Chapter 356 You Treat Your Uncle as Your Enemy
Zhou Zhili was really confused this time. Could a marriage that had already been arranged be cancelled?
The Third Prince must have already been disgusted with this marriage and wanted to reject it, but was just worried about having no excuse, right?
If Zhou Qinzhu were to marry there, how could she bear the brutal customs of the people in Dahe, who treated people of all kinds without distinction between meat and vegetables and without regard for seniority?
"Third Prince, this is a marriage granted by the palace, it cannot be treated lightly..."
However, Lu Enrui was not moved at all and continued, "Marquis Jing'an is wrong. I don't think the marriage is appropriate. Everyone has heard what the Grand Tutor and the Duke said just now. My daughter of Dayao is of noble status, and we can't marry her just because they want to. However, Marquis Jing'an has always emphasized the advantages of marriage and refused to point out the disadvantages. He also said that the disadvantages are not serious and can be completely ignored. Could it be that when you already have a daughter, you marry someone else's daughter to fulfill your wisdom and foresight? I am worried that Marquis Jing'an will use me as an excuse, so I quickly let her go. Marquis Jing'an will provide his daughter, and I will provide a verbal concubine. This will promote the trade between the two countries you just mentioned and deter other countries. That way, when you want to take credit, you will be justified, right?"
Lu Enrui's words shocked Zhou Zhili.
Looking at Lu Enrui's hateful eyes, he finally realized that this child must be blaming him for not saving his mother, who was also his own sister.
However, the emperor had shown mercy by not bringing implicated Zhou Zhixia's family for the mistake he made. How could he dare to beg for mercy?
Beads of sweat formed on Zhou Zhili's forehead. He knew full well that the situation was now far beyond his control. Every word from the Third Prince was like a sharp blade, precisely severing the beautiful fantasies in his heart.
His lips trembled, he wanted to say something but didn't know where to start.
Why, at this time, the one who dealt him the fatal blow was actually his own nephew!
Zhou Zhili felt dizzy and had to hold on to the person next to him to barely keep his balance.
He felt mixed emotions, anger and disappointment towards the Third Prince, and sadness that his own family affection was so weak.
He recalled the closeness he had shared with his sister when they were young, her reluctance to leave her when she got married, her estrangement from him due to her noble status, and even more so, her fate after she had trapped herself in a web of her own making...
All of this has now transformed into the Third Prince's hateful gaze and sharp words, like an invisible knife, piercing into his heart.
"Third Prince, I cannot refuse a gift from an elder, let alone an arranged marriage. Even if you don't like your cousin, how can you be so heartless?" Zhou Zhili finally couldn't help but question in a low voice.
There was a hint of trembling, a hint of unwillingness, and even a hint of despair in his voice.
However, Lu Enrui seemed not to hear him and just looked at him coldly, his eyes full of indifference and alienation.
"Then according to Marquis Jing'an's wishes, which noble lady should we send away to make our third brother and father appear less heartless?"
The second prince Lu Enlian, who had just returned, also spoke. As a man who had been leading troops at the border for many years, his spirit and energy were completely different from those of others when he stood there.
There was a hint of sarcasm and provocation in his tone, as if he was watching a good show.
When Zhou Zhili heard this, his face turned pale instantly.
He never expected that the second prince would intervene at this time, and his words were so harsh.
He opened his mouth and wanted to refute, but found that his throat seemed to be blocked by something and he couldn't make a sound.
Seeing this, Lu Enlian curled up the corner of his mouth into a sneer.
"Marquis Jing'an, could you please tell me who you had in mind when you were advocating for the benefits of a marriage alliance?"
As he spoke, his eyes scanned the crowd.
Those who had just wanted to support Zhou Zhili lowered their heads, including the Ye family.
Zhou Zhili's heart sank suddenly. He never expected that the two princes would take turns putting pressure on him.
He looked in the direction of Prince Duan and found that he had no intention of speaking at all, while Lu Enyan, who was not far away, was looking at him with a smile.
His heart sank, fearing that their plan had been discovered.
"No, no, Qinzhu..." Zhou Zhili had no other choice but to find a way to save Zhou Qinzhu.
He was eager to refuse, but was interrupted by Lu Enlian.
"Why, Marquis Jing'an, are you reluctant to let go? Or, in your mind, do you think the marriage you were just advocating for, which would greatly benefit the people of both countries, has become completely harmful just because the candidate is your daughter?"
Lu Enlian's words once again pierced Zhou Zhili's heart.
He had no other choice but to kneel down, his body trembling as he said, "Your Majesty, I was inconsiderate. I am guilty. I shouldn't have…"
Before Zhou Zhili could finish his words, he was interrupted by the emperor.
"Okay, Marquis Jing'an, you can get up." There was a hint of majesty in the emperor's voice, leaving no room for doubt.
When Zhou Zhili heard this, his heart tightened. He kowtowed to express his gratitude and then stood up.
However, just as he stood still, he heard the emperor continue: "However, the matter of marriage is of great importance and cannot be taken lightly."
Zhou Zhili's heart was lifted again. He was afraid that the emperor would change his mind, so he quickly said, "Your Majesty is right. I was too impatient."
The emperor glanced at him and said nothing more. Instead, he turned to look at Gu Congyun and Grand Tutor Mo: "Grand Tutor, Duke Shou, what do you think?"
Master Mo and Gu Congyun looked at each other and understood what the emperor meant.
The emperor did not want to offend Yamato, nor did he want to marry Dayao's daughter to him.
They both had their own plans in mind, and Grand Tutor Mo was the first to speak: "Your Majesty, I believe that the matter of marriage requires long-term consideration and should not be rushed."
Gu Congyun also said, "Your Majesty, I also think that this matter requires careful consideration. Why not listen to what the other party's imperial preceptor has to say at the palace banquet..."
The emperor nodded upon hearing this and said, "Okay, that's it for now. We'll discuss this matter later."
Zhou Zhili felt relieved when he heard this. As long as the emperor did not agree to the marriage immediately, his daughter would not have to marry into Yamato.
However, just as he breathed a sigh of relief, he heard Lu Enrui say, "Father, I think the marriage can be discussed again, but the candidate should be prepared in advance. If the matter is really settled by then, I am afraid that I will not be able to find a candidate again."
Zhou Zhili's heart was lifted again. He looked at Lu Enrui viciously. This nephew was simply pushing him into a desperate situation.
Lu Enrui acted as if he hadn't noticed and continued, "If this can be accomplished, I am willing to go to Yamato in person to escort the bride to show Dayao's sincerity."
Zhou Zhili looked at Lu Enrui with resentment in his eyes. Did this nephew regard him as an enemy?
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