Zhang San, please behave yourself!
Chapter 702 - 642nd - : Princess Qionghua’s Double Standards Scene

Chapter 702: 642nd Chapter: Princess Qionghua’s Double Standards Scene

Kaihuang had just left the court when he saw Princess Qionghua waiting for him.

"Father, how are you feeling?"

"Much better, much better. Seeing my delight, my health instantly improved."

With a coquettish demeanor, Princess Qionghua hooked her arm through her father’s and asked curiously, "Father, I heard that today in the court, you even called forward two generals who had distinguished themselves in the battle at Longyun Path. Is there trouble in the north again?"

"No, it was just about the awarding of honors. It had been stalled by the Minister of Personnel, so now we’re giving a bit more reward. Speaking of which, my little Qionghua has also reached the age to marry. If a young general from the army proposes to me for your hand, what do you say, should I, as your father, bear the pain and marry off my little Qionghua?"

Princess Qionghua had specifically run here from Empress Dugu to find out about this news because she knew Wang Junwu had come.

Now hearing what Kaihuang said, she understood what was happening.

"As a dutiful daughter, I will naturally listen to everything Father says. If Father thinks this man has accomplished great feats and is a future pillar of the state, then as a daughter, I am naturally willing to help Father secure this talent."

Kaihuang was unaware that Princess Qionghua and Wang Junwu already knew each other and even deeply loved each other.

He just thought his daughter had grown up and even become sensible.

Initially, when his daughter was less attractive, he would have been eager to marry her off immediately for fear the suitor might change his mind.

But now, Kaihuang felt that since his daughter was so beautiful, she naturally needed to find someone especially handsome.

"But that Wang Junwu is after all a coarse person. I’m worried that marrying him might make you suffer."

"It’s okay! I like the coarse ones!"

After speaking, Princess Qionghua faintly felt that something was not quite right.

"Um... I like the rough... um... the rugged type! Men should be manly! That’s how they can protect me, right?"

Upon thinking it over, Kaihuang found it indeed made sense.

Despite Wang Junwu being Yuchi An’s adopted son and though the Centrist Faction was always less favored.

If Wang Junwu someday became a cornerstone of the Centrist Faction, holding a significant sway in the court, it might not be a bad idea for Qionghua to marry him.

Just then, the Crown Prince hurried over and paid his respects to Kaihuang.

Upon seeing the Crown Prince, Princess Qionghua quickly withdrew her affectionate little arm from her father’s.

"Hello, brother Crown Prince."

"Sister Qionghua, are you also here to visit our mother?"

"No, I just came from seeing Mother. I heard there was something exciting at today’s court, so I came to ask."

Recalling the issue of Wang Junwu seeking to marry Princess Qionghua, the Crown Prince bowed to Kaihuang and said, "Father, speaking of which, the second top scholar of this examination, Cui Wenjun, is from the Cui family among the Five Surnames and Seven Families. This Cui family is prestigious and well-known. Cui Wenjun is skilled in both civil and military affairs, truly a young talent. You also saw him during the palace examination, he is exceptionally handsome. If sister Qionghua could pair with Cui Wenjun, I think, it could be quite the tale."

Kaihuang’s face remained expressionless, but internally he was pondering why the Crown Prince was hesitant to let Wang Junwu and Princess Qionghua be together.

Was he truly considering Qionghua’s best interest, or was there another scheme at play?

Princess Qionghua glanced at the Crown Prince then softly said to Kaihuang, "Father, I’m actually not in a rush to marry. I still want to spend more time with you and Mother. It would be best if brother Crown Prince could simply reject the Cui family’s proposal."

After speaking, Qionghua stole another glance at the Crown Prince and whispered, "Since brother Crown Prince and Father have matters to discuss, I will take my leave."

After saying this, Princess Qionghua turned and left.

Actually, Kaihuang had already noticed Qionghua’s reactions.

When Wang Junwu proposed marriage, Princess Qionghua appeared to listen to his arrangements.

However, when the Crown Prince recommended Cui Wenjun, she suddenly wasn’t interested in marriage.

What difference was there between promising herself to handsome men but saying she’d rather be a servant in her next life if the man was unattractive?

Watching Princess Qionghua leave, the still hopeful Crown Prince said, "Perhaps my sister is just shy. But a man should marry when he’s of age, and so should a woman. Compared to Wang Junwu who is merely Yuchi An’s adopted son, Father, I believe Cui Wenjun of the Cui Family is the right match for sister Qionghua!"

Kaihuang nodded thoughtfully.

From a father’s perspective, though Wang Junwu came from a poor background and had risen from the Town Martial Office to the Jin River Army, recognized as a star of the Jin River Army, Kaihuang believed that if Wang Junwu did not fall, he really could become a Pillar of the State someday.

But Cui Wenjun of the Cui Family was already the Second Top Scholar, and with the weakening of the Tujue internally orchestrated by Zhang San, the foreseeable future for Great Sui almost held no battles as long as it did not act rashly.

While pondering, Kaihuang had followed the Crown Prince to Empress Dugu’s palace.

However, when Kaihuang and the Crown Prince went to see Empress Dugu, they found the Crown Princess Consort was also there.

The Crown Prince came to visit Empress Dugu, and the Crown Princess Consort was present too.

This scene somewhat surprised and puzzled Kaihuang.

Kaihuang looked curiously at the Crown Prince.

The Crown Prince quickly explained, "Father, I was immature initially and always felt that the Crown Princess Consort was chosen by you and mother, not truly wanted by me. But recently, after seeing your injuries and mother’s concern, after seeing your worry when mother was ill, I realized what true marital love is. I also realized my previous foolishness. So, I asked the Li clan to take extra care of mother. After all, the Eastern Palace is not far from here, and it’s convenient for my wife and me to come."

This explanation made Kaihuang see Crown Prince Yang Ce in a new light.

Although Kaihuang had always felt that Yang Ce’s growth was slow, and had only recently begun to accelerate, many aspects still left much to be desired.

One issue was Yang Ce’s attitude towards marriage.

Yet unexpectedly, Yang Ce had now truly come to an understanding.

At that moment, Kaihuang felt very gratified.

So, Kaihuang immediately asked the Crown Prince to greet Empress Dugu.

At that time, within Empress Dugu’s palace, the family of four was harmoniously together.

Empress Dugu also seemed much healthier because the relationship between her daughter-in-law and son had finally harmonized.

Kaihuang was very happy to see all this.

However...

Thinking about how Yang Ce had previously used the petty tactic of arranging for insects to damage the leaves to create momentum for himself, there was still a thorn in Kaihuang’s heart.

But what Kaihuang did not know, and might never know,

was that the incident had not been orchestrated by Crown Prince Yang Ce, but by King Jin Yang Quan who bribed someone to do it.

Sometimes, some foolish actions seemingly benefit the enemies.

But the real beneficiaries are hidden in the dark, quietly waiting for the storm of blood and fire to descend.