Dong Shen was grateful for being given a way out.
The faces of the crown Prince and the third Prince looked as if they swallowed a fly.
'No how can they let him escape this fate, this trap was specially designed for this brother of theirs. '
The Crown Prince subtly gave signs to one of the ministers under him.
However other minister who wished either well for Dong Shen or maybe were looking to marry their daughter to him spoke up.
"Yes your majesty it is not right for the Prince to marry like this, that too a main consort, the emperor won't be happy. "
The right Prime Minister spoke up, "your majesty you are a Prince it is not good to go with the marriage without the emperor's will and opinion. "
'Bah, how can they let such a fine man marry General Han's daughter, good water should flow in their on fields and nit that of others, no he has to stop this. '
"Yes yes, even if it is a challenge you are an exception as you are the son of the emperor and you have to see the will of the emperor to go along with such a big decision. "
'Today was really an unlucky day the Prince shouldn't have come out of his mansion without checking his almanac, he was sure that today the God of Fortune was on leave and the God of mischief was playing tricks on them the innocent people and even on Dong Shen. '
Dong Shen smiled with satisfaction, even General Han said up, "yes, your highness, the will of the emperor is important in this matter. "
However he covertly glanced at the minsters who were vehemently against this marriage and memorized their faces by heart, 'Hmph, did they think he was blind and can't see what their intentions are, as if they can suboatage his Xu'er wedding so easily if you want a son in law so bad find someone else why are you snatching other people's son in law. '
Although General Han really hoped that the emperor will consent to this marriage for the sake of his daughter.
The right Prime Minister thought that first thing tomorrow morning he will ask the emperor to bestow marriage for his daughter Yan Sheili and the Seventh Prince otherwise such a good goose will be gone to another families house.
As things were settled and general gave consent to start the challenge again an eunuch from the palace came with an edict to the General mansion.
Dong Shen had an forbearing feeling, surely his father emperor won't do this to him.
But alas he had thought to greatly of the emperor.
"Verdict of the son of the heaven the emperor to the Seventh Prince Dong Shen."
Enunch Gai said looking at Dong Shen will glee apparent in his eyes.
The crown Prince who was still sitting sipping on his tea again rejoiced hiding his fox like smiling face.
The Third Prince didn't even hide his smile and openly snickered.
"The Seventh Prince Dong Shen is unrivalled in talent and is a great hero to our Dong Empire, with the success of his great expedition in South and the rightful winner of the Challenge to marry General Han's daughter, the emperor is delighted and consents Prince Dong Shen to marry the adopted daughter of General Han, and wishes him a happy and fulfilling marriage, this by the will of the heavens and the emperor is bestowed on the seventh Prince. "
As soon as the edict was read Dong Shen bent down slightly bowed and took it from the enunch.
With slightly pursued lips he said, "I respect the edict and will of the emperor father. "
After he accepted the edict some young girls even fainted as if losing the will to even live.
Enunch Gao did not leave immediately instead took out another edict and started reading it.
"The emperor's edict to Qin Xu the adopted daughter of general Han is of benevolent nature and is of upright character having grace virture and talent to be lead as example for other women by the decree of the son of heaven we bestow upon Qin Xu a marriage decree with the Seventh Prince Dong Shen. "
General Han came forward and took the edict from Enunch Guo, "my daughter is unwell I will take the emperor's degree on her behalf, witht that he bowed and Kowtowed. "
Enunch Gao was satisfied with the events of the General Han mansion and with happiness went to report back to the emperor after getting a generous reward from the General.
The happiest was of course General Han he truly caught a big fish of the ocean for his daughter.
The other ministers could feel the happiess of the general but it felt like a thorn in their heart piercing them.
However the most happy were none other than the crown Prince and the third prince.
"Congratulations, brother if I have not seen today with my own eyes I wouldn't have know Seventh brother could shoot two birds with one arrow. " Spoke Third Prince Dong Liu with a taunting smile.
"One truly has to open eyes and see the world, today seventh brother has truly broadened our horizons." Continued the Crown Prince.
"Congratulations on winning a wife and also the championship."
"Seventh Prince I am delighted to have you as my son in law. " With that general Han presented him the bow and arrow set which was previous used in shooting and said.
"This bow and set arrow is a treasure specially prepared by master Tang of the Wu Long sect, whoever could shoot with this arrow and have my daughter in marriage will be given this exclusive set as a token for the engagement and now I present it you. "
"Your highness tomorrow is an auspicious day to get married hence please come early to receive the bride. "
After the guest departed the general mansion made haste invitation for the wedding.
General Han went to White Lily courtyard to give this good news to the girl.
"Xu'er, you have been betrothed to the seventh Prince congratulations. "
A girl who was sitting on a chair eating nuts slowly looked in the direction of the general.
A face of unparalleled elegance and beauty looked towards the direction of the voice.
That face was so beautiful that it can cause downfall of many countries, with huge sapphire blue eyes glowing like gems, at the same time filled with the early dew of flowers, misty and soft like a deer.
Eyebrows like an abyss mountain beautifully shaped on a small face with perky and small nose.
A red pouty mouth red and glossy as if the morning rose has been just beautified by the early morning dew.
Smooth and creamy skin one can actually squeez water out of it.
The girl gracefully stood up and wore her long veil before welcoming her father.
As soon as she stood one can see her small waist however she was quite tall but graceful with each movement her waist moved as if a soft flute is moving on a rhythm.
The girl was just out of this world with soft body and features so beautiful that even Dong Shen the revered most beautiful man of Dong Nation could not hold a candle in front of her.
"Welcome father, please have a seat. "
With that the girl personally brewed tea for her foster father.
General Han was very satisfied with this daughter of his, she was very caring and filial.
However she was very frail as if a gust of wind will blow her away.
The main reason his daughter was always under veil was that she was too beautiful for her own good and to protect her this was a necessary step.
In Qunzhou he was always on war and here he was always afraid that if any amorous Prince or worst the emperor caught sight of her they would not stop until they have her.
Hence the first thing he did before coming here was to arrange a wedding for his daughter and also to make sure the husband she gets is powerful enough to protect her.