Chapter 603: Not a Duty, I Want to Marry the Princess Myself

Chapter 603: Not Out of Duty, But Because I Want to Marry the Princess

Consort Wang hid her surprise effortlessly, pretending to be angry. “I didn’t expect the Top Scholar to be so presumptuous!”

Yu Yongliu bowed deeply, his forehead nearly touching the ground. “I know my request is sudden, but please believe me, Your Highness—I would never disrespect the Princess. Even if we don’t meet face to face, I only wish to speak with her through the screen and ask a few questions.”

Though Consort Wang had already accepted Yu Yongliu in her mind as her future son-in-law and was pleased with his behavior, she kept looking indignant. “Then tell me, why do you want to see my daughter?”

Yu Yongliu answered honestly. “Because I want to ask for the Princess’s hand in marriage and hear her thoughts on the matter.”

As soon as he spoke, something fell inside the inner chamber, followed by a startled cry—clearly from a flustered young girl.

“Oh, this silly girl,” Consort Wang thought to herself.

Yu Yongliu froze at the familiar voice, instinctively glancing toward the inner chamber. Then he caught himself, realizing the impropriety, and lowered his gaze again, continuing his bow. “Please allow this, Your Highness. Rest assured, I won’t be improper—I just want to ask the Princess a few questions through the screen.”

Consort Wang was even more impressed by Yu Yongliu now.

But the more she approved, the more cautious she became. She couldn’t let her own feelings influence her daughter’s choice.

Just as she was about to ask him a few more questions, Qing An’s shaky voice drifted out from behind the screen. “That question alone is already too bold!”

Consort Wang: “…”

Oh daughter, you’re practically shouting that you like him! You can’t even stay hidden without responding?

Her tone sounded just like a girl teasing her sweetheart!

Consort Wang looked away, as if unable to bear listening any longer.

Yu Yongliu, meanwhile, dug his nails into his palm to steady himself before speaking softly. “Princess, I have no other choice. If I’ve offended you, I sincerely apologize.”

Qing An’s reply came quickly. “I never said that!”

Consort Wang closed her eyes briefly. Oh, her poor daughter.

After another pause, Yu Yongliu took a breath and finally said, “Since the Princess is here, I’ll speak plainly… Will you marry me?”

Consort Wang sucked in a sharp breath.

“You’ve got nerve, young man.”

Inside the room, there was silence for a long time. Consort Wang could almost picture her daughter blushing and flustered beyond belief.

Finally, Qing An’s shaky voice came again, her shaky attempt at composure betrayed by the tremor in her words. “You’re saying this… because you feel responsible?”

Yu Yongliu hesitated, remembering how she had rejected him when he had spoken of responsibility before.

He met her question firmly. “Not out of duty. It’s because I truly want to marry you.”

At those words, something else fell over inside the room. Consort Wang could no longer sit still, worried that her usually clever daughter might trip or hurt herself in her flustered state around Yu Yongliu.

She gave Yu Yongliu a helpless look.

Truly, this Top Scholar must be extraordinary—to have completely smitten her daughter like this.

Absolutely not—she had to set all the ground rules for her daughter before this marriage was finalized!

Yu Yongliu stood there, putting on a calm front, but his back was drenched in sweat.

—He, too, was waiting for Princess Qing An’s answer.

For what felt like ages, there was no sound from inside.

The Princess of Ying could hardly sit still anymore and was just about to get up to check on her daughter when Qing An’s voice came from the inner chamber, tinged with unmistakable shyness: "...Marriages are arranged by parents and matchmakers. Why are you asking me?"

Yu Yongliu was momentarily stunned as he processed Princess Qing An’s words.

She was saying yes!

—The princess liked him back!

A wave of pure joy surged from the soles of his feet straight to the top of his head!

His sweat-soaked robe no longer bothered him at all. His whole body felt weightless, as if he might float into the sky at any moment!

This normally composed young man wore a goofy grin for the first time, standing there forgetful of all his manners like an awkward youth.

The Princess of Ying found herself smiling at the sight of the two young people.

However, she knew that a proper marriage required more than just puppy love.

She cleared her throat pointedly, breaking the lovey-dovey mood.

She wanted to put this Yu fellow in his place.

Her daughter was a noble princess, pampered and protected within their household. Moreover, her daughter wasn’t only of high status but also kind-hearted, setting aside her monthly allowance every year and often accompanying her to charity work at the local alms houses.

In the eyes of the Princess of Ying, even the palace princesses couldn’t hold a candle to her daughter!

Although she quite liked this would-be son-in-law, she couldn’t let this foolish boy sweep her daughter off her feet so easily!

Thinking this, the Princess of Ying couldn’t help but adopt the air of a future mother-in-law scrutinizing her potential match, giving Yu Yongliu the once-over: "...Earlier, you mentioned wanting to marry my Qing An. Lord Yu, you must understand that Her Royal Highness is a princess of the realm—not some common girl you can just marry."

Yu Yongliu bowed deeply again, sincerity evident in his expression: "I understand completely. Please, Your Highness, tell me what it takes—I will do whatever it takes."

The Princess of Ying gave a light chuckle. "Lord Yu, your words make it sound as though if I lay out my conditions and you meet them, you can have my daughter. It's not that simple. We're just feeling things out. The final decision will rest with our prince, who is currently away on official business."

Yu Yongliu had been prepared for this.

He understood the magnitude of marrying someone of Princess Qing An’s stature—he was ready to give everything to win her hand.

He also clearly grasped the Princess of Ying’s meaning. She wanted to test him further.

She was making it clear that even if her daughter agreed, they were under no obligation to approve the match.

Yu Yongliu didn’t dare relax in the slightest. He stood stiff as a board, nodding obediently.

The Princess of Ying was perfectly satisfied with his response.

She rose and circled Yu Yongliu openly, inspecting him thoroughly.

He was so tense that his limbs felt completely numb, as if they no longer belonged to him.

Even during the palace examination, when Emperor Jiazheng had scrutinized him from the throne, he hadn't been this nervous!

After finishing her inspection, the Princess of Ying sat back down, perfectly satisfied.