Chapter 432: Surely, a Fulfilling Life Awaits

Chapter 432: Surely, a Fulfilling Life Awaits

Tang Shuyi had to concede that Princess Changping was among the most carefree individuals she had ever met. Even by modern standards, where wealthy women covertly keep younger lovers, none could match the princess's brazenness.

But considering the prince's status, this was not a situation where the princess could simply do as she pleased.

"You are aware of the king's attitude, aren't you?" she asked Princess Changping.

Princess Changping hummed in acknowledgement, then said, "It's out of the question for me to marry him. He can come all the way to the capital to frolic with me, but who knows how many concubines he has in his household. I really can't be bothered with all that."

Tang Shuyi remarked, "...Since you're so clear on this, why would you have a child with him? The Kingdom of Rouli has only recently been incorporated into our Great Dry Lands. The king holds a unique position in the northwest. If he becomes unrelenting and takes the matter to the Emperor and the Empress Dowager, even if they want to support you, they wouldn't be able to."

Princess Changping grew somewhat irritated by her words. The decision to bear the king's child had indeed been impulsive, but physical passions can easily cloud one’s judgment, and she had made the most foolish decision of her life in a moment of heat.

"Regardless, I will not marry him. If the Emperor and the Empress Dowager wish to punish me, then so be it," she declared defiantly.

Tang Shuyi sighed, thought for a moment, and said, "Once the child is born, you'll be a mother, and a mother must plan for her child. You're a princess, and you might not care about others' opinions, doing as you please, but what about the child?"

Princess Changping pursed her lips and said nothing, and Tang Shuyi added, "The child might have to endure the strange looks of others from a young age. In such a case, he might end up not caring about others' opinions, just like you, living freely. But what if his temperament is different from yours and he does care about how others view him? What then?"

Princess Changping's gaze fell in contemplation, and Tang Shuyi fell silent, giving her time to think. After a while, Princess Changping said, "I will marry him, but I will not go with him. In the future, I'll stay in the capital and he can stay in the northwest. I won't interfere with his household affairs, and he can't meddle in mine."

"That might be the best solution," Tang Shuyi gently advised. "Many things between husband and wife need to be discussed openly. You should tell him your thoughts and boundaries, and of course, he should do the same. That's the only way to coexist peacefully over the long term."

Princess Changping remained silent, but from her expression, it was clear she was listening. Tang Shuyi continued, "Everyone has their way of living, and as long as it doesn't harm others, there's no right or wrong. But as you've said, you and the king are compatible, and he's not heartless towards you, so perhaps you might consider changing your way of life."

She spoke truthfully out of friendship for Princess Changping, knowing that if Princess Changping married the king and continued seeking the company of courtesans as before, the king would inevitably not tolerate it, leading to discord between them. And such behavior would also be detrimental to the child.

But that was all she could express; ultimately, how Princess Changping chose to live her life was her own prerogative.

Princess Changping hummed in agreement, "I've grown weary of those people anyway."

Tang Shuyi smiled, interpreting this as a genuine intention to change.

After chatting a bit more, Tang Shuyi returned home. The king had not yet departed, waiting for news. After sitting down, she relayed Princess Changping's decision to him. The king pondered for a moment and then said, "Alright."

He too knew this was the best solution.

"Your Highness," Tang Shuyi addressed the king seriously, "Princess Changping is a royal princess, the Emperor’s aunt. Her status needs no elaboration from me. Before she met you, she lived a carefree and indulgent life. She lacks nothing in terms of status or wealth; marrying you offers her little advantage. You are well aware of her temperament and how she conducts herself daily."

She spoke earnestly, and the king's expression grew serious involuntarily as he listened to her continue:

"Given her nature, if she resolutely refused to marry you and forbade you to take the child, neither you nor the Emperor would have any recourse. Her agreement to marry you is based on affection. I hope you do not take her goodwill for granted."

The king nodded

His feelings for Princess Changping were complicated. Although their association was brief, he genuinely enjoyed her company. She was straightforward and unrestrained, speaking and acting freely. In many ways, they were both lovers and comrades.

Despite this, before Princess Changping became pregnant, he had never contemplated marriage with her. He was well aware of her past liaisons with many courtesans. Thus, no matter his affections, he couldn't bring himself to marry her.

However, once Princess Changping was with child, he panicked. After much deliberation, he decided to marry her. To his surprise, Princess Changping was initially unwilling.

But now that she had agreed to marry, that was all that mattered.

Having received the answer he wanted, the King of Yong took his leave. Tang Shuyi and Xiao Huai returned to the World of Peaceful Security together. Along the way, she remarked, “Who can ever predict the future?”

Princess Changping probably never imagined that she would remarry one day.

Xiao Huai took her hand, “You’ve done all you could. How well she fares in the future is up to her now.”

Tang Shuyi smiled, “Don't worry, Princess Changping will surely thrive.”

Two days later, Princess Changping and the King of Yong entered the palace. Princess Changping went to see the Empress Dowager in Cining Palace, while the King of Yong met with the Emperor. Emperor Li Jingyi was surprised to learn of Princess Changping's pregnancy with the King of Yong’s child.

He could never have anticipated that the King of Yong would become involved with Princess Changping. If that was the case, why bother with using his daughter for a political marriage when he could have done it himself.

The King of Yong's face flushed with embarrassment; although he was sitting before the Emperor, the Emperor was just sixteen or seventeen and not yet married. Discussing such matters in his presence was awkward.

Emperor Li Jingyi’s surprise was fleeting, and then he asked, “What are your plans going forward?”

With anyone else, he would have asked about wedding plans, but he knew Princess Changping might not wish to marry. Although the King of Yong held a special status, Princess Changping was family, and his heart naturally leaned towards her.

The King of Yong cleared his throat, “I have discussed it with Princess Changping, and after our marriage, she will continue to reside in the capital.”

Emperor Li Jingyi hummed in acknowledgment but did not immediately consent. He made his way to Cining Palace, and only after hearing Princess Changping’s own wishes to marry the King of Yong did he issue the imperial edict of marriage.

Exiting the palace, the King of Yong assisted Princess Changping onto the carriage before joining her. Once seated, Princess Changping sighed deeply. The King of Yong inquired about her concerns, but she shook her head, saying it was nothing, despite feeling deeply moved and contemplative.