Xiao Muqian rode day and night, taking thirteen days to catch up with them. More than half of the journey had passed, and they were at most ten days away from Dongdu City.
Upon seeing the Ninth Prince, he came to report.
Holding Xiao Ji's personal letter, he recounted the current situation in Liangzhou City. Naturally, all these matters would eventually reach Emperor Qi's ears through him, so the Ninth Prince listened with particular attention.
"Good. General Xiao has indeed managed Liangzhou well. This Prince is at ease. Upon our return to the capital, I shall reward everyone accordingly."
"Thank you, Ninth Prince."
Xiao Muqian and General Su had to maintain appearances. Moreover, the抚恤金 (fǔxùjīn - pension/severance pay) and all the honors due to the soldiers had not yet been formally recorded. This Ninth Prince still had his uses.
Coincidentally, as the three were speaking, news arrived from Dongdu City.
The Ninth Prince expected a summons from Emperor Qi recalling him. Instead, it was an imperial decree bestowing marriage upon Princess Huá Rǎn of the Yu Prince's manor.
The thought of Yu Prince's expression sent a churning sensation through him!
"Wasn't it supposed to be Princess Qiān Líng who was to be married to me? Why has it become Huá Rǎn?"
He was naturally more fond of Princess Qiān Líng. Not only was she beautiful and charming, but the power she wielded was substantial. Princess Huá Rǎn of the Yu Prince's manor was not even fit to be a placeholder. How could she bring him joy?
Unexpectedly, the eunuch delivering the decree said,
"Your Highness, it's best not to dwell on it. Princess Qiān Líng passed away from illness in Zhongzhou many days ago. Everyone in Dongdu City now knows that Your Highness will soon marry Princess Huá Rǎn. The imperial betrothal gifts have already been sent according to custom. Everything awaits Your Highness's return to pick an auspicious date for the wedding."
The betrothal gifts had been sent, so the matter was truly settled.
Xu Mingyue had also received betrothal gifts and then broken the engagement, causing such a stir.
One was a prince, and the other a princess. To put it bluntly, they were both members of the imperial family. Their fortunes were intertwined. How could the engagement be broken?
Furthermore, Emperor Qi's actions were clearly intended to prevent him from any further struggles. The imperial decree was issued swiftly and decisively, leaving the Ninth Prince unable to refute it for the moment.
"Your Highness, please accept the decree quickly. This is great news."
The eunuch's insincere smile was very much like that of the people from Changle Palace. The Empress and the First Prince, who should now be respectfully addressed as Prince Kè, would undoubtedly be overjoyed.
However, he had no choice but to accept the decree. Suppressing his temper, he said, "Thank you, Father Emperor. Your son obeys!"
He had to feign a happy expression. This humiliation brought great satisfaction to Xiao Muqian and General Su.
The Wei family had schemed and calculated, only to end up with such a principal consort for him.
Families with any standing in Dongdu City were unwilling to marry into the Yu Prince's manor. Now, she was to become the principal consort of a dignified Ninth Prince. One could imagine that Duke Wei and Consort Wei's expressions would not be any better than the Ninth Prince's at this moment!
Indeed, after the eunuch left, the Ninth Prince's face darkened.
Xiao Muqian and General Su, not wishing to get entangled with him further, found an excuse and departed.
In the main tent, only Long Guang remained in attendance.
He was the Ninth Prince's only trusted confidant, especially after the incident at the General's manor.
He stepped forward to comfort him.
"Your Highness, do not worry. Let's discuss this upon our return to Dongdu City. I believe the Duke and Her Ladyship will make suitable plans for Your Highness's future."
With no one else present, he intimately placed his hand on the Ninth Prince's, appearing to be concerned for his lord.
The Ninth Prince trusted no one at this moment, yet he was willing to listen to Long Guang's words.
He pulled Long Guang closer and said,
"I have wronged you. Our relationship is destined to remain in the shadows, but I promise you, I will never fail you in the future."
Long Guang had known this since he began following the Ninth Prince. His identity could not be exposed, or the Ninth Prince would face endless condemnation, and he would face the path to the underworld. Therefore, he did not contend for these matters.
Unless the Ninth Prince could ascend the throne, he could also rise with him.
Thus, he continued to offer comfort.
"What are Your Highness saying? As long as Your Highness holds a place for Long Guang in your heart, it is enough. For the sake of Your Highness's grand ambition, it is still best to marry a principal consort soon and sire an eldest son!"
How could the Ninth Prince not know this? It was just that the thought of marrying Huá Rǎn made him unhappy.
It wasn't that he was dissatisfied with Princess Huá Rǎn herself; he had even forgotten what she looked like. However, her family background was evident, offering no advantage and perhaps even becoming a burden.
She couldn't compare to Princess Qiān Líng, nor even to the Kè Prince's consort.
She might have been suitable for another prince, but marrying him was a significant step up.
"Speed up. This Prince wishes to return to the capital soon and hear the plans of my maternal grandfather and mother. I refuse to believe they will stand by and do nothing!"
Duke Wei wished to inform the Ninth Prince of the true intention behind marrying Princess Huá Rǎn. However, the matter was of great importance and could not afford any mistakes, so it was best to explain it clearly in person.
On the other side, General Su saw through the news and discerned some implications.
"His Majesty must be wary of the Ninth Prince. The greater his military achievements, the more difficult his days will be upon returning to the capital."
When one is sleeping beside another, how can one tolerate their snoring?
Even if that person were one's own son, the principle remained the same.
"In that case, shouldn't we add more glory to him, giving the Ninth Prince double happiness?"
Disdain flickered in his eyes, his dislike for the Ninth Prince almost palpable.
General Su glanced at Xiao Muqian, deeply feeling that this young man was also a man of deep schemes. However, since the target was the Ninth Prince, a little more transgression was permissible.
Thus, a piece of news was quietly sent to the Ding Prince's manor in the capital, and soon, a wave of praise for the Ninth Prince swept through Dongdu City.
Men eagerly sought to serve under the Ninth Prince's command, while women urged their families to extend olive branches to him. Even the Wei family's reputation outside the court soared.
Duke Wei was hailed as a three-dynasty veteran, having rendered meritorious service. Consort Wei was praised for her favor in the harem and her virtuous conduct.
The rumors intensified, and even the palace maids and eunuchs were gossiping. Some even brought up the matter of establishing a crown prince, with everyone saying that the Ninth Prince was more favored by the Emperor and likely to be the future Crown Prince.
When this talk reached Prince Kè's ears, he flew into a rage.
"He's worthy? To contend for the position of Crown Prince with me? Illegitimate and without proper standing! I am the Empress's legitimate son!"
Prince Kè had been determined to become Crown Prince since childhood. Now, with the Ninth Prince causing such a stir, his reputation was being overshadowed. How could he tolerate this?
He had been frequently staying at the outer residence of Wen Yuwei. Naturally, Wen Yuwei overheard these words.
She stepped forward to comfort him.