Climbing to the Top: A Reborn Queen's Journey

Chapter 836: Prince Ping Side Story (4)

Feng Wushuang’s family of three was summoned to the residence of Minister Feng.

Feng Wushuang’s father was also a daring man; otherwise, he wouldn’t have raised such a daughter. After Minister Feng explained the situation, he said, "What’s there to be unhappy about? Marrying Prince Ping is a high climb for our Wushuang."

Minister Feng had to emphasize, "Prince Ping was born with an intellectual disability, like that of a four or five-year-old child. His body grew, but his mind did not. He cannot read or practice martial arts, nor take on official duties. He just loves to play around every day."

Mr. Feng laughed, "That’s just right. Our Wushuang is also a wild girl. After marrying Prince Ping, she can accompany him in his daily play."

Feng Wushuang’s mother chimed in, "If Prince Ping were wise and capable, with great prospects, it wouldn’t be our Wushuang’s turn to be Princess Ping. We are pleased with this marriage proposal."

Minister Feng responded with a hum, then looked at Feng Wushuang.

Feng Wushuang played with Prince Ping for half a day today and surprisingly had a good impression of him: "Prince Ping has a childlike temperament. If he doesn’t like someone, he doesn’t bother with them. But if he takes a liking, he treats them very well. I’m willing to marry Prince Ping."

Minister Feng felt a bit sorry for this distant niece, pondered for a moment, and quietly said, "What you saw today was the gentle side of Prince Ping. When he gets rowdy, he can be much more troublesome. Marriage is a lifelong commitment; you need to be sure about this."

"Our Feng family lives with integrity and does not need to cling to the Imperial Family’s influence."

Feng Wushuang replied seriously, "I’ve thought it through. I’ve been wild since I was young, unlike ordinary girls. If I marry into a family of similar status, I would have to be obedient and dutiful, focusing on family life. I absolutely don’t want such a life."

"It’s better to take a chance and marry Prince Ping. Life could be more lively and free in the future."

With the conversation reaching this point, there was nothing more to say.

Minister Feng sighed quietly, nodded, "Tomorrow I will enter the palace to request an audience with the Emperor."

Minister Feng detested selling daughters for glory in his life. The position of Princess Ping, however, fell to his family. What a mess!

The next morning, Minister Feng entered the palace to see the Emperor.

Coincidentally, Jiang Shaohua also wanted to summon Minister Feng.

"The Emperor and Minister Feng really share a mutual understanding," Jiang Shaohua joked cheerfully, "The moment the thought crossed my mind, Minister Feng arrived."

Minister Feng perked up and smiled, "Your humble servant boldly entered the palace today to report on yesterday’s palace banquet. Yesterday, Wushuang played and acted recklessly in Ning An Palace, probably displeasing the Empress Dowager. I wish to visit Ning An Palace to apologize to Her Majesty."

Jiang Shaohua smiled and glanced at Minister Feng, "There’s no outsider here, just us two. Speak plainly; why beat around the bush?"

"Don’t worry! The Empress Dowager has a broad mind and won’t get upset over such a trivial matter."

"Miss Li refused the marriage first, and Miss Feng received Prince Ping’s favor. Everyone saw this; no blame can be placed on the Feng family."

With Jiang Shaohua being candid, Minister Feng spoke openly and sighed, "That might be so, but I’m only worried that the Empress Dowager might not be happy and might blame the Feng family for the failed alliance between the Li family and the Imperial Family."

"Wushuang is a simple-minded girl, understanding nothing. Once married into the palace, the Empress Dowager becomes her legitimate mother-in-law. I’m afraid she won’t handle it well."

Jiang Shaohua raised an eyebrow with a smile, "I think Wushuang is great. Minister Feng, rest assured! I acknowledge her as my sister-in-law, and no one will dare bully her."

Minister Feng had been waiting for this assurance and immediately felt relieved, bowing to give thanks: "Your humble servant thanks Your Majesty for your grace."

Other things need not be said openly.

For instance, after Feng Wushuang marries Prince Ping, she would rightfully become Princess Ping, able to openly accompany Prince Ping. If anyone harbors ill intentions, trying to take advantage of Prince Ping or using his name to scheme, Feng Wushuang would be the first to notice.

Moreover, Minister Feng is a staunch loyalist to the Emperor. Even if Feng Wushuang has offspring in the future, Minister Feng would never betray Jiang Shaohua, nor plot any schemes to establish a new crown prince.

Empress Dowager Li is certainly displeased.

However, with circumstances as they are, it seems like fate. Jiang Shaohua gave the Li family an opportunity, which Li Fanghua herself refused to marry, and Prince Ping happened to favor Feng Wushuang. Jiang Shaohua is pleased with this match.

...

Empress Dowager Li brooded for days and, unwilling as she was, eventually accepted the situation.

Jiang Shaohua didn’t press the matter, but Prince Ping went before Empress Dowager Li each day, repeatedly asking, "When will Wushuang come into the palace to play with me?"

Empress Dowager Li, frustrated and at a loss, asked solemnly, "That Feng Wushuang doesn’t even understand palace rules, she’s just a foolish wild girl and isn’t particularly attractive. Why would you want to marry her?"

Prince Ping didn’t understand the lengthy discourse, only repeating, "I just want to marry her and play with her every day."

Empress Dowager Li: "..."

Enough! Man proposes, but God disposes!

Prince Ping is fond of her, and the Emperor also desires this outcome; she would be petty to obstruct it.

Empress Dowager Li exhaled a breath of frustration, "Alright, alright, I’ll do as you wish. I’ll have someone summon the Emperor to discuss arranging your marriage."

Prince Ping immediately embraced Empress Dowager Li joyfully, "Thank you, Mother."

Prince Ping is taller than Empress Dowager Li, muscular, and when he stretched out, he lifted her off the ground by a foot. Empress Dowager Li, amused and exasperated, waited for him to set her down, then sent him off with a feigned annoyance: "Go play! Don’t worry about these things; just await your marriage."

Prince Ping went off happily to play.

Jiang Shaohua was summoned to Ning An Palace.

Empress Dowager Li adjusted her mood and welcomed him graciously, "Emperor, Prince Ping took a liking to the girl from the Feng family at yesterday’s birthday banquet. I also find Miss Feng Wushuang charmingly lively, a perfect match for Prince Ping."

"I was thinking, why not ask for the Emperor’s decree to bestow marriage? That way, the wedding can be grand and joyful."

Jiang Shaohua readily agreed, "The Emperor and Mother have the same thought. I shall issue a decree tomorrow to bestow marriage to Prince Ping."

Empress Dowager Li beamed, "Prince Ping is no longer a child. After following the six ceremonies, Miss Feng should be wed into the family. Let the Ministry of Rites choose a nearby auspicious day."

Jiang Shaohua laughed, "I’m busy dealing with state affairs, so I’ll leave Prince Ping’s marriage arrangement to Mother."

After a pause, he continued, "Prince Ping has always lived in the palace; after marriage, he should move into Prince Ping Mansion."

Emperor Taikang, while he was alive, had built Prince Ping Mansion for his beloved youngest son. Over the years, Prince Ping has lived in the palace, leaving Prince Ping Mansion vacant.

According to palace regulations, Prince Ping should have moved into Prince Ping Mansion before marriage.