"Marriage alliance?" Shen Xihe let out a soft, incredulous laugh. "What a spectacle is about to unfold."
Which noble daughter in the capital would be willing to marry into foreign barbarian lands? However, marriage alliances weren't limited to princesses—it could also be imperial clan women or ministers' daughters who would be granted the title of princess before being sent off.
Regardless, one could imagine how lively households with marriageable daughters would become from today onward. Matchmakers would likely be overwhelmed with work. Meanwhile, sons from families who couldn't secure suitable matches might suddenly see their value rise. Even parents troubled by good-for-nothing, idle scoundrels could use this opportunity to polish their unworthy sons, perhaps even securing a fine young lady for them.
After all, could any match be worse than being married off to Tubo? With no one to rely on, unfamiliar food and lodging, and not even understanding the language?
None of this concerned Shen Xihe. Even if there were no suitable daughters in imperial, powerful, or noble families, she would never be chosen for such an alliance. Therefore, when news spread that Tubo would pay tribute next spring with intentions of a marriage alliance, Shen Xihe remained the most at ease.
"County Princess, has the Fifth Princess made any unusual moves since recovering from her cold?" Mo Yuan delivered daily palace reports to Shen Xihe, with particular focus on Yangling Princess.
"She's quite composed," Shen Xihe remarked while trimming the courtyard plants. Two days had passed, yet she showed no signs of having instigators behind her.
However, Shen Xihe didn't believe the words she'd accidentally overheard were baseless. She contemplated adding more fuel to Yangling Princess's fire.
Meanwhile, in Sufang Hall, Yangling Princess anxiously awaited her maid's return. Seeing her personal attendant, she hurriedly pulled her inside: "Is the news true? Is Tubo really coming to the capital next spring for tribute and a marriage alliance?"
"Princess, the news is confirmed—it came from the Hall of Bright Governance," the maid replied. "What will you do? I've heard the Third Princess has been cultivating friendship with the Fifth Princess lately. With Noble Consort Rong's support..."
"Princess, perhaps we should seek..." another maid began, but Yangling Princess's dark glare silenced her, making her lower her head in fear.
"Don't mention that again," Yangling Princess said sternly. "Shen Xihe's methods are vicious and ruthless. She didn't hesitate to harm Fourth Sister, yet she hasn't moved directly against me. It's not because she has scruples or lacks reach—she's keeping me as bait! If she gets what she wants, I'll surely die!"
Though timid, Yangling Princess had been clever since childhood, though she dared not show it. She'd maintained her princess dignity only by currying favor with Changling Princess. Shen Xihe's threats truly frightened her, but they hadn't robbed her of her wits.
"But Zhaoning County Princess is no pushover. Since she suspects you, she won't let this go," the maid worried.
Yangling Princess pondered for a moment, then her eyes settled with determination: "There's only one path to survival now!"
She ordered her maids to prepare her makeup. After dressing in formal attire, she went to the Hall of Bright Governance.
Youning Emperor wasn't a qualified father. As emperor, he had too many affairs of state. Handling daily court matters left him with endless memorials to review—were it not for the efficiency of the Three Departments and Six Ministries, he'd never finish. Thus, he rarely concerned himself with his daughters, reserving his academic inquiries for his sons alone.The princesses had their own birth mothers or palace consorts who raised them to worry about them. Only with Changling would he frequently summon her to accompany him for meals. Even Princess Pingling, daughter of Noble Consort Rong, received no other special privileges. This being the case, all princesses feared the Youning Emperor and never sought private audiences with him.
Therefore, when Princess Yangling came requesting an audience, the Youning Emperor was quite surprised. Happening to be in a good mood today, he waved his hand and had Liu Sanzhi admit her.
"Your daughter pays respects to Father." Princess Yangling restrained her unease and performed a proper courtesy.
"Rise." The Youning Emperor's tone remained fairly gentle. "What brings you to seek Us today, Yangling?"
Aside from regular greetings, his daughters never crowded around him.
Not daring to act coy or foolish, Princess Yangling spoke properly: "Your daughter has developed affection for someone and wishes to ask Father to bestow a marriage."
This dynasty wasn't particularly strict about young women's conduct. As long as there were no secret exchanges, having someone one favored and actively seeking parental approval was not considered improper, but rather reflected openness and straightforwardness.
Princess Yangling's words made the Youning Emperor sigh softly—his children had all grown up: "Which young man has caught Yangling's eye?" Since she dared to come before him so openly, it surely wouldn't be someone unworthy.
Princess Yangling twisted her handkerchief, steeled herself, and said with closed eyes: "Your daughter favors Worldly Son Bu and wishes to summon the worldly son as consort."
The hall fell into complete silence, so quiet one could hear a pin drop. After pondering for a moment, the Youning Emperor said: "Yangling, whom do you wish to marry?"
Gathering her courage, though unable to discern the Youning Emperor's attitude, her heart pounded like a drum. But having drawn the bow, there was no turning back. Even without her earlier courage, she restrained her trembling voice and said: "Your daughter favors Worldly Son Bu."
This was her only path to survival. As long as His Majesty bestowed marriage between her and Bu Shulin, given Shen Xihe's close friendship with Bu Shulin, she would never resort to killing her. Otherwise, if she died, Bu Shulin would be the prime suspect, pushing Bu Shulin into dire straits.
She was confident His Majesty would agree. The Emperor had originally intended for Bu Shulin to marry a princess, but Bu Shulin had caused a scandal with same-sex preferences. Although His Majesty didn't value his daughters highly, he wouldn't force his daughter to marry someone known to prefer men. Thus, when her third sister refused, His Majesty abandoned the idea.
Naturally, he wouldn't marry one daughter off just because another refused, so he gave up on the notion of Bu Shulin marrying a princess.
Now it was different—she was actively seeking the marriage!
"Yangling, do you know what you're saying?" the Youning Emperor asked gravely. "Have you heard about Worldly Son Bu's... preferences?"
Yangling's eyes reddened: "Your daughter knows, but your daughter doesn't mind. Worldly Son Bu might have been momentarily confused. After hearing about it, your daughter also considered giving up, but your daughter simply cannot let go of the worldly son. I beg Father to grant this."
After speaking, Princess Yangling kowtowed deeply again.
Whether Bu Shulin truly preferred men didn't matter—she didn't seek conjugal affection, only to live well.
By marrying Bu Shulin, Bu Shulin wouldn't dare harm her, Shen Xihe wouldn't either, and Bu Shulin would have to protect her.
In the future, even if the Bu family fell out of His Majesty's favor, as the Emperor's own daughter she would have no worries. If the Bu family was destroyed, she could still enjoy a life of wealth and honor in her princess manor, never again being manipulated at will as she was now.
The Youning Emperor looked down at the kneeling Princess Yangling, his emotions unreadable. After a long time, he finally said: "Yangling, you must think this through clearly."“I have thought it through carefully. If I do not marry the heir apparent, I will regret it for the rest of my life,” Princess Yangling declared resolutely.
“You may withdraw for now. I shall allow you time to reflect upon this matter,” the Youning Emperor said.
As Princess Yangling opened her mouth to speak again, Liu Sanzhi did not give her the chance: “Your Highness should return now. Matters of lifelong importance require thorough consideration.”
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