The Reborn Princess Has Turned Evil

Chapter 291 Marrying Off His Daughter Early

On the other side, at the Pingchang Marquis's residence.

As night deepened, Murong Peifeng collapsed onto his bed after finishing his discussion with the former officials of Qi Kingdom. From the moment he lost his hand to the complete falling out with Prince Qing, and now being targeted by Qi Zhi, he suddenly felt incredibly exhausted.

Before July or August, he was still the upright and virtuous Prince Murong, trusted by Prince Qing and admired by Jing Rou. He was just one step away from achieving great things. Where did things go wrong? Unfortunately, no matter how hard he racked his brains, he could never have imagined that the person behind the scenes was Jing Anle.

The thought of Jing Rou caused Murong Peifeng heartache. He used to think that Jing Rou was a bit spoiled, but that she wouldn't abandon him. Who knew she would be so ruthless, tricking him into going out and wanting to kill him! A young man cannot withstand repeated hurt. Now he hates Jing Rou and Prince Qing to the core. He vows that he will destroy everything!

"Knock knock knock" came from outside the door.

Distracted, Murong Peifeng grew impatient. "Who?"

"Yes...it is I." The one who spoke was naturally Jing Rong. She had dressed up specially and stood at the door with a bowl of freshly cooked chicken soup in her hand, her voice soft and sweet. However, she didn't know what Murong Peifeng was thinking or what he was planning. She only knew that her position was awkward, so she naturally had to please Murong Peifeng, after all, he was the master of the Pingchang Marquis's mansion.

But Murong Peifeng had long loathed her, and sure enough, a cold rebuke came from inside the room: "Get out!"

Jing Rong's ingratiating smile froze on her face. This Prince Murong was really too much of a bully. What did he mean by "get out"? She hadn't even gone in yet. Seeing that she didn't dare to argue, she could only reluctantly reply, "I've prepared some nourishing chicken soup for you and placed it at the door. I'll take my leave now."

Seeing the figures disappear through the doors and windows, Murong Peifeng finally raised his eyelids. He now loathed everyone in the Prince Qing's mansion. If Jing Rong hadn't been useful to him, he would have killed her and fed her to the dogs long ago.

Perhaps Jing Rong interrupted, for Murong Peifeng took out an object from his robes. Under the lamplight, it was lustrous and translucent—the very jade hairpin that Jing Anle had dropped in the alley a few days ago. That day, when he encountered Jing Anle, Murong Peifeng had sent a few good-for-nothing playboys to harass her, intending to play the hero and rescue her. But Jing Anle remained unmoved, completely distancing herself from him.

The initial plan to seduce Jing Anle was with Jing Rou—or, more accurately, with the Prince Qing's mansion. He would help Prince Qing usurp the throne, and Prince Qing would help him return to Qi Kingdom to avenge himself and seize power. However, the plan failed that day, and Jing Anle changed her personality, so the plan was never implemented again.

That day in the alley, Jing Anle's gaze towards him, though not explicitly one of disdain, seemed to regard him as nothing, aloof yet unfathomable. Murong Peifeng couldn't discern her meaning, but felt uneasy, which led him to devise this plan. Initially, he thought Jing Anle looked down on his disability, but seeing her so kind and gentle towards the grandmother and grandson in the teahouse, showing no coldness towards him, what was the reason for this?

He was really exhausted lately, and after thinking about a lot of things, he fell asleep.

The next day.

In the imperial court, Emperor Jing sat comfortably on the dragon throne, waiting for the officials to discuss matters.

"If you have something to say, speak up; otherwise, leave." Eunuch Wei shouted.

"Your humble servant has something to report." The speaker was He Weisheng, the Minister of the Imperial Clan, who was in charge of the affairs of the imperial family.

Emperor Jing waved his sleeve, signaling him to continue.

"With the end of the year approaching, why not hold the eldest prince's wedding before the new year? Surely next year will bring a fresh start."

Jing Fengyao's marriage to Qin Zhihua and Chu Mingyue had been arranged long ago, but it was delayed because of the death of Consort Yu and the entry of Princess Yongping into the palace.

Emperor Jing pondered for a moment, then turned to ask Jing Fengyao for his opinion.

Jing Fengyao has been involved in court politics since he was fifteen years old, and is now standing at the right end of the line.

"Your Majesty, I have no objection."

Previously, Jing Fengyao had specifically asked Emperor Jing to betroth Qin Zhihua to him, and now he naturally hoped to settle the matter. Emperor Jing understood this and was about to speak when Prince Qing interrupted him.

"Your Majesty, I also have something to report."

Jing Fengyao remained expressionless, but he knew in his heart that the plan had worked. Jing Anle had asked him to mention his marriage to Emperor Jing last night in order to force Prince Qing to rush the marriage between Jing Rou and Qi Zhi. After all, there were too many things to do in the palace during the New Year, and Emperor Jing's birthday was in February, so it would be too long to delay.

"Oh? What brings you here, Brother Qing?" Emperor Jing asked.

Prince Qing stepped forward and said respectfully, “Your Majesty, I think that since the eldest prince’s marriage is to be held, the marriage of Prince Qi and Princess Jingrou should also be held sooner rather than later. It can be held together before the end of the year, so that they can be a perfect couple and it will be a beautiful story.”

Emperor Jing frowned slightly and looked at Prince Qing. "I still need to consider this matter. Qi Zhi is not a member of our dynasty. It is probably inappropriate to act so hastily."

Prince Qing hurriedly said, "Your Majesty, although Qi Zhi is from another country, he is sincere towards Rou'er. Moreover, everything went smoothly before the New Year, so it is auspicious for them to get married now."

Emperor Jing was still hesitant, and joked, "The princess is your only legitimate daughter. You were reluctant to let her marry into the Southern Frontier before, but now you're willing to let her go to the Qi Kingdom?"

Prince Qing's heart sank. Had he discovered something? No, that was impossible. Qi Kingdom was far away, and it had not yet established an heir. Prince Qing comforted himself with this thought.

“A daughter is like a tree that cannot stay at home once she grows up. Since she is my brother’s most beloved daughter, we should naturally listen to her wishes.”

Jing Fengyao thought to himself, "This Prince Qing is really insane. He's pushing everything onto Jing Rou because of this marriage."

Emperor Jing stroked his chin, "However, this matter has not yet been discussed with Prince Qi..."

"Please rest assured, Your Majesty. Prince Qi said that everything will be done according to Rou'er's wishes, and after the marriage, Qi Zhi will not immediately take Rou'er back to Qi Kingdom." Prince Qing spoke sincerely on the surface, meaning that he had expressed such a strong determination, so please agree quickly.

Of course, he hadn't discussed these things with Qi Zhi yet. However, one thing at a time, Qi Zhi had taken advantage of her daughter, and even though he was Prince Qing's son-in-law, they were all in the same boat.

Seeing that Emperor Jing was still hesitating, Jing Fengyao stepped forward, bowed, and said, "Father, Prince Qing is sincere, and Prince Qi is also in love with Roumei. In my opinion, it would be a good thing if they could hold a wedding together before the end of the year. Moreover, Qi Kingdom is on good terms with our dynasty, and this move would also benefit the relations between the two countries."

The states of Qi and Jing can only be described as keeping to themselves, but there would be some benefits to forming a marriage alliance.

Emperor Jing pondered for a long time before slowly speaking: "In that case, we shall do as Prince Qing says, but all matters must be properly arranged and there must be no mistakes."

Prince Qing was overjoyed and quickly expressed his gratitude.

Yongfu Palace.

Upon hearing the news, Jing Anle's lips curled into a barely perceptible smile.

Mu Ping chimed in, "The Crown Prince's wedding is on the 18th of the twelfth lunar month, and Jing Rou's wedding banquet is set for the 20th of the twelfth lunar month. It's going to be quite lively inside and outside the palace for a few days."

"If that's the case, then we should hurry and tell Qi Zhi the good news. I wonder how he will feel when he finds out?"

Mu Ping and Jing Anle exchanged a smile, both feeling quite pleased at the thought of Qi Zhi possibly getting angry.