kvmb Chapter 41: Conferring the Title of Princess Huiying and the Early Marriage
Chapter 41: Conferring the Title of Princess Huiying and the Early Marriage
After this incident, Emperor Murong Xuan greatly admired Lin Qianqian's intelligence, talent, and virtue, and decided to bestow upon her the title of Princess Huiying. This name not only highlights her exceptional intelligence, her ability to discern people's hearts and persuade others skillfully during the amnesty process, and her extraordinary wisdom in resolving the deadlock, but also reflects her straightforward and decisive nature, her courage to face the anger of Zhao Xiong and others and the pressure from the court without fear or hesitation.
In the imperial court, before all the ministers, Murong Xuan proclaimed the imperial decree: "Lin Qianqian is intelligent and insightful, and has made outstanding contributions to the court's efforts to secure amnesty. Her wisdom and courage are truly remarkable, making her a model of female virtue. I hereby bestow upon her the title of Princess Huiying, and grant her a thousand taels of gold, a hundred bolts of silk, and numerous jewels. Furthermore, I observe that she and Murong are deeply in love, a perfect match made in heaven. Therefore, I hereby move their wedding date forward to the tenth of next month. This is a grand event for the royal family, and I urge all my beloved ministers to make careful preparations and ensure nothing goes wrong."
However, with the imperial decree in effect, some were happy while others were sad. Upon hearing the news, Su Wan'er felt a mix of emotions, a bittersweet feeling. She hadn't expected that her worst fears would come true. Now, Lin Qianqian was not only being bestowed the title of Princess He Huiying, but was also to be married to Murong Yi ahead of schedule, and the wedding was sure to be grand and lavish. Overwhelmed with grief, she began to weep.
When Murong Yi learned of this news, it was as if she had been struck by lightning. She felt as if the clear sky had suddenly become covered with dark clouds, and lightning flashed and thunder roared.
His biggest worry right now is Su Wan'er, afraid she'll misunderstand and be saddened. Her gentle yet slightly melancholic face keeps appearing in his mind. Just thinking about the immense pain this news will bring her makes Murong Yi's heart clench, and a wave of pain washes over him.
Without a second thought, he rushed to the imperial study, intending to argue with the emperor. Upon seeing the emperor, Murong Yi knelt down with a thud, his expression anxious and somewhat indignant: "Brother, why did you suddenly bring forward the marriage!"
Upon seeing this, Murong Xuan frowned slightly and said in a deep voice, "Ninth Brother, Lin Qianqian is a rare talented woman. Your marriage is inevitable anyway, so my mind is made up. The wedding will be next week!"
Murong Yiru felt as if the sky had fallen and the earth had split open. His eyes widened in anger, he shook his head in disbelief, and ran out excitedly.
Upon seeing this, Murong Xuan looked bewildered, stood there in a daze, sighed softly, and seemed to be deep in thought.
Murong Yi hurriedly requested an audience with the Empress Dowager. Before her, he spoke earnestly, his eyes reddening: "Mother, you have always been compassionate. Could you please advise my brother not to make such a hasty decision regarding his marriage?"
The Empress Dowager had a kind face, and the years had left faint wrinkles on her face, which only added to her gentleness and kindness.
Her eyes were filled with pity and helplessness. She sighed softly and said slowly, "My son, you know you are not young anymore. This marriage has been delayed for too long and should not be postponed any longer. Your brother's arrangement is not without consideration. Lin Qianqian is talented and beautiful and has made contributions to the court. Her marriage to you will benefit both you and the royal family. You should not act willfully anymore. You should put aside your thoughts and properly prepare for your marriage with Lin Qianqian."
The Empress Dowager's voice was gentle, yet carried an undeniable authority. Though she felt reluctant, she could only follow the needs of the royal family and offer words of comfort to Murong Yi.
Upon hearing the Empress Dowager's words, Murong Yi felt all hope shattered, as if all his strength had been drained from his body in an instant. His legs went weak, and he collapsed directly in front of the Empress Dowager, his eyes empty and filled with despair, as if his soul had left his body.
His once straight back now bent, and he was like a lump of mud that had lost its support. His hands hung limply at his sides, and his lips trembled slightly, yet he couldn't utter a single word for a long time. His world seemed to collapse at that moment; all his perseverance and struggle had vanished, leaving only endless despair and helplessness that completely overwhelmed him.