novelraw Chapter 820 - 798: Uncooked Rice
Chapter 820 - 798: Uncooked Rice
Although Princess X had heard of Xie Jue’s reputation, she had never met him in person. Growing up in the palace, she had been cherished for her beauty, accustomed to getting whatever she wanted and had never faced such cold treatment, which made her somewhat displeased. She understood that the purpose behind King of Sangnan and the Princely Heir asking her to perform a dance was to encourage her to form an alliance with Xie Jue. Sangnan was employing various methods, hoping to persuade Xie Jue to help maintain Sangnan’s territorial integrity.
Despite being extremely unwilling, Princess X could not resist the oppression of royal power.
Upon seeing Xie Jue for the first time, all her reluctance vanished.
Although he appeared aloof, he seemed like a scoundrel who could break a girl’s heart, he was indeed handsome.
With such noble bearing and handsome features, he spoke eloquently. Even though she felt displeased by his indifference, she made an effort to flatter Xie Jue, pouring him wine and initiating conversation.
Xie Jue found little in common to discuss with young women; the only ladies he ever communicated with were Feng Shu and Fengyu, whom he respected and felt close to. He lacked patience with other ladies whose conversation he found unengaging. The Princess of Sannan was innocent and sweet, talking about topics typically of interest to women, which bored Xie Jue. Moreover, he was conscious of his position—she was his cousin, albeit distantly related, and he found King of Sannan’s intention quite distasteful.
Fang Chuning could see the Princess of Sannan’s infatuation with Xie Jue. What young girl at sixteen wouldn’t be charmed by his beauty and bearing?
He was like an evil stepmother breaking up a pair of lovebirds, smiling, he said, "Princess, our lord’s daughter is already six years old, and his son is three and a half this year."
The princess was taken aback, "What? You’re already married?"
Apparently, no one had informed her of this fact. She only knew that the King of Sannan hoped she could develop a relationship with Xie Jue, as marrying him would stabilize the political situation regardless of her wishes, over which she had no say. Now, seeing Xie Jue’s handsome appearance deeply moved her, and she humbled herself to engage in conversation, only to find he already had children.
"Didn’t you hear from the King of Sannan and the Princely Heir? They are your father and brother, yet they withheld such critical information from you, sigh..." he sighed in a pretentious manner, causing the princess to turn red with embarrassment, her previous proactive gestures now turning to shame and indignation as she covered her face in tears, leaving a resentful back view behind.
The crowd, "..."
The King of Sannan’s face changed, "What happened with Lingling?"
The eldest prince frowned, caring deeply for this sister born of his foster mother, and regarding her as a full sibling he fiercely protected, "Prince Yan, you’re a man of integrity, how could you insult a young lady?"
"Eldest Prince, you are maliciously accusing, our lord has shown nothing but respect to the princess. I merely found the princess endearing and lively, reminding me of a little commandery princess in the capital, feeling a sense of kinship, and shared a story about the little commandery princess. Who knew the princess would suddenly become upset and leave? Without knowing the reason, you blame our lord, and I don’t dare to claim to have learned the royal etiquette of your Sangnan Royal Family," Fang Chuning replied while drinking, his tone distinctly impolite.
He wasn’t just any general; he was the sole son of Marshal Fang, and the Sangnan Royal Family was aware of his future command over Jiangnan’s army. The people of Sangnan absolutely didn’t wish to offend the stationed Jiangnan army, hence they treated Fang Chuning with politeness, avoiding any rudeness, unlike others whom they might not treat the same way.
These words left the eldest prince, especially the King of Sannan, somewhat embarrassed.
Their intentions were evident, and it wasn’t surprising Fang Chuning responded sarcastically!
This welcoming banquet was a total failure. Zhang Boxin didn’t dare have another drink during the feast, and as soon as it ended, he complained to Lin Xiao. Fortunately, the follow-up went peacefully, with everyone discussing harmless topics and no incidents occurred, revealing Sangnan’s desperation with the awkward marriage arrangement ploy.
Lin Xiao asked, "Did the King of Sannan say in front of Mr. Fang that he wants to marry the princess to the prince?"
"He didn’t say it directly, but that’s what he meant."
"That’s really bold; it seems he doesn’t want to negotiate anymore." Lin Xiao couldn’t help but mumble.
Zhang Boxin’s attention wasn’t on that, "Lin Xiao, the princess is truly beautiful. Except for the Empress, I’ve never seen such a beautiful girl."
"Are you crazy? Talking about the Empress’s looks behind her back, what if someone hears and starts spreading rumors?" Lin Xiao hurriedly scolded.
Zhang Boxin defended, "I just whispered to you, I’m not shouting it everywhere!"
"Today’s different from before, don’t speak so carelessly."
When Fengyu was Miss Feng San, they might have spoken more casually, but if she became Empress, they couldn’t talk behind her back like that, even praising her beauty. Others might say they lust after the Empress’s beauty and concoct vile stories, ruining Fengyu’s reputation, and women’s greatest fear is such baseless slander.
Xie Jue and Fang Chuning showed no visible emotions, this back-and-forth probing yielded nothing substantial, further solidifying Xie Jue’s desire for Sangnan. Sangnan was too prosperous, unaffected by natural or man-made disasters, with bumper harvests. If they secured Sangnan, Xie Xun could plan campaigns, the court could sustain its military, and Beining’s territory would remain intact.
Fang Chuning didn’t care about King of Sannan’s intention for a marriage alliance; he knew Xie Jue’s temperament and that he would never agree. This was unlike the time in Beiman when he had no choice but to marry for survival. Now, Xie Jue was Prince Yan of Beining, a victorious state and wouldn’t compromise with King of Sannan.
Although unconcerned, he casually remarked, "Princess X of Sannan is indeed rumored to be a stunning beauty, isn’t she?"
"Not as much as you!" Xie Jue said without turning his head, in a flat, casual tone, as if it was just an offhand, impartial, and honest judgment.
Fang Chuning’s lips curled slightly, barely able to suppress a smile, and Xie Jue snorted, "Speaking of which, I’m not the only one he’s considering for the marriage alliance."
"Who else?"
"King of Sannan would never offend Jiangnan’s stationed armies. You were so disrespectful at the feast, yet he didn’t get angry. If my path doesn’t work out, he will surely pursue yours. With Sangnan’s poison being so mysterious, always having people accompany him, you should be wary of someone’s trickery and ending up with a done deal," Xie Jue reminded him.
"Would the King of Sannan really resort to such lowly tactics?"
"If a princess can be brought out to dance, what else can’t be sacrificed?" Xie Jue held a disdainful view of the Sangnan Royal Family’s conduct. If such a thing happened in Beining, Xie Xun would have lost his head for such disgraceful actions!
Yet in front of Princess X, Xie Jue didn’t show his disgust. He knew in Sangnan, women had little power, and even the princess had no choice.