Chapter 327: Chapter 327: The Most Childish Arranged Marriage in History
Song Zhiyu is unmarried, everyone present should know that, but they all pretend not to know.
Shen Darensilently poured wine, ignoring the glances from around him, his heart silently suffering.
Emperor Chuwatched with interest as the ministers bickered among themselves.
Song Zhiyuan said, "My younger brother is indeed not yet engaged, but he cannot possibly match Commandery Princess Dongyang. As Prime Minister Fan said, apart from his face, that boy has nothing to offer, how could he be worthy of Commandery Princess Dongyang?"
"Whether he is worthy or not, it will be up to Prince Dingbei to decide. Prime Minister Song’s opinion doesn’t count!" Prime Minister Fan replied with a smile.
Prime Minister Fan, being the prime minister, naturally considered that a marriage alliance between the Song Family and Prince Dingbei would be awkward, like a sandwich board; once the two families are wed, the Emperor would certainly be wary of the Song Family, and Song Zhiyuan would have to tread carefully.
He was delighted at the prospect, intending to teach that brat a lesson, reminding him that the relationship between ruler and minister would always be more important than emotions.
As long as the Emperor had reservations about Song Zhiyuan, he could stir up trouble, so he had to facilitate this marriage!
Song Zhiyuan somewhat guessed Prime Minister Fan’s intentions. If he and Song Ci had not discussed the pros and cons, he might indeed feel as frustrated as Prime Minister Fan thought.
But now, what does it matter to him?
The Song Family has no consorts in the palace, nor has it participated in any fight for succession. Even if they wanted to rebel, they would need a reason. Where would the Song Family find a reason?
As for whether they would be feared in a few years, that would be a concern for the future. By then, the Song Family wouldn’t be as weak as it is now!
Thinking this way, Song Zhiyuan wouldn’t let Prime Minister Fan be so smug, and he feigned eagerness, saying, "Prime Minister Fan really holds my young brother in high regard. It’s truly his fortune to catch your eye and have you act as a matchmaker!"
Prime Minister Fan smirked, "Anxious? Good to be anxious!"
Emperor Chuwatched the spectacle with amusement and turned to Prince Dingbei, "Prince Dingbei, what do you think? Prime Minister Song’s younger brother is not engaged, does he catch your eye? Could I grant the marriage of Commandery Princess Dongyang to Song Zhiyu?"
Before Prince Dingbei could speak, Prime Minister Fan eagerly stepped forward and said, "Once His Majesty speaks, even a team of four horses cannot retract it. This old minister congratulates Prince Dingbei and Prime Minister Song on this joyful union."
Prince Dingbei and Song Zhiyuan: "..."
"In that case, let’s happily decide on this. Steward Zhou, proceed to Prince Dingbei’s Mansion and the Song Minister’s Mansion to deliver the imperial decree tomorrow," Emperor Chu promptly decided.
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Prince Dingbei and Song Zhiyuan stared wide-eyed, happy?
The parties involved had not said a word, how on earth could this be happy?
Prime Minister Fan, however, beamed and said, "Prime Minister Song, are you too happy to speak? Why don’t you express your gratitude, or do you disapprove of this marriage?"
"Prime Minister Fan is right, this minister is truly dumbstruck with joy!" Song Zhiyuan replied with a forced smile to Prime Minister Fan, then stepped forward, flicked the edge of his official robe, and bowed low, "This minister gratefully acknowledges the imperial grace."
"You may rise." Emperor Chulooked at Prince Dingbei, who seemed dazed, and said, "Prince Dingbei, Song Zhiyu resembles Pan An in looks; your future grandson will surely be handsome, rest assured!"
Prince Dingbei could only bow and reply, "This old minister gratefully acknowledges the imperial grace."
The officials all offered their congratulations, but in their hearts, they thought they’d never seen such a ridiculous and humiliating arranged marriage, it was as if they had been forced, a pitifully humiliating marriage, one for the history books.
Aboard a pleasure boat on the Huai River, Song Zhiyu pointed at the fat man on the opposite boat and said, "Liu Ning, you fat bastard, say it again!"
"Do you think I’m afraid of you? I lit a lantern to wish you would marry a shrew and be oppressed every night!" Liu Ning retorted, hands on hips, pointing to the servant next to him, "Quickly, release ten wishing river lanterns for me, wishing Song Yulang’s dreams come true!"
Song Zhiyu casually picked up a shoe and threw it over, "I’ll oppress your grandpa!"
Bao Chengxuan: Brother, let me say, the shoe you’re throwing is mine, ah ah ah!