Chapter 1001 (Offering Herself Willingly)
The spilled wine stained Huang Yun's robes, causing a sudden hush in the entire hall. "Huang Yun, it's not good to hit women," Huang Li interjected unexpectedly, surprising everyone.
Has the Ninth Prince just struck Qian Yuqing? Was that why he dropped the wine jug? It seemed a bit petty of him, as she might just hesitate for a moment. Was it necessary to resort to violence?
Qian Yi, seated below, furrowed her brows slightly, seemingly displeased that her daughter was being mistreated. However, there was little he could do but endure silently.
Yet, Qian Yuqing quickly apologised, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to." Her demeanour made it seem like she was bullied but dared not speak up. The sense of injustice evoked sympathy.
Huang Fei remained silent but observed Ye Hua's reaction. Could he sit still amidst such an incident? Huang Yun's ability to handle the situation earned him some admiration. "It's okay," Huang Yun said with a slight smile, casually drying himself off.
"Brother, women are meant to be cherished," Huang Li seized the opportunity to criticise Huang Yun, not letting any chance to tarnish his image slip by.
Huang Yun responded quietly, "Brother, this is my family matter. You don't need to concern yourself." Huang Li chuckled, acknowledging the change in their father's attitude. In the past, he might have reprimanded him, but today, it seemed different with Ye Hua present being present.
Ye Hua remained silent, observing quietly. His calm demeanour left many uncertain about his intentions. What was he up to?
Huang Fei suddenly smiled and addressed the courtiers, "Today, I am pleased. Are there any unmarried young people among us?" The courtiers pondered the meaning behind the emperor's words.
It was evident that the emperor intended to play matchmaker. Among the unmarried individuals present, there were a few. Ye Yuanqing was visibly uneasy. Ye Shen, even more so. Could the emperor be arranging a marriage for his daughter? That would complicate matters since she currently held a military position, and marriage would likely cause the removal of her official duties.
People who had previously thought the emperor wasn't targeting the Ye family realised it was just a ruse. The emperor aimed to weaken the Ye family by targeting his daughter. All thanks to Ye Hua.
At this moment, the unmarried young individuals were on edge, fearing the emperor might impose an inexplicable marriage arrangement."Prime Minister Shan, has your distinguished son not yet taken a wife?" Huang Fei suddenly inquired towards Shan Junren.
This caught Shan Junren off guard, a bit puzzled about the emperor's intention. Nonetheless, he bowed and replied, "Reporting to Your Majesty, my son is still unmarried."
"Oh? Shan Yu!" Huang Fei called out.
Shan Yu, seated below, stood up, adjusted his official attire, and walked to the centre. "I'm here," he respectfully said.
"What a fine young man. He's still unmarried at this age. Shan Yu, what kind of woman do you like?" Huang Fei asked aloud, leaving everyone guessing the emperor's intent.
Even Ye Hua felt intrigued, sensing that this opponent was playing an unconventional game. It pleased him, hoping for some unexpected surprises.
As Shan Junren looked at his kneeling son, his brow furrowed gradually. Could the emperor be thinking...
Shan Yu respectfully said, "It's entirely up to Your Majesty's decision."
The answer was impeccable. If he had expressed personal preferences, it would likely displease the emperor. The fact that the emperor chose him indicated there was a plan. Did he intend to resist the imperial order?
In this Spirit City, the emperor on the throne held absolute authority. Everything was subject to his command!
"Prime Minister Shan, your son is quite good!" Shan Junren turned around, bowed, and smiled, saying, "Your Majesty, my son is truly not suitable for such an important matter."
"Tsk! You're saying it wrong. I think it's fine! Is there any unmarried woman present?" Huang Fei kept asking, his words seeming somewhat redundant.
This question was a bit unnecessary. In the entire main hall, there was only one woman seated below—Ye Yuanqing. Coincidentally, she was unmarried. Wasn't he referring to her?
Ye Shen's face darkened completely. It seemed the emperor was ready to make a move. The reason the Ye family could become a second-tier clan was because their daughter held the position of a general. If she married and lost that title, the Ye family would completely fade from the historical stage.
The emperor was determined to eradicate Ye Hua, leaving no room for compromise. Despite the talk of marrying into a prime minister's family, ultimately, she would just be a woman. What could a woman do, especially compared to being a general?
Ye Yuanqing shared the same sentiment. Her goal was not marriage, not having children for others. Her ambition was to surpass her elder brother, to bravely fight and kill enemies on the frontier. However, judging by the emperor's words, it was evident that he was targeting her.
Ye Shen was unsure how to respond. The emperor clearly wanted him to voluntarily offer his daughter, which would spare him from criticism. However, remaining silent at this moment might make matters worse in the eyes of the emperor.
Now the dilemma arose: should he protect his daughter or sacrifice her? Both options were risky and displeasing. The emperor was forcing him to make a choice.
Ye Yuanqing understood the emperor's intention and knew what his father was contemplating. The emperor was determined to target the Ye family, more precisely, to eliminate his elder brother.
The atmosphere in the room became eerie. All eyes secretly turned towards Ye Shen, the once glorious man who had now fallen from grace. It was a true portrayal of life's ups and downs.
The crucial factor now was to see how Ye Shen would decide. Whatever his choice, the consequences would be the same. It all depended on his attitude.
Ye Hua also looked at his biological father, not feeling any affection, but rather curious about what choice he would make. He understood why the emperor was taking such actions and found it eye-opening.
Ye Yuanqing's breathing quickened, and Ye Shen was equally struggling in his mind. The daughter would inevitably be married. It might be better to give the emperor some face for future negotiations. If he angered the emperor, that would be a significant problem.
After resolving this internal struggle, Ye Shen stood up, bowed, and said, "Reporting to Your Majesty, my daughter Ye Yuanqing is still unmarried."
Ye Hua watched his biological father willingly offer his daughter and sneered inwardly. 'Such a man! He couldn't even protect his family. It would be better if he just died.'
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