155 Fails to find
In the palace, the event ended with a lot of celebration. Everyone enjoyed the evening along with the grand fist. The King distributed many presents to the performers at the event. The King, the Queen, and the Crown Prince went to the lake pavilion to watch the young ladies lighting the lanterns across the lake.
“Crown Prince Xiaoming must select a few concubines among them,” Qiu Zedong reminded him, who decided to speak about it.
“Your Majesty, I think the elder daughter of the Minister of Law and Crime Department can become the First Concubine of the Crown Prince. Her features are beautiful. She carries herself gracefully and her stars are also good for this family,” Zhu Liling informed Qiu Zedong, who looked towards the young woman towards which the Queen pointed her finger.
“Pardon me, Royal Father, Royal Mother,” Xiaoming brought his hands up and lowered his head. The King and the Queen gazed at him.
Xiaoming lifted his head while Eunuch Lishi got anxious about what the Crown Prince would say next.
“I don’t need a concubine, Royal Father, Royal Mother,” Xiaoming cleared them. Zhu Liling forced a smile on her lips and told the King that Xiaoming was stressed that’s why conversing this way.
“I am not stressed, Royal Mother,” Xiaoming didn’t hesitate this time. He looked back into the eyes of his father and continued, “Royal Father, I cannot handle many women in my life. I cannot distribute my love equally to every woman I take into my manor. I only need one whom I will cherish until my last breath.”
“Do you think that it’s acceptable to the ministers? What will you answer in the Court?” Qiu Zedong asked Xiaoming and waited for his answer.
“If My Father allows me, then I surely will convince the ministers and gain their support,” Xiaoming answered.
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“It is a rule in a Dynasty. The one who will have the Crown has to go for multiple marriages,” Qiu Zedong reminded him. “If you cannot produce as many heirs for the Kingdom, you will fall weak,” he asserted.
“Royal Father, but it is not necessary to have multiple women to become the strong King. I know My Royal Father cares for me and wants my best. But I put thought into it for a long time. I didn’t escape from my marriage for four years. It is the opposite. I searched for a woman who would not only become my wife, but also the Crown Princess,” Xiaoming explained his points to his father. Before his mother would play with his life, he would clear the matter with his father and convince him to let him have only one woman in his life.
“What about the daughter of Kang Xi? I heard that you asked her to have lunch with you. You also liked the robe that she made with her hands.” Qiu Zedong was curious to know his decision. Zhu Liling looked at her son, wondering what would tell.
“Royal Father, Kang Cha Ying can never become my wife,” Xiaoming answered and gazed at his mother before returning his gaze to his father.
“I had sent the robe back with them. I had lunch with Miss Cha Ying because I wanted to have a conversation with her. Since you both have told me how great she is, I thought to test her. However, she failed my test. I do not want to see this royal family falls apart because of her,” Xiaoming asserted.
Qiu Zedong glanced at Zhu Liling, who lowered her eyes.
“Also, Miss Cha Ying tried to point her finger at Li Hua’s character and associated my name with her.” Xiaoming didn’t hide it anymore.
“What does the Crown Prince mean?” Qiu Zedong asked for clarification.
“When I refused the feelings of Miss Cha Ying, she instead of accepting it told me that I did it because of Li Hua. Royal Father, I forgave her because her father is the Prime Minister and my father’s close friend. Li Hua and I had nothing. I only showed care towards her that day and everyone started to spread baseless rumors. I did not like it that a member outside the royal family said such words to me.”
Xiaoming finally blurted out everything which he had in his heart since the last day. He had thought to solve it calmly, but Cha Ying lied in front of everyone which infuriated him.
Qiu Zedong realized that it would not be wise if he forced Xiaoming to marry Cha Ying. She already said something which was enough to taint their relationship. He wanted his son’s happiness, so he announced his decision.
“Since Miss Cha Ying wasn’t thoughtful while having her conversation with the Crown Prince, I debarred her from the selection of the Crown Princess. I will deliver this same decision to Kang Xi,” Qiu Zedong stated. Xiaoming got extremely happy to hear about it. He thanked his father to listen to him and understand him. Xiaoming smiled as his biggest dilemma was over now.
Qiu Zedong patted Xiaoming’s back and looked at the other side of the lake, where the young women were present. “Hopefully, the Crown Prince selects his wife soon. Two weeks are going to pass. If he fails to find a wife for him, I will take the action.”
“I understand, Royal Father. Thank you for giving me time despite I delayed in my marriage for such a long time,” Xiaoming expressed his gratitude. Qiu Zedong hummed and turned to look at the Queen, who forced a smile on her lips.
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After the King took his leave, the Queen instructed Eunuch Lianying to send the noble ladies to their respective houses. She left while Xiaoming and the others bowed before her.
Xiaoming heaved a sigh of relief. He not only convince his father for letting him have only one woman as his official wife but also made his father disapprove of Cha Ying as the potential candidate for the Crown Princess’s selection.
He smiled and returned to his manor to meet Liu Jin Yu.