Chapter 130

C130 – Married Well!

“Did you hear? The king has issued a decree, naming County Princess Tangxi as Princess Huiru and dispatching her for a diplomatic mission with the Southern Sand Country.”

“Southern Sand Country? Why have I never come across that nation before? Where exactly is it located?”

“Perhaps you’re not well-informed. The Southern Sand Country lies beyond the South Sea, on an island. It’s said to be no larger than our own Ye City, with a relatively sparse population.”

“This... why would the Great King arrange her marriage like this? How can the Old Prince bear it? She’s a beauty capable of captivating entire cities!”

“Hehe... there’s much more to this story. It’s often best for us commoners to remain in the dark. Moreover, we’re departing in just five days.”

“Is this even considered giving a daughter in marriage? It feels more like sending her away!”

“Shhh... let’s not speak so carelessly. Just know that it’s for the best, deep down inside...”

The streets and lanes were abuzz with talk of County Princess Tangxi embarking on her journey to wed. Such events had occurred throughout history, yet people couldn’t help but wonder why the king had chosen a distant overseas realm for this union and what significance it held.

“Why did the Great King consent to this?” Tang Yue found the news profoundly startling, suspecting that Crown Prince Zhao had played a part in it.

The king’s decree had been issued just a day ago, leaving little time for such arrangements.

Crown Prince Zhao sipped the tea prepared by Tang Yue. It tasted milder than usual, with a fragrant aftertaste. It was indeed quite pleasant.

“The Southern Sand Country boasts substantial reserves of gold and pearls. With the right incentives, Royal Father naturally concurs.” However, choosing Tangxi had required significant effort on the king’s part.

“Is it really that straightforward?” Did this not amount to objectifying someone’s daughter?

Crown Prince Zhao cast a glance at him. “Do you sympathize with her?”

Tang Yue pondered for a moment before responding, “Not particularly. I simply find it somewhat harsh for a woman to be sent so far away. I’ve heard that South Sand is nothing but an island nation, with a perpetually scorching climate.”

After listening to Tang Yue’s lengthy discourse, Crown Prince Zhao grew increasingly concerned about the words of others. Annoyed, he moved closer and gently covered Tang Yue’s mouth.

“Oh...” Tang Yue was in the middle of explaining the customs of ancient women and their marriages to the modern people while also attempting to correct the misconceptions of the ancient era regarding women and marriage. He didn’t want to encourage dependency on women and marriage.

“Hush...” Crown Prince Zhao commanded. Tang Yue gazed at him, perplexed. Crown Prince Zhao, taking matters into his own hands, grasped the back of Tang Yue’s head and transformed the passive situation into an active one, deepening the kiss.

Tang Yue believed he was more experienced. His supple tongue ventured into Crown Prince Zhao’s mouth, engaging in a passionate dance. He switched techniques, savoring the pleasure of a deep kiss.

Their breaths quickened. With one hand, Crown Prince Zhao held Tang Yue’s waist, while with the other, he unfastened Tang Yue’s belt, gently pressing him onto a nearby chair.

“I heard from one of the king’s attendants that the king intends to offer compensation to Old Prince. If Old Prince can persuade him, he might be able to replace the intended marriage candidate.”

Should that fail, they could secretly change the bride. After all, the Southern Sand Country King had never seen County Princess Tangxi in person.

Crown Prince Zhao cast a cold gaze and declared, “Increase the surveillance on the Prefecture Lord’s Mansion. I want to witness Tangxi boarding the bridal palanquin on her wedding day with my own eyes. If anyone attempts to interfere, they will face my wrath!”

What if they had secretly swapped individuals? As long as he could ensure that Tangxi arrived at the palanquin in perfect condition on that day.

Wang Dingjun comprehended his intentions. Whether the gift from the Prefecture Lord’s Mansion was authentic or not, they would make it genuine.

“What if the king and the Old Prince come to an understanding and discover the truth later?”

“Maintain the secrecy. What could they possibly do to me?” Crown Prince Zhao rose from his seat, set aside his book, and retrieved a box from the table, handing it to Wang Dingjun. “Deliver this to the Yueyang Marquis’s Mansion on my behalf, and give it to Tang Yue. Inform him that it’s a gift from me.”

“Certainly.”

Shortly after Wang Dingjun left, the butler arrived with a report. “Master, the Old Prince is requesting an audience outside the mansion gates.”

“Simply inform him that I’m occupied and will meet him another day.”

The butler departed, but it wasn’t long before he returned, perspiring. “Master, please come and have a look. The Old Prince is kneeling at the mansion gates, seemingly contemplating suicide with a sword.”

Crown Prince Zhao raised an eyebrow and sneered. “Is he attempting to pressure me into compliance?” Tell the guards to apprehend him and return him to the Prefecture Lord’s Mansion. Claim that the Old Prince has lost his sanity. If he wishes to end his life, he should do so on his own property!”

Upon hearing these instructions, the Guan family understood that His Highness had made a firm decision. He would not yield to this threat. They swiftly dispatched individuals to handle the situation.

Within a hundred meters of the Crown Prince’s Palace, no one resided, but many passersby gathered to observe and comment on Old Prince from a distance.

Old Prince’s eyes reddened, and his aged countenance turned crimson as if blood was about to flow. He had never experienced such humiliation in his life, completely losing his dignity.

If Tangxi were not his cherished treasure, he would never have resorted to this, even if it meant his own demise. However, he had abandoned his pride and status. He beseeched Crown Prince Zhao in such a humble manner, yet received no response. It was truly infuriating!

Upon being subdued, Old Prince burst into laughter and declared, “Lee Zhao, your emotions run deep. Taking a man as your wife is destined to extinguish your lineage for generations! My South Jin’s grand empire, how could it pass into the hands of a heartless person without a male heir like you?”

Crown Prince Zhao ordered the news to be spread, conveying a single message: “Tell the king he can decide who inherits the throne. What does it have to do with him? What does it have to do with you?”

This time, Old Prince failed to sway Crown Prince Zhao’s determination. Instead, he brought disgrace upon himself. Rumors began to circulate, suggesting that County Princess Tangxi’s marriage was possibly linked to Crown Prince Zhao.

Nevertheless, most believed that this was Crown Prince Zhao’s retaliation against the Prefecture Lord’s Mansion. Revenge is a dish best served cold, but Crown Prince Zhao’s vengeance was swift.

Reflecting on it, even in a typical family, enduring such humiliation would be unimaginable, let alone someone as esteemed as Crown Prince Zhao.

Many secretly applauded and sent their wishes to County Princess Tangxi: “May you have a prosperous marriage!”