Chapter 603: Inappropriate

Chapter 603: Inappropriate

Not seeing anyone from the Princess's residence at the venue, Su Youyue's gaze turned to the Emperor of Dongrong, a wise and intelligent ruler who led a powerful nation.

The Emperor of Dongrong was already in his sixties, and the marks of time were evident on his body—his hair was gray, and his skin showed signs of aging. However, these traces of time did not diminish his majesty and authority. Ordinary people could instantly sense the commanding presence of a supreme ruler upon seeing him.

Beside the Emperor stood an elderly woman dressed in lavish attire. Since the current Emperor's harem only had one highly respected Noble Consort Hui, it was easy to guess her identity even for those who had never met her before.

After the two took their seats, everyone promptly knelt and paid their respects.

"Rise," Emperor Xuanming's voice boomed with authority. Though he smiled slightly, his majesty remained undiminished. "Today, on this fine occasion, all of you need not be reserved. Enjoy the plum blossoms and wine to your heart's content. Let the banquet begin."

Despite his words, everyone was far more restrained than before the Emperor's arrival. There would certainly be no repeat of the earlier incident where Meng Zhiyi stirred up trouble.

"Brother," Prince Bei abruptly stood up. "You have always loved beautiful scenery, and merely looking at plum blossoms seems too monotonous. Today, I have specially sought out a rare flower for you."

"Oh? Where is it? Bring it up for me to see," Emperor Xuanming looked at his younger brother, Prince Bei, and in that instant, the majesty in his eyes vanished, replaced by the doting affection of an elder brother for his younger sibling.

Prince Bei clapped his hands, and instantly, two pots of peonies in full bloom were brought forward. The layers of petals were exquisitely beautiful, and as soon as they were brought in, they captured everyone's attention.

"In the depths of winter, where did these peonies come from?"

"Needless to say, they must have been meticulously cultivated in a greenhouse, with smokeless charcoal burned to keep them warm in the cold."

Some people whispered below.

This was undoubtedly no small expense, but since it was Prince Bei who presented the flowers, no one found it surprising.

Emperor Xuanming laughed heartily upon seeing the flowers. "Good, good, good. My brother has gone to great lengths to please me, even taking the trouble to cultivate flowers in winter. Tell me, how shall I reward you?"

For such scenes, everyone was already accustomed to. Even if Prince Bei had presented nothing more than a blank sheet of paper, the Emperor would have praised it and bestowed generous rewards upon him.

But what stunned everyone today was Prince Bei's next words.

"Brother, I desire nothing. It's just that you are so occupied with state affairs, and I can't visit you every day. I feel rather lonely. It would be delightful if I had a charming companion in my residence."

As soon as these words were spoken, someone nearly choked on their drink.

Prince Bei held a prestigious position and was deeply favored by the Emperor. Over the years, many had set their sights on his marriage prospects, but he was notoriously free-spirited. There were very few women suitable to be his principal wife—either he didn't fancy them, or they didn't fancy him.

As for those of lesser status, he was even more picky, more so than any young lady. He would reject those with good character for being unattractive, and those who were beautiful for lacking good character. Even when he found someone with both beauty and virtue, he would find them uninteresting.

Thus, his marriage had been delayed for years. Even the Emperor, who had initially urged him from time to time, had stopped pressing him and let him be.

It was said that when he went to Dasheng, he had taken a liking to someone, but she didn't reciprocate his feelings, which delighted those who had suffered from Prince Bei's capriciousness over the years.

Now, seeing him bring up the matter himself, everyone was stunned.

Emperor Xuanming, however, laughed heartily, seemingly unsurprised by Prince Bei's request. "You, in the past, I urged you, but you were in no hurry. Now that no one is pushing you, you finally feel lonely, and you use me as an excuse? Speak, which young lady has caught your eye? I will grant her to you."

Everyone broke into a cold sweat. His words implied that whichever young lady Prince Bei fancied, she would have to marry him, willing or not.

And this was indeed the truth. No family would risk offending both Prince Bei and the Emperor for the sake of a daughter.

Soon, some people turned their gazes to Su Youyue.

This Miss Shen was the only one who had recently been linked with Prince Bei. Was he planning to ask for her hand in marriage today?

However, her status was somewhat low for Prince Bei. Being a concubine would be more appropriate.

But even as a concubine, she would be the highest-ranking woman in Prince Bei's household, a dramatic change in status.

The Shen family had been striving to climb the social ladder for years, but they probably never expected such a golden opportunity to slip through their fingers. Now, they must be filled with regret!

Some people stole glances at the Shen family's expressions. While the younger members didn't show much, Master Shen and Madam Fang's expressions were visibly displeased.

Others turned their eyes to the Ding'an Houfu, where Miss Meng's eyes blazed with fury.

As expected, Prince Bei looked towards Su Youyue.

Su Youyue's heart sank.

This was trouble. She truly hadn't anticipated that Prince Bei would pull such a move, taking her completely by surprise.

The Imperial Consort Hui, standing beside the emperor, smiled and said, "Your Majesty, it seems the prince is looking at the Shen family's Miss Shen. The prince truly has good taste. I've also heard of Miss Shen and find her to be quite remarkable. That's why I specially summoned her to the palace today. It seems we are about to witness a wonderful match."

At this moment, Su Youyue finally understood the purpose of the Dongrong emperor summoning her to the palace today. No matter how quick her mind was, refusing an imperial marriage decree would be a serious offense—it would be a direct insult to the emperor's dignity!

But she had no intention of agreeing, not even willing to utter a single word of acceptance.

The Dongrong emperor looked at her with interest and said, "Oh? She does indeed seem remarkable. It's rare for my brother to show such interest after all these years. How could I stand in the way of a good match? So be it. I hereby decree that Miss Shen Nan of the Shen family shall be Prince Bei's concubine. Select an auspicious date for her to enter the prince's household."

Hearing that it was for the position of concubine, everyone found it reasonable. If Miss Shen were still with the Shen family, she might barely qualify as Prince Bei's concubine. But now, with her backing from the Bai family, her status was too low to qualify as Prince Bei's principal wife.

Master Shen and Madam Fang, however, breathed a sigh of relief. This was the best possible outcome in an unfortunate situation.

If Shen Nan had become Prince Bei's principal wife, given her arrogance, she would have become insufferably arrogant, and the Shen family would have had no future!

But over at the Ding'an Houfu, even upon hearing that Shen Nan was to be a concubine, Meng Zhiyi gritted her teeth in anger. Did this mean she would have to bow and greet Shen Nan in the future?

Just the thought of it was enough to drive her mad!

Meanwhile, Su Youyue, who had no intention of agreeing to this marriage, took a deep breath upon hearing the Dongrong emperor's words.

Just as she stood up, preparing to carefully phrase her refusal, a voice suddenly came from behind her.

"Uncle, this marriage is not suitable."