The cunning Consort Xian, who considered herself a master of palace intrigue, had a principle: she could bend when necessary. When the other party was in a favorable position, she would kneel before them. But when they were in trouble, she would bounce back and trample them.
So over the years, despite her intense hatred for the Crown Prince, Consort Xian knew that the Emperor and the Empress Dowager favored him the most. In front of the Crown Prince, she would always be submissive. The Emperor had always treated Royal Princess Leyang as a sister, so when the Royal Princess put on airs, Consort Xian pretended not to notice.
But now, things were different. This wicked Royal Princess Leyang was in trouble! Consort Xian dared not scold the Crown Prince, but she would certainly make things difficult for Royal Princess Leyang!
"Consort Xian?" The exhausted-looking Royal Princess Leyang asked, "Weren't you ill and confined to your palace, unable to receive guests? How is it that within an hour, you've suddenly recovered from your illness?"
"I must say, my dear sister-in-law, you are quite unreasonable," Consort Xian threw her flower-embroidered handkerchief aside and said in a meaningful tone, "As your sister-in-law, I'm giving you some face by saying that I'm not fit to receive guests due to illness. Do you want me to be blunt and say that I don't want to see you?"
"Consort Xian, you're going too far!" Royal Princess Leyang's face turned pale, "You're just a consort. What qualifications do you have to meddle in my affairs?"
"You failed to discipline your daughter who dared to plot against the Crown Prince. What's wrong with scolding you? It's your fault for failing to educate your daughter. You deserve the scolding," Consort Xian scolded with great pleasure. She then turned to the Crown Prince and smiled, "Isn't that right, Crown Prince?"
The Crown Prince, standing beside Hua Liuli, silently watched the drama unfold.
When Consort Xian looked at him, he raised an eyebrow with a smile but didn't say a word.
Seeing the Crown Prince's reaction, Consort Xian felt reassured. If the Crown Prince didn't speak up, it meant he agreed. As long as the Crown Prince didn't take the side of that wicked Royal Princess Leyang, she could argue with her all day and night.
"Oh, what do you mean by going too far? Back then, when you bullied me in front of my son, you didn't say that," Consort Xian thought for a moment, "Oh, I see, you called it teaching manners."
"Today, as your little sister-in-law, I'll also teach you some manners."
Bullying the mother in front of her child...
Hua Liuli, who was originally enjoying the spectacle, couldn't help but turn her head towards the Crown Prince when Consort Xian brought up the matter. Did Royal Princess Leyang, in the past, also bully Empress Gonghui?
She gently tugged on the Crown Prince's sleeve and whispered in his ear, "I think Consort Xian scolded her well."
The Crown Prince chuckled softly, "Hua Liuli, our minds are truly connected. Our opinions are so similar."
"Oh my," Hua Liuli smiled at the Crown Prince and suddenly changed her expression. She covered her mouth in astonishment and looked at Royal Princess Leyang, "Royal Princess Leyang, I thought you were just hostile towards your sisters and enjoyed being physically aggressive. I didn't expect you to dare insult even the Emperor's beloved consorts. How could you be like this?"
Royal Princess Leyang couldn't bear it any longer, "You're just a child, you have no right to interfere in adults' matters!"
Seeing Hua Liuli reminded her of the humiliation she had suffered last time. Seeing her dare to mention it, Royal Princess Leyang retorted, "Who are you, an outsider, to meddle in imperial family affairs? Are the Hua family planning a rebellion?"
Consort Xian, witnessing Hua Liuli speaking up in her defense, didn't mind her previous dislike of Hua Liuli. She immediately said, "You always throw around the accusation of rebellion. Who are you trying to scare? Everyone knows that the Hua family has always been loyal to the imperial family. By slandering loyal ministers and generals, aren't you chilling the hearts of the officials?"
Royal Princess Leyang realized that she had spoken in anger and made a mistake. Her visit to the palace today was not to ask the Emperor to release her daughter but to present herself as a helpless and unaware mother.
At this critical moment, offending the Hua family was extremely unwise. But she couldn't blame herself for losing her temper. It was simply because Hua Liuli's pretentious behavior was so disgusting. How could the Crown Prince be fond of such a person?
"Aunt Leyang, Liuli is Gu's savior and the future Crown Princess whom Gu wants to marry into the Eastern Palace. By accusing the Hua family of rebellion, are you doubting my intentions?" The Crown Prince's face turned cold as he spoke, "Gu never expected Aunt Leyang to have such a misconception about Gu. Gu is deeply saddened."
"Crown Prince misunderstood. I had no such intention..."
"Husband and wife are one entity. By insulting Gu's betrothed, you insult Gu," the Crown Prince sighed, "There is no need for further explanation. Gu already understands your meaning."
"Since Aunt Leyang holds Gu and Gu's betrothed in such contempt, we will no longer linger here to disturb you," the Crown Prince said, and with that, he supported Hua Liuli and slowly walked away in another direction.
"Crown Prince..."
"Royal Princess Leyang," a eunuch attendant by the Crown Prince's side intervened with a fake smile, extending his hand to stop her, "Fushou Junzhu is physically weak and prone to illness, and she is still recovering from a severe injury. This old servant implores you not to disturb the Crown Prince and the future Crown Princess any further."
Royal Princess Leyang was left fuming. She hadn't done anything, yet she was being portrayed as a heinous tyrant by these people.
"Fine, fine, fine..." She uttered the word "fine" three times out of anger. Even the eunuchs by the Crown Prince's side could humiliate her. What dignity did she, a Royal Princess, have left?
Consort Xian felt relieved seeing Royal Princess Leyang's face turn pale with anger, but something didn't feel quite right. When did Hua Liuli and the Crown Prince get betrothed? How did they become a betrothed couple?
In the world of palace intrigue, she was a professional. It was impossible for her to be unaware of such important news.
"Tian family's Consort, I will remember this humiliation today," Royal Princess Leyang coldly smiled at the eunuch who blocked her way, "Go back and tell your Crown Prince that Consort Xian managed to take advantage of me today and undermine me. If the Crown Prince makes even the slightest mistake in the future, this esteemed Consort Xian will treat him with the same contempt and insults as she did to me today."
"Ugh!" Consort Xian didn't expect Princess Leyang to bring up such trouble. She quickly retorted, "Don't compare yourself to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince. You're not worthy!"
In the palace, which woman didn't know how to be flexible and adaptable?
"Hmph," Royal Princess Leyang sneered, "We'll see."
"Please rest assured, Royal Princess Leyang, that day will never come," the eunuch from the Eastern Palace raised an eyebrow.
Consort Xian breathed a sigh of relief. It seemed that the Crown Prince still trusted her.
"The Crown Prince will never be like you today..." The eunuch from the Eastern Palace bowed respectfully, "Consort Xian, Royal Princess Leyang, this old servant will take my leave."
Consort Xian: "..."
She felt humiliated.
"Betrothed?" In a secluded place, Hua Liuli looked at the Crown Prince with a half-smile.
"Gu is just telling others about our future," the Crown Prince justified confidently, "It's not considered lying, right?"
Hua Liuli raised an eyebrow and smiled without saying a word.
"Could it be... Liuli doesn't want to be betrothed to Gu?" The Crown Prince lowered his eyelids, "If you think it's too soon, Gu can talk to Father Emperor and ask him to postpone the marriage proposal to your esteemed family."
"It's fine, it's just a betrothal," Hua Liuli generously smiled, "As long as the Crown Prince is happy."
The Crown Prince instantly brightened with a smile, "That's good."
"After all, a betrothal is not the same as marriage. If the Crown Prince isn't good enough, we can still call off the betrothal," Hua Liuli teased, "Don't you think so, Your Royal Highness?"
The Crown Prince: "..."
It seemed that even with a betrothal, one couldn't let their guard down.
Little did they know, due to the incident with one of their envoy's death, the Kingdom of Daimao was worried about angering the Emperor and Crown Prince of Great Jin. They hurriedly sent messengers back to their capital, riding at full speed. The news frightened Daimao's old Emperor so much that he couldn't sleep all night. That very night, he ordered the preparation of a generous apology gift and sent a remarkably beautiful princess to Great Jin, claiming it to be a gift of apology.
The poor Princess of Daimao cried throughout the journey. However, in order to appease the anger of the Great Jin and to arrive before the Hundred Nations Banquet officially began, they rode without rest, finally arriving in the capital of the Great Jin.
Princess of Daimao sat dignified inside the carriage. Although she was very curious about the capital of the Great Jin, she didn't dare to lift the curtain and take a peek. It wasn't until she heard the laughter and chatter of women outside that she couldn't contain her curiosity any longer and secretly lifted the carriage curtain to take a glimpse.
What a bustling scene it was.
She stared in astonishment at the world outside the carriage. Those women walking hand in hand, were they not even wearing veils?
And those couples holding hands, wouldn't the passersby criticize their behavior?
"Princess," the etiquette Momo said expressionlessly, "As a young lady, your gaze should not wander like this. Such behavior is too frivolous. Please restrain yourself."
The Princess of Daimao's gaze dimmed, and she quickly corrected her posture, "Yes."
"Now that you are in Great Jin, your every word and action will represent all the women of Daimao," the etiquette Momo said, "I've heard that the women in Great Jin have very frivolous manners. You must never imitate their behavior."
The Princess of Daimao nodded slightly and no longer looked outside the sedan curtain. Her gaze became numb and lifeless.
Before the arrival of the Princess of Daimao in the capital, several consorts in the palace had already inquired and learned that Daimao had sent a princess for a marriage alliance in order to seek peace.
The consorts were panicked. They feared that the Emperor would assign this princess to one of their sons as a concubine, but they also feared that the Emperor would bring this princess into the imperial harem.
Over the years, the Emperor's harem had always been occupied by the same old people, and there had been no newcomers. Now, with the arrival of a young and delicate princess from Daimao, wouldn't she overshadow them all?
Men always liked young and delicate women. How could they, old women, compare to those young and delicate girls?
After much thought, all they could do was advise their children to please the Emperor more. If a girl from another country entered the palace, they must keep their distance.
What could the princess do? She had the blood of another country flowing in her veins. Even if she gave birth to a prince, it would be impossible to shake the position of other princes.
With such thoughts in mind, they couldn't help but feel sour in their hearts. Even the consorts who usually liked to secretly compare themselves had become quieter and more obedient.
Suddenly facing a calm and peaceful harem, Emperor Changlong felt somewhat uncomfortable. He summoned Zhao Sancai and asked in confusion, "Sancai, have those palace consorts caused any trouble again?"
"Reporting to Your Majesty, this humble servant has not received any news."
Emperor Changlong frowned. It was strange. The more they acted like this, the more anxious he felt.
Zhao Sancai added, "Your Majesty, the Emperor of Daimao, because of his admiration for our Great Jin culture, has specially dispatched several young scholars and a princess to the capital to study. How would you like to arrange it?"
"They, the people of Daimao, always boast of their exceptional talent. Why are they sending people to study now?" Emperor Changlong took the letter handed over by Zhao Sancai. The Emperor of Daimao mentioned something about his beautiful daughter, the Princess of Daimao, and the wise and martial Crown Prince of Great Jin. He requested the Emperor of Great Jin to "handle it favorably and kindly..."
Emperor Changlong furrowed his brows deeply, "Other countries send their crown princes as hostages, but Daimao casually sends a princess just to fulfill their obligation."
"Just arrange them as you please. Whatever the princesses and noble young ladies in the capital are studying, let that princess study the same. As for those scholars, send them all back," Emperor Changlong impatiently said, "We have no interest in playing along with this."
"This old servant thought Your Majesty you might bring this princess into the harem," Zhao Sancai, who had been by Emperor Changlong's side for many years, dared to say a few words to lighten the atmosphere.
"Zhen doesn't think the Emperor of Daimao wants to marry the little princess to me. He probably wants her to be a concubine for Yuansu," Emperor Changlong sneered, "Zhen is already busy in preparing to propose the marriage to the Hua family on behalf of the Crown Prince. Zhen doesn't have time to accommodate these people."
They sent a princess for a marriage alliance in fear of the might of the Great Jin Dynasty's army. Daimao wanted to send her, but that didn't mean Great Jin wanted to marry her. Emperor Changlong wouldn't bring trouble upon his most beloved son.
Daimao wanted to send their princess into the imperial harem or the Eastern Palace under the guise of studying. But when they learned that Emperor Changlong had ordered their princess to attend classes at the Imperial Academy, they were all stunned.
Was the Emperor of Great Jin so straightforward? Did he really make them attend classes when he said they were coming to study?
"It's fine, Your Highness, don't worry too much. We're not the most unfortunate ones," the Daimao envoy comforted the Third Prince, He Yuanting, "I heard that the envoy from the Kingdom of Jinpo entered the city in the middle of the night yesterday and had been staying in a guest residence, afraid to go out."
As a defeated country, they had no choice but to come even though they knew the Hundred Nations Banquet was a showcase of power by the Great Jin Dynasty. And after arriving, they couldn't be too ostentatious, fearing the wrath of the Great Jin people.
Happiness... is all relative.
Krish728
Author's Note:
Kingdom of Jinpo: Lying flat...
The cunning Consort Xian, who considered herself a master of palace intrigue, had a principle: she could bend when necessary. When the other party was in a favorable position, she would kneel before them. But when they were in trouble, she would bounce back and trample them.
So over the years, despite her intense hatred for the Crown Prince, Consort Xian knew that the Emperor and the Empress Dowager favored him the most. In front of the Crown Prince, she would always be submissive. The Emperor had always treated Royal Princess Leyang as a sister, so when the Royal Princess put on airs, Consort Xian pretended not to notice.
But now, things were different. This wicked Royal Princess Leyang was in trouble! Consort Xian dared not scold the Crown Prince, but she would certainly make things difficult for Royal Princess Leyang!
"Consort Xian?" The exhausted-looking Royal Princess Leyang asked, "Weren't you ill and confined to your palace, unable to receive guests? How is it that within an hour, you've suddenly recovered from your illness?"
"I must say, my dear sister-in-law, you are quite unreasonable," Consort Xian threw her flower-embroidered handkerchief aside and said in a meaningful tone, "As your sister-in-law, I'm giving you some face by saying that I'm not fit to receive guests due to illness. Do you want me to be blunt and say that I don't want to see you?"
"Consort Xian, you're going too far!" Royal Princess Leyang's face turned pale, "You're just a consort. What qualifications do you have to meddle in my affairs?"
"You failed to discipline your daughter who dared to plot against the Crown Prince. What's wrong with scolding you? It's your fault for failing to educate your daughter. You deserve the scolding," Consort Xian scolded with great pleasure. She then turned to the Crown Prince and smiled, "Isn't that right, Crown Prince?"
The Crown Prince, standing beside Hua Liuli, silently watched the drama unfold.
When Consort Xian looked at him, he raised an eyebrow with a smile but didn't say a word.
Seeing the Crown Prince's reaction, Consort Xian felt reassured. If the Crown Prince didn't speak up, it meant he agreed. As long as the Crown Prince didn't take the side of that wicked Royal Princess Leyang, she could argue with her all day and night.
"Oh, what do you mean by going too far? Back then, when you bullied me in front of my son, you didn't say that," Consort Xian thought for a moment, "Oh, I see, you called it teaching manners."
"Today, as your little sister-in-law, I'll also teach you some manners."
Bullying the mother in front of her child...
Hua Liuli, who was originally enjoying the spectacle, couldn't help but turn her head towards the Crown Prince when Consort Xian brought up the matter. Did Royal Princess Leyang, in the past, also bully Empress Gonghui?
She gently tugged on the Crown Prince's sleeve and whispered in his ear, "I think Consort Xian scolded her well."
The Crown Prince chuckled softly, "Hua Liuli, our minds are truly connected. Our opinions are so similar."
"Oh my," Hua Liuli smiled at the Crown Prince and suddenly changed her expression. She covered her mouth in astonishment and looked at Royal Princess Leyang, "Royal Princess Leyang, I thought you were just hostile towards your sisters and enjoyed being physically aggressive. I didn't expect you to dare insult even the Emperor's beloved consorts. How could you be like this?"
Royal Princess Leyang couldn't bear it any longer, "You're just a child, you have no right to interfere in adults' matters!"
Seeing Hua Liuli reminded her of the humiliation she had suffered last time. Seeing her dare to mention it, Royal Princess Leyang retorted, "Who are you, an outsider, to meddle in imperial family affairs? Are the Hua family planning a rebellion?"
Consort Xian, witnessing Hua Liuli speaking up in her defense, didn't mind her previous dislike of Hua Liuli. She immediately said, "You always throw around the accusation of rebellion. Who are you trying to scare? Everyone knows that the Hua family has always been loyal to the imperial family. By slandering loyal ministers and generals, aren't you chilling the hearts of the officials?"
Royal Princess Leyang realized that she had spoken in anger and made a mistake. Her visit to the palace today was not to ask the Emperor to release her daughter but to present herself as a helpless and unaware mother.
At this critical moment, offending the Hua family was extremely unwise. But she couldn't blame herself for losing her temper. It was simply because Hua Liuli's pretentious behavior was so disgusting. How could the Crown Prince be fond of such a person?
"Aunt Leyang, Liuli is Gu's savior and the future Crown Princess whom Gu wants to marry into the Eastern Palace. By accusing the Hua family of rebellion, are you doubting my intentions?" The Crown Prince's face turned cold as he spoke, "Gu never expected Aunt Leyang to have such a misconception about Gu. Gu is deeply saddened."
"Crown Prince misunderstood. I had no such intention..."
"Husband and wife are one entity. By insulting Gu's betrothed, you insult Gu," the Crown Prince sighed, "There is no need for further explanation. Gu already understands your meaning."
"Since Aunt Leyang holds Gu and Gu's betrothed in such contempt, we will no longer linger here to disturb you," the Crown Prince said, and with that, he supported Hua Liuli and slowly walked away in another direction.
"Crown Prince..."
"Royal Princess Leyang," a eunuch attendant by the Crown Prince's side intervened with a fake smile, extending his hand to stop her, "Fushou Junzhu is physically weak and prone to illness, and she is still recovering from a severe injury. This old servant implores you not to disturb the Crown Prince and the future Crown Princess any further."
Royal Princess Leyang was left fuming. She hadn't done anything, yet she was being portrayed as a heinous tyrant by these people.
"Fine, fine, fine..." She uttered the word "fine" three times out of anger. Even the eunuchs by the Crown Prince's side could humiliate her. What dignity did she, a Royal Princess, have left?
Consort Xian felt relieved seeing Royal Princess Leyang's face turn pale with anger, but something didn't feel quite right. When did Hua Liuli and the Crown Prince get betrothed? How did they become a betrothed couple?
In the world of palace intrigue, she was a professional. It was impossible for her to be unaware of such important news.
"Tian family's Consort, I will remember this humiliation today," Royal Princess Leyang coldly smiled at the eunuch who blocked her way, "Go back and tell your Crown Prince that Consort Xian managed to take advantage of me today and undermine me. If the Crown Prince makes even the slightest mistake in the future, this esteemed Consort Xian will treat him with the same contempt and insults as she did to me today."
"Ugh!" Consort Xian didn't expect Princess Leyang to bring up such trouble. She quickly retorted, "Don't compare yourself to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince. You're not worthy!"
In the palace, which woman didn't know how to be flexible and adaptable?
"Hmph," Royal Princess Leyang sneered, "We'll see."
"Please rest assured, Royal Princess Leyang, that day will never come," the eunuch from the Eastern Palace raised an eyebrow.
Consort Xian breathed a sigh of relief. It seemed that the Crown Prince still trusted her.
"The Crown Prince will never be like you today..." The eunuch from the Eastern Palace bowed respectfully, "Consort Xian, Royal Princess Leyang, this old servant will take my leave."
Consort Xian: "..."
She felt humiliated.
"Betrothed?" In a secluded place, Hua Liuli looked at the Crown Prince with a half-smile.
"Gu is just telling others about our future," the Crown Prince justified confidently, "It's not considered lying, right?"
Hua Liuli raised an eyebrow and smiled without saying a word.
"Could it be... Liuli doesn't want to be betrothed to Gu?" The Crown Prince lowered his eyelids, "If you think it's too soon, Gu can talk to Father Emperor and ask him to postpone the marriage proposal to your esteemed family."
"It's fine, it's just a betrothal," Hua Liuli generously smiled, "As long as the Crown Prince is happy."
The Crown Prince instantly brightened with a smile, "That's good."
"After all, a betrothal is not the same as marriage. If the Crown Prince isn't good enough, we can still call off the betrothal," Hua Liuli teased, "Don't you think so, Your Royal Highness?"
The Crown Prince: "..."
It seemed that even with a betrothal, one couldn't let their guard down.
Little did they know, due to the incident with one of their envoy's death, the Kingdom of Daimao was worried about angering the Emperor and Crown Prince of Great Jin. They hurriedly sent messengers back to their capital, riding at full speed. The news frightened Daimao's old Emperor so much that he couldn't sleep all night. That very night, he ordered the preparation of a generous apology gift and sent a remarkably beautiful princess to Great Jin, claiming it to be a gift of apology.
The poor Princess of Daimao cried throughout the journey. However, in order to appease the anger of the Great Jin and to arrive before the Hundred Nations Banquet officially began, they rode without rest, finally arriving in the capital of the Great Jin.
Princess of Daimao sat dignified inside the carriage. Although she was very curious about the capital of the Great Jin, she didn't dare to lift the curtain and take a peek. It wasn't until she heard the laughter and chatter of women outside that she couldn't contain her curiosity any longer and secretly lifted the carriage curtain to take a glimpse.
What a bustling scene it was.
She stared in astonishment at the world outside the carriage. Those women walking hand in hand, were they not even wearing veils?
And those couples holding hands, wouldn't the passersby criticize their behavior?
"Princess," the etiquette Momo said expressionlessly, "As a young lady, your gaze should not wander like this. Such behavior is too frivolous. Please restrain yourself."
The Princess of Daimao's gaze dimmed, and she quickly corrected her posture, "Yes."
"Now that you are in Great Jin, your every word and action will represent all the women of Daimao," the etiquette Momo said, "I've heard that the women in Great Jin have very frivolous manners. You must never imitate their behavior."
The Princess of Daimao nodded slightly and no longer looked outside the sedan curtain. Her gaze became numb and lifeless.
Before the arrival of the Princess of Daimao in the capital, several consorts in the palace had already inquired and learned that Daimao had sent a princess for a marriage alliance in order to seek peace.
The consorts were panicked. They feared that the Emperor would assign this princess to one of their sons as a concubine, but they also feared that the Emperor would bring this princess into the imperial harem.
Over the years, the Emperor's harem had always been occupied by the same old people, and there had been no newcomers. Now, with the arrival of a young and delicate princess from Daimao, wouldn't she overshadow them all?
Men always liked young and delicate women. How could they, old women, compare to those young and delicate girls?
After much thought, all they could do was advise their children to please the Emperor more. If a girl from another country entered the palace, they must keep their distance.
What could the princess do? She had the blood of another country flowing in her veins. Even if she gave birth to a prince, it would be impossible to shake the position of other princes.
With such thoughts in mind, they couldn't help but feel sour in their hearts. Even the consorts who usually liked to secretly compare themselves had become quieter and more obedient.
Suddenly facing a calm and peaceful harem, Emperor Changlong felt somewhat uncomfortable. He summoned Zhao Sancai and asked in confusion, "Sancai, have those palace consorts caused any trouble again?"
"Reporting to Your Majesty, this humble servant has not received any news."
Emperor Changlong frowned. It was strange. The more they acted like this, the more anxious he felt.
Zhao Sancai added, "Your Majesty, the Emperor of Daimao, because of his admiration for our Great Jin culture, has specially dispatched several young scholars and a princess to the capital to study. How would you like to arrange it?"
"They, the people of Daimao, always boast of their exceptional talent. Why are they sending people to study now?" Emperor Changlong took the letter handed over by Zhao Sancai. The Emperor of Daimao mentioned something about his beautiful daughter, the Princess of Daimao, and the wise and martial Crown Prince of Great Jin. He requested the Emperor of Great Jin to "handle it favorably and kindly..."
Emperor Changlong furrowed his brows deeply, "Other countries send their crown princes as hostages, but Daimao casually sends a princess just to fulfill their obligation."
"Just arrange them as you please. Whatever the princesses and noble young ladies in the capital are studying, let that princess study the same. As for those scholars, send them all back," Emperor Changlong impatiently said, "We have no interest in playing along with this."
"This old servant thought Your Majesty you might bring this princess into the harem," Zhao Sancai, who had been by Emperor Changlong's side for many years, dared to say a few words to lighten the atmosphere.
"Zhen doesn't think the Emperor of Daimao wants to marry the little princess to me. He probably wants her to be a concubine for Yuansu," Emperor Changlong sneered, "Zhen is already busy in preparing to propose the marriage to the Hua family on behalf of the Crown Prince. Zhen doesn't have time to accommodate these people."
They sent a princess for a marriage alliance in fear of the might of the Great Jin Dynasty's army. Daimao wanted to send her, but that didn't mean Great Jin wanted to marry her. Emperor Changlong wouldn't bring trouble upon his most beloved son.
Daimao wanted to send their princess into the imperial harem or the Eastern Palace under the guise of studying. But when they learned that Emperor Changlong had ordered their princess to attend classes at the Imperial Academy, they were all stunned.
Was the Emperor of Great Jin so straightforward? Did he really make them attend classes when he said they were coming to study?
"It's fine, Your Highness, don't worry too much. We're not the most unfortunate ones," the Daimao envoy comforted the Third Prince, He Yuanting, "I heard that the envoy from the Kingdom of Jinpo entered the city in the middle of the night yesterday and had been staying in a guest residence, afraid to go out."
As a defeated country, they had no choice but to come even though they knew the Hundred Nations Banquet was a showcase of power by the Great Jin Dynasty. And after arriving, they couldn't be too ostentatious, fearing the wrath of the Great Jin people.
Happiness... is all relative.
Krish728
Author's Note:
Kingdom of Jinpo: Lying flat...
