She Came to Heal, Stayed to Conquer

The Empress was taken aback for a moment, then a playful smile appeared on her lips as she teased, "Oh, this is truly rare. When did our Princess Changle become so attentive to matters of marriage? Could it be that the sun has truly risen from the west?"

Princess Changle’s cheeks were instantly tinged with a blush. She twisted the embroidered handkerchief in her hands tightly, her shyness mixed with determination.

"Aunt, I am serious this time, and it is no jest."

The Empress nodded slightly, her gaze becoming more earnest.

"If you truly wish it, it could indeed be a beautiful thing. But Aunt is curious. In the past, your parents chose so many young talents for you, all of whom you found unsatisfactory. Why have you now suddenly come to this decision?"

Princess Changle lowered her gaze, her voice as soft as a mosquito’s hum. "Because... Zhao Zun has returned. He was always guarding the frontier, and now he has finally returned to the Capital City."

"You wish to marry Zhao Zun?"

There was a hint of surprise in the Empress’s tone, but more of a curiosity about her niece’s choice.

"Pfft!"

The Emperor Jing was drinking soup, and this sudden news was like a bolt from the blue, causing him to spray the hot soup all over his lapel, leaving spots of broth.

"Your Majesty!" The Empress quickly rose, concerned, and handed over a white handkerchief.

"Uncle!" Princess Changle was also startled, bowing her head quickly, not daring to look directly at Emperor Jing’s embarrassment.

The little eunuch behind was about to serve, but the Emperor waved his hand, indicating he was fine.

He pulled out a handkerchief from his sleeve, dabbed at the soup on his lips, and then asked, "Changle, who did you just say you want to marry?"

Princess Changle took a deep breath, mustered her courage, and said again, "Uncle, since I was young, I have admired Prince Xiaoyao, Zhao Zun. His bravery and wisdom have always made a deep impression on me. I implore you, Uncle, to grant a marriage between me and Prince Xiaoyao."

Upon hearing this, Emperor Jing frowned slightly and looked deeply at Princess Changle.

"Haven’t you always liked poetry? In the Capital City, there are many noble sons of great talent and illustrious family backgrounds. Why do you fancy Zhao Zun, the warrior?"

Princess Changle raised her head, her gaze more determined than ever.

"Uncle. There are many noble sons, but there is only one Zhao Zun. He is a hero on the battlefield, a guardian in the hearts of the people, and the one and only hero in my heart. In this life, I will marry no one but Zhao Zun."

The hall fell silent, and the Empress and Emperor Jing exchanged a glance, reading complexity and deep thought in each other’s eyes.

It seemed Princess Changle’s admiration for Zhao Zun was not a fleeting fancy but deeply ingrained.

What should be done?

"But..." Emperor Jing felt troubled, but after thinking for a moment, he said, "Zhao Zun already has someone he cares for. It is said to be the County Magistrate of Qingshui County’s niece, as beautiful as a fairy. Moreover, I have already promised him that tomorrow, New Year’s Eve, I will grant their marriage."

"Ah? How could this be?"

Zhao Zun already has a beloved?

Then what was the meaning of all her years of waiting?

Upon hearing this, Princess Changle stood there as if struck by lightning, a surge of indescribable sourness and bitterness welling up in her heart.

She also felt an inexplicable resentment towards that woman she had never met.

She shook the Empress’s arm with both hands, tears in her eyes, a touch of grievance in her voice.

"Aunt, look, even the niece of a mere County Magistrate dares to dream of rising like a phoenix. Zhao Zun is a pillar of the nation, how could he marry a woman of humble origins? If he must marry, that woman is only fit to be a concubine!"

The Empress understood instantly.

She gently patted Princess Changle’s hand, her gaze full of compassion and helplessness.

"Though His Majesty has verbally agreed, he has yet to formally decree the marriage, so there may still be room for negotiation. But you must think it through and not act rashly and make a decision you’ll regret."

"Really?" Upon hearing this, Princess Changle’s eyes brightened, as if clinging to a last hope. "Aunt, you must help me. I can’t live without Zhao Zun."

The Empress sighed softly, turning to look at Emperor Jing, who was staring at the soup bowl before him, lost in thought.

"Your Majesty, about this..." the Empress tentatively suggested.

Emperor Jing did not respond, seemingly in a daze, which made Princess Changle anxious.

"Uncle, say something!"

It was only then that Emperor Jing looked up, gazing deeply at Princess Changle. "Do you really wish to marry Zhao Zun?"

Seeing a glimmer of hope, Princess Changle quickly walked around the table to Emperor Jing, pleading with a sense of royal superiority infused in her words.

"Yes! Uncle. I have admired Zhao Zun from a young age. I have refused to discuss marriage for so many years just to wait for him. As a Commandery Princess, wouldn’t marrying me be much better for Zhao Zun than marrying the niece of a mere County Magistrate?"

"Indeed, Your Majesty. Please consent to Changle. She is already twenty-three years old and considered an old maid. It’s hard for her to find someone she likes. If she remains unwed, my brother and sister-in-law will be left in a difficult position." The Empress also seized the opportunity to assist.

"Hmm! Let me think about it."

Emperor Jing pinched his nose bridge, closed his eyes lightly, and began calculating swiftly in his mind.

Princess Changle was of royal blood. If Zhao Zun were to marry Princess Changle, he would become his nephew by marriage, solidifying them as one family.

Once Zhao Zun and Changle had heirs, even if Zhao Zun were sent back to guard the border, he wouldn’t be able to hold power independently, much less harbor any ulterior motives.

Their offspring would bond Zhao Zun to the royal family by marriage and family ties, becoming his weakness, allowing Emperor Jing to confidently and boldly re-employ Zhao Zun.

Conversely, if Zhao Zun married the niece of the County Magistrate of Qingshui County with no constraints, even with his talent and decisiveness, Emperor Jing wouldn’t dare to use him.

He could only watch as court salaries were wasted on maintaining such a leisurely prince.

Moreover, Changle was indeed getting on in years. If Zhao Zun could take over at this time, it would indeed solve a problem for the Marquis Champion’s family.

Emperor Jing was deep in consideration while the Empress and Princess Changle, though anxious, dared not interrupt his train of thought or influence his decision.

The two of them could only watch Emperor Jing with faces full of anxiety and anticipation.

After a long while, Emperor Jing slowly opened his eyes and looked at Princess Changle.

"Alas! You have put me in a difficult position!"

Emperor Jing sighed, appearing genuinely troubled, causing Princess Changle’s heart to tighten instantly.

"Your Majesty! No, Uncle. You are the Emperor. Is it not just a matter of your word? Changle implores you." Saying this, Changle fell to her knees with a thud, her voice tinged with a coquettish plea.

"Alas! Very well."

Seeing how deeply Princess Changle cared for Zhao Zun fit Emperor Jing’s intentions. As for the niece of the County Magistrate, she would just have to find another place to cool her heels.

Only then did Emperor Jing reluctantly say, "Tomorrow night is the New Year’s Eve banquet at the palace. Zhao Zun will also attend. At that time, I will grant your marriage in front of everyone."

Princess Changle rejoiced, her head full of bejeweled hairpins clinking against the floor as she kowtowed.

"Thank you, Your Majesty. Thank you, Your Majesty."