Her marriage, naturally, was not something they could interfere with. Furthermore, the Emperor was very keen on this matter, and had instructed the Ministry of Revenue and the Ministry of Rites to begin preparations for the arrival of the Western Liang envoys some time ago.
If it were indeed the case that the Western Liang princess fancied him, that would truly be troublesome. He wasn't worried about being forced to divorce his wife and remarry, nor did he particularly like Liu Meng Han. His concern was solely that the Western Liang princess might not tolerate Feng Ruo Yan.
"That absolutely won't do. You cannot marry that Western Liang princess."
Having finally managed to get Chu Yan Xi to willingly marry a daughter of the Liu family, if he were to marry the Western Liang princess, wouldn't her plans fall apart? What would become of the Liu family's future?
"Whether we marry her or not is not up to us to decide," Chu Yan Xi said coldly. He understood his father; state affairs were always of paramount importance to him. Moreover, the national treasury was currently depleted, and the Cang Nan kingdom was eyeing them with hostility. The most pressing matter was to establish good relations with Western Liang so they could turn their attention to dealing with Cang Nan. Therefore, no matter what demands the Western Liang princess made, his father would find a way to satisfy her.
"I will go to your father immediately. He will surely agree," the Empress said, flustered. She quickly rose, ready to plead with Emperor Xuan Wen. They had been childhood sweethearts; their bond was forged in their youth.
Thus, over the years, no matter how favored the Imperial Noble Consort was, she had always maintained the highest position in the harem. Even the late Empress Jing Yi could not contend with her.
As long as she tearfully pleaded, Emperor Xuan Wen would surely soften his heart and agree.
"Mother, there's no need. This time is different from before. State affairs are of greater importance. We can only rely on ourselves. Once the Western Liang envoys arrive in the capital, you only need to find a way to recommend someone to receive the Western Liang princess."
Ideally, the Western Liang princess would quickly take a liking to one of the other princes, saving him from constant worry.
"I will go now to plead with your father. But, which prince would be suitable to receive her?"
"Chu Chen Yi," Chu Yan Xi uttered the three words faintly from his lips.
"Chu Chen Yi? That cripple? The Western Liang princess would fancy him?"
The Empress showed utter disdain on her face. Although Chu Chen Yi's legs appeared no different from a normal person's, only she knew how severely depleted his internal constitution truly was. This was also the most important reason why numerous skilled physicians had failed to treat him.
As early as when Chu Chen Yi broke his leg, she had ordered imperial physicians to add a large amount of cold-natured Qing Mu Xiang to his medicine. Even if Chu Chen Yi's legs healed, he would still suffer unbearable pain, eventually making even walking difficult.
"Whether she fancies him or not, it depends on the affection between Prince Jing and his wife. You know that the Princess Consort is the sole daughter of Marquis Ping Yang. the influence of Marquis Ping Yang's mansion is not to be underestimated."
Among his brothers, Chu Chen Yi was currently the only one who could contend with him.
Before Chu Chen Yi injured his leg, he had outshone all of them. It was only after Chu Chen Yi's injury that he had the opportunity to display his talents.
But ever since Chu Chen Yi's legs had recovered, he felt a strong sense of crisis, especially since Chu Chen Yi's father-in-law was Marquis Ping Yang.
Marquis Ping Yang's mansion was deeply entrenched and deeply trusted by the Emperor. Furthermore, the Old Madam of Marquis Ping Yang's mansion had a close relationship with the Empress Dowager, and this marriage was personally bestowed by the Empress Dowager.
He, however, had to constantly strive to surpass Chu Chen Yi in every aspect. Only in this matter did he fall behind Chu Chen Yi. The Liu family had no real power in the capital. Although Feng Yuan Ping held the position of Prime Minister, he was ultimately a scholar from a humble background who had risen through the ranks. While he appeared glorious now, in terms of true strength, how could he compare to the Marquis Ping Yang's mansion, which had been established for a century?
These past few days, Feng Yuan Ping had been repeatedly reprimanded by the Emperor, and ministers had continuously impeached him. Many impeachment memorials had been suppressed.
With the slightest misstep, Feng Yuan Ping could lose his official hat. He had no choice but to take precautions lest he be helpless one day.
"Mother, you must do your best to persuade Father. If possible, also have Ling Mo Han accompany him. Under the cover of night, I must leave the palace first." Chu Yan Xi entrusted her with a few unassured instructions before withdrawing.
After Chu Yan Xi left, the Empress went directly to find Emperor Xuan Wen. Through her tearful and passionate plea,
She finally obtained Emperor Xuan Wen's agreement to have Chu Chen Yi receive the Western Liang envoys, with Ling Mo Han accompanying him.
...
"You're sighing and looking so deeply pained. You'll scare the guests away."
From the moment she opened her shop until now, Lin Yu Wei had been sitting there in a daze, sighing continuously. She didn't react even when customers entered. Feng Jin couldn't bear it any longer and asked.
"Sister Feng Jin, I just feel so suffocated inside."
It was as if a feeling was trapped within her, unable to rise or fall, leaving her completely unsettled.
"I'll prescribe you some medicine to relieve your chest and regulate your qi. You can't wear yourself out."
Feng Jin wrote a prescription with bold strokes and sent someone to the medical hall to fetch the medicine.
"Sister, are you aware of the Western Liang princess's arrival in Dong Chu?"
"Ling Mo Han told me last night. Isn't she here for a marriage alliance? You better keep a close eye on Chu Chen Yi, don't let the Western Liang princess take a liking to him and take him away as her consort."
Lin Yu Wei became even more indignant. "It would be best if he were taken away, then he wouldn't have to be in my sight all the time. I'd even wish to divorce him and find someone else."
Divorce is divorce; the next one will be better. Lin Yu Wei took deep breaths, trying to relieve her anger.
"Did you have a fight?" Feng Jin asked tentatively.
"It's Chu Chen Yi who wants to marry the Western Liang princess."
"Ah!" Feng Jin exclaimed in surprise. "Really?"
Lin Yu Wei nodded. "I heard it with my own ears. He said that even if the Western Liang princess wanted to marry him, he was worried the Western Liang Emperor wouldn't agree. Isn't that him wanting to marry the Western Liang princess? Then I'll grant his wish and divorce him so he can marry the Western Liang princess without any attachments."
Feng Jin covered her mouth and chuckled. A woman in love is unable to control her emotions. She claims not to care, but the anger on her face completely betrays her.
"I also think it's for the best. Chu Chen Yi is unreliable and poor; he's not worthy of you at all. After divorcing him, with your qualifications, you could easily find someone much better than Chu Chen Yi."
Dong Chu's restrictions on women are quite lenient. Women can initiate a divorce from their husbands, and after divorce, women can remarry.
"I'll handle this for you. I'll write a divorce letter and send it to Prince Jing's mansion right away."
With that, Feng Jin stood up, picked up the brush, and was about to start writing.
"Wait..." Lin Yu Wei quickly called out, her expression full of hesitation.
"What is it? Are you unwilling to divorce him?"
Lin Yu Wei sighed and lowered her head. She didn't know why, but if she were to truly divorce Chu Chen Yi, she felt an inexplicable pang of sadness and a hint of reluctance.