Chapter 283: The Sky Will Soon Change

Chapter 283: The Sky Will Soon Change

Prince Su spoke with a furrowed brow, "In the capital, many nobles desire an alliance through marriage with the House of Duke Dingguo. Just the mere mention of Xiao Huai causes me a splitting headache now."

"Who wishes to form an alliance with the House of Duke Dingguo?" the Emperor inquired.

"Your Majesty is aware, Xiao Yuchen's appearance is exceedingly striking, capturing the hearts of numerous noble ladies in the capital," Prince Su said. "Moreover, with Xiao Huai's current prominence, those wishing to marry into his family are indeed countless."

The Emperor's frown was so deep it seemed it could trap a mosquito. "Does my uncle have any suggestions?" he asked.

Prince Su carefully chose his words, "I think it would be best if Your Majesty arranged a marriage for Xiao Yuchen. Once his marital affairs are settled, there would be fewer aspiring for an alliance with the House of Duke Dingguo."

The Emperor remained silent, inscrutable. Prince Su, unable to guess his thoughts, added, "Your Majesty could choose someone of high status but of no actual benefit to the House of Duke Dingguo for Xiao Yuchen. This would also serve as a lesson for Duke Dingguo."

The Emperor was silent for a moment before asking, "Who does my uncle think would be a suitable match for Xiao Yuchen?"

"What does Your Majesty think of my undutiful daughter, Hui Xin?" proposed Prince Su.

The Emperor turned to Prince Su, silent, now understanding the main purpose of his visit today, and felt deeply disappointed.

Feeling the tension, Prince Su quickly explained, "Your Majesty, I know your intentions regarding Xiao Huai and wouldn't propose anything that would be thankless and burdensome."

The Emperor hummed, "I have no doubts about my uncle's intentions, but considering how dearly you cherish Hui Xin, how could you bear to part with her?"

Prince Su sighed heavily, "These past days have opened my eyes. That girl has only herself in her heart, never sparing a thought for others. She's set her sights on Xiao Yuchen and resorts to threats of death if opposed. Your Majesty, I've always treated her well, yet she corners me like this. If this isn't unfilial, what is?"

The Emperor nodded but remained silent. Prince Su continued, "Therefore, I thought, since that's the case, let her make a contribution to our royal family. Rest assured, Your Majesty, a daughter married off is like water spilled out. Once she's married, she'll have nothing to do with the House of Prince Su or our royal family. Whether she lives or dies thereafter, I will not concern myself."

The Emperor, after listening to him, fell silent again. After a while, he said, "Alright, I am aware of the matter. Let me think on it, uncle."

Hearing this, Prince Su suddenly felt he shouldn't have come today, nor should he have presumed that marrying his callous daughter to Xiao Yuchen would aid the Emperor. How had he forgotten that this Emperor was petty and overly suspicious? Might the Emperor suspect that he, too, desired an alliance with the House of Duke Dingguo?

He wanted to explain, but the Emperor spoke again, "I see my uncle is still not in the best of health. Please return for now. Once I have made up my mind, I will inform you."

Prince Su: "………"

More deliberations? If this goes on, who knows how distorted the thoughts will become.

"Your Majesty, you know me well. Without the blessings of the late emperor and your grace, I would never have enjoyed such immense wealth and status. My every thought is filled with gratitude towards you and the prosperity of our great empire," said the prince.

The emperor's expression softened a bit, and he replied, "Uncle, I am aware of your loyalty to our empire. Please, rest assured and return home."

Seeing the emperor's change in demeanor, the prince felt slightly relieved. He bowed to the emperor before turning to leave. As he stepped out of the imperial study, he couldn't help but glance back, realizing how redundant his actions had been. Despite having said and done everything he could, he understood that nothing would change.

At that moment, he harbored a murderous rage towards his rebellious daughter.

Back in the imperial study, the emperor reclined on a luxurious couch, absentmindedly tapping his fingers on the tabletop, mulling over the prince's words. Initially, he had suspected that the prince, seeing Xiao Huai's rising influence, sought to ingratiate himself with the powerful lord.

But on second thought, no matter how powerful Xiao Huai was, could he surpass the emperor himself? Besides, the emperor had always treated the prince with a certain degree of respect; there was no need for the prince to curry favor with Xiao Huai at the risk of offending the throne.

However, the prospect of arranging a marriage between Li Huixin and Xiao Yuchen wasn't entirely out of the question. Li Huixin's overzealous infatuation, to the point of life and death, for a man clearly disqualified her as a proper noble lady. Besides, with her heart entirely fixated on Xiao Yuchen, a few beautiful concubines added to Xiao Yuchen's household in the future might just turn the Duke's residence upside down.

Pleased with this line of thought, the emperor felt a surge of satisfaction. But with Xiao Huai recently having achieved significant military merit, arranging a marriage for Xiao Yuchen required a more deliberate approach. This matter had to be executed flawlessly, leaving no room for Xiao Huai or the court officials to find fault.

The emperor spent the rest of his day in the imperial study, meticulously devising his cunning schemes. That evening, a young eunuch arrived at the gates of Consort Liang's palace, whispering a few words to the eunuch on duty before departing.

Watching the young eunuch's retreating figure, the gatekeeper eunuch went inside and whispered to Consort Liang's personal maid at the entrance of her chamber.

Upon hearing the news, the maid entered the room only to find Consort Liang lost in thought. Sighing inwardly, the maid pondered the irony of how outsiders perceived the lives of the imperial consorts as lavish and glamorous, oblivious to the tribulations they endured.

Being favored attracted jealousy and clandestine harm, whereas the lack of favor meant enduring a life of monotonous despair.

"Your Highness," the maid gently called out as she approached the bed.

Consort Liang lazily opened her eyes and asked, "What is it?"

"Little Dezi from the imperial study just came by. He mentioned that this afternoon, the prince visited the emperor to discuss certain matters. He overheard something about the prince possibly proposing a marriage between Princess Huixin and Xiao Yuchen of the Duke's household to the emperor," relayed the maid.

This news immediately piqued Consort Liang's interest. "What did the emperor say?" she inquired.

"The emperor said he would think about it," the maid responded.

Consort Liang sneered, then remarked, "This will be interesting. Let's play the good Samaritan for once. Tomorrow, spread this news to the Duke's household."

"As you wish," the maid replied.

Dismissing her with a wave of her hand, Consort Liang resumed her brooding. Far from being benevolent, her hatred ran deep, especially towards the Duke's household, which she blamed for the deaths of her son and brother. But her loathing for the emperor trumped all. Presented with an opportunity to set the Duke's household against the emperor, her delight knew no bounds.

Turning her gaze through the window into the pitch-black night, she listened to the howling wind and murmured, "A storm is brewing."