. Then, it won't just be a second young master; even if it's the heir of your Jin Fang family, so what? I'll take him all."
"Whoosh—"
The assembled officials were shocked and their expressions changed. Even King Yu Muji, sitting at the head of the table, couldn't save face.
The atmosphere suddenly plummeted to freezing point.
Mu Xi was so angry that she was about to retort, "Let's fight! Who's afraid of who?", but before she could speak, her uncle Shen Lun stopped her, signaling her not to act rashly.
"Oh dear... Princess... Although you are a princess capable of leading troops into battle, you still have the mentality of a young girl when it comes to matters of men and women." Queen Gao, observing the situation, stepped in to smooth things over. "Princess, please calm down and don't say hurtful things. Your argument is all about being confused. But I, being an experienced woman, can see things clearly. This Prince Jin Fang is so opposed, yet he can't give a good reason. I'm afraid... the prince himself admires the princess but finds it difficult to express it."
What?
What kind of brain circuit is this?
Mu Xi had not yet suppressed her anger.
Yu Wang Muji also spoke up to appease her: "Yes, what the Queen says makes sense. The Princess is probably mistaken. Please don't be angry. Everything can be discussed."
"Discuss?" Princess Li Li of Qingyang no longer bothered to hide her arrogant attitude as soon as she spoke. "There's nothing to discuss. His Majesty just promised. Today, I ask His Majesty to give a definite answer: this person... will you... or not?"
King Yu was choked so badly that his face turned pale, and his anger surged, but he couldn't show it for the moment.
Queen Gao seized the opportunity to demonstrate her "wise wife" skills: "Yes... how could I not... Your Majesty will certainly grant it. However, how can this Second Prince Jin Fang be worthy of the Princess? The Princess is sincere and resolute. Since the Crown Prince Jin Fang strongly opposes the Second Prince's marriage into the Princess's family, it means he is in love with her. Why not let the Crown Prince take the place of the Second Prince and forge a bond with the Princess?"
This is outrageous! Mu Xi objected even more strongly: "No..."
Before she could finish speaking, Shen Lun grabbed her and spoke for her: "Your Majesty is joking. 'The heirs of feudal lords inherit the ancestral temples and continue the state, and should not lightly leave their positions.' The heirs are the foundation of the Jin Fang Kingdom, how could they go to the East Sea to marry into the royal family?"
Queen Gao smiled and said, "Lord Shen is known as 'Lord Dou Nan' and is a role model for scholars and literati throughout the land. His words are naturally reasonable. However, Lord Shen, don't forget that Prince Jin Fang has been weak and sickly since childhood and is unable to lead troops into battle. If he marries into the East Sea, he may be able to recuperate. As for succession... Lord Jin Fang has two sons, so there is no worry about him not being able to inherit the ancestral temple."
Is this an attempt to exploit her perceived "uselessness"?
Alarm bells rang in Mu Xi's mind. The Queen Gao's seemingly gentle words made her feel more dangerous than her previous aggressive words.
Just as she was about to speak in defense, Queen Gao didn't give her a chance. She changed the subject, turning her gaze to Li Li with a hint of "apology" and "suggestion": "Princess, as you saw, although Prince Jin Fang is a bit weak, he was incredibly dashing and handsome on the altar just now. In my opinion, the Prince and the Princess are truly... evenly matched, a match made in heaven."
Princess Qingyang then carefully examined Mu Xi: "Hmm... As a man, Prince Jin Fang is indeed a bit weak. However, although I still prefer strong and handsome men, the prince has the advantage of being good-looking..."
"Wait a minute..." Mu Xi didn't like being judged, even by women. "Mu Xun is no good, and neither am I. Don't even think about it."
Li Li ignored her and slowly raised her lychee-shaped eyes: "Hmm, just now at the altar, the young master was quite amazing. As for your frail health... I can take it as 'nobility'. Don't worry, if you are too weak to play that 'game', I can find someone else. I won't make things difficult for you."
What does that mean?
Before Mu Xi could react, Queen Gao burst into laughter: "So, Princess, you've also taken a liking to her?"
Princess Qingyang's eyes were fiery red, and her red lips curved slightly: "According to Her Majesty the Queen, it's not impossible... I'll reluctantly agree."
Pooh!
Who asked for your consent?
Is "agreement" even a stretch?
Mu Xi's anger surged from the soles of her feet to the top of her head.
"Your Majesty..." Queen Gao gave no one a chance to react and immediately turned to King Yu, "You see, the princess has already agreed. This is a good opportunity to resolve the conflict and forge a lasting alliance. If the Crown Prince is wise and righteous, he should share the king's burdens and relieve the country's difficulties. At this auspicious celestial occasion of 'the six celestial signs,' I urge Your Majesty to make a swift decision and bring this marriage to fruition, so as to put the heart of the East Sea at ease."
Mu Xi couldn't hold back any longer: "Keep dreaming. Whoever wants to agree can agree. I... the Jin Fangjun Mansion doesn't agree, and neither does the Western Border."
Whether it's her or Mu Xun, if either of them marries into the family, the only ones who will benefit are Mu Chong and Madam Gao.
Yu Wang Muji coldly watched the scene unfold before him. He might not be unaware of Gao Shi's intentions, but looking at Princess Qingyang, who was already burning with anger, he feared that if he refused now that she had finally found a replacement, she might have a fiery temper...
Thinking of this, King Yu made a decision: "Your Highness... my good nephew... if you are acting out of brotherly affection, you will surely be able to fulfill my wishes as well. Let's make it a deal then."
"Your Majesty... isn't it a great disgrace for the crown prince to marry into the family?" Mu Xi was dumbfounded. Making her marry into the family? Wasn't that the most ridiculous thing in the world?
King Yu, fearing that delay might lead to complications, pretended not to hear Mu Xi's question and immediately issued an edict: "On this auspicious occasion, I hereby bestow marriage upon Princess Li Li of Qingyang and Prince Mu Xi of Jinfang. On an auspicious day, the prince will enter the Qingyang Prince's residence in the East Sea to establish a happy marriage."
"Your Majesty is wise." Queen Gao was the first to bow, her voice filled with undisguised pride.
"Your Majesty is wise..." Gao Quan and the others shouted in unison, their voices shaking the heavens.
Mu Xi found it absurd and turned to seek help from Marquis Shen Lun of Yong State.
Shen Lun, however, looked gloomy and silently shook his head. Amidst the waves of voices, he comforted Mu Xi: "Don't be impulsive. Once the evil sorcerer is dead, we can announce the death of the Marquis. You are still the heir of Jin Fang and must observe three years of mourning for your father. If this matter can be delayed, there is still a chance for a turnaround."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
