inspire-indiana Chapter 389 The Princess's Marriage
Chapter 389 The Princess's Marriage
Chapter 389 The Princess's Marriage
She had always doted on this niece who resembled her the most, so how could she bear to let her marry the barbarian Rongdi? Moreover, the Rongdi had just suffered a crushing defeat, and it was inevitable that the Rongdi people would vent their resentment on her.
If she were to marry a princess, she would at least be given some guards to protect her. But if Zheng Yanran were to marry a princess, she would at most be granted the title of a county princess, and her guards would not be many. In that case, she would be at the mercy of others.
None of the ministers in the hall responded to Consort Zheng, not even Prince Yi and Minister Zheng uttered a word. This scene made Consort Zheng's heart grow colder and colder.
Clearly, these people have reached a consensus.
What does sacrificing a subject's daughter matter, or breaking off a marriage agreement, if it can maintain stability in foreign lands? Compared to the cost of reigniting war, these costs are negligible.
Zheng Yanran was so shocked that she lost her voice. She felt as if the blood on her body was congealing. She looked at her father and cousin's cold, hard faces and felt as if her mouth was frozen.
Even if she knew nothing about politics, she now understood.
She was supposedly there to discuss marriage, but the men had already made their decisions, so she was like a clown in the hall, being laughed at by everyone.
What's even more ridiculous is that Shen Li was standing below.
Time seemed to stand still for her. She remained motionless, yet her thoughts raced. Suddenly, she understood why Shen Li didn't care about her repeated provocations but instead greeted her with a smile.
That's truly ironic!
This woman knew all along that she wouldn't be able to marry him! The Rongdi prince's proposal must not have been accidental, but how exactly did Shen Li manage to do it?
What terrifying methods, what deep scheming!
Perhaps her aunt was right, that she was no match for Shen Li, but she refused to accept it!
She was just one step away from achieving her goal and being able to compete with her in the same household. She didn't believe she could lose to her in the inner quarters.
God is unfair!
"puff……"
A splash of blood stained the solemn imperial court, and blood mist drifted in the air as Zheng Yanran's body collapsed amidst the mist.
"Ran'er." Minister Zheng rushed forward.
"I'm afraid it's a case of sudden anger affecting the heart. Someone, summon the imperial physician." King Yi issued the order with unusual calm.
In his eyes, the fallen pawn was just a useless piece, but he had to fulfill his cousin's duty.
He looked intently at Gu Chang'an and Shen Li, a huge sense of crisis rising in his heart. He hadn't expected the two of them to do this. They had long since stopped wanting to accept Zheng Yanran, and they could even handle this matter without him having to do it.
After this matter is resolved, will they still be under my command? The answer is probably no.
These two are not people who should be subordinate to others.
He found it hard to imagine that the future emperor would tolerate the two of them. With such monstrous talents in court, could the monarch really sleep well?
Zheng Yanran was taken back to her palace by Consort Zheng, and the small court meeting ended.
Shen Zizai was left inside the palace by Emperor Cheng, while Gu Chang'an and Shen Li walked out side by side.
"Why did Ah Li come along?"
"I met the Imperial Concubine in the Imperial Garden, so we came together." Shen Li looked at the exceptionally bright sunshine outside, but she wasn't particularly happy.
Although this was yet another victory, she also saw the fate of the powerless pawns, just as she had been in her previous life, completely controlled by imperial power and having no say in her own destiny.
Gu Chang'an remained calm. Although he had won, he had also shown his sharp edge. He needed to plan for his future as soon as possible and could not afford to be at the mercy of others.
"Ah Li, remember to eat well at noon. I'll be back early tonight," Gu Chang'an instructed.
Shen Li nodded slightly: "My husband is too."
The Ministry of Revenue was located inside the Meridian Gate, while the Hanlin Academy was outside the palace, so Shen Li needed to leave the palace.
The imperial edict was issued that very day, announcing the annulment of the marriage.
This news caught the court and the public off guard, but among those who had experienced the ups and downs of officialdom, no one believed it was a coincidence.
Only after this game did people gradually figure out the strategy.
Especially after that day, Shen Zizai, as the Grand Secretary, led the petition to impeach Consort Zheng for overstepping her bounds in the palace and disrespecting the Empress.