25: Battle report from Kitahara, daughter of the Prime Minister

【Framing a Prince, leading to his death sentence, tyrant points +100】

Xia Xuan stood expressionless.

“Report! Urgent military intelligence from Beiyuan, a great victory!”

Just then, the shouts from outside the hall immediately diverted the attention of the civil and military officials.

The heavy atmosphere in the hall also eased somewhat.

The Tianwu Imperial Guard received the Beiyuan battle report and ascended the hall to read it aloud.

“Not long ago, the barbarian army, a million strong, launched a surprise attack on North King City… The defending general, Marquis Modao, slew the barbarian marshal, and the Northern Border Army annihilated 570,000 enemy troops, achieving a great victory.

After the battle, they pursued the enemy and have already captured two royal courts in Beiyuan… Now, all the major royal courts and tribes in Beiyuan have consolidated their forces and are migrating towards Beiyuan Sacred Mountain.”

“Good, good, good, worthy of the soldiers led by the Old General!” an Old General exclaimed with emotion.

“Congratulations to the Old General, congratulations to Your Majesty!”

“With this great victory, the morale of the army is greatly boosted. It is only a matter of time before our Wu Dynasty annexes Beiyuan.”

All the civil and military officials offered their congratulations.

The Old General’s expression remained unchanged, but from behind the screen, Emperor Wanwu let out a slightly chilling laugh:

“Good! This is a joy for the Wu Dynasty, and the whole nation should celebrate!”

“Prime Minister!”

“Your subject is here,” Prime Minister said, surprised.

“Counting the days, Princess Changming should be back from Immortal Fate Studio, right?” Emperor Wanwu asked.

Princess Changming was not of royal blood but the Prime Minister’s daughter, granted the title by special exception.

“Yes,” Prime Minister frowned slightly, having a bad premonition.

“Princess Changming’s ability to pass through numerous selections and tests to become the current Fairy of Immortal Fate Studio is also a great joy.”

Emperor Wanwu paused, then continued: “Immortal Fate Studio does not forbid its past Fairies from choosing Dao Companions. That girl is in the prime of her youth, and I, the solitary one wish to add another joy by bestowing a marriage upon her. I wonder, Prime Minister, which of my Princes have you chosen?”

Prime Minister sighed lightly. Emperor Wanwu wanted to drag him into this struggle for the imperial succession.

Alas, being in the imperial court, he was not his own master.

He could not refuse, only delay: “Every one of Your Majesty’s Princes is outstanding. Your subject cannot give an answer at this moment.”

Emperor Wanwu was silent.

When the other Princes heard Emperor Wanwu announce this matter, their eyes lit up, and their minds became active.

Among the four famous peerless beauties of the Wu Dynasty’s imperial capital, two were in the imperial palace, namely the current Empress and the Imperial Concubine, their value yet to be assessed.

But the other two were almost universally recognized.

One was deeply confined in the Bronze Sparrow Terrace, and the other was none other than the Prime Minister’s daughter, Gu Qingxian.

She was both Princess Changming of the Wu Dynasty and a successor of an Immortal Sect, her status even more noble than that of a Prince.

Whichever Prince married this beauty would be able to live off her.

Just the identity of the Prime Minister’s daughter alone could greatly affect the balance among the various Princes.

Thoughts churned in the Crown Prince’s mind, and he decided to seize this excellent opportunity.

He wanted both the beauty and the empire!

If he had the support of the neutral forces controlled by the Prime Minister, combined with his own power, he could stabilize the overall situation. What mere King Qi, what mere King Chu, no matter how much they jumped, they wouldn't be able to make waves.

The Crown Prince’s face flushed, and he volunteered: “Imperial Father, your son has long admired Sister Gu. The position of Crown Princess of the Eastern Palace is still vacant. I humbly request Imperial Father to bestow this marriage!”

King Qi’s eyes were dark and uncertain. Long ago, for a political marriage, he already had a Princess Consort, placing him at an Innate disadvantage in this struggle for a bestowed marriage.

However, Gu Qingxian was simply too important; under no circumstances could she fall into the Crown Prince’s hands.

King Qi took a deep breath and reported: “Imperial Father, your son is willing to divorce his Princess Consort and welcome Princess Changming into his residence!”

The Fifth Prince, Seventh Prince, and Ninth Prince were also restless. Although they were dependents, if they could get the Prime Minister’s help, they might not be unable to break away from the Crown Prince and King Qi and contend for the throne.

The Eighth Prince was composed, watching the show with a smile.

Xia Xuan frowned slightly. Emperor Wanwu bestowing a marriage at this time was somewhat thought-provoking.

However, no matter whether the Crown Prince, King Qi, or another Prince succeeded, it was not good news for him.

Moreover, Prime Minister was at odds with the Old General, so he knew without thinking that it wouldn't be his turn.

Nevertheless, he still had to intervene.

Xia Xuan smiled faintly and stepped forward, saying: “Imperial Father, your son has a piece of advice.”

Emperor Wanwu’s voice came from behind the screen: “Speak.”

“His Highness the Crown Prince loves romance and frequently visits brothels, being very fickle. I fear he is not worthy of Princess Changming.”

The Crown Prince was stunned upon hearing this, looking at Xia Xuan’s unblushing and calm face, wishing he could slap him twice.

Who frequently goes to brothels? Who is fickle? Aren’t these all labels for you, King Chu? Now you have the nerve to talk about me?

If it weren’t to curry favor with Xia Xuan in the past, he wouldn’t have bothered going to those places. After a few times, he got used to it, understood the taste, and only then became slightly more frequent.

But no matter how bad, he couldn’t be worse than you, King Chu, right?

The civil and military officials watched with their eyes downcast, remaining silent.

Xu Tianlang, in the grand tutor’s chair, twitched his eyelids, somewhat admiring his grandson’s thick skin.

King Qi was overjoyed and agreed: “King Chu is absolutely right. Qingxian is not only a Princess of our Wu Dynasty but also the current Fairy of Immortal Fate Studio. We certainly cannot let her suffer any grievances.”

However, before he could enjoy it for two seconds, Xia Xuan continued: “Second Imperial Brother is already married, which is even more unsuitable. If it gets out, people will only think Second Imperial Brother is heartless.”

King Qi: “...”

The Crown Prince said maliciously: “So, you want to recommend yourself?”

“Of course not.”

Xia Xuan smiled: “Although this King is talented and handsome, and completely worthy of Princess Changming, I am not a casual person. Whether the Princess catches my eye still needs consideration.”

Prime Minister: “...”

The atmosphere in Nine Dragon Hall was somewhat strange. Xia Xuan didn’t care and continued: “In your son’s opinion, Eighth Imperial Brother is the most suitable. Eighth Imperial Brother is not yet married, and it is precisely time for him to choose a main wife.”

The Eighth Prince, who was enjoying the gossip, suddenly found himself the subject and looked bewildered.

He quickly declined: “Imperial Father, your son is without virtue or talent and is not worthy of Princess Changming.”

In the eyes of the other Princes, Gu Qingxian was a hot commodity, but to him, she was a hot potato.

If he really married her, wouldn’t the Crown Prince and King Qi be green with envy and try every means to deal with him?

“Hmph!”

Emperor Wanwu was displeased and questioned in a deep voice: “Prime Minister, do you also think that none of my Princes are worthy of Princess Changming?”

Prime Minister shook his head: “Your Majesty’s Dragon sons, though they have flaws, are all outstanding. Your subject cannot make a decision, mainly because this matter requires my daughter’s own wishes.”

“Good, in that case, let’s set a one-month period.”

Emperor Wanwu said: “From today onwards, Princess Changming may freely enter and exit the residences of the various Princes and evaluate them as she pleases. After one month, she will give me an answer.”

Prime Minister reluctantly accepted.

“This matter is no longer open for discussion.”

“The Heaven and Earth Merchant Guild’s auction is imminent. All beloved subjects must raise their spirits, restrain their subordinates, and absolutely not offend various parties.”

“Your subjects obey Your Majesty’s decree.”

After the court adjourned, the ministers were worried. Although they had enjoyed the gossip, they also had a premonition of the undercurrents that would soon sweep through the imperial capital.

A slight misstep could lead to utter ruin.