Chapter 1097: Chapter 2: Emperor Wu, Big Brother Will Take You to Snatch the Bride!
"I should make some mistakes now." Zhao Xing opened his eyes. "But how to make those mistakes, and to what extent, requires careful consideration."
However, it’s necessary to understand the situation first, including the attitudes of all parties, and not act on assumptions.
Because historical records from previous lifetimes note that Princess You Ruo volunteered for the arranged marriage.
However, based on Zhao Xing’s understanding of Princess You Ruo, she definitely doesn’t genuinely want to go through with the arranged marriage.
Princess You Ruo is not someone who is simply adored by the Water Clan due to her status, nor just supported by the Bishui Daoist School.
The princesses of Great Zhou have significant power, and Princess You Ruo especially so. Managing such a vast area and balancing various powers can’t be achieved by status alone.
"However." Zhao Xing recalled the first time he saw Princess You Ruo. "The princess has all the arrogance one would expect, coupled with a romantic mind; there’s nothing she can’t do. These do not conflict, as people are complex. Even Prince Liang was known as a wise ruler before his rebellion."
As Zhao Xing got up from the lakeside and walked, he thought to himself, first, he must understand the full story, and then comprehend each party’s perspectives. How many oppose, and how many support?
Especially Emperor Jing’s stance, how resolute is he? As for this marriage arrangement, is it merely a verbal command, or has it become an Imperial Decree?
Even as an Imperial Decree, a royal marriage is a major state affair. Does it currently only have the private seal of the emperor, or has it gone through the central six seals for public proclamation?
How many envoys came from the Southern Barbarians, aside from serving the suzerain country, what benefits are being offered?
In any case, matters must be deliberated before being decided, and the balance well-considered.
"Having lived here for hundreds of years, I must do something." Zhao Xing glanced at the Princess Mansion, and then tens of thousands of clones quietly left from Bixian County.
...
Tianyong State, Fengjing, at the Chenxi County Princess Mansion, this was Ji Zixuan’s residence.
As a disciple of Princess You Ruo, Zhao Xing looked for someone to understand the situation, and of course, finding Ji Zixuan was most appropriate.
Currently, Zhao Xing couldn’t see Princess You Ruo personally; since she stayed in the Imperial Palace, she settled in and no one could see her.
"Senior brother." Ji Zixuan rushed over as if seeing a savior, looking anxious: "Senior brother, you must save the princess, she doesn’t want to marry into the barbarians."
"Don’t worry, speak slowly." Zhao Xing comforted, "I heard the princess volunteered for the marriage, is this true?"
Ji Zixuan bit her lip: "It’s true, but the princess said it out of anger, it wasn’t sincere, I was there at the time, I can swear!"
Zhao Xing placed his hand on Ji Zixuan’s head: "Close your eyes, relax."
"Yes." Ji Zixuan obediently followed suit.
Soon, she felt a strong sense of sleepiness coming over her, and she instantly entered the dream realm.
Zhao Xing entered her dream and immediately acquired Ji Zixuan’s perspective.
In Qianqing Palace, Emperor Jing’s residence, at this moment, Ji Zixuan was kneeling on the ground.
She had accompanied Princess You Ruo to pay respects to Emperor Jing.
Initially, the conversation was quite normal, just a daughter asking after her father.
But when the topic turned to Liu Tianning, the atmosphere changed.
"Father~"
"Just tell me about Liu Tianning," Princess You Ruo pleaded coquettishly as usual: "Please, tell me."
"This is a state secret." Emperor Jing’s voice was calm, "You usually have so much to manage, why concern yourself with him?"
"Oh, I just want to know."
"No."
Seeing this, even Zhao Xing thought Emperor Jing as a father had hinted enough.
But Princess You Ruo didn’t seem to realize it; seeing that pleading didn’t work, when repeatedly told no, she actually got mad at Emperor Jing.
"Secret, secret, it’s always a secret!" Princess You Ruo stood upright, loudly accusing: "Why do so many people know, yet I alone cannot? Don’t you understand my feelings?!"
Emperor Jing’s tone was somewhat impatient: "I still have to deal with the Southern Barbarians’ envoy marriage proposal, I don’t want to explain further, you are dismissed."
"Are you actually wary of your own daughter? I’ve managed East Sea affairs for years, if not meritorious, I’ve at least worked laboriously, yet you won’t even tell me this trivial matter!"
"Is this what you think of me?"
"Isn’t it true? I’ve liked Liu Tianning for years, why won’t you grant me marriage? Or have you had so many sons that you’ve forgotten your daughter..."
"Silence!"
Their words clashed, and the tension heightened to an extreme.
Ji Zixuan knelt there, not daring to make a sound.
And at this moment, a heartbreaking sentence left Princess You Ruo’s lips, further agitating Emperor Jing’s nerves.
"If you truly find your daughter so bothersome, why not send me to the Southern Barbarians?"
"Very well!" Emperor Jing slammed the throne, exclaiming furiously: "Someone, draft the decree! Princess You Ruo volunteers for marriage with the Southern Barbarians, have it immediately sent to the central office for sealing!"
"Your Majesty, this can’t be..."
"Throw them out!"
Buzz~
The scene then ended.
Ji Zixuan shivered, awakening from her fear.
"Senior brother..."
"I understand now." Zhao Xing nodded, "You stay here, don’t move around freely, and certainly don’t spread this matter."
"Yes."
After Zhao Xing left, Ji Zixuan bit her lip, clenching her fists tightly.
"I am also a Commandery Princess, but my power is too small, there’s nothing I can do... Now I can only rely on senior brother."
...
At the Qitian Mountain Peak, Zhao Xing opened his eyes.
"So that’s the matter of volunteering to marry."
"History is indeed like a little girl dressed up as one pleases."
Zhao Xing chuckled.
Princess You Ruo wouldn’t normally be so foolish; those words were just angry words.
She was originally deeply favored, but now she has committed a grave taboo.
Emperor Jing is first an emperor, only then her father.
Even mentioning East Sea, let alone not mentioning East Sea, brings trouble to the fore.