Chapter 24: The Proposal

Chapter 24: The Proposal

For the following half-month, everything was calm, and they did not experience any body swapping. However, the brief episode had left a profound impact on Rong Bi. She was grateful that she had accompanied the princess, distancing herself from the capital. The crown prince likely wouldn't have an immediate opportunity to kill her. She wondered if her actions might have offended him.

But she knew that in the eyes of those noble figures, she was but an insignificant ant.

Why had their bodies switched in the first place? She recalled how the crown prince had cried in the princess's embrace while in her body.

How close they were as siblings. Rong Bi felt a pang of homesickness, thinking about her brothers and her parents. She yearned to return home. Uncontrollably, she imagined if she could switch into the crown prince's body again, she might use his position to do something beneficial for herself, like freeing her from the palace or rewarding her parents?

However, even contemplating such acts was dangerous. If any noble discovered her secret actions, it would mean certain doom. Besides, she didn't know how the crown prince would react – would he eliminate her as a threat or... keep her alive because she could be useful to the princess? After all, he had effortlessly traveled thousands of miles to reach this northern land. Though disheartened, she couldn't help but ponder these possibilities.

After a journey of half a month, they finally arrived in the North.

The thirteen states of Jingbei had long suffered from warfare since the previous dynasty. Years of conflict had left the land ravaged and the people impoverished, with bandits rampant and life unbearable. Yet, the former Jingbei King, upon receiving the title to govern these states, had quelled the bandits, eradicated mountain thieves, granted tax exemptions, distributed oxen for farming, and raised troops. He had revived the desolate north, so much so that legend had it that when the former Jingbei King passed away, soldiers and civilians wept, donning mourning attire, and established tablets for his eternal memory.

Although the current Jingbei King had a reputation for brutality, his prowess in battle and the prestige of his predecessor made him highly respected and feared throughout the thirteen states. The Minister of Rites, who led the marriage procession, first asked the princess to temporarily settle in an annex of the royal guesthouse. Then, he presented the marriage contract to the envoy sent by the Jingbei King to receive the bride. Before the ceremony of presenting betrothal gifts, the envoy had already been dispatched to the capital. Now, they awaited the Jingbei King himself to come and personally escort the princess for the formal wedding.

In the imperial relay station, Princess Yi Yang had just emerged from her bath, surrounded by her attendants. Some were combing and oiling her hair with tea oil and fragrant dew, while others were applying perfumed cream to her translucent skin. Yet another was trimming her nails and dyeing them with the brightest, most lustrous rouge. After their long journey, it was essential that the princess be presented in the most alluring state for her marriage.

Rong Bi held the perfumed cream, inhaling the delicate fragrance. She knew it was the priceless Snow Crystal Concentrated Cream, a luxury beyond the reach of commoners. Gazing at Princess Yi Yang, lazily wrapped in her warm cloak, Rong Bi mused about how strange it was that even those of high status still had their own worries.

She imagined herself sitting in the courtyard of her humble brick house, holding a kitten, basking in the sun, without having to think about her duties or fear criticism from the palace officials. Lost in thought, she noticed a palace official slip in quietly to report, "Your Highness, Prince Jingbei has sent an envoy. He wishes to pay his respects and deliver a royal edict."

Princess Yi Yang, as usual, was casual. Wrapping herself in her cloak, she sat on a heated couch, allowing only a slight arrangement of her hair and the hanging of a beaded curtain. She instructed her attendants to summon the envoy.

Through the shimmering beads, the envoy, Lu Peiling, stepped forward and bowed. "This humble servant, Lu Peiling, pays his respects to Your Highness." Behind him stood several formidable generals in black armor, though they had left their weapons behind out of respect for the royal presence. Each one exuded a stern air, standing in a row behind Lu Peiling with stoic expressions. One of them even wore a bronze mask, perhaps to conceal a wound or an unsightly face.

Princess Yi Yang's brows lifted slightly as she slowly sat up straighter. Rong Bi, standing by her side, observed the tension in her back and the clenching of her jaw, feeling a bit puzzled. Despite this, Princess Yi Yang's voice remained calm and nonchalant. "You may rise. What is the purpose of your mission, Envoy?"

Through the beaded curtain, Rong Bi saw Lu Peiling's smiling face. "This humble servant has been commanded by His Highness to seek an alliance through marriage."

Princess Yi Yang frowned but maintained her casual tone. "Didn't we already have a special envoy for the wedding? Most of the traditional three letters and six rituals have already taken place. Why seek a marriage proposal now?"

Lu Peiling explained, "Your Highness, you may not be aware, but our prince has several trusted generals who have fought alongside him for years, risking life and limb. They are like brothers to him, with whom he has sworn to share both adversity and prosperity. Now that the prince is taking a wife, he feels deeply regretful that these two generals are still unmarried. Having heard that Princess has brought several lady attendants, all refined and accomplished women, he has asked this humble servant to inform you that these brothers wish to request the hand of these ladies in marriage. If Your Highness grants them this honor, they could hold their weddings on the same day, truly sharing in prosperity!"

All the lady attendants present were startled.

Presently, Princess Yi Yang had four lady attendants, all holding the rank of seventh-grade officials. Mei Xiang, the eldest at nearly twenty, oversaw the princess's wardrobe and daily needs. She was previously trained by Empress Shen and was undoubtedly trustworthy. Rong Bi took charge of the princess's meals. The other two younger ladies were sisters from the He family, whom the princess had named Shi Hong and Kuai Lu. Shi Hong managed the jewelry and cosmetics, while Kuai Lu attended to the study matters. All four were carefully selected by the Palace Ladies' Bureau, and they were all known for their attractiveness.

After a moment of silence, Princess Yi Yang softly chuckled. She slipped her delicate feet into embroidered shoes, lifted the beaded curtain, and walked out directly.

At first, Lu Peiling assumed one of the princess's attendants was stepping out. However, he saw a woman with captivating features, sharp brows, and lustrous black hair tied loosely. All the eunuchs and lady attendants around her bowed in respect. Startled, he hadn't expected Princess Yi Yang herself to come out so openly. A fragrant breeze rushed out from behind the beaded curtain.

Princess Yi Yang met Lu Peiling's gaze without averting it. "Prime Minister Lu, known as a young Zhang Liang, the descendant of Ghost Valley, personally coming to propose marriage on behalf of Prince Jingbei's comrades who have shared life and death, prosperity and adversity – your dedication is commendable."

Lu Peiling's expression shifted slightly, surprised that the princess, isolated in the imperial city, knew his name so well. "In that case, would Princess be willing to grant marriage to these heroic soldiers? Prince Jingbei is prepared to offer generous dowries, ensuring no disrespect to these esteemed Palace Ladies."

Princess Yi Yang smiled. "These Palace Ladies are also like sisters to me; I cannot marry them off lightly. I must ask for their opinions. Prime Minister Lu, please return first. I will consider your proposal."

Lu Peiling responded, "These marshals are valiant warriors, capable of decapitating enemy leaders in battle, and they hold ranks for their deeds. As the future Princess of Jing, our queen-to-be, it would be wise to win the hearts of these soldiers. Prince Jingbei has your best interests at heart, so please don't be too hesitant."

His words were both disrespectful and provocative, anticipating Princess Yi Yang's anger. However, she turned to him, her face calm. "Prime Minister, your eloquence is indeed impressive, worthy of Prince Jingbei's reliance. But I have a question for you: these marshals are chosen by Prince Jingbei due to their bravery, loyalty, and achievements. My Palace Ladies exhibit comparable bravery and intellect. For Prince Jingbei, it's crucial to gain the loyalty of these soldiers. Likewise, these Palace Ladies are also subjects I need to win over. If they are to marry, it should be with their full consent."

"Moreover, Palace Ladies hold official ranks and come from reputable families. As a newcomer, I can't do without their service. If they are to wed, it should wait until I am firmly established as Princess of Jingbei and familiar with the situation. Otherwise, would the prime minister prefer me to be without trusted attendants? After all, I wouldn't want to be unable to find someone to apply my rouge."

Lu Peiling was taken aback by Princess Yi Yang's response. As she entered through the curtain, he realized he had underestimated her.

Lu Peiling bowed farewell and exited the princess's residence.

"Impressing one's authority," Princess Yi Yang said with a faint tone.

The ladies-in-waiting beside her all displayed subtle signs of anxiety. "Princess, in these Thirteen Provinces of the North, the prince holds the highest power. If he truly decides on an arranged marriage, we really would be..."

Princess Yi Yang chuckled coldly. "If he thinks this can intimidate me, then he underestimates me greatly. I have my own ways to protect you all. Have faith."

The ladies-in-waiting exchanged glances, their eyelashes lowered as they looked at Princess Yi Yang. Fear filled their hearts, and even Rong Bi was reminded once more of that uncontrollable sense of insecurity she had experienced within the palace walls.

Lu Peiling and the generals mounted their horses, galloping through the forest. Turning with a smile, Lu Peiling addressed the masked general behind him, "Princess' demeanor is indeed extraordinary. I fear the Prince's scheme will come to naught."

The general removed his bronze mask, revealing a face hidden beneath: sharp eyebrows, a cold gaze, a straight nose, and thin lips tinged with paleness. "I didn't actually expect her to agree, but it's not up to her. We'll proceed with the plan in a few days."

Lu Peiling said, "I observe that this princess, whose joy and anger are not revealed on her face, has a deep and intricate mind, and is intelligent and gentle, yet firm in character. She is truly unlike the ordinary women of her age who have grown up in the deep palace. The prince wishes to marry off all the palace maids around her, to trim her claws and teeth, to seal her ears and eyes, and to isolate and imprison her within the prince's mansion. However, it may not be so easy. This display of power might provoke her rebellious spirit, which would not be a good outcome."

Prince Jingbei's face was devoid of expression. "There's no need. Stick to the original plan."

Lu Peiling, however, let out a slow, deliberate sigh. "Actually, if this princess weren't Princess Yuan Zixu's daughter, judging from her conduct and demeanor, she would indeed be worthy of the title of Princess Consort Jingbei. I had heard that Empress Shen was an admirable empress, but this princess doesn't seem to possess the virtue and gentleness one would expect."

Prince Jingbei, Guo Shuji, saw the vibrant and lively spark in her eyes just now, and his thoughts drifted for a moment before he said, "If she behaves herself, let's still grant her a life of wealth and stability."