Fan Zehao squeezed her small hand and voiced his guess, "Zonghan grew up in the royal family. Have you ever seen a royal family devoted to just one person? For the sake of continuing the lineage, there are countless concubines in the harem, making it hard for Zonghan to remain faithful to Junjun his whole life. I doubt he'll agree."
"That's just a secondary concern. What if, just to marry our daughter now, he agrees readily, and then within a few years, he takes another concubine? Are you going to let our daughter divorce him?" httpδ:/m.kuAisugg.nět
After he put it that way, Zhao Jiaqi didn't know what to say either!
"Wife, if I were to take a concubine, what would you do?" Fan Zehao asked curiously.
After all, even if he took a concubine, and his wife had already borne him three children, would she still divorce him?
She had been preoccupied with Junjun's affairs, but upon hearing her husband's question, Zhao Jiaqi narrowed her beautiful eyes.
"Either divorce, or I'll cripple your third leg, or I'll cripple you first, then divorce!"
She had zero tolerance for infidelity, even a mental transgression, let alone a physical one.
This was her bottom line in relationships, an uncrossable line.
Upon hearing his wife's words, Fan Zehao couldn't help but shiver.
"You... you're too ruthless. Thankfully, I haven't taken any concubines, nor do I have any intention to. Otherwise, wouldn't I end up disabled!"
Fan Zehao knew very well which of his wife's words were jokes and which were serious. Clearly, at this moment, she was speaking the truth.
She had said this shortly after they were married, and he remembered it vividly.
Zhao Jiaqi cast him a sidelong glance and snorted, "It's good that you know!"
No matter how much they thought about it, it was useless. All they could do now was be Junjun's strong backing.
In mid-January, it snowed heavily.
Zonghan, originally scheduled to arrive in the capital in early January, was delayed by the heavy snow for half a month on the road, finally reaching the capital through the blizzard.
Fan Zehao personally went out of the palace to welcome him. After all, Zonghan was still the Emperor of Zongsheng Kingdom and a partner who had fought alongside him.
As for the future, whether he could become his son-in-law would depend on his abilities.
"Lord of Zonghan, for the sake of friendly relations between our two nations, you have traveled tirelessly. The imperial kitchen has prepared hot pot, your favorite, please!" Fan Zehao gestured with a sweep of his arm.
The smile on his face grew even more pronounced, laced with a significant amount of teasing.
Zonghan's face darkened. He hadn't come for the sake of friendly relations between two countries.
If it were for that, he could have simply sent an envoy, why would he have rushed here himself?
He had endured half a month of snow for his beloved, and he had put in the effort.
"Brother Fan, others might not know why I've come, but you and Sister-in-law know it clearly. No need for pleasantries, I want to see your wife."
Upon meeting, Zonghan stated his purpose directly.
He wasn't jealous. He had traveled all this way specifically for his beloved. After so many years of longing, was it easy for him?
However, to have a hot pot to warm himself up, that was acceptable.
Fan Zehao looked at the smug Zonghan and thought to himself, he calls me Brother Fan now, but after he marries my daughter, I'll see how I'll keep him in line as a father-in-law!
While the two emperors walked ahead, the envoys from Zongsheng Kingdom who followed were arranged elsewhere by the Prime Minister.
The dining hall.
The room was filled with the aroma of spicy spices. The broth was a fiery red, and the table was laden with ingredients for hot pot. Just the smell was enough to entice, let alone the wine and vegetables on the table.
After eating and drinking well, he wanted to see the person he had longed for, but Zhao Jiaqi sent him back with a single sentence: "You've been traveling for many days, and you look very gaunt, much older. It's not suitable, let's talk tomorrow!"
Zhao Jiaqi's words were rather tactful, giving Zonghan plenty of face.
The speaker's intention was clear to the listener. Zonghan couldn't help but touch his face. He was the most particular about his appearance, and even during his travels, he wouldn't neglect himself, ensuring he was always neat. There wasn't even a stubble on his face. How could he look gaunt?
Also, he was only twenty-six years old. Was that old?
But seeing that Zhao Jiaqi didn't seem to be lying, Zonghan's not-so-old face contorted slightly.
"Then let's talk tomorrow. It's only one day's difference anyway!"
Zonghan conceded. Since the person had arrived, the matter needed to be resolved. No matter how much he hid, where could she go?
Moreover, he was very confident that the young girl liked him. He was determined to marry her this time, even if it meant pestering her relentlessly!
A good night's sleep!
The next morning, Zonghan dressed himself meticulously. He wore a black brocade robe, matching black boots, with auspicious clouds embroidered in gold thread on the sides. He wore a black cloak, making him look like an emissary returned from hell, exuding a formidable aura!
The main hall of Guanju Palace.
Zhao Jiaqi saw that he meant business. His entire body was black, except for his pale face.
"Sister-in-law Fan, I rested very well last night. I've dressed up specially today. May I please see the young girl!"
Zhao Jiaqi nodded, "Yes, Junjun is in the warm chamber. You can go find her. No matter what she tells you, please remember, Junjun is my daughter. If you dare to bully her, I will not spare you!"
Zonghan said with a smile, "The young girl is the warm ray of light in my heart. How could I ever hurt her?"
With that, he strode out of the palace.
After he left, Zhao Jiaqi rubbed her aching temples. Zonghan was very domineering. She wondered if Junjun would be happy if she were truly with him.
In the warm chamber, Chunfen served Princess Junjun faithfully, and people were also watching from the shadows, not to spy, but to protect Junjun.
They chatted for a long time. Towards noon, they walked out of the warm chamber and arrived at the main hall of Guanju Palace together.
Fan Zehao and Zhao Jiaqi saw the smiles on both their faces. The couple exchanged a glance. This probably meant Junjun had agreed.
Zhao Jiaqi nudged Fan Zehao, "Don't ask. Zonghan will tell you what needs to be said!"
As expected, Zonghan had won the maiden's heart but still had to get through the father-in-law.
"Your Majesty... Prince Junjun has agreed to the conditions I proposed. I humbly request Your Majesty to permit me to marry Princess Jun back to my country!"
Zonghan initially wanted to call Fan Zehao "Brother Fan," but realizing he was about to marry his daughter, calling him "Brother Fan" would be inappropriate. However, calling him "Father" as Junjun did felt like taking a step down. So, he settled for "Your Majesty," which would be correct in any case.
But Fan Zehao, this father-in-law, wanted to assert his authority. He hadn't forgotten how arrogant the young man had been at the palace gate yesterday.
He had addressed him as "Brother Fan" right off the bat... Humph!
"My princess is not someone who can be married off just like that. I will discuss it with the Empress before making a decision!"