Qin Chuyuan and his companions did not expect the Jianan Principality Princess to be so favored in front of the King of Liang.
Now, they all believe the rumors that the Jianan Principality Princess is indeed the illegitimate daughter of the King of Liang and the Munan Principality Consort.
Qin Chuyuan stepped forward and refused, "Reporting to the King of Liang, grateful for the favor of the princess. However, I am already married and cannot take another wife."
"Marrying another wife is not a problem. I can let her continue to follow you, just in a more discreet manner."
"In this lifetime, I will only have one wife."
This statement from Qin Chuyuan pleased the princess even more. She had just learned about Qin Chuyuan's news today, came to the palace, and, ignoring etiquette, barged in upon hearing about the alliance discussions between the two countries.
"Is she your wife? I checked on her; her family is just a minor official's, relying solely on her own abilities to rise to the rank of a third-tier general. Her family background is so weak, offering no help to you. Whereas, I was born a principality princess. If our countries form an alliance, my marriage to you will further elevate your status," the Jianan Principality Princess pointed at Gong Xiaohua, speaking to Qin Chuyuan.
The ministers looked at Qin Chuyuan and Gong Xiaohua. He, handsome and noble, clearly a scion of a prestigious family. She, with a striking demeanor, adept in both literary and martial arts. Although the two seemed unconventional together, they appeared pleasing to the eye.
Looking at the Jianan Principality Princess, everyone felt somewhat embarrassed. She was becoming increasingly disgraceful, knowingly trying to forcefully separate a couple in front of everyone.
Moreover, speaking frankly, besides having a better social status, what else did she have that could compare to this female general?
"My Qin family's status in Ye Country is not low; there is no need for my wife's blessing," Qin Chuyuan said coldly.
"You?"
"Enough." The conversation between the two was interrupted by the King of Liang.
Then, the King of Liang said to the Ye Country officials, "Indeed, a marital alliance is the best way to maintain the alliance between our two countries. Ambassadors, return to your country first. The formal alliance between the two nations will be during the marriage."
"Your Majesty," the Crown Prince hurriedly exclaimed, wanting to negotiate further, as they had done so much only to end up back at the starting point.
Unfortunately, the King of Liang did not give them a chance to speak, "Enough, this matter is settled."
The Ye Country officials were infuriated. Just when they were about to achieve the alliance, it was disrupted by this presumptuous principality princess. However, at present, there was no better option, so they could only remain silent.
Then, the King of Liang turned to the Jianan Principality Princess, "As for the marriage alliance, it's not up to you to decide."
"Your Majesty," the Jianan Principality Princess protested unhappily.
"Is my word not effective anymore?"
The Jianan Principality Princess finally shut her mouth.
In the evening, the welcoming banquet for the Ye Country ambassadors was subdued. With one country losing all the competitions and the marriage alliance matter causing a lack of interest, everyone dispersed early.
After Lord Gao returned from the palace that night, he went directly to the Runan Principality Consort, expressing his frustration, "Sister, you should rein in Miaomiao. Today, she audaciously barged into the court and requested the King to allow her to form a marital alliance with Ye Country."
"If she is so willful, isn't it the result of your actions?"
"I..." Lord Gao was momentarily speechless.
Here, when he mentions "His Majesty," he surely means the current emperor. Ever since that incident, so many years have passed, yet she has never called him "His Majesty" and has never set foot in the Liang Palace.
And regarding the events of that year, he also played a part in it, knowing he was in the wrong, hence his excessive affection towards Miao.
"Let's be clear about this. These days, you take care of Miao and make sure she doesn't leave the mansion."
"If the other party has good character, I would actually support her going for marriage alliance."
"Miao is also your daughter. Are you willing to let her go?"
"Whether I am willing or not, it's better than you spoiling her, and in the future, facing the consequences of your indulgence."
"What consequences? With His Majesty and me here, we can ensure her lifetime of security."
"Lifetime of security? Because of your indulgence, the princes and princesses in the palace resent Miao. And you, for your own benefit, have earned the resentment of many. Who will protect her a hundred years from now? Marrying into another country might be good, to stay away from you and all this trouble."
Lord Gao fell silent. Miao's and her sister's identities were indeed awkward in the Liang Country.
In the future, when all of them are gone, leaving Miao alone in this country, one can imagine her days won't be easy.
Marrying into another country would be fine, but the other party is already married and unwilling to divorce or demote their wife, which complicates matters.
With this in mind, he stood up and walked out.
"I will discuss this matter with His Majesty."
When the group returned from the palace, the atmosphere was somewhat subdued.
"Akuan, Xiaohua, there's no need to worry. The Liang Prince did not immediately agree to Princess Jianan's request, so I don't think he intends to marry her to you."
"Besides, alliances between two countries usually involve members of the royal family. There hasn't been a precedent of using courtiers for marriage alliances. I believe the Liang Prince has considered this."
"Let's hope so."
"Alright, everyone, don't be disheartened. At the very least, the alliance is agreed upon by the Liang Prince, which is something to be happy about."
"Also, today, thanks to Xiaohua, the alliance went smoothly." The Crown Prince addressed Gong Xiaohua.
"Your Highness, you're too kind."
"The weather is getting worse, and the new year is approaching. Let's pack up early and return to the Ye Country."
"Yes, Your Highness."
However, on their way back to the Ye Country, they encountered an ambush and Gong Xiaohua was captured.
After Gong Xiaohua was captured, they spent several days tracing clues to find out it was the doing of the Liang Prince.
The Liang Country believed Xiaohua would be an obstacle to their attack on Ye, so they wanted to keep her either to use her for their own purposes or eliminate her to avoid future trouble.
In the end, they had to seek help from the Consort of Runan Principality, who made a trip to the palace, and Xiaohua was released.
When they found the Consort of Runan Principality, she learned they were envoys from Ye Country and knew Miao had set her sights on someone else's husband.
As they left, the Consort of Runan Principality made it clear that she had informed His Majesty and wouldn't let Miao break up Qin Chuyuan and Gong Xiaohua.
Qin Chuyuan and Gong Xiaohua were deeply grateful, and the group finally returned to the Ye Country.
However, after they returned to the Ye Country and reported back, Gong Xiaohua and Qin Chuyuan were left alone by King Ye.
Before they returned to Ye Country, King Ye had already received a letter from the King of Liang, expressing the alliance between the two nations and the need for a marital union, with his chosen match being Qin Chuyuan.
"Take a look at this. The King of Liang has chosen you for the alliance, but thankfully he hasn't requested the dismissal of your current wife. He merely asks for Gong Xiaohua to be a secondary wife. It's not an unreasonable request," King Ye handed the letter to the two men.
Taking the letter, they exchanged glances. Gong Xiaohua felt a whirlwind of emotions, while Qin Chuyuan immediately voiced his opposition.
"Your Majesty, forgive me, but I cannot agree. My heart belongs solely to Xiaohua. She is my only wife in this lifetime. I implore Your Majesty to choose another candidate for the alliance."
"Nonsense! This concerns the future fate of Ye Country. It's not just about personal affections. Besides, Xiaohua is still your wife, and this arrangement won't affect your relationship. This matter didn't even need to be disclosed to you, but considering your contributions to Ye Country, I thought it fair to inform you," King Ye retorted.
"Your Majesty..."
Qin Chuyuan attempted to argue further, but King Ye ignored him and turned to Gong Xiaohua.
"Xiaohua, for the sake of Ye Country, I hope you can be magnanimous about this. It's normal for men to have multiple wives and concubines. Sooner or later, you'll have to accept this reality."
"Your Majesty, I cannot agree to share my husband with another woman."
"You!" King Ye grew exasperated. None of them were cooperative.
"What if I insist?" Gong Xiaohua challenged.
"In that case, I'll have to ask you to leave the court," King Ye said sternly.
"Xiaohua..." Qin Chuyuan's voice trembled with intensity.
