When the dance and music ended, Emperor Wenxuan was also greatly pleased.
Upon seeing this, Li Yuan stepped forward again and said, "Your Majesty, do you have any candidates for a marriage alliance? Our Southern Frontier sincerely wishes to establish a marriage alliance with the Great Xia."
They had been staying in Great Xia for quite some time, yet the marriage of Princess Lingxiang remained unresolved. The Emperor of Southern Xinjiang had sent several letters inquiring about the progress; if this matter wasn't settled soon, he would face dire consequences upon his return. Naturally, they still hoped that Princess Lingxiang could marry into the Great Xia royal family.
Emperor Wenxuan, however, was not in a hurry and slowly asked, "Does Grand Preceptor Li have someone in mind?"
Li Yuan quickly bowed and said, "Your Majesty, I dare not comment. However, the princes around Your Majesty are all outstanding individuals. We are completely convinced of whoever you choose."
Emperor Wenxuan raised an eyebrow and smiled, "I think Princess Lingxiang is both beautiful and talented, and quite worthy of my son."
The Crown Prince and the Prince of Xiang felt a chill run down their spines. After what the sixth prince had done, it was almost certain that Princess Lingxiang would be betrothed to one of them.
Before he could think further, Emperor Wenxuan continued, "Since that's the case, Fifth Brother, come here."
When King Xiang heard his name called, his heart sank. Ling Xiang was, after all, a princess of the kingdom; she wouldn't be given to him as a concubine. So, the only option was…
Consort Xian also sensed something was wrong and quickly tried to speak up to stop them, "Your Majesty, Yi'er, he..."
Consort Wei interrupted her, "Sister Xianfei, His Majesty has his own decision; let's not say any more."
She'd been in a bad mood all day because of what had happened, and hadn't been able to muster any energy at the banquet. But now, things were getting interesting, and she was naturally happy to see Consort Xian make a fool of herself.
Emperor Wenxuan calmly instructed, "Princess Lingxiang of the Southern Frontier is respectful, polite, beautiful, and intelligent; she shall be bestowed upon Prince Xiang as his principal wife."
Li Yuan and Princess Lingxiang finally breathed a sigh of relief. Things were settled, and as for what happened next… there would be plenty of time.
They immediately knelt and bowed, saying, "Lingxiang obeys the decree and thanks Your Majesty."
Seeing that the matter was already settled, King Xiang's resentment was useless, so he could only bow helplessly and say, "Your subject thanks Your Majesty."
Emperor Wenxuan then instructed, "Consort Xian, arrange Yi'er's marriage as soon as possible. Lingxiang will be married off from your residence in Yonghe."
Consort Xian couldn't swallow her anger, and forced a smile as she agreed.
At this moment, Censor-in-Chief Cheng stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, both Prince Xiang and Prince Yan are now engaged, but His Highness the Crown Prince has yet to take a wife. This old minister feels this is inappropriate."
Emperor Wenxuan smiled and said, "Minister Cheng, you are absolutely right. This morning I also bestowed the girl Changyun upon the Sixth Prince. Now only the Crown Prince, as the elder brother, remains unmarried, which is indeed inappropriate."
The ministers were puzzled as to why they hadn't seen Prince Qi today. His Majesty had bestowed the marriage without warning, which was supposed to be a joyous occasion. However, they noticed that Consort Wei's expression was rather unpleasant.
Empress Li adopted a dignified smile and spoke first, "Your Majesty, I do have someone in mind who I feel is a very good match for You'er."
Emperor Wenxuan raised an eyebrow. "Oh? I do have someone in mind. Could it be that the Empress shares my thoughts?"
Empress Li was not happy to hear the emperor say this. She knew that Emperor Wenxuan was trying to shut her up. They must have different thoughts. If she spoke now, wouldn't she be showing everyone that she and His Majesty did not understand each other?
Empress Li's face darkened, and she forced a smile, saying, "Your Majesty and I are naturally of one mind."
Upon hearing this, Emperor Wenxuan took her hand and smiled, "I think Minister Liu's daughter, Liu Shuyao, is dignified, composed, and quick-witted. She is suitable to be the Crown Princess. What do the Crown Prince and Minister Liu think?"
This series of events left everyone bewildered, including Bai Chuxiao. The situation was far too chaotic. She now understood what it meant for the emperor's heart to be unfathomable. She couldn't help but look at Chu Tianze, who found her puzzled and sighing expression somewhat amusing.
Bai Chuwan's face turned pale instantly. She realized she was already with the Crown Prince… but now she couldn't be the Crown Princess… what was she to do?
Empress Li and Consort Xian were both greatly surprised. They could accept other families' daughters becoming the Crown Princess, but given the relationship between their two families, how could they allow Liu Shuyao to become the Crown Princess? They knew that the Liu family had Prince Xiang backing them; neither the Crown Prince nor the Empress believed that the Liu family would abandon Prince Xiang and turn to support him.
Liu Shuyao herself felt no joy at the prospect of becoming the Crown Princess. On the contrary, she bit her lip, her heart filled with unease and worry. The Emperor's action had undoubtedly placed her in an awkward position. She knew that from now on, her situation would become extremely difficult.
She firmly believed that her father would never abandon her cousin, the Prince of Xiang, and her aunt, so the only one who would be abandoned was her. Even if she became the Crown Princess, without her family's support, or even if she did, it would be difficult to gain the trust of the Crown Prince and the Empress. Under such circumstances, how could she establish herself in the future?
The crown prince wanted to say something more on his behalf, "Father, I already have someone I love in my heart, perhaps..."
Emperor Wenxuan narrowed his eyes, a hint of displeasure and authority flashing in them. His voice carried obvious anger: "As the Crown Prince, you bear heavy responsibilities for the nation and should prioritize state affairs. Choosing a Crown Princess is even more crucial; you should select a virtuous and capable woman. Minister Liu is a loyal and upright subject. Does the Crown Prince believe that Miss Liu is unworthy to be your Crown Princess?"
Upon hearing the emperor's question, the crown prince was startled and hurriedly knelt down, saying, "Your subject dares not. Miss Liu is both beautiful and talented, gentle and kind. Your subject has no complaints."
Upon hearing the Crown Prince's reply, Emperor Wenxuan's expression softened slightly, but he still coldly snorted, "And what about Minister Liu? Could it be that he, like the Crown Prince, is dissatisfied with my decision?"
Upon hearing this, the Right Chancellor hurriedly knelt down and exclaimed, "Your Majesty is wise! This old minister is deeply honored by Your Majesty's decision. It is an honor for the Liu family for my daughter to become the Crown Princess. This old minister is eternally grateful."
Hearing this answer, Emperor Wenxuan was somewhat satisfied, his expression softened, and he said in a deep voice, "Today is an auspicious day, a triple celebration. Empress, the Crown Prince's marriage is a major event, let's get to the front and get it done first."
Empress Li had no choice but to rise and agree, while Consort Wei gloated. It seemed that Ling'er marrying Changyun wasn't so bad after all.
Bai Linan's face was also ashen. Where did His Majesty place the Left Prime Minister's residence with this? Fortunately, the eldest maid had managed to save face today. As for Wan'er, well, that would have to be reconsidered.
Everyone had their own thoughts, but Emperor Wenxuan saw through them all. He curled the corners of his lips into a smile, seemingly lost in thought, then touched his wine cup and proclaimed loudly, "Today is a good day. Let us, ruler and subjects, drink together, wishing our Great Xia Dynasty prosperity and eternal peace."
Upon hearing this, everyone immediately stood up, raised their glasses, and said in unison, "May our Great Xia Dynasty prosper and last forever!"
The hall was immediately filled with the clinking of glasses and a harmonious atmosphere once again.
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