Section 23

Fan Jian glared at Lin Ruofu, wishing he could tear him apart alive.

"How could my daughter share a husband with others?"

"Lord Fan, Prince Ping holds deep affection for Young Miss Fan; how could he possibly mistreat her?"

Cao Zhengchun spoke again, his tone carrying a hint of persuasion.

"Prince Ping has said that as long as Lord Fan agrees to this marriage, he can depart early for Northern Qi to alleviate Your Majesty's burdens."

Cao Zhengchun's words made the atmosphere in the court even more bizarre.

The gazes of the civil and military officials all focused on Fan Jian.

They all wanted to know how Fan Jian would choose.

Fan Jian's face turned alternating shades of green and white.

He knew clearly in his heart that Prince Ping was forcing him to take a stance.

If he agreed to this marriage, he would be pushing his daughter into a pit of fire.

If he did not agree, he would be defying the imperial will and offending Prince Ping.

Moreover, he was currently in urgent need of someone to pave the way for Fan Xian and stir up the situation; Prince Ping's mission to Northern Qi was the best choice.

But now...

"This..."

Fan Jian hesitated, caught in a dilemma.

"Lord Fan, please do not make things difficult for me."

Seeing Fan Jian's hesitation, Cao Zhengchun spoke again.

"I hope Lord Fan will not let down Prince Ping's sincere intentions."

"Fan Jian, what are you still hesitating about?"

Lin Ruofu also spoke again, his tone carrying a hint of urgency.

"Prince Ping is so sincere, what else are you dissatisfied with? Could it be that you look down on Prince Ping?"

"You..."

Fan Jian was trembling with rage at Lin Ruofu, yet he had nothing to say.

"Your Majesty, this matter..."

Fan Jian looked toward Emperor Qing, seeking his help.

Emperor Qing sat upright on the Dragon Throne, expressionless.

He looked at Fan Jian and spoke slowly.

"Minister Fan, Prince Ping and the daughter of the Fan family are indeed a good match."

Emperor Qing's words caused Fan Jian's heart to sink to the bottom.

He knew that Emperor Qing was supporting Prince Ping's marriage proposal.

"Your Majesty, Prince Ping already has a consort; for him to take my daughter as well is contrary to propriety!"

Fan Jian still would not give up, making a final struggle.

"Lord Fan, in extraordinary times, one must take extraordinary measures."

Lin Ruofu spoke again, interrupting Fan Jian.

"With Northern Qi eyeing us covetously, Prince Ping's mission to Northern Qi is to share the nation's burdens."

"At a time like this, how can one be overly concerned with minor details?"

Lin Ruofu's words left Fan Jian speechless.

"Your Majesty, your subject..."

Fan Jian looked at Emperor Qing again, his eyes filled with struggle.

He knew in his heart that he had no room left to choose.

"Minister Fan, I know you are reluctant."

Emperor Qing looked at Fan Jian and spoke slowly.

"But this matter is one of mutual affection between Prince Ping and Young Miss Fan; I cannot force them apart."

Emperor Qing's words left Fan Jian in utter despair.

He knew he could no longer change this outcome.

"Your subject... obeys the decree."

Fan Jian lowered his head, his voice hoarse.

His heart was filled with bitterness and helplessness.

"Good!"

Emperor Qing nodded, a trace of a smile appearing on his face.

"Since that is the case, then we shall follow what Prince Ping said; wait until he returns from Northern Qi, and then we shall hold their wedding."

Emperor Qing's words caused the atmosphere in the court to ease slightly.

"This servant obeys the decree."

Cao Zhengchun replied respectfully and stepped aside.

He knew clearly in his heart that his task had been completed.

Fan Jian's expression remained ugly.

He never expected that this Fourth Prince would actually make things difficult for him at this time.

But the current situation was already the best outcome, and Emperor Qing even eased the situation by postponing the wedding.

After all, this trip to Northern Qi was a life-or-death gamble; if this Fourth Prince were to die in Northern Qi.

Then today's matter would naturally have no follow-up.

"Lin Ruofu, you wait for me!"

Fan Jian secretly vowed in his heart that he would definitely make Lin Ruofu pay the price.

In his eyes, if Lin Ruofu hadn't made a move in this matter, he would write his surname 'Fan' backwards!

Seeing Fan Jian's expression, Lin Ruofu felt triumphant.

"Fan Jian, oh Fan Jian, look at you today!"

He sneered in his heart, feeling very satisfied with his performance today.

If Fan Jian hadn't fanned the flames when Li Chengping proposed to Lin Waner, how would he have so easily married off his precious daughter to Li Chengping?

"Your Majesty is wise."

In the court, the civil and military officials shouted in unison.

Their faces all wore expressions of respect.

But in their hearts, each had their own thoughts.

"Dismissed."

Emperor Qing waved his hand, signaling for the court to be dismissed.

The civil and military officials slowly retreated, and the court returned to tranquility.

The sun was high, and sunlight filtered through the window lattice, spilling onto the spacious bed.

Li Chengping slowly opened his eyes and stretched.

"Your Highness, you are awake."

Beside him came the gentle voice of Lin Waner.

Li Chengping turned his head, looked at Lin Waner's exquisite face, and a smile appeared on his face.

"Waner, you are awake."

He reached out and pulled Lin Waner into his arms.

"Mm."

Lin Waner nodded gently, snuggling into Li Chengping's arms.

"Your Highness, you smell so good."

Lin Waner suddenly spoke, her tone carrying a hint of sourness.

"Is that so?"

Li Chengping smiled without explaining.

He knew that Lin Waner was jealous.

"Your Highness, last night... you were too vigorous."

Lin Waner stopped mid-sentence, a look of grievance appearing on her face.

"Waner, you can only blame yourself... you were too vigorous, oh."

Li Chengping teased softly, his tone gentle.

"Hmph."

Lin Waner pouted, simply hugging Li Chengping's arm.

She knew that Li Chengping loved her.

That was enough.

"Your Highness, it is time to get up."