mesbooks Chapter 132 The Third Prince's Marriage
Chapter 132 The Third Prince's Marriage
The Third Prince frowned slightly: "Mother, it's not certain that Fang Yunyi is dead. If I confirm her as my principal wife now, what if... You know, this marriage was arranged by the late Emperor." Actually, it's quite absurd. Fang Yunyi wasn't even born back then, and he was only one year old when he was betrothed. Sometimes he thinks, what if the Fang family didn't have a daughter?
Consort Chen scoffed, "You're still waiting for her?"
When the late emperor abdicated, he arranged marriages for all his newborn grandsons. The crown prince was betrothed to the eldest daughter of the mighty general, a family that controlled half of the military power in the Great Zhou Kingdom. However, his son was betrothed to the nominally impoverished Cheng'en Earl's family. At that time, Fang Tang was not even married yet, and no one knew who he would marry. In the end, he married Qi Miao'er, whose origins were unknown. Wasn't this discriminatory treatment? Now that Fang Yunyi has disappeared, isn't that a good thing?
"Mother, have you chosen someone?" The Third Prince didn't have much affection for Fang Yunyi. Anyway, he wouldn't have only one woman. Since his principal wife was chosen by his grandfather, he would just follow his word. He could just give the woman he liked to his concubines. Even if the four concubine positions were filled, there were still six secondary concubine positions, right? And if all else failed, there were still maids to be appointed.
However, if his mother has a better candidate, he is also willing to accept her. After all, Fang Yunyi has been missing for so long, and his position as the prince's principal wife cannot remain vacant indefinitely.
"I prefer Ning Wushuang, but I heard that her face has been disfigured, so it would be a bit of a disservice to my son if she were to become his principal wife." Consort Chen sighed. "Therefore, I think Gong Xuer is still a good choice."
"Gong Xuer? The niece of Gong Zhaolin, the Minister of War?" The Third Prince frowned slightly.
“Yes.” Consort Chen nodded. “Now that the Ministry of Revenue is in our hands, we can’t let our guard down on the other five ministries. If you can marry Gong Xu’er, then the Ministry of War will also be in your hands.”
"It is entirely up to Mother to decide." The Third Prince nodded slightly.
"In addition, Han Lian'er has been obsessed with you for a long time, so make her a concubine."
The Third Prince frowned. He really disliked his cousin Han Lian'er, but the Xing'an Marquis's family had risen to power through military merit and held military power, so they were naturally someone he wanted to win over. Therefore, giving her the position of a concubine was not out of the question. He then nodded and said, "Mother Consort would definitely not harm her son, so everything is up to Mother Consort to decide."
"Don't worry, I will naturally plan for you wholeheartedly. After all, you are my only son." Consort Chen smiled. "Alright, you can go back now."
When the Third Prince left Jianjia Palace, he happened to run into Chen Xueyan who was entering the palace.
"Greetings, Your Highness the Third Prince." Chen Xueyan hurriedly bowed. Although she was technically the Third Prince's maternal aunt, he was royalty, the emperor, so she was obliged to pay her respects.
“Aunt, no need for formalities.” The Third Prince hurriedly raised his hand slightly. “We are family, and there are no outsiders present, so there is no need for such formalities.”
"Thank you, Third Prince." Chen Xueyan expressed her gratitude and stood up.
"Mother is waiting for Aunt inside. Hurry up and go in. We'll visit Aunt and Uncle another day."
"Okay." Chen Xueyan nodded with a smile, inwardly marveling at the Third Prince's exceptional appearance. Even she felt a little flutter in her heart from his smile just now, let alone a young girl. Moreover, his gentle and polite demeanor truly made him irresistible.
But can such an outstanding person really be a good match for my daughter?
"Please, Second Madam." Granny Gong, who had seen the Third Prince out, could have easily led Chen Xueyan inside, but seeing her staring blankly at the Third Prince's back, she couldn't help but offer a reminder.
Chen Xueyan quickly withdrew her gaze, then entered the palace. She glanced at the woman on the high seat and hurriedly knelt down to pay her respects: "Greetings, Your Highness, the Noble Consort."
"We're family, no need for formalities," Consort Chen waved her hand. "Come and sit down."
After expressing her gratitude, Chen Xueyan sat down in the chair.
"I read your post before, but I wasn't feeling well, so I didn't reply. Second Sister, please don't mind," Consort Chen explained with a smile.
"Your Majesty is too kind to me," Chen Xueyan quickly said with a smile. "I also miss my elder sister."
"Hmm, it's alright now. You should come to the palace more often to talk to me. It's quite boring in the palace."
"As long as Your Majesty doesn't mind."
“We’re sisters, how could we possibly find fault with each other?” Consort Chen picked up her teacup and took a sip of tea.
Chen Xueyan felt a little bitter. Before her marriage, Chen Xuerong was the eldest daughter of the Chen family, while she was a concubine's daughter.
After her marriage, she entered the prince's residence as a concubine and later became a Noble Consort, second only to the Empress. Meanwhile, she, a concubine's daughter, could only marry a concubine's son, a stark contrast to her former status.
Now, for the sake of their relatives, she only hopes that Lian'er can be given the position of a legal wife.
However, Consort Chen simply sipped her tea leisurely without asking her purpose, leaving Consort Chen unsure of how to begin.
"Your Highness, it's time to pay respects to Buddha," reminded Granny Gong.
Consort Chen then put down her teacup: "Second Sister, I..."
"Your Majesty," Chen Xueyan hurriedly stood up, "You know that Lian'er and the Third Prince are childhood sweethearts, and their feelings are extraordinary. Lian'er is also very determined and only wants to marry the Third Prince. Please grant us your permission, Your Majesty."
Chen Xuerong stood up and walked to Chen Xueyan, taking her hand and gently patting it: "Second sister, this marriage between relatives is naturally good, but you should know that princes cannot decide their own marriages. Xuan'er's marriage was arranged by the late emperor long ago. Although the eldest daughter of the Fang family has disappeared, she has not been confirmed dead, so..."
Chen Xueyan frowned: "Elder sister, Lian'er..."
“Lian’er is a good girl, and I like her too. But even if Fang Yunyi really dies, the Emperor still has to give his approval in the end.” Chen Xuerong sighed. “However, although I can’t decide on the position of the principal wife, I can still make her a concubine. I know you don’t want your daughter to be a concubine, but the concubines in the royal family are different from the concubines in ordinary families. I believe you understand that.”
"Can……"
"Xueyan, this is the biggest concession I can make. Please don't put me in a difficult position."
Chen Xueyan was speechless and could only sigh. What could she do? She had no choice but to accept it. After all, her daughter had set her sights on that person.
"Don't worry, once Lian'er marries into the family, all the titles and ranks will be meaningless. What matters is Xuan'er's favor and my affection. I will never let her suffer any injustice."
"Thank you, elder sister." Chen Xueyan bowed.
Chen Xuerong waved her hand, and the palace maids Yihong and Yicui brought over two trays: "These are gifts for Lian'er. I'll have her come to the palace to keep me company another day."