jdhmnovel Chapter 56: Nine Lifetimes of Tragic Fate, Part 3: The Princess's Path to a Marriage of conveni
Chapter 56: Nine Lifetimes of Tragic Fate, Part 3: The Princess's Path to a Marriage of conveni
Chapter Fifty-Six: Nine Lifetimes of Tragic Fate - The Third Princess's Story: The Road to a Political Marriage and an Irreversible Heartbreak
In the resplendent yet tense imperial court, the atmosphere was so heavy it seemed ready to drip water. The emperor sat high on his dragon throne, his face terrifyingly grim. He listened to the enemy nation's unreasonable and domineering demand for war, his hands gripping the armrests tightly, his knuckles white, his anger surging like a raging torrent. "Insolence! How dare this foreign power threaten my country!" he roared inwardly, yet he knew all too well that if war broke out, the people would suffer immensely, and the nation would be plunged into endless turmoil.
At this moment, a minister stepped forward tremblingly, his voice, though soft, was exceptionally clear in the silent court: "Your Majesty, for the sake of the good of both countries, and to avoid wasting resources and manpower, I believe we can agree to the marriage alliance and marry the princess to the enemy country." As soon as these words were spoken, the court erupted in chaos.
An old minister, his beard trembling with rage, loudly retorted: "This is a disgraceful act! How can a royal princess be reduced to a tool for a political marriage? We, her subjects, should fight the enemy and demonstrate the backbone of our dynasty. How can we easily bow our heads! We must fight! We must defeat the enemy!"
The ministers on the other side were not to be outdone, and they echoed: "If war breaks out, the outcome is uncertain, and it will inevitably consume a lot of national strength, and the people will be plunged into misery. Although the marriage alliance is a last resort, it can ensure temporary peace and promote the opening of customs and trade. For the country and the people, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks."
The emperor's brow furrowed, his heart filled with extreme turmoil and anguish. He looked at his ministers arguing endlessly in the court, his heart a jumble of emotions. "How could I not know that a marriage alliance might be the safest solution at present? But my daughter, how can I bear to part with her?" His eyes were filled with love and reluctance, the image of his third princess, lively and playful, flashing through his mind. From childhood, she had been by his side, laughing and playing. His affection for her far surpassed that for his other children, always indulging her in martial arts and battlefield exploits. "My precious daughter, how can I let her suffer in an enemy country?" The emperor's eyes reddened slightly, his teeth grinding together, his hatred for the enemy emperor intensifying.
Just then, the Third Princess, having heard the news, rushed to the court. Her steps were firm, and her eyes revealed determination. She first bowed deeply to the Emperor, then slowly rose, her clear voice echoing in the court: "Father, I am willing to go for the marriage alliance."
The emperor's eyes widened, his face filled with disbelief: "My son, do you know what this means? You will be leaving your father and mother to go to a strange and dangerous country."
The Third Princess slightly raised her head, her gaze fixed firmly on the Emperor: "Father, I understand. But I cannot bear to see the people displaced by war, the nation weakened by conflict. As a royal princess, I have a responsibility to stand up for the country and its people." She paused, a bitter feeling rising in her heart, then continued, "Besides, I have no other attachments. Those with whom I made promises have long since forgotten me. I should let go of the past and serve the country with loyalty." The Third Princess silently thought of Black Wind, a hint of melancholy and disappointment flashing in her eyes. "Perhaps this is my fate. As a member of the royal family, I cannot only consider my own personal feelings."
Looking at his daughter's resolute expression, the emperor felt both proud and sorrowful. He knew that once his daughter made a decision, it was difficult to change it, and besides, everything she said made sense. "My son, are you really sure? Your father really can't bear to part with you," the emperor said, his voice trembling slightly, tears welling in his eyes.
The third princess stepped forward and gently grasped the emperor's hand: "Father, I have made up my mind. This is also my opportunity to repay your kindness over the years. After I leave, the two countries can open up trade routes, and the people can live a good life. This is a blessing for both the country and the people."
The emperor sighed deeply and nodded helplessly: "Fine, fine. I'll grant your wish." His voice seemed to have aged considerably in an instant, filled with helplessness and sorrow.
Satisfied with the reply that the third princess agreed to the marriage alliance, the enemy envoy returned home. Soon after, news arrived from the enemy state that the wedding would take place a month later, and they would be welcoming the princess at the border.
When the Third Princess returned to the palace, the Empress was already sobbing uncontrollably. Holding the Third Princess's hand, she choked out, "My child, your mother is truly heartbroken for you. You must take good care of yourself on your journey and be careful in everything you do." As she spoke, she instructed the palace maids to bring various exquisite jewelry and clothing, "These are all the dowry your mother has prepared for you. Although they cannot accompany you through a lifetime of glory, they are still a small token of your mother's affection."
The Third Princess looked at the Empress, her eyes filled with tears but forcing a smile: "Mother, please don't be sad. Your subject will be fine and will take good care of herself; this is your subject's duty. After this parting, Mother, please forgive your daughter for not being able to serve you by your side."
Soon after, the Third Princess's brothers and sisters arrived. The eldest prince, his face contorted with rage, exclaimed, "Sister, this is an utter disgrace! How can we allow you to go on this marriage alliance? I will definitely confront Father!"
The Third Princess quickly dissuaded him, saying, "Your Majesty, please don't act impulsively. This is my own decision, and a marriage alliance is beneficial to the country. I don't want to see you brothers argue with Father over my sake. Besides, war will only bring suffering to the people, devastate the country, and waste resources. This move is a blessing for both the nation and its people!"
The second princess, her eyes also reddening, asked, "Sister, what if you suffer injustice in the enemy country?"
The Third Princess gently hugged the Second Princess: "Elder sister, don't worry. I will take good care of myself. And with the concern and blessings of my elder brothers and sisters, I have nothing to fear."
Amidst everyone's reluctance and helplessness, the days passed one by one. Finally, the day of the marriage alliance arrived.
The Third Princess, dressed in a magnificent red wedding gown and adorned with an exquisite phoenix crown, possessed stunning beauty, yet her eyes betrayed a deep sorrow. Standing at the palace gate, gazing at the familiar palace and the relatives who had come to see her off, she was overwhelmed with emotion. "From now on, I must leave this land that gave me birth and nurtured me, to face an unknown destiny. Black Wind, if there is an afterlife, I hope we will not have so many regrets," she murmured to herself.
As the wedding procession slowly moved forward, the Third Princess embarked on the arduous and uncertain journey of her marriage alliance. Behind her lay her receding homeland, and ahead lay an enemy nation whose fate was uncertain. The longing and love in her heart could only be buried deep within her soul forever.