Twang!
The strings of a jade zither snapped sharply.
“Your Majesty, forgive us!”
The civil and military officials knelt in unison.
Instantly, the entire Weiyang Palace was plunged into silence.
The musicians, instrumentalists, and percussionists all prostrated themselves on the ground, trembling like sieves, filled with boundless terror.
Imperial Physician Sun’s mouth was practically twisted into a ladle shape.
Tsk, tsk, tsk. Look at that, Huo Ci, you lucky dog. No sooner does he divorce the wealthy Miss Jiang than he catches the eye of Princess Huaiwan? Go be a live-in son-in-law, and who knows, maybe he’ll even inherit—
Wait, wouldn’t that put our Western Zhou in danger?
Liu Suwu broke out in a cold sweat.
Was this Princess Huaiwan really here for peace talks?
Her first request was to take away Western Zhou’s sole pillar of support.
What exactly was she playing at?
Although she was asking for a marriage blessing on the surface, how could the Great Xia ruler possibly allow his only adopted daughter to marry into Western Zhou?
Huo Ci would have to marry into her family.
Then, who would be left to resist the Northern Luo iron cavalry?
Yun Chunfeng hugged Xiao Ya, watching with schadenfreude.
Let’s see how he bothers Yaner now!*
Surely, the Heavenly Dao wouldn’t allow the eldest young lady’s soul, inhabiting Huo Ci’s body, to marry someone else.
When their souls returned to their proper places, wouldn’t that be perfect?
Luo Yueyue’s smile didn’t waver. Hidden behind her mask, her eyes stared straight at Xiao Ao.
Even though she could see the flicker of murderous intent in his gaze, she was completely unafraid.
The Empress’s expression grew even darker and more displeased.
She had allowed Huo Ci’s wife to open a shop outside the palace using her name, all to win Huo Ci over for Chonghua’s benefit.
She never imagined Huo Ci himself would be her son’s biggest rival!
Her son was the future Crown Prince! How could he be inferior to some burly general?
Princess Huaiwan truly had no discernment!
Feeling his mother’s resentful glare, Xiao Chonghua clenched his fingers.
Huo Ci, I will be your mortal enemy!
Even Xiao Zhenhuai, usually so composed and detached from worldly strife, looked utterly shocked.
“Ha, Princess Huaiwan jests.
General Huo is already married with a daughter. How could he possibly marry a princess again?
Furthermore, matters of marriage require a command from one’s parents and the matchmaker’s word.
His Majesty, the Great Xia ruler, is not here. How could I possibly make such a decision?”
Xiao Ao tugged at his beard and addressed ‘Huo Ci’ jokingly: “If my beloved minister Huo had been born a few years later, he might indeed have become the Great Xia consort.”
Jiang Xingyan clasped her hands in a salute, about to say: It’s not too late now either.
But Luo Yueyue beat her to it, speaking gracefully: “Your Majesty of Western Zhou may not be aware, but my adoptive father once said that any man I, Huaiwan, set my heart on, I could bring back to Great Xia in marriage.
It’s only because I was dedicated to filial piety towards my adoptive father, with no thoughts of romance, that the position of consort has remained empty until now.
My adoptive father has urged me several times. If I continued to be disobedient, wouldn’t that be unfilial?”
Jiang Xingyan wished she could deliver Huo Ci to this Princess Huaiwan right that very second.
You two are truly a match made in heaven!
‘Unfilial this, unfilial that’ — once you’re together, you can be unfilial all you like!
Luo Yueyue’s beautiful eyes swept over, landing on ‘Huo Ci’ with deep affection. “As for General Huo already having a wife and daughter, Huaiwan doesn’t mind at all. After all, you’ve already divorced, haven’t you, General Huo?”
Jiang Xingyan was about to agree when Xiao Ao cut in again: “Oh?
Didn’t my beloved minister Huo swear in front of Su Sheng, declaring that the divorce from Miss Jiang was only a temporary expedient? That after returning from Qingzhou, he would renew their bond and make things right again?
Could it be you are deceiving your Emperor?”
This time, Jiang Xingyan didn’t rush to answer. She pressed her lips together tightly and looked at Luo Yueyue.
Go on then. Why didn’t you beat me to it this time?
Ridiculous!
“Your Majesty, this minister has been overwhelmed with military affairs since returning to the capital and hasn’t found the time.
Furthermore, the Northern Luo rebels are eyeing us aggressively. I may have to take to the battlefield again at any moment. Having separate household registrations is better for Miss Jiang’s future prospects, and it also means my mother will be less angered by matters concerning her. It grants Miss Jiang freedom while allowing me to fulfill my filial duty.
It serves both purposes perfectly.”
Everyone present was astute. Who couldn’t read between the lines of ‘Huo Ci’s’ words?
The divorce was for her own good. Not remarrying wasn’t just good for her and him, it was even good for his mother. He was helpless too.
But the fact remained they were divorced. Becoming a consort was certainly worth considering.
Instantly, countless contemptuous and disdainful looks converged on her from all directions.
Jiang Xingyan felt quite pleased with herself.
So what? Isn’t this exactly the kind of person Huo Ci is?
Let him taste what it’s like to be unable to explain yourself, to have an injustice you can’t appeal once we swap back.
Yun Chunfeng smiled faintly.
His heart was filled with anticipation for the moment their souls would return.
Luo Yueyue stated her sincerity once more: “If Your Majesty of Western Zhou grants Huaiwan’s request, Huaiwan will surely repay the kindness a hundredfold. When that time comes, a mere Northern Luo will be nothing to worry about, hardly worth mentioning. Then Great Xia and Western Zhou will be one family, and we will certainly do our utmost to help. Wouldn’t that bring peace and prosperity to all the lands under heaven?”
Like hell I believe you!
Xiao Ao acted as if he hadn’t heard Luo Yueyue’s words, his eyes fixed firmly on ‘Huo Ci’, a terrifying, murderous gleam rising within them.
He was the one who made promises to others. When did it become a little girl’s turn to make such bold claims to him?
If he so easily believed such empty talk, he should have given up this throne long ago!
When that day came, the first to be swallowed up would likely be his own Western Zhou!
“Absurd!
Does my beloved minister Huo truly intend to disregard Old Master Jiang’s kindness to you, and abandon Jiang-shi without a care?”<｜end▁of▁thinking｜>Chapter 136: It’s Not Too Late to Become the Consort Now
Twang!
The strings of a jade zither snapped sharply.
“Your Majesty, forgive us!”
The civil and military officials knelt in unison.
Instantly, the entire Weiyang Palace was plunged into silence.
The musicians, instrumentalists, and percussionists all prostrated themselves on the ground, trembling like sieves, filled with boundless terror.
Imperial Physician Sun’s mouth was practically twisted into a ladle shape.
Tsk, tsk, tsk. Look at that, Huo Ci, you lucky dog. No sooner does he divorce the wealthy Miss Jiang than he catches the eye of Princess Huaiwan? Go be a live-in son-in-law, and who knows, maybe he’ll even inherit—
Wait, wouldn’t that put our Western Zhou in danger?
Liu Suwu broke out in a cold sweat.
Was this Princess Huaiwan really here for peace talks?
Her first request was to take away Western Zhou’s sole pillar of support.
What exactly was she playing at?
Although she was asking for a marriage blessing on the surface, how could the Great Xia ruler possibly allow his only adopted daughter to marry into Western Zhou?
Huo Ci would have to marry into her family.
Then, who would be left to resist the Northern Luo iron cavalry?
Yun Chunfeng hugged Xiao Ya, watching with schadenfreude.
Let’s see how he bothers Yan’er now!
Surely, the Heavenly Dao wouldn’t allow the eldest young lady’s soul, inhabiting Huo Ci’s body, to marry someone else.
When their souls returned to their proper places, wouldn’t that be perfect?
Luo Yueyue’s smile didn’t waver. Hidden behind her mask, her eyes stared straight at Xiao Ao.
Even though she could see the flicker of murderous intent in his gaze, she was completely unafraid.
The Empress’s expression grew even darker and more displeased.
She had allowed Huo Ci’s wife to open a shop outside the palace using her name, all to win Huo Ci over for Chonghua’s benefit.
She never imagined Huo Ci himself would be her son’s biggest rival!
Her son was the future Crown Prince! How could he be inferior to some burly general?
Princess Huaiwan truly had no discernment!
Feeling his mother’s resentful glare, Xiao Chonghua clenched his fingers.
Huo Ci, I will be your mortal enemy!
Even Xiao Zhenhuai, usually so composed and detached from worldly strife, looked utterly shocked.
“Ha, Princess Huaiwan jests.
General Huo is already married with a daughter. How could he possibly marry a princess again?
Furthermore, matters of marriage require a command from one’s parents and the matchmaker’s word.
His Majesty, the Great Xia ruler, is not here. How could I possibly make such a decision?”
Xiao Ao tugged at his beard and addressed ‘Huo Ci’ jokingly: “If my beloved minister Huo had been born a few years later, he might indeed have become the Great Xia consort.”
Jiang Xingyan clasped her hands in a salute, about to say: It’s not too late now either.
But Luo Yueyue beat her to it, speaking gracefully: “Your Majesty of Western Zhou may not be aware, but my adoptive father once said that any man I, Huaiwan, set my heart on, I could bring back to Great Xia in marriage.
It’s only because I was dedicated to filial piety towards my adoptive father, with no thoughts of romance, that the position of consort has remained empty until now.
My adoptive father has urged me several times. If I continued to be disobedient, wouldn’t that be unfilial?”
Jiang Xingyan wished she could deliver Huo Ci to this Princess Huaiwan right that very second.
You two are truly a match made in heaven!
‘Unfilial this, unfilial that’ — once you’re together, you can be unfilial all you like!
Luo Yueyue’s beautiful eyes swept over, landing on ‘Huo Ci’ with deep affection. “As for General Huo already having a wife and daughter, Huaiwan doesn’t mind at all. After all, you’ve already divorced, haven’t you, General Huo?”
Jiang Xingyan was about to agree when Xiao Ao cut in again: “Oh?
Didn’t my beloved minister Huo swear in front of Su Sheng, declaring that the divorce from Miss Jiang was only a temporary expedient? That after returning from Qingzhou, he would renew their bond and make things right again?
Could it be you are deceiving your Emperor?”
This time, Jiang Xingyan didn’t rush to answer. She pressed her lips together tightly and looked at Luo Yueyue.
Go on then. Why didn’t you beat me to it this time?
Ridiculous!
“Your Majesty, this minister has been overwhelmed with military affairs since returning to the capital and hasn’t found the time.
Furthermore, the Northern Luo rebels are eyeing us aggressively. I may have to take to the battlefield again at any moment. Having separate household registrations is better for Miss Jiang’s future prospects, and it also means my mother will be less angered by matters concerning her. It grants Miss Jiang freedom while allowing me to fulfill my filial duty.
It serves both purposes perfectly.”
Everyone present was astute. Who couldn’t read between the lines of ‘Huo Ci’s’ words?
The divorce was for her own good. Not remarrying wasn’t just good for her and him, it was even good for his mother. He was helpless too.
But the fact remained they were divorced. Becoming a consort was certainly worth considering.
Instantly, countless contemptuous and disdainful looks converged on her from all directions.
Jiang Xingyan felt quite pleased with herself.
So what? Isn’t this exactly the kind of person Huo Ci is?
Let him taste what it’s like to be unable to explain yourself, to have an injustice you can’t appeal once we swap back.
Yun Chunfeng smiled faintly.
His heart was filled with anticipation for the moment their souls would return.
Luo Yueyue stated her sincerity once more: “If Your Majesty of Western Zhou grants Huaiwan’s request, Huaiwan will surely repay the kindness a hundredfold. When that time comes, a mere Northern Luo will be nothing to worry about, hardly worth mentioning. Then Great Xia and Western Zhou will be one family, and we will certainly do our utmost to help. Wouldn’t that bring peace and prosperity to all the lands under heaven?”
Like hell I believe you!
Xiao Ao acted as if he hadn’t heard Luo Yueyue’s words, his eyes fixed firmly on ‘Huo Ci’, a terrifying, murderous gleam rising within them.
He was the one who made promises to others. When did it become a little girl’s turn to make such bold claims to him?
If he so easily believed such empty talk, he should have given up this throne long ago!
When that day came, the first to be swallowed up would likely be his own Western Zhou!
“Absurd!
Does my beloved minister Huo truly intend to disregard Old Master Jiang’s kindness to you, and abandon Jiang-shi without a care?”