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Finally getting rid of this big mushroom, Ju Rong sighed and said, "Girl, your father sees that the king treats you sincerely. You should think carefully about what to do; it might be better to marry into the palace."
San Chun lowered her head and replied, "Let me think about it."
She knew her father was thinking of her well-being. After years of war, the population in various countries had significantly decreased. Yue Country had established a regulation: strong men could not take old women, and old men could not take strong wives; if a girl did not marry by seventeen, her parents would be guilty; if a husband did not marry by twenty, his parents would be guilty.
Although Yan Country did not have such explicit regulations regarding marriage, they managed marriage matters very strictly. Women like her who were over seventeen and still unmarried were extremely rare. If this continued, even her father might be implicated.
As a Yan person, being able to marry within her own country without leaving home was actually quite good.
Ju Rong indeed thought this way and hoped she could stay by the family. So even when threatened by Chengyang Jun, he held firm and refused to give her to that man.
He said, "Your father knows your temperament; if your heart is not in it, you will not marry. Just consider it as filial piety for your old father. I truly do not want you to marry too far away." His eyes were slightly moist as he wiped them with his sleeve and pretended to cough to cover up.
Thinking about how her father had suffered from worry and longing during the more than two years she had been away, she felt a mix of emotions. Perhaps for her father's sake, she should stay in Yan Country.
She softly said, "Father, don't worry. I have my own ideas and will not let you feel lonely."
Ju Rong nodded and sighed lightly as he walked out. He felt quite troubled thinking about Chengyang Jun's letter; he hoped his daughter would be happy and that this person would not come to disrupt that.
At this moment, Zhong Xue was truly frustrated. As a lord of a nation, he had been forced to leave, which already put him in a bad mood. What made him even more upset was receiving a letter from Kazama informing him that Ju Rong had been told: soon Lord Jun would arrive in Daliang to welcome him and warm his bed.
Seeing those words made him wish he could skin Kazama alive. What did "warm the bed" mean? That fool!
No wonder Ju Rong called him shameless; that accusation was indeed justified.
He angrily tossed the letter aside, contemplating how to regain his face.
In fact, it wasn't entirely Kazama's fault; he barely knew a few characters, and managing to write a lengthy piece was already quite remarkable. Moreover, it was true that his master had originally intended that. Of course, the consequence of this would be that Zhong Xue would give him a good scolding.
...
There is no wall that does not let the wind through, especially with Dong Dong, who loves gossiping so much; good news rarely leaves the house while bad news travels far and wide.
San Chun learned about this matter on the second day, as it was relayed to her in vivid detail by Dong Dong.
Every time Dong Dong brought up Zhong Xue's embarrassing moments, she was particularly excited. She first recounted Zhong Xue's letter, then placed her hands on her hips and laughed, "He wants you to warm his bed; do you know what that means?"
San Chun frowned. She didn't believe Chengyang Jun would write such things. Although he wasn't a good person, he at least cared about his reputation. If she guessed correctly, this was likely Kazama's doing; his taste was limited to this level.
She regarded Zhong Xue's situation merely as a joke and didn't take it to heart. What she truly cared about was Ju Rong's intentions.
Ju Rong did everything for her; he was indeed a rare good father. He wouldn't force her to do anything she didn't want to do. For him to sacrifice for her sake was only natural, right?
Feeling hesitant about what to do, she thought if she agreed, that troublesome Zhong Xue wouldn't let her off easily. While she knew he wouldn't give up easily, some matters had to be addressed; otherwise, that guy might really think she couldn't live without him.
Resolute in her decision, she slept particularly soundly that night and woke up in the afternoon.
Throughout the afternoon, Qi did not show up again. However, when Ju Rong returned from court, he brought news that the king had officially decreed to make her the queen and that the grand wedding would be held in half a month.
She had never expected this matter to come so suddenly. Qi had said nothing when he came in the morning; how could a decree be issued so quickly?
Ju Rong speculated that it was mostly due to Empress Dowager Hua; Empress Hua was eager to marry her niece into the palace and had been constantly advising the king. Uncle Qi must have been so annoyed by it that he decided to take action first.
Indeed, this was the case. As soon as Qi returned to the palace, before he could attend court, he was stopped by Empress Dowager Hua, who insisted that he announce the Chief Minister's daughter as the empress.
Qi disagreed, and the two had a heated argument. In a fit of anger, Empress Dowager Hua brought up past events, accusing him of delaying the appointment of an empress due to his twisted affection for his elder brother and then becoming infatuated with Ju Dan.
Qi was furious and rebuked Empress Dowager Hua for her rudeness, daring to slander Crown Prince Yan Dan.
Empress Dowager Hua sneered coldly, "Do not think that I am blind. If you want to keep something hidden, you must not do it in the first place. There are people who have seen what you have done."
Qi was taken aback, his face involuntarily flushing slightly.
He knew what Empress Dowager Hua was referring to. It was a few days after Yan Dan returned from the State of Chu. She was busy discussing matters with the ministers and recounting experiences to the king, leaving no time for him. He felt unwilling and waited for her in her chamber every day.
As she grew older, she seemed reluctant to share a bed with him. Even when he approached her, she would dodge away. He felt unhappy; he didn't like seeing her like this. They used to be very close, unlike now when their distance was unbearable for him. So on that day, he searched everywhere for her, wanting to express his feelings and his longing for her.
In the garden, he finally saw her. She was sitting in a pavilion, leaning against the pillar behind her, seemingly asleep. To be able to sleep peacefully in such a place must mean she had been very tired lately.
He walked over and sat beside her, just watching her as she kept her eyes tightly closed. Her fine long hair covered her smooth forehead and fell onto her thick and long eyelashes. Underneath her purple robe was skin so delicate that no one could compare. In the afternoon sunlight, there was not a hint of redness; her fair face exuded a clear brightness that made her look like a painting—so beautiful that she hardly seemed real.
He marveled at how beautiful she had become after not seeing her for several years. His heart raced; he wanted to kiss her so badly. He leaned down and kissed her soft lips that resembled rose petals. The sensation at that moment was exquisite; the taste was sweet, and he still remembered the thrill from that time.
She seemed to sense something and opened her eyes to look at him, her gaze sparkling with a glassy light and a hint of confusion. He could feel his heart racing wildly. But who would have thought that this scene would be witnessed by Empress Dowager Hua, who was still a lady at that time?
However, even if she saw it, what could she do? Did she think this would coerce him into changing his mind?
He scoffed coldly, "Does Empress Dowager Hua think that by bringing up past events she can make me change my decision? Do you know what happens when someone in the harem tries to seize power?"
Empress Dowager Hua trembled with anger, repeatedly exclaiming, "Truly disrespectful! Truly disrespectful!"
Qili ignored her and waved his sleeve, heading to the court. Without waiting for the ministers to chatter and present their petitions, he immediately issued a decree.
He feared that delaying could lead to complications, as many were currently concerned about Ju Dan. A small mistake could result in dire consequences. Moreover, there was Empress Dowager Hua. Resolving this matter now would prevent her from meddling.
These intricate details were unknown to San Chun. Her consideration was no longer whether to marry but how to marry. The king's decree had been issued, and it was not something that could be easily changed. As a subject, Ju Rong could not disregard the royal command; such an offense was absolutely unacceptable.
So when Ju Rong asked for her opinion, she smiled slightly and said, "This matter is entirely up to my father."
Ju Rong was overjoyed. His usual display of non-interference in her thoughts stemmed from his fear that she might run away from home again. However, deep down, he hoped she would marry the king. The engagement with Crown Prince Yan Dan had fallen through in the past, and now marrying the king was indeed a fortunate event. What was even more remarkable was the king's deep affection for her.
He happily prepared for the wedding, ensuring that everything would be of the finest quality.
What happened in the Ju Mansion was naturally known to Dong Dong, who often basked in the sun under San Chun's eaves. However, knowing was one thing; whether to convey it to someone else was another matter.
He chewed on a straw, leaning against the door frame, his mind swirling with chaotic thoughts.
At this moment, Chengyang Jun was not in Daliang. He didn’t want to act—at least not now. Perhaps it would be better to wait until San Chun and King Yan consummated their marriage; by then, it would be too late. His expression at that time would surely be quite entertaining.
However, thinking about it was one thing; acting on it was another. He had witnessed Zhong Xue's methods multiple times; they were truly terrifying and left one feeling trapped between life and death.
Sighing and preparing to stand up, the door suddenly swung open. He lost his balance and fell to the ground, only to see San Chun looking at him with a smile.
He couldn't help but grit his teeth; this girl must have seen him sitting here through the window and did this on purpose.
She and Zhong Xue were somewhat alike—both had mischievous minds; it would be better to send them both away together.
He dusted himself off and got up, planning to find Zhong Xue to send a message as well.
The grand wedding of King Yan was a national celebration, and within a short time, it was known throughout Daliang.
Ju Rong was excitedly preparing the wedding for San Chun, and even Madam Ju came over enthusiastically to measure her for custom-made clothing and select jewelry. San Chun guessed that this was mostly because her status would be elevated in the future, and this lady would benefit greatly from it.
In fact, sometimes people can be quite mercenary; such individuals are everywhere, and after seeing enough of them, one becomes indifferent.
Recalling Quail Orchid's request, San Chun took this opportunity to bring it up with Madam Ju. It wouldn't be appropriate for Ju Rong to handle such matters; if Madam Ju took charge, even if word got out, people would only think she was too fond of singing and dancing.
Madam Ju readily agreed and indeed took out her own money to redeem Quail Orchid.
San Chun brought Quail Orchid into Ju Mansion, and it wasn't long before she received a visit from the two of them. They expressed their heartfelt gratitude, especially the Thirteenth, who vowed to serve her for life in return for her kindness.
San Chun smiled and said, "If you stay here, you won't be able to be with your beloved anymore. Hurry and take her away; may you both love each other dearly and make others envious."
The two knelt again in gratitude and truly left without any lingering feelings, making her sigh inwardly; all those vows they had just made were nothing but empty words.
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