Chapter 18: Imperial Marriage Bestowed

Chapter 18: Imperial Marriage Bestowed

After bidding farewell to Prince Zheng Changyuan, Princess Yi Yang was deeply troubled. She wished to enter the palace but received news that the Emperor had been examining the Crown Prince's studies, and the prince had fumbled his responses, revealing a lack of diligence in his education. The Emperor flew into a rage and ordered the prince to remain confined to his quarters for three months to focus on his studies, forbidding anyone from disturbing him.

Princess Yi Yang found it hard to sit still or relax, but soon the Crown Prince sent word to her through intermediaries, assuring her not to worry as he was doing fine.

How could she not be worried?

After pacing around for a while, Princess Yi Yang attempted to send someone to the palace to gather more information. However, all she learned was that the Emperor had taken some medicinal pills that day, causing him to be irritable. Several princes had been reprimanded, including the Crown Prince, who, as the eldest son, had failed to provide satisfactory answers. This further infuriated the Emperor, resulting in punishment not only for the Crown Prince but also for the other princes and even their teachers, who were all demoted and had their salaries reduced.

On the surface, everything seemed normal.

Yet, Princess Yi Yang knew something was amiss.

They were facing suspicion and suppression from the ruler of the world, their own biological father.

Empress Luo had skillfully exploited a deceitful witch, fabricating prophecies, successfully instigating the aging Emperor, whose health was declining, to doubt and suppress his own flesh and blood.

And they had no means to defend themselves.

Empress Luo's move was indeed a deadly chain of schemes.

Bad news followed one after another, swift as lightning.

An imperial edict was issued from the palace: The emperor, out of concern for his eldest daughter becoming a widow at a young age, had specially arranged a marriage for Princess Yi Yang, and the groom-to-be was none other than Prince Jingbei.

The entire court was shaken to its core.

Prince Jingbei was an imperial prince, with an unbroken line of inheritance since the founding of the Great Yong dynasty. The first Prince Jingbei had fought side by side with the Yuan family to conquer the world, renowned for his bravery and military prowess. Back then, they had agreed that whoever captured the capital first would become the emperor. However, when the Bei Xi tribe suddenly revolted, the Guo family hesitated, fearing the fragmentation of their land. They turned their troops to defend against the enemy.

The Yuans seized the capital first and became the Great Yong's founding emperor, known as the Grand Ancestor. For the sake of peace in the realm, the Guos retreated to the north and submitted as vassals. The Grand Ancestor, taking advantage of the situation, granted the thirteen northern states as the Guo family's fiefdom, bestowed upon Prince Jingbei the Nine Honors, and a golden book and iron certificate, guaranteeing immunity from punishment for future generations.

In reality, it was well-known to all that the Jingbei Thirteen Provinces were governed like an ironclad fortress under the rule of the Prince Jingbei. The people there recognized only the commands of the prince's household, effectively forming a kingdom within the kingdom. The lineage of Prince Jingbei had never paid homage to the emperor directly, obeying orders but not summons.

Prince Jingbei's lineage was not prolific, with each generation producing only one heir. They had been entrusted with defending the northern lands for generations. The region was harsh and cold, while the Bei Xi tribe was restless, launching several major southern incursions over the decades. Yet, the Prince Jingbei's disciplined iron cavalry kept them at bay, securing the northern border.

This current Prince Jingbei, Guo Shuji, was a fierce character in his thirties. His princess consort had passed away earlier in the year, leaving no offspring. Thus, the prince remained without an heir.

Upon receiving the imperial decree, Princess Yi Yang's face remained composed. She thanked the envoy and dismissed them, then spent the night alone in her chamber deep in thought.

Upon opening the doors the next day, her countenance appeared as usual, but her eyes were rimmed with red. She calmly instructed the princess consort's chief steward to pack their belongings.

Duke Ding's consort arrived promptly, and Princess Yi Yang hastily went to pay her respects.

Duke Ding's wife was always amiable, and Princess Yi Yang had always held her in high regard, not daring to accept her formal greetings. Instead, she personally went down to welcome her and invited her to take a seat.

Duke Ding's consort sighed, "Princess, there's no need for humility. With the imperial edict issued, your connection with Duke Ding's residence has come to an end. The Duke, avoiding any appearance of impropriety, has sent this old lady specifically to advise you not to act impulsively and do anything that might defy the sovereign."

Princess Yi Yang expressed her gratitude with a gentle smile. "Thank you for your kind reminder, Madam. Even though you don't explicitly say it, I've always regarded you and Duke Ding as my parents in my heart."

Duke Ding's consort smiled bitterly. "Allow me to speak out of turn. Haven't we always treated you like our own daughter? The Duke merely wants to remind the princess that Prince Jingbei is not an ordinary prince; he is a vassal king with independent authority. He only obeys the Emperor's orders when called upon. Without his consent, the Emperor would never have issued such a marriage edict. If the Prince were to defy the order, it would be a disgrace to the royal family. Hence, the Emperor must have already reached an understanding with Prince Jingbei and obtained his approval. Since this isn't a hasty decision, it shows the Emperor's deep forethought and cannot be influenced by others. Princess, you must not act impulsively."

Princess Yi Yang assured, "Madam, rest assured, I am well aware. Father is sending me away, both to get rid of me as an eyesore and to forge ties with Prince Jingbei. If I can bear him a son, it will greatly aid in reunifying the northern lands in the future. That is all there is to it."

Duke Ding's consort replied, "I know that the princess understands the importance of easing your father's burdens."

Princess Yi Yang said sorrowfully, "But, how easy is it to get along with Prince Jingbei? Once I'm truly married to him, as a vulnerable woman, what difference does my noble status make? I could be neglected, imprisoned, or even poisoned. Father is sending me away, leaving no sister for the crown prince to rely on outside the palace. Without the support of the Duke Ding's residence, the crown prince's fate will solely depend on the Emperor's whims. The crown prince's position is perilous, and he needs the assistance of the Duke Ding's residence..."

Princess Yi Yang suddenly stood up and bowed deeply to Duke Ding's consort.

Duke Ding's wife was startled and quickly stepped aside. "Princess, please do not pay such deep respect; it overwhelms this old lady."

Yi Yang Princess spoke solemnly, "The life of the Crown Prince can only be entrusted to your husband. If there comes a day when the clouds part and the sun shines through, I will repay your kindness a thousand times over."

A trace of unwavering determination flickered in Yi Yang Princess's eyes, filled with sorrow yet resolute.

Duke Ding's wife wiped away her tears. "Princess, rest assured. Our Lord has said that you should go ahead with the marriage without worry. Although Prince Bei Xi has a reputation for brutality, most of it is mere hearsay. Since he inherited his title, he has defeated the Bei Xi tribe several times, demonstrating both talent and ambition, making him a rare formidable figure in this world. You, a woman chosen from thousands, will surely honor your father and king as the Princess Consort of Prince Bei Xi. When Great Yong enjoys peace and prosperity, your contributions will be remembered in history. The Crown Prince is capable, and since the Emperor has bestowed you upon Prince Bei Xi, he must have great expectations for both you and the prince. You must not lose hope."

Yi Yang Princess whispered, "My father taught me an important lesson. Madam, please be at ease."

"The Crown Prince is under house arrest, so the Emperor must have sealed off the news. It's likely that he won't learn of my marriage until after I leave. That's for the best. He's still young, so I beg Duke Ding to take care and advise the prince. Once the decision is made, there's no turning back. He needs to focus on being a good prince, endure in silence like a hidden dragon. As long as he remains patient and makes no mistakes, the Emperor will not lightly replace him. There will come a day when the clouds disperse and the moon shines brightly."

Duke Ding's wife nodded. "Duke has also considered this. Princess, you can put your mind at ease."

She stood up. "I cannot stay longer. I'll take my leave now. Princess, you possess wisdom and understanding. Prince Bei Xi is a formidable figure of his time. With patience and tactful maneuvering, the unified kingdom and prosperous land of Great Yong depend on you."

Yi Yang Princess rose to see her off. "Thank you for your guidance, Madam."

After bidding farewell to Duke Ding's wife, Yi Yang Princess turned to Rong Bi and asked softly, "Your status in the palace remains intact. If you don't wish to accompany me on this distant marriage, I'll grant you permission to return to the palace, sparing you from accompanying me."

Rong Bi knelt on both knees. "This servant is willing to accompany Princess Yi Yang into marriage."

Princess Yi Yang raised an eyebrow. "You're a clever person. If you were to return to the palace now, Empress Luo wouldn't let you off easily."

She let out a long sigh. "However, the northern lands are harsh and cold. Prince Jingbei might not tolerate me. You must mentally prepare yourself. Perhaps you'll never be able to return to your hometown for the rest of your life."

Rong Bi's heart tightened, but she whispered, "This servant trusts in Princess Yi Yang."

Princess Yi Yang's expression turned forlorn. The pride and ambition she had displayed before Duke Ding's wife were gone. She held the jade bracelet tightly in her hand and murmured, "If I were a man, I would have accomplished great things. Unfortunately, as a woman, I am forced to navigate among men... I once thought that I wouldn't need to marry again in this lifetime... But life is unpredictable."

"Yet, a hundred years of happiness depends on others. Haha, I never imagined spending my life like that. I'd rather live a vibrant and eventful life, making my presence known as Yuan Yiqing."

Rong Bi lowered her gaze, remaining silent.