Chapter 313: Chapter 313: Daughter, Let’s Steal the Groom!
Prince Dingbei’s Mansion.
Prince Dingbei inquired about his daughter’s whereabouts, and upon hearing she was again at the Martial Arts Hall, he frowned slightly.
He changed into a more casual outfit and then walked slowly to the Martial Arts Hall, where he found his daughter wielding a spear with the grace of a dragon. Her posture was as agile as could be.
Prince Dingbei clasped his hands behind his back and sighed. How wonderful it would be if she were a son.
"Father, you’re back from court early?" Niu Pan’er noticed her father and stopped her movements, approaching with the spear in hand.
Prince Dingbei said, "I’ve been back for a while. I returned to the capital just for your marriage. If not to avoid the reputation of being arrogant, I wouldn’t even bother to attend court and listen to those Civil Servants’ squabbles, which are so tedious they could put wax in my ears."
Niu Pan’er smiled knowingly; it was just like her father’s personality.
"But you, it’s rare for you to relax, so why not go out instead of practicing martial arts at the mansion?" Prince Dingbei said. "You could go out and wander around."
Niu Pan’er frowned and replied, "Where would I go? You know your daughter has no interest in strolling the streets. Moreover, these days, the moment I step out, someone manages to run into my horse and demands I take responsibility."
Thanks to her father, who proclaimed wanting a handsome son-in-law, many handsome young men recently appeared before her, showing off. Handsome, yes, but something always felt off, as if the door of a brothel blew open and all the gigolos came rushing out.
Prince Dingbei laughed heartily, "Then have you set your eyes on anyone?" He looked at her meaningfully and said, "As long as you’ve chosen, even if it’s a Prince, I would risk my old face to beseech the Emperor for you."
Niu Pan’er shook her head.
"Truly no one?" Prince Dingbei said, "Among all the noble youths of the Capital, is there really not one you fancy? Pan’er, you’re not getting any younger. You have to choose someone to marry eventually. I’m also getting on in years and have been waiting for a grandchild for a long time now."
Niu Pan’er said helplessly, "Father, you should understand, this isn’t about whether we choose or not; it’s about... the decision isn’t in my hands, and not even in yours."
Prince Dingbei’s expression changed, his lips pressed tightly, and the aura of authority radiated outwards. Behind his back, his hand clenched into a fist, joints cracking audibly.
Niu Pan’er saw his color change and threw the spear back onto the weapon rack, taking his arm and pretending to smile lightly, "No need to worry, this marriage will come, we’ll just wait."
Prince Dingbei’s throat moved, thick lips trembled, and after a long while, he could only say, "Pan’er, it’s hard on you."
This is the helplessness of having high status and power; sometimes the marriage of one’s children isn’t something one can decide.
"What’s so hard about it? Marrying someone, isn’t it all the same in the end? Men, after the lights are out, aren’t they all the same? So whoever he is, he’s just that same kind of person. Come, daughter, I’ll join you for a drink."
Prince Dingbei stumbled slightly, looking at her speechlessly, wondering if his daughter had been among men too long and picked up their crude habits; was that why she spoke so boldly?
"Men can differ greatly; one that looks unpleasant can be a real bother with the lights off." Prince Dingbei glanced at her and said casually, "Actually, that young man you brought around before seemed quite pleasing, very clean, though I heard he might be getting engaged."
Niu Pan’er paused in her steps and smiled, "I’ll have to prepare a gift for the Madam then."
Prince Dingbei became anxious, "I saw that you got along well with him; he’s handsome too. Daughter, why don’t we elope with him?"
Niu Pan’er: "..."
This drink isn’t happening; if they continue, they might end up talking about taking him as a hostage!