Chapter 74: Miss Su is Already Engaged

Note: Don't Forget to join my Patreon.com/flokixy to get access to +60 Advance Chapters or unlock the full story from the shop support so I can bring more Chapters for you The Capital’s Inn “Prince, are you going out?” Chang Ming asked in surprise. For the past few days, the prince had stayed cooped up in the inn, reading books, practicing calligraphy, and occasionally exchanging letters with the southern border. He hadn’t set foot outside once. Seeing him dressed neatly now, Chang Ming couldn’t help but ask. Liang Xuanting fanned himself as he walked toward the door. “Your lord commanded me to bring back a daughter-in-law from Tianqi for him. Do you think I can sit around waiting for one to fall from the sky?” Chang Ming muttered under his breath, “So you actually remember what the lord said. I thought you’d forgotten all about it!” Liang Xuanting glanced back at Chang Ming, who immediately shut his mouth. As Liang Xuanting climbed into the carriage, Chang Ming hurriedly took his seat at the front. “So, Prince, where are we going to find your princess?” From inside the carriage, Liang Xuanting smirked. “Straight to the palace. Let’s ask the Emperor of Tianqi to bestow the marriage. One step, fully resolved.” His father’s betrothal gifts were more than enough to marry a princess. If they swapped a princess for a county lady instead, how could the old emperor of Tianqi refuse? Chang Ming nearly fell off his seat. His prince didn’t do things halfway—he went straight for the final step. “Prince, have you made your choice? The second princess of Tianqi is already married, so that leaves the fourth and fifth princesses. Which one caught your eye?” “I think Princess Chaoyang, the fifth princess, is a good match. She’s talented and beautiful.” Liang Xuanting tapped the carriage wall. “Why so many words? You’ll know soon enough. Now hurry up and drive!” Chang Ming clamped his mouth shut, flicked the reins, and the carriage sped toward the palace. The Imperial Study Hall “Your Majesty, the Crown Prince of the Southern Border requests an audience,” an attendant announced respectfully. The emperor set down the scroll in his hand and looked up. “Bring him in.” “The Crown Prince of the Southern Border, Liang Xuanting, is here to see His Majesty.” Liang Xuanting nodded politely to the eunuch leading the way and entered the study hall. “Liang Xuanting pays respects to the Emperor of Tianqi!” The emperor smiled warmly. “No need for formalities. Has your stay in Tianqi been comfortable these past few days?” Liang Xuanting stood upright and grinned. “Very comfortable. The food is good, the lodging is excellent. Unfortunately, my father has urged me to return to the Southern Border soon.” At the mention of Liang Xuanting’s father, Lord Liang Shao of the Southern Border, even the emperor couldn’t help but feel a sense of respect. Though the current ruler of the Southern Border was merely a teenage boy, the true power behind the throne belonged to Liang Shao. In essence, Liang Shao was the de facto ruler of the region, making Liang Xuanting second only to him in authority. The emperor, recalling their long-standing relationship, casually remarked, “It’s been nearly twenty years since I last saw your father. Is he still in good health?” This was nothing more than polite small talk. Even if Liang Shao were on his deathbed, it wouldn’t be disclosed to another nation. “Thank you for asking, Your Majesty. My father is doing well. However, aside from congratulating the crown prince of Tianqi on his joyous occasion, my father also entrusted me with another task.” The emperor raised an eyebrow curiously. “Oh? What is it?” Liang Xuanting smiled confidently. “Tianqi and the Southern Border have always maintained friendly relations. Any minor disputes we’ve had were limited to skirmishes over a few border towns. My father believes that to strengthen and stabilize our alliance further, a matrimonial bond would be the best course of action.” The emperor frowned slightly. “Matrimony?” He only had two daughters left, both precious to him. Noticing the emperor’s hesitation, Liang Xuanting pressed on. “During my time in Tianqi, I’ve come to truly appreciate the saying, ‘Tianqi produces beauties.’ If Your Majesty grants this favor, the Southern Border is willing to offer two eastern border cities adjacent to Tianqi as part of the dowry!” The emperor’s eyes widened. It was impossible not to be tempted by such an offer. “Which of my princesses has caught the eye of the Southern Border’s king?” Liang Xuanting chuckled. “It’s not the king of the Southern Border—it’s me, Your Highness. Rest assured, becoming my crown princess will grant far greater prestige than being the queen consort of the Southern Border. And it’s not one of your princesses either. I have my sights set on the eldest daughter of Minister Su of the Ministry of Revenue—Miss Su Li.” The emperor blinked in surprise. “Miss Su Li? Do you know about her face, Prince...?” “I am aware, Your Majesty. But I don’t care.” The emperor blinked again. Trading two cities for the daughter of a minister? This deal heavily favored Tianqi. Just as the emperor was about to respond, a voice announced from outside the door. “Her Majesty the Empress arrives!” The emperor turned to see the empress approaching. Surprised, he asked, “What brings you here?” The empress smiled gently. “The crown prince has been improving day by day, and Your Majesty promised to dine with us today. Did you forget?” She then turned her gaze to Liang Xuanting. “The prince is here too?” Liang Xuanting bowed respectfully. “I pay my respects to Her Majesty the Empress.” The emperor checked the time and realized it was indeed mealtime. “I apologize for forgetting. We have esteemed guests present. You may return to the palace first; I’ll join you shortly.” The empress tilted her head. “I overheard something about ‘princesses’ and ‘matrimony’ just now. Has the Southern Border taken an interest in one of our princesses?” Marriage matters concerning the imperial family naturally fell under the purview of the empress. Her inquiry was entirely appropriate. The emperor laughed lightly. “No, it’s not a princess. The prince has taken a liking to Minister Su’s eldest daughter and has come to request my blessing for their union.” Such a favorable arrangement would make anyone rejoice—even in their sleep. No need to send his own daughters away, yet gaining two border cities while solidifying ties between the two nations? A win-win situation. The empress, however, furrowed her brow. “But I heard that Miss Su is already engaged. Your Majesty, wouldn’t forcing this matter reflect poorly on us?” The emperor frowned deeply. “Engaged? Is that true?” Even Liang Xuanting looked surprised. “From what I recall, Miss Su’s reputation in Tianqi wasn’t particularly favorable. And given her disfigurement—who would still enter into an engagement with her?” The empress shook her head. “I’m not sure of the details. Lady Wei mentioned it briefly the other day. At the time, I thought highly of Miss Su and considered arranging a marriage for her, only to discover someone else had beaten me to it. Since it pertains to a minister’s household affairs, I didn’t press further.” The emperor turned apologetically to Liang Xuanting. “It seems we must delay issuing the imperial decree for now. I’ll summon Minister Su to the palace to inquire about the matter.” Inwardly, he was loath to lose the two border cities offered by the Southern Border. His plan was simple: find out who had proposed to the Su family and compel them to break off the engagement. Liang Xuanting, confident that his offer would sway Tianqi, remained patient. Bowing slightly, he said, “Then I shall await Your Majesty’s decree at the inn. With your permission, I take my leave.” Outside the palace gates, Chang Ming still couldn’t believe his ears. “So... instead of marrying a princess, you’re marrying that disfigured Miss Su?” Liang Xuanting simply hummed in affirmation. Chang Ming scratched his head in confusion. Was his prince’s vision or judgment impaired? Why reject a beautiful and noble princess to marry an unattractive woman? Even if the old lord of the Southern Border wouldn’t punish him upon returning, surely he’d tear him apart limb by limb! “Prince, though Miss Su is talented, she’s ugly. Won’t seeing her every day ruin your appetite?” “No.” On the contrary, he found her uniquely captivating. “Prince, are you rebelling silently against Lord Shao forcing this marriage on you?” “No. I’m grateful to my father for compelling me to come to Tianqi.” Seeing the resolute look on Liang Xuanting’s face, Chang Ming let out a wail of despair. “Heaven help me!”