jdhmnovel Chapter 208 Discussing the Engagement
Chapter 208 Discussing the Engagement
Shen Yanchu returned to the Prince's mansion with a gloomy expression. His tightly furrowed brows looked as if they could trap a fly, and he exuded a low-pressure aura that made the servants in the mansion afraid to approach him easily.
The steward, watching his master's demeanor, was filled with doubt but dared not approach to ask. He could only hesitate, anxiously watching the prince's retreating figure. Mu Yin, on the other hand, hurriedly followed behind Shen Yanchu, trying to discern something from the prince's emotions.
Shen Yanchu went straight back to his study, picked up the tea on the table and drank it all in one gulp. The scalding hot tea seemed unable to relieve the frustration in his heart.
He never imagined that his act of kindness in saving a woman would lead him into such trouble, and even force him to marry her. He was the master of this royal palace, always in control of his own destiny, but now he felt a sense of powerlessness, as if he were being led by the nose.
Seeing the prince's appearance, Mu Yin understood his anxiety and quickly comforted him in a soft voice, "Your Highness, Miss Ye is the daughter of the Grand Tutor, and her status is noble."
"Moreover, Your Highness, haven't you always been fond of Miss Shi? But you are well aware of Miss Shi's identity. His Majesty and the Princess will certainly not agree to you marrying a commoner as your principal wife."
Shen Yanchu frowned slightly, a hint of pain flashing in his eyes. How could he not know these implications? His encounter with Miss Shi seemed destined, and her every smile and frown was deeply imprinted in his heart.
She was like a flower blooming in the wilderness, possessing a unique charm. Although her temperament was eccentric, in his eyes, that was precisely what made her different.
What she wanted was a lifelong, exclusive love, but he was in this complicated royal palace, burdened with the honor and responsibility of his family. How could he easily give her such a promise? And how could she possibly compromise?
Seeing that the prince remained silent, Mu Yin continued, "Your Highness, why don't you go along with His Majesty and the Princess's wishes? I think that Miss Ye is a well-educated and refined young lady. After you and Miss Ye get married, you can then propose to take Miss Shi as your concubine. That way, you can have the best of both worlds."
Shen Yanchu gave a bitter smile and shook his head. He knew the difficulties involved; Miss Shi's pride wouldn't allow her to share a husband with another man, and he didn't want her to suffer such injustice.
But if he went against the royal family's wishes, what good could come of it for him and Miss Shi? He felt as if he were caught in a giant spider web, the more he struggled, the tighter he was bound.
He recalled every moment he spent with Miss Shi, those beautiful memories now piercing his heart like sharp blades. They had strolled under the moon, pouring out their hearts to each other, seemingly forgetting all the troubles of the world.
But now, reality stands between them like an insurmountable chasm. He doesn't know what to choose: to submit to fate and marry Miss Ye, or to fight against the entire royal family for Miss Shi? Both paths seem to be fraught with thorns, leaving him bleeding profusely.
A somber atmosphere permeated the study of the Prince's mansion. Shen Yanchu sat at his desk, staring blankly ahead, as if searching for an answer in the void—an answer that might determine the happiness of his entire life.
Shen Yanchu lay in bed, preoccupied with worries, tossing and turning, unable to sleep well all night. Moonlight streamed through the window, illuminating his face, highlighting his furrowed brows and the conflicted look in his eyes.
Just as the first rays of dawn pierced the palace, the steward rushed in to report that the Princess had come to invite him.
Upon hearing this, Shen Yanchu's heart sank, but he knew that what was coming would eventually happen. He immediately ordered people to prepare for his toilette, and once everything was done, he boarded a carriage and headed to the Princess's residence.
Throughout the journey, he leaned against the carriage wall, his usual mindset gone, simply closing his eyes to rest. He knew that his mother had come to summon him, presumably for the arranged marriage between him and Miss Ye—something he couldn't escape or avoid.
As expected, upon arriving at the Princess's residence, he saw his mother's personal maid waiting at the gate. The maid quickly bowed upon seeing him.
"This servant greets Your Highness. Your Highness, the Princess, the Prince Consort, and Grand Tutor Ye and Madam Ye are waiting for you in the front hall. Please come with me!" the maid said respectfully.
Shen Yanchu's expression grew increasingly solemn. Although he was unwilling, the fact that Miss Ye's innocence had been lost because of him was undeniable.
The image of the girl kept flashing through his mind, and he felt a sharp pain in his heart, but what could he do now that things had come to this?
Led by a maid, they quickly arrived at the front hall. Upon seeing everyone inside, Shen Yanchu took a deep breath and immediately knelt to pay his respects. "Son greets Mother and Father!"
The princess looked at her son, a hint of heartache flashing in her eyes. She quickly gestured to Granny Liu to help her son up, and then cleared her throat.
"Yan'er, today the Grand Tutor and his wife have come to discuss your wedding date with Miss Ye. Although you kindly saved Miss Ye from drowning yesterday, the two of you... after all, there is a difference between men and women. This matter has spread throughout the capital, and the reputation of the royal family and the Ye family's name both need to be handled properly," the Princess said slowly.
Shen Yanchu lowered his head slightly, his hands clenched into fists, his nails digging into his palms.
He bowed again, his voice low but firm: "Mother, I know. I am willing to marry Miss Ye. However, the border war is tense now, and the Tatars have repeatedly invaded our territory. I humbly request that we first get engaged, and then we can get married after I defeat the Tatars and make contributions to the country. This would be a more glorious wedding for Miss Ye."
Upon hearing this, Grand Tutor Ye and his wife exchanged a glance, seeing the relief in each other's eyes. Grand Tutor Ye quickly stepped forward and bowed to express his gratitude.
"I am very grateful to Your Highness for saving my daughter yesterday, and I am also very grateful to Your Highness for being willing to accept my daughter. Your Highness has the world in your heart and values loyalty and righteousness. It is my daughter's good fortune to marry Your Highness."
Shen Yanchu nodded slightly, but his heart was filled with bitterness. He knew that with this step, the distance between him and Miss Shi would grow ever wider.
But as a member of the royal family, he was not free to choose his own path; the responsibilities of his family and country weighed heavily on his shoulders, leaving him no way to escape. At this moment, everyone in the front hall was discussing this marriage.
But Shen Yanchu's heart seemed to drift to a distant place, to the place where Miss Shi lived, where their unfinished dream lay, but now, the dream seemed to be shattering.
The eldest princess looked at her son, understanding his helplessness, and said softly, "Yan'er, since you have made this decision, your father and I will support you. However, the marriage must be prepared properly, so as not to wrong Miss Ye."
"Yes, Mother," Shen Yanchu replied, but his thoughts had already drifted far away. He wondered if Miss Shi, who was far away, would know this news, and what she would think.
But he seemed to be overthinking it. Since they separated, Miss Shi had been able to make a good living on her own. She wanted to become a female official and work for the benefit of the people.
He didn't know whether to call this silly girl innocent or foolish, but he was willing to protect her. Since Miss Ye was his wife, he would also give her the respect she deserved.