This left Zong Huofeng in an awkward position.
"Your Majesty, the marriage alliance between our two nations is meant to solidify our friendship. I do not understand the meaning behind the Zhen Prince's open refusal. Does he not consider our Zongsheng Kingdom worthy?"
Zong Han’s words struck the table with force as he questioned Huangfu Jintao. If looks could kill, Fan Zehao would have been riddled with ten thousand arrows by now, such was the depth of his hatred.
Zhao Jiaqi pursed her lips. This "little eighth" in front of her was clearly using this occasion for personal revenge.
Zong Han bringing up the matter of national friendship was no small affair.
Fan Zehao made a decisive declaration, kneeling with one knee firmly planted. "Your Majesty, I have decided not to marry the princess of Zongsheng Kingdom. If forced to do so, I cannot guarantee the princess will survive past the second day."
Zong Han was enraged, slamming his palm on the table and rising. "You are threatening me! Do you truly believe the Zongsheng Kingdom fears you?"
Fan Zehao met his fiery, hate-filled gaze, stating calmly, "Have you never heard the saying, 'A wife follows her husband, even if he’s a dog'? If a woman is married off, what does it matter if her in-laws treat her harshly and she dies?"
Such things happened in any large household. It wasn't just in noble families; even in the countryside, how many daughters-in-law were tormented to death by their mothers-in-law?
A married daughter was like spilled water. Especially a princess marrying far away, whether she lived or died, what could be done even if it was known how she died?
If she were truly cherished, why would she be sent away for a marriage alliance?
Everyone understood this tacitly, they just chose not to tear down the facade. "Harmony and good relations benefit everyone, including the nation," that was the truth!
Huangfu Jintao frowned. Fan Zehao was good in all other aspects, but his temper was as stubborn as a mule, and he always spoke the blunt truth. Couldn't he be a bit more tactful and leave some face for the other party?
As the two men's tempers flared, Huangfu Jintao quickly stepped in to mediate, smiling. "Esteemed Lord of Zong, my Zhen Prince, as you know, is always straightforward and speaks without thinking. However, he is extremely respectful to his wife of humble beginnings, and has vowed to marry only one woman in his lifetime. This has long been a beautiful tale in the capital."
The Emperor's meaning was clear: he did not approve of Zong Huofeng marrying Fan Zehao.
Zong Han understood perfectly. He glanced calmly at Zong Huofeng, then turned back to Huangfu Jintao in the high seat. "Since it is a marriage alliance, why does Your Majesty not choose a worthy son-in-law to forge the esteemed reputation of a nation's alliance?"
This showed great deference to Huangfu Jintao. He immediately scanned the crowd, his gaze finally settling on Hu Yurong.
"The legitimate son of Marquis Ningyuan’s manor is of noble birth, handsome, talented, and of upright character. He is also not yet married. Today, I bestow the princess upon you as your primary wife. Treat her well!"
Hu Yurong was stunned. It wasn't until his father beside him shot him several sharp glances and urged him to express his gratitude that he numbly rose.
"Hu Yurong accepts the decree and thanks His Majesty for his grace!"
He could not imagine that the Emperor would bestow such a beautiful, blooming maiden upon him. It was a victory in romance, but a setback in his official career.
Zhao Jiaqi shifted her gaze and whispered into Fan Zehao's ear, "Well, Hu Yurong has won himself a beauty. Tonight, he's the only one here truly happy."
Fan Zehao smiled faintly. He didn't care about such matters. As long as he didn't have to marry, whoever it was, it was fine by him.
Moments later, in the grand hall, song and dance filled the air. The Emperor and Zong Han smiled at each other. Whether their smiles hid daggers or were merely forced, it had nothing to do with Fan Zehao and his wife.
They lowered their heads, ate, and drank, striving to be invisible to avoid attracting any unexpected trouble from the person opposite them who acted so unpredictably.
As expected, right after a magnificent dance concluded, Zong Han eagerly voiced his own wish.
"It is a marriage alliance between two nations. Since my sister is marrying into the Yun Kingdom, should the Yun Kingdom not also send a princess to my harem?"
This statement immediately silenced the hall. Everyone turned to look at Zong Han.
Huangfu Jintao's brow furrowed. Before he could speak, Zong Han looked at the woman beside Yao Jingyun. "I have heard that Princess Peting is intelligent and astute. Seeing her today, she truly lives up to her reputation. I wish to take Princess Peting as my Empress and welcome her to the Eastern Palace of the Zongsheng Kingdom!"
A ripple of shock went through the hall.
Yao Jingyun's face turned ashen. She nervously looked at the Emperor, begging him not to let her daughter be married off. But she also knew this was a matter of state, and the imperial harem could not interfere.
Huangfu Jintao looked at the devastated Peting and then at the Imperial Consort. His heart ached for Peting, but compared to the nation, Peting was an insignificant individual.
"Your Majesty, Peting is already betrothed to General Piaoji, Fan Xudong. If she is to be married off, wouldn't that make it a case of bigamy?"
At this critical juncture, Yao Jingyun recalled Fan Zehao's proposal to his younger brother. She would rather Peting marry a rough, unestablished man than be married off to the Zongsheng Kingdom.
Throughout history, how many princesses who were sent for marriage alliances had a good ending?
Yao Jingyun decisively spoke of the matter, also serving as a reminder to the Emperor.
Clinging to a sliver of hope, Yao Jingyun wanted to fight for Peting.
Huangfu Jintao suddenly realized, and looked apologetically at Zong Han. "Lord of Zong, it is truly unfortunate. Just a few days ago, Fan Zehao indeed proposed marriage to his brother, and I had already agreed. This is truly a regrettable coincidence."
Zong Han did not believe a word of Huangfu Jintao's explanation, scoffing, "Is it truly a coincidence, or a deliberate one? Why did I not hear of such a significant event as a princess's engagement when I arrived? Or does Your Majesty not wish to form a marriage alliance with the Zongsheng Kingdom!"
He had tolerated Fan Zehao's actions, which were merely meant to provoke Zhao Jiaqi for deceiving him.
But Peting's situation was truly unbearable. How could they send a princess for a marriage alliance, and not receive a princess in return?
His words silenced the Emperor, for this matter was half true and half false, and being exposed in public caused him to lose face.
Zhao Jiaqi's eyes flickered. She quietly asked Fan Xudong, who was also nervous behind her, "Fan the Second, do you still have the jade pendant that Peting gifted you when you saved her outside the palace?"
"I see it daily, thinking of her, so of course I still have it!" Fan the Second replied naturally, his hand subconsciously touching his chest.
"A jade pendant is a token of betrothal. Hurry and go out to present it as proof that what the Emperor said is true!"
Fan the Second stood there with his mouth agape, not understanding what was happening. The next moment, Fan Zehao unceremoniously threw him out.
"Hmph, this kid is even more foolish than I am. With his IQ, he wouldn't even marry a princess after two lifetimes of cultivation!"
Zhao Jiaqi glanced sideways. In her mind, she mused that his IQ wasn't that high either. On his wedding night, he had scared his bride to death. What groom in history was like that?
And now he was acting like a puffed-up rooster lecturing others.