Chapter 918: The Peasant Girl’s Splendid Manor
Chapter 918: The Imperial Marriage (3)
Seeing his cousin suddenly become so bright, Chu Heng’s eyes flickered with a smile. He pretended not to notice Emperor Hui'an’s displeased expression, determined to settle his cousin’s lifelong matter today. He continued, "Father Emperor, Hanzhang has risked his life on the frontier for many years, contributing greatly to the empire and showing unwavering loyalty to me. Moreover, She the County Princess have cultivated high-yield rice, which is invaluable. She has repeatedly ventured into the mountains to find medicinal herbs to save my life. Could their efforts not be worth an imperial marriage decree from you?"
Emperor Hui'an ignored the kneeling Xiao Ruiyuan, his gaze cold as he looked at his son, who was stepping out of line. In a deep voice, he said, "Their status and positions are too different. How do you know there won't be constant conflict in the future? Granting them marriage rashly would only create a pair of resentful spouses. In my view, it would be more appropriate to bestow a noble lady as Hanzhang's wife."
Chu Heng knew this was his father’s excuse to avoid issuing a marriage decree, so he rebutted, "While it is important to match social status, it is not absolute! The founding emperor of the previous dynasty came from a prestigious family, yet he married a fisherwoman as his empress. He even abolished the harem, remaining devoted to her for life, becoming a legendary figure. This had nothing to do with family background."
This well-reasoned argument left Emperor Hui'an speechless. He glared at Chu Heng, his anger growing. This child not only failed to understand his concerns but also openly defied him for an outsider. Was it his own indulgence that made this son so bold?
Feeling Emperor Hui'an's anger, Xiao Ruiyuan and Yan Junyu were both filled with worry. Xiao Ruiyuan could never understand why the Emperor was stopping him from being with the one he loved, but he didn’t want his personal matter to cause a rift between the Emperor and his son.
Chu Heng subtly shook his head at his two cousins, signaling that he was fine. Noticing Xiao Ruiyuan was about to speak, he interrupted, "My father and I have important matters to discuss. You two can step outside for a while."
Xiao Ruiyuan swallowed the words he was about to say, exchanged a glance with Yan Junyu, and both looked at Emperor Hui'an. Seeing that the Emperor did not object, they bowed and left the dining hall, filled with worry.
After they left, Liang Gonggong and the two guards also stepped out, leaving only Chu Heng and Emperor Hui'an in the room.
The father and son remained in a stalemate for a long time, neither willing to back down. Chu Heng gradually lost his patience, his face growing cold as he said, "Father Emperor, there is something I have been hiding from you. Hanzhang has already betrothed himself to Miss Mo, and the engagement was made with the witness of me and several hundred villagers. If you do not want me to earn the reputation of forcibly taking my brother's wife, then please grant them this marriage."
"Preposterous!" Emperor Hui'an had no idea about this matter. He was shocked, slamming his hand down on the table, glaring at Chu Heng. "Have you forgotten what I told you about that?"
Seeing that the Emperor was truly angry, Chu Heng’s mood actually brightened. He leisurely picked up the teapot and poured himself a cup of tea. After a moment’s thought, he poured a cup for the Emperor as well, then held it out with both hands. He said seriously, "Father Emperor, I have not forgotten. But even if what you said were to happen, do you believe I cannot solve it? I understand Hanzhang better than anyone. Anyone in this world might betray me, but he never will!"
At this point, Chu Heng paused, and seeing the Emperor’s disapproval in his eyes, he turned the conversation. "There are many women in the capital who are of better status and beauty, clever and charming, but Hanzhang has uniquely fallen for Miss Mo! I can’t understand such feelings, but I can’t help but wonder—if Father Emperor had been devoted to Empress Mother, and kept the harem clean, would Empress Mother still be alive? Would I have to endure more than twenty years of sickness…?"
[End of Chapter]
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