The Crown Prince Chases His Wife
Chapter 123 Proposal
On the northern border of Great Xia, a gang of Turkic bandits had ravaged and massacred a town, yet the Turkic royal family denied any military involvement, promising only to pursue the culprits vigorously.
Tensions between the stationed troops on both sides of the Great Xia and Turkic border escalated, leading to frequent conflicts and skirmishes, putting the situation on the brink of war.
On the sixteenth day of the lunar month, the Marquis of Yongding Xie An was appointed as the commander of the northern army, while the Shizi of the Duan Wang Mansion, Feng Subei, was designated as the military supervisor to oversee the situation at the northern camp.
Feng Subei had originally planned to take a detour to Youzhou and send Shizifei An Yanxi back to the Duan Wang Mansion in Youzhou.
However, on the morning of their departure, An Yanxi suddenly fell ill, with a high fever that showed no sign of abating.
The day before, when Feng Subei had informed An Yanxi of his plans, she had displayed no symptoms of illness whatsoever.
Something felt off, based on his understanding of An Yanxi, there was a strong possibility she was feigning illness to avoid going.
Regardless of whether An Yanxi was homesick, unwilling to endure the harsh conditions of Youzhou, or had other reasons for wanting to stay in the capital, Feng Subei had no justification for forcing an ailing An Yanxi to travel.
If something unfortunate were to happen to her on the way, he would have a hard time explaining it to the Grand Scholar Mansion.
The situation in the northern border was urgent and cannot be delayed, leaving no time for Feng Subei to wait.
Feng Subei can only leave a team behind and wait until An Yanxi recovers before sending her to Youzhou.
Recalling that An Yanxi had mentioned Qin Lin at the New Year’s banquet, to prevent An Yanxi from scheming against Qin Lin, Feng Subei instructed his attendant Lin Shu, “Also, send a few people to secretly protect Young Lady Qin Lin. If there are any issues that cannot be resolved, seek help from the Taizifei Mansion as soon as possible.”
Lin Shu had some understanding of his lord’s feelings for Young Lady Qin Lin and asked with some confusion, “If Shizi has intentions toward Young Lady Lin, why not ask His Majesty or the Taizi to issue a decree? The Qin family would have to comply.”
Feng Subei glanced at Lin Shu and then slightly curled his lips.
Firstly, Feng Subei did not want to force Qin Lin.
Moreover, with Taizifei around, would the Qin family really have to comply?
It was hard to say.
————–
On the second day of the second month, mid-spring.
There’s a saying for the awakening of insects: “Spring thunder startles a hundred insects.”
With the first clap of spring thunder this year echoing across the sky, a shocking and sorrowful piece of news quickly spread throughout the capital.
The eldest son of the Minister of War, He Xiao, was accidentally injured and disabled while stationed at the northern border, with both legs amputated.
After He Xiao was sent back to the capital, the palace immediately issued a decree to the He Mansion.
He Xiao, the legitimate eldest son of the He family, was granted the title of Fourth-Rank General of the Xuanwu.
For He Xiao, who was now disabled, this title was a mere empty honor, yet it was also the imperial family’s attempt to console the He family.
Thinking back to the once flamboyant He Xiao, who just a few months ago had showcased his skills at the hunting grounds in the western suburbs, it was hard to believe he had fallen to such a state, and everyone couldn’t help but sigh in lament.
The palace even sent a group of imperial physicians to the He Mansion to treat He Xiao, but they were all turned away.
“Send them away! Let them all go!” He Xiao shouted angrily while lying on the bed.
Watching his son in such pain, He Yanming’s heart ached deeply.
In fact, when He Xiao learned that he would need to have his legs amputated to save his life in the northern border, he had attempted suicide multiple times, but fortunately, the soldiers in the camp managed to stop him in time.
This was also why He Xiao was sent back to the capital so quickly after his condition stabilized. If the eldest son of the Minister of War were to commit suicide in the northern camp, the camp would undoubtedly face accusations of neglect.
As He Yanming stepped out of He Xiao’s room, he happened to run into He Xiao’s concubine, Nanxu, who was being assisted by a maid as she walked slowly.
Nanxu was about to greet He Yanming, but he raised his hand to stop her.
His gaze dropped to Nanxu’s visibly pregnant belly, and he felt a complex mix of emotions.
The imperial physician had said that He Xiao would likely not be able to have any more children, and this concubine, whom He Xiao had insisted on bringing into the household, might be carrying He Xiao’s only child for this lifetime.
He Yanming also learned that He Xiao had sought death several times, perhaps this child would change He Xiao’s mind.
Nanxu was about to speak, but He Yanming spoke first, “Go inside.”
Nanxu nodded and then gestured for the maid to step back while she herself placed a hand on her belly and walked slowly into the room.
He Yanming watched her enter, his heart filled with mixed feelings.
Nan Xu, the legitimate second daughter of the former Minister of Revenue, An Binghuai, although fallen into the world of dust, still showed traces of a refined upbringing typical of a noble family.
Her every gesture brings a refreshing air, neither obsequious nor arrogant.
At this moment, Nanxu does not rely on her pregnancy to demand constant service from her maids, and she did not allow He Xiao’s disheveled appearance to be seen by others, thereby preserving his dignity.
It was a pity, however, that she was merely a concubine.
In contrast, He Xiao’s legitimate wife, Qin Nian, the legitimate second daughter of the Right Prime Minister Mansion, immediately went to her family’s mansion upon hearing about He Xiao’s incident and has yet to return.
The Right Prime Minister Qin was generally considered decent, but although Qin Nian was a legitimate daughter, her biological mother was a concubine elevated to the position of a secondary wife. The current Madam Qin, Song Mei, was rumored to have previously used underhanded methods to drive away the Right Prime Minister’s original wife, Shen Shiying.
Given the character of that mother-daughter duo, it was likely they were currently scheming about forcing Qin Nian to seek a divorce from He Xiao.
He Yanming understood well how this unsatisfactory marriage between He Xiao and Qin Nian came to be.
If Qin Nian has harmed He Xiao, she should not even think about a divorce at this time.
————
In the main hall of the Prime Minister Qin Mansion.
Song Mei held Qin Nian’s hand, her face filled with worry as she turned to look at Qin Wenzheng, who was seated at the head.
“Prime Minister…” she began but was coldly interrupted by Qin Wenzheng.
“Impossible! You all should give up this thought!”
Both Song Mei and Qin Nian trembled at his words, and soon the mother and daughter were holding each other and quietly sobbing.
Qin Wenzheng felt quite troubled watching the two of them cry.
He shouted angrily, “He Xiao just had an accident, and you, Qin Nian, should be staying in the He Mansion to take care of your husband! What are you doing back at your mother’s house?”
“A divorce? You really are thinking too far!”
“In times of great trouble, you want to abandon him? What am I, Qin Wenzheng, supposed to do with my reputation?”
His chest heaved as he breathed heavily, clearly agitated.
Song Mei turned to plead, “But Prime Minister, how will Nian Nian spend the rest of her life…”
Qin Wenzheng furrowed his brows deeply and let out a heavy sigh.
How to get by?
What could they possibly do?
Did they think a marriage was just child’s play?
“Quickly go back to the He Mansion! I don’t want to hear rumors about my daughter being heartless and ungrateful,” he ordered.
“Don’t mention a divorce again.”
With that, Qin Wenzheng swung his sleeve and left.
Song Mei held Qin Nian, feeling utterly exhausted both physically and mentally.
She hadn’t even recovered from the pain of Qin Ming heading off to the north when now Qin Nian’s husband was involved in this incident.
Why was her life so miserable…
But Qin Nian had stopped her sobbing.
Crying was just for show. It served no purpose.
Since her father was indifferent to her plight for the family’s reputation, she would have to find a way on her own.
———-
Meanwhile, the major families in the capital began receiving invitations from the Duke of Zhenguo Mansion.
In ten days, a birthday banquet would be held at the Duke of Zhenguo Mansion for Duke Shen Changshan, inviting numerous guests.
This news stirred quite a commotion among the noble families in the capital.
Everyone knew that the Duke of Zhenguo Mansion was extremely low-key, not only did they rarely host banquets, but even at other families’ events, it was uncommon to see anyone from the Duke of Zhenguo Mansion in attendance.
Moreover, those in the know calculated that Duke Shen Changshan’s birthday did not seem to fall in this month, and this year was not even a major milestone.
So, what was the real purpose behind such a grand banquet?
Some who were more astute recalled that not long ago, there were rumors about Prime Minister Qin and his first wife, the former beauty of the capital, Duke of Zhenguo’s own daughter, Shen Shiying, having divorced.
There were even whispers that Shen Shiying was indeed still alive and might be returning to the capital.
Thus, could this birthday banquet also serve as a welcome back feast for Miss Shen Shiying?
And in fact, this was the case.
Shen Shiying wrote that she had finished her business in Jiangnan and would be arriving in the capital in about ten days.
Duke Shen Changshan wanted his daughter to return to the capital openly and honorably, and so he used the birthday banquet as an opportunity to reintroduce Shen Shiying to the public.
———-
The news of the Duke of Zhenguo’s upcoming birthday banquet reached Prime Minister Qin from a colleague.
What made Qin Wenzheng feel somewhat awkward was that Prime Minister Qin Mansion had not received an invitation from the Duke of Zhenguo Mansion.
Looking at the influential families in the capital, the only one likely not to receive an invitation was the former son-in-law of the Duke of Zhenguo, Qin Wenzheng himself.
This immediately led Qin Wenzheng to wonder if Shen Shiying was truly alive and if she really intended to return.
The news quickly spread throughout the capital, garnering even more attention than the incident involving the eldest son of the He Mansion, who had been disabled.
Once the most beautiful woman in the capital, Shen Shiying had divorced and was set to return to the Duke of Zhenguo Mansion as his legitimate daughter.
Despite having been married and having children, Shen Shiying still caught the eye of some, including Emperor Hui in the palace.
When Emperor Hui heard this news, he was so excited that his hands trembled, nearly dropping his tea cup.
He had previously confirmed from Qin Yan that Shen Shiying was alive, and now she was truly coming back…
Having divorced, could it mean…
Emperor Hui ordered Chief Eunuch Li Fuquan to send people to keep watch on both the Duke of Zhenguo Mansion and the Princess Zhaoren Mansion. The moment there was news of Shen Shiying, he wanted to be informed immediately.
———
Chengqian Palace.
Imperial Concubine Shu listened as a servant reported, “Your Highness, it seems that the Taizi’s people are going through the records of all the palace maids in the Xiyuan from the past decade.”
“Could it be related to the incident years ago when the Taizifei fell into the Taiye Pool?”
Imperial Concubine Shu set down her teacup, lifted her gaze, and let out a cold laugh.
“Investigate? The people involved are dead. What can they find out?”
Hmph, the Taizi is digging into old cases, and Shen Shiying might be returning to the capital.
Are they all trying to settle old scores?
It won’t be that easy.
———–
Shou’an Palace.
Empress Dowager Xiao was sitting with her eyes closed, delicately handling the Canaan prayer beads in her hands.
After hearing the news reported by Xia Ying, she slowly opened her eyes.
Shen Shiying might still be alive?
She truly is lucky.
———–
At Chenghua Hall Study of Taizi Mansion in Xishan.
Qin Yan and Feng Zhan sat in two opposing chairs, each reading the memorials in their hands.
The documents they held were letters from various nations preparing to attend the Empress Dowager’s birthday banquet and the Taizi’s wedding, and the one in Qin Yan’s hand was from Northern Liang.
After a quick read, Qin Yan raised her brows slightly, “The Emperor of Northern Liang really dares.”
Feng Zhan looked up at Qin Yan, knowing exactly what she meant.
In the letter from Northern Liang, it stated that the Emperor wished to form an alliance with Great Xia by marrying the legitimate daughter of the Duke of Zhenguo, Shen Shiying, as his Empress.
At first glance, Feng Zhan was somewhat surprised.
But Shen Shiying truly has her ways.
———-
Feng Zhan looked at Qin Yan and spoke, “The letter from Southern Jiang mentions that the current regent, the princess, will be part of the envoy to Great Xia.”
“That princess from Southern Jiang is even more ruthless than her father, the emperor. The Count of Pingnan has had a hard time dealing with her in Lingnan.”
“The two assassination attempts in Jiangnan were linked to the Eastern Barbarians. It’s possible they are connected to the Eastern Barbarians royal family as well.”
“Ning Wang’s birth mother, Imperial Concubine Li, is from the imperial family of Goryeo.”
“When Empress Dowager Xiao insisted on sending Imperial Concubine Li to accompany the late emperor in burial, she believed Goryeo, being a small nation, wouldn’t stir up trouble.”
“Though it was publicly claimed that Imperial Concubine Li willingly followed, it’s hard to ensure that Goryeo didn’t keep a record of that event.”
“With Xirong and Turkic tribes having only recently made peace with Great Xia, and their continued interactions over the years, it’s natural for people to suspect ulterior motives.”
“Indeed, Great Xia is surrounded by wolves.”
“And in the action of the Northern Liang Emperor seeking marriage, there may also be an intention to jointly address the Turkic threat after forming a union with Great Xia.”
Qin Yan looked at Feng Zhan, her phoenix eyes narrowing slightly and with a cold voice, “Your Highness, are you planning to solidify the cooperative relationship through marriage?”
Feng Zhan immediately sensed the slight irritation in her tone and spoke solemnly, “Great Xia does not need a marriage alliance.”
“Whether to accept Northern Liang’s marriage proposal depends solely on Miss Shen’s wishes.”
“If Miss Shen willingly marries into the Northern Liang royal family, Great Xia will give her the highest respect and honor, and we will be her strongest backing.”
“If Miss Shen does not wish to marry, no one can force her.”
Feng Zhan rose and walked over to Qin Yan, gently lifting her delicate chin with his large, well-defined hand. His angular face leaned in close.
After a kiss, he didn’t pull away from her still-glossy lips and spoke in a low, rich voice, “Are you satisfied now, my Taizifei?”
Qin Yan smiled faintly; indeed, there was nothing about this Highness Taizi that displeased her.
She reached out and pulled him closer by the nape of his neck, her red lips pressing against his once more for another deep kiss.
The atmosphere in the study shifted from ambiguous to passionate…
However, …
Both Feng Zhan and Qin Yan knew that the Northern Liang Emperor’s proposal to marry Miss Shen might face an insurmountable obstacle.
That would be the one sitting on the throne.