章節 9: Showing Benevolence, Willing to Marry
Da Ying made her appearance in the main hall after Chao Gongong announced her arrival. To her surprise, not only was the emperor there, the empress along with a few high officials were present. She recognized four of the five officials sitting on the left. The only high ranking person she wasn't familiar with was the Duke of Lan who she had seen greeting Wen Wan a couple of times during yesterday's banquet. Judging from yesterday's action from both the Duke of Lan and Wen Wan, they could be said to be close. Da Ying knew that he was Wen Wan's 2nd cousin but she didn't know how close their relationship was until yesterday when they were seen laughing and talking comfortably to each other.
As she made her way over to her father's side, she gave a quick glance at the Duke of Lan. While looking at him, she was mentally calculating whether he would be an obstacle for her in the future or not. This Duke of Lan held power almost equivalent to the emperors. not to mention he had the backing of the empress herself.
"Da Ying greets father and mother. Da Ying would like to ask why father has summoned me?" her voice soft and pleasant to the ear. Even her father who looked at her coldly couldn't help but relax his muscles upon hearing her timid voice. He had heard about the rumor regarding Da Ying when she entered the palace, so in his eyes, this weak daughter of his became weaker in his eyes. "Ying'er, have you gotten used to the palace yet?" he asked in his powerful voice worthy of being the emperor. Da Ying only smiled at him "I am fine. I have been getting along with the other princesses. They treat me well," the emperor could only look at her and sigh, pretending to believe in her words, choosing to pretend that he hasn't heard about the rumors.
This was the second encounter he had with his oldest daughter ever since sending her away. Somewhere in his heart, he had secretly hoped she would complain to him of the unfair treatment. If it was in the past, she would've complained no matter who was in the room but now, seeing that she had matured and even changed, his heart was not at ease. "Ying'er, then have you heard about the peace treaty with Northern Liang?" he changed the subject quickly. Da Ying snickered in her heart. She felt it was strange that her father was feigning concern for her, so it turns out he was only being nice to her on purpose. His false concern was a façade to bring out the topic of marriage. She lifted her eyes and looked at her father with a look as if she had been wronged. "Ying'er has heard and thinks that if my sisters or I go, we would be doing our country a great service," The officials could only nod in approval of her wise thinking. Not only was she the only princess who did not object, her words were spoken elegantly. "Then what does Ying'er think?" the empress who was sitting next to the emperor spoke suddenly. Da Ying only smiled at her, "Ying'er of course thinks it's a good idea, Northern Liang and Southern Han has just ended the war not long ago, if we can secure the relationship between the two countries by marriage, even if I have to go, I would be willing." The empress looked at her with a content look. She thought she would need to exert more effort to convince her, who knew that she would be stupid enough to offer herself. "Then is Ying'er willing to go?"
"Of course I am not willing to go…" Da Ying paused for a moment as she placed her hand inside her sleeves and pinched herself hard, trying to squeeze out a tear. Hearing her suddenly refusing to go, Empress Mei Wu frowned, about to speak up but what cut off first. "I have just returned home a few days ago but am forced to leave once again. Anyone would be unhappy," the pain from the pinch made her eyes water, anyone looking at her would think she was being wronged. Even the high officials present felt that it was too much for a moment. "But, I know that as a Princess, it is our duty to protect the country and our people first. If my sisters are not willing, even though I must leave my family and friends behind to marry far off, I am willing. I only hope that father will allow me to go pray for safety in the coming days first," She not only pointed out her dissatisfaction, she even blamed her sisters for not being filial. Her whole goal was to put herself in the position of being noble in front of these people, she succeeded in gaining the praises of these men in the room. The current five officials in the room had discussed the issue with the emperor earlier couldn't help but have admiration for her.
Of the five officials, Prime Minister Han was the first one to speak up. Minister Han was in his late 40's, a just and loyal subject to the emperor since young. He had been gifted and passed the scholar exam with the top score, thus he began his career in the palace. "Prime Minister Han truly admires Princess Da Ying's far outsight of the situation, truly deserving of your name," He grabbed his wine cup, held it with both hands and toasted to her. The other officials quickly did the same as they all stood up one at a time and gave their praises. Ying'er was the first to leave after getting permission to leave early in the morning to go pray.
Waiting behind the doors were Bai Zhi and Ban Shiang who could not stand still, eagerly awaiting the news. "Princess," they both greeted.
"Let's go," she had no expression on her face, even Bai Zhi and Ban Shiang couldn't read her mind. Da Ying felt that she had played the part well yet something felt off about the Duke of Lan. When he praised her just now, she felt that his words had hidden meanings. [I, Duke of Lan praise Princess Da Ying for her devotion to the people. Continue to play the part well in the future.]
Her mind was still on the Duke of Lan that she hadn't noticed her two maids calling her name. "Duke of Lan greets Princess Da Ying," hearing the same voice again, she snapped out of her thoughts. "Duke of Lan? " she said startled at first. She hadn't imagined that he would appear in front of her just as she was thinking about him. "Is there something the Duke of Lan needs?"
"Princess Da Ying is truly benevolent. I came to personally praise you for being able to see the bigger picture,"
"The country is naturally the royal families' greatest concern, if it's something I can do to alieve the people of their sufferings, even I, this princess is willing," Qin Xie De locked eyes with her, took two steps closer to her and leaned over to her ear. "Why do I feel that this is all an act?" her skin felt the chills for the first time in a long time upon hearing his words. Her face turned to face him, close enough for their noses to almost touch. If it was any other woman being this close to a man, they would have quickly stepped a few steps away and either act flustered or turn bright red from embarrassment. Not Da Ying, her fierce gaze was once again met up with his coquettish gaze. "I'm not sure I understand what Duke of Lan means?"
"Let's leave it that way then. I have a feeling we will meet again, for now, I bid farewell to you," and just like that, Da Ying watched his fleeting figure disappear.
每周推薦票狀態
-- 推薦票
榜單 
-- 推薦票