Chen Qingqing was completely taken aback by the Chu Emperor's words; her head spun three times larger in disbelief.
What's wrong with the Emperor of Chu?
Just randomly pairing two people together is like matchmaking!
Even if she did have feelings for Chu Jiuqing, given his current status, she wouldn't agree to it.
"No one is good for a thousand days, and no flower blooms for a hundred days."
Which prince in the palace didn't have three wives and four concubines?
Throughout history, the inner court of imperial palaces has been a place of constant intrigue and turmoil, seemingly filled with splendor and glory, but in reality, fraught with countless hidden dangers.
If she were to become Chu Jiuqing's concubine, her status would be noble, but she would inevitably face intrigue and deceit.
Living in the palace is like being imprisoned in a gilded cage, devoid of dreams and freedom.
Life is but a passing journey; true happiness lies in the ordinary and the simple.
It's better to live an ordinary life.
"Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty, but I cannot comply. I have always regarded Prince Ning as my own younger brother and have never had any romantic feelings for him. I beg Your Majesty to rescind your decree and allow me to return to my hometown, continue practicing medicine and helping the world, and live as an ordinary person."
Hearing these words, Chu Jiuqing felt somewhat disappointed.
Although he felt uneasy, he knew Chen Qingqing's personality well; once she said something, there was no room for negotiation. So he stepped forward.
“Father, Miss Chen is determined to practice medicine and save the world. If we force her to stay in the capital, she will probably be unhappy. Your son respects Miss Chen’s choice and hopes that Your Majesty will grant it.”
The Emperor of Chu was somewhat displeased. Such a woman was utterly rebellious, daring to refuse his bestowal of honor in front of so many civil and military officials.
He frowned. "You audacious Chen Qingqing, how dare you be so ungrateful! Aren't you afraid I'll chop off your head?"
Chen Qingqing felt a chill run down her spine. Since ancient times, the words of kings have been law, and no one dared to contradict them, yet she had repeatedly refused.
The situation is not good; I must have angered the King of Chu.
Who cares? If I have to stay and live a life I don't want just to survive, I'd rather die.
With that thought, Chen Qingqing was no longer afraid. She straightened her back and said neither humbly nor arrogantly, "Even if Your Majesty kills me, I will never agree to Your Majesty's request."
Although she spoke frankly, Chen Qingqing was uncertain and couldn't fathom the Emperor Chu's thoughts. She was certain that she was in deep trouble this time.
Just as she was pondering to herself, she heard the Emperor of Chu burst into laughter, "What a woman with her own opinions! I like her very much."
Chen Qingqing was stunned for a moment, then asked cautiously, "Does Your Majesty mean I can leave?"
The Emperor of Chu looked at Chen Qingqing, feeling a pang of reluctance, but he didn't want to force her. He sighed softly.
"Since Miss Chen has made up her mind, I will not force you. However, you have saved my life and my prince's life, and your merits are great. You must be rewarded. I have decided to adopt you as my goddaughter, bestow upon you the title of princess, and grant you the fief of Anyang. Are you willing?"
Chen Qingqing was overjoyed. The Black and White Impermanence had indeed not lied to her. She had truly become a member of the royal family, a king and a general.
The fief of Anyang meant that the recipient not only obtained ownership of the land within Anyang, but also the population and resources on that land.
All taxes belonged to her, and she also enjoyed local autonomy.
In this era, family background is the most important thing. If you become a princess, you are second only to the emperor and above all others. Your life is completely on a winning streak!
"Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty. I accept your decree and gratitude." Chen Qingqing was very satisfied with this reward.
After the court session, Chu Jiuqing and Chen Qingqing walked side by side along the palace corridor.
Chu Jiuqing couldn't help but recall all the moments he had spent with Chen Qingqing.
I suffered an injury that caused amnesia, and my mind became sluggish.
She showed no disgust, buying herself wontons and candied hawthorns as if she were treating someone like family.
How he longed to go back to that time, but he could never go back.
He carried the entire Great Ning empire on his shoulders, taking the well-being of all people as his responsibility, striving to be a good emperor, ensuring the people lived in abundance and that the world submitted to him...
After a long silence, Chu Jiuqing broke the silence first, "Qing girl, to tell you the truth, I am very disappointed that you were unable to stay in the capital, but I respect your choice."
Chen Qingqing looked up at him. "Xiaoyu, thank you for your understanding. Everyone has their own ambitions, and we all end up in the same place. My ambition is to stay by my family's side, do what I love, and roam freely in the world."
"Okay, then I wish you eternal happiness, and may you be a free bird soaring freely between heaven and earth."
After Chu Jiuqing finished speaking, he changed the subject.
“When you came to Kyoto, I promised you that as long as you could cure my father’s illness, I would grant you all your requests. Now you can make them, and I will grant them unconditionally.”
"I almost forgot if you hadn't mentioned it." Chen Qingqing said, then thought for a moment, raised an eyebrow and smiled. "I haven't decided yet. Let's talk about it when I've thought it through!"
"Okay, then let's leave it here for now. We'll talk about it when we've made up our minds."
“With Prince Ning’s words—no, I should now call him Imperial Brother—I can rest assured,” Chen Qingqing said with a sly smile.
“Your Highness is wrong. I am older than you. You should call me Your Highness.”
"No, no, from the very beginning I've always treated you like a younger brother. I'm your elder sister."
"Alright, alright, I'll take you as my elder sister."
The two chatted and laughed, enjoying themselves immensely...
After spending a few days sightseeing in Kyoto, Chen Qingqing returned to her hometown as a princess.
As soon as the news spread, the whole of Kyoto became excited.
To demonstrate his high regard for Chen Qingqing, the Emperor of Chu issued an edict to arrange a grand procession.
On that day, the streets were lined with people who all wanted to catch a glimpse of the princess.
At the head of the procession were the Imperial Guards, clad in armor, riding tall horses, looking majestic and imposing.
Following closely behind were lavishly decorated carriages.
Chen Qingqing sat in the carriage, looking out the window at the lively scene outside with great interest, her heart filled with emotion.
My thoughts drifted back to the present day.
At that time, she was just an ordinary medical worker who spent her days shuttling between different departments.
They are busy working on the patients' conditions, living ordinary yet fulfilling lives.
Fate plays tricks on people; through a strange and unpredictable twist of fate, they arrive in this unfamiliar dynasty.
I thought that living a happy life with modern minds and superb medical skills would be the ultimate goal.
But she unexpectedly saved someone, completely rewriting the trajectory of her life.
Now she has transformed into Princess Anyang of the Great Ning Dynasty, and I never expected to have such a glorious moment.
With this status, no one will dare to bully you anymore...
As the procession moved slowly forward, the people along the way knelt down and bowed, shouting, "Long live the princess!"
A feeling of pride welled up in Chen Qingqing's heart, but at the same time, it was mixed with a trace of unease.
She was well aware that this honor was not only a sign of respect for herself, but also a heavy responsibility.
Only by staying true to our original aspirations can we achieve our ultimate goals...
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