northernbook Chapter 271: National Day
Chapter 271: National Day
Chapter 271: National Day
Li Ming sneered, "You don't want to believe it's me? Didn't you already doubt me? I don't want to do anything, and I'm not being unreasonable. I just like you. Is that wrong?"
This time, Lu Yu spoke up, "You're not wrong. Your mistake is that you've fallen for the wrong person. This is my wife. You should give up on her as soon as possible. Have you thought about the people around you? Have you thought about Aunt Li? With your current conditions, you could find any girl and succeed. Besides, you don't really like Mei Qing, you're just dependent on her. Have you asked yourself what's in your heart? You should follow your heart, not your life."
Li Ming initially calmed down after hearing his words, and Lu Yu seized the opportunity, snatching the jar of wine back from him with a swift movement. Fortunately, they weren't far apart. Lu Yu ordered his men to lock Li Ming up, firstly to make him reflect on his actions and learn from his mistakes, secondly to punish him for the potential disaster he might cause, and thirdly because he had become jealous again, daring to make advances towards his wife.
Watching Lu Yu handle everything, Ji Meiqing sighed, "I knew I didn't marry the wrong person. But why do I feel more and more useless? I used to be so wise, so decisive and efficient. Now... sigh."
Seeing her muttering to herself, Lu Yu called out to her, "Aren't you leaving yet? We'll be late. Let's go and take this wine to the palace."
Ji Meiqing quickly followed. The birthday banquet was essentially a New Year's feast at the palace, but it lived up to its reputation. Before it began, Ji Meiqing went to check out the venue. Guests entered one after another; these were all powerful figures who could wield immense influence. Ji Meiqing saw Princess Xunhua and went to greet her. Xunhua, holding her new pet, glanced at her, then gestured for Ji Meiqing to sit beside her, continuing to play with the pet, saying, "What brings you here now?"
Ji Meipo was quite familiar with her temperament. He picked up an apple from the fruit plate and said, "Right now, Brother Lu is directing the wine that will be used later. I don't have anything to do. Anyway, a woman can't control the situation, so I might as well come and see the most luxurious banquet in the world."
The princess smiled and said, "Then you'd better be careful. If you're really curious, you can sit next to me in a bit and join the party. That should be a good opportunity for you to show your face."
"Then I shall respectfully accept your offer, thank you, Princess."
When the time came, all the guests had arrived. After a while, they heard the announcement that the Emperor and Empress Dowager had arrived. After everyone paid their respects, the Emperor said, "Everyone, please don't be shy. I hope you all enjoy this banquet to the fullest."
The palace maids brought out the wine and poured it for everyone. The Emperor remarked, "Good wine, quite different from previous years." Seeing the Emperor's praise, the others followed suit. Ji Meiqing didn't care whether they were sincere or not; in any case, word of mouth had been established.
The singers and dancers began their performances, and as everyone became more engrossed, the final, grand finale of the wine was served. The Empress Dowager, being the most dignified among them, was the first to drink it. After finishing, she exclaimed, "This wine should only exist in heaven; how often can one find such fragrance on earth? Where is the brewer?"
Lu Yu stepped forward, bowed, and said, "Your Majesty, it was brewed by this humble subject."
"A reward," the Empress Dowager said, clearly in a good mood.
"Thank you, Queen Mother."
The banquet had been uneventful until the Emperor suddenly said, "My ministers, besides enjoying wine and making merry today, I have another matter to discuss. I hope you can offer some suggestions."
"Your Majesty, please speak. We will certainly do our utmost and die for you," said the Minister of Works.
"Very good. As everyone knows, last year we peacefully married off a princess to the Xiongnu. Now, due to some special reasons, we need to marry off another one. As everyone knows, our country has very few princesses. They are all princes. Ministers, I see that the families you have brought today include some of suitable young women, and they are all beauties of unparalleled beauty. Is there anyone who would like to volunteer?"
The ministers exchanged glances, all knowing this seemed like a cushy job, but also knowing the Xiongnu were barbarians. No one wanted their daughter to suffer in marriage. Seeing their expressions, Ji Meiqing suddenly thought of the princess beside her, glancing at her with concern. Xunhua, however, continued to play with her pet, seemingly unconcerned about the situation.
Sure enough, someone replied, "Your Majesty, the daughters of such ministers are not of royal blood and do not have the fortune. Wasn't Princess Xunhua going to marry into that family last year? Now that the princess is still unmarried, I think she is the most suitable candidate."
Upon hearing this, the ministers, in order to protect their own children, all echoed the sentiment, saying, "Yes, yes."
The Emperor said, "This requires the Prince's consent."
Upon hearing this, the prince replied, "Your Majesty, I have no objection. As long as it can serve the country, I think my daughter will definitely agree."
"Alright, it's settled then. Princess Xunhua will be bestowed the title of Princess Taiping, and will be rewarded with one hundred taels of gold and various treasures. Let's choose an auspicious day for her to marry into the family."
Upon hearing the Emperor's words, Xunhua put down the pet she was holding, stood up, and said, "Thank you, Your Majesty."
After the banquet, Ji Meiqing sent Lu Yu back first, and then went alone to the Princess's residence, where Prince Shangguan was also present. "Greetings, Princess! Greetings, Prince!"
Xunhua raised her hand. "Get up. You should change your address now. I've been bestowed the title of princess. Heh." She laughed self-deprecatingly. "I never thought I would still be unable to escape the fate of being sent on a political marriage."
Ji Meiqing asked, puzzled, "Since the princess didn't want to marry into the family, why didn't you object during her birthday celebration?"
Prince Shangguan answered for Xunhua, "Judging from the situation, you should know that even if you refute it, it will be useless and will only displease the Emperor."
"Then why didn't the Empress Dowager stop it?"
"The current Empress Dowager is very cunning. She made me marry the daughter of the Prefect of Cangzhou in order to weaken me. Now the Prince's Mansion is also quite powerful. Marrying Xunhua to him can solve the problems facing the country and weaken the power of the Prince's Mansion at the same time. It's a plan to kill two birds with one stone. Why wouldn't she do it?"
"I see. However, Princess, you don't need to be sad. What's meant to be will be." Ji Meiqing knew that Prince Shangguan and the princess were very close, and he must have come to comfort her today.
“What’s there to be sad about? I’ve earned enough for my dowry, and I’ve had enough of staying here. A change of scenery might not be so bad. Alright, you can all leave now, I’m tired.” Xun Hua began to usher her out.