Rebirth of the Phoenix Princess novel Chapter 195

Teary-eyed, Yun Shang continued in a trembling voice, as if she was no longer able to hold back her grievances, "So I readily agreed, and brought a painting from Master Wu Na's collection to sister. On my way, I encountered Prince Jing. He was surprised by my happiness, and exchanged a few greetings with me. He casually asked where I was going and the purpose of my visit. After learning about my intentions, he advised me to make my own painting. He said you would appreciate a gift that I made by my own hands, rather than something I found. I thought his point to be valid. So I went back to my palace, and found a painting I had copied in the temple, and brought it to sister. As for what happened during my Coming-of-age Ceremony, I can only say that Her Majesty and Princess Hua Jing taught me a lesson."

Naturally, Emperor Ning didn't forget what had happened at the banquet. He had felt strange about the incidents that had transpired, but he had brushed the feeling aside. Now that he could see the whole story, he was enraged. He hadn't expected the Empress to be so bold as to play tricks under his nose. Nor had he thought that she would try to harm his daughter.

Letting out a sigh, Emperor Ning cast an apologetic glance at Yun Shang, "I didn't know these things. You have suffered, my daughter."

That was the reaction that Yun Shang had been waiting for. She flashed another bitter smile, before continuing, "Father, it's okay. You are an Emperor, and you have to attend to the affairs of the state. You cannot possibly know of every scheme in the imperial household. And I am a grown woman. I know how to protect myself. But mother does not. And she bears a child in her belly. I hope you can spend some time looking after her, father. My mother's safety is all that I wish for."

Emperor Ning nodded. "I will. But the Prince's mansion is in the Imperial City. You can visit your mother from time to time."

But Yun Shang shook her head. A sad expression appeared in her eyes as she spoke, "I can't, father. Uncle has told me about an emergency that he has to deal with. He wishes to marry me as soon as possible. He intends to take me away after he has dealt with the matter, as too many people in the Imperial City want my life. After that, we would move to Jinling, and live there forever. Jinling is the land you've rewarded me, father. It is said to be an abundant place. Its people live a rich life and the scenery there is excellent. I always wanted to visit there."

Emperor Ning shuddered at her words. In disbelief, he glared at Yun Shang, and asked, "Really? Has Prince Jing said that?"

Yun Shang flashed a content smile. She seemed to be recalling a sweet memory, as joy showed in her eyes, "He did. As I always wanted to visit Jinling, I told him about my plan days ago. And today, uncle suddenly paid me a visit. He said to me that he wanted to marry me as soon as possible. He said that he had been at the frontier for too long. After so many years at war, he was tired, and felt even more tired when he heard rumors about his intention to fight over useless things. He said to me that he wanted a respite, and that he had decided to take me to Jinling. He also said that he had visited Jinling before, and thought I would like the scenery. It is a beautiful city to dwell in."

Emperor Ning gazed at Yun Shang as she spoke. His expression was skeptical. He didn't believe that his brother had no ambition for power. So he doubted Prince Jing's intention upon hearing about his promise to Shang'er about their future residence. And he also wondered why the Prince would hurry back to the Imperial City just to ask for permission to marry Yun Shang. In exchange, he had even promised to return his half of the Hufu. Emperor Ning always reckoned that negotiation to be a trick. But he couldn't clearly see what it was that the Prince was planning. Prince Jing's possession of half the Hufu remained a thorn in his heart. He then spent four months planning this trap. But as his plans came to fruition, the Emperor had been approached by Xiao Yuanshan, who reported the presence of one hundred thousand soldiers hidden in Ning.

As an Emperor, he knew exactly what damage one hundred thousand soldiers could do. He wouldn't be worried if the enemies were bearing down upon the border, but they didn't lay siege at the frontier. Instead they had snuck into his territory.

Terrified, he had agreed to Yuanshan's suggestion, and released the Prince. He was worried that the Prince would hold a grudge against him if he figured out that the Emperor had sent him to jail. But to his surprise, when released, Prince Jing didn't heckle him. On the contrary, the Prince had come to request that the marriage be arranged for as soon as possible.

Did the Prince have any idea what the marriage would cost him? The Prince had promised that he would return his half of the Hufu on his wedding day. Did he really want that?

The Emperor was even more surprised by the Prince's retirement plan. At the start, he thought Yun Shang was lying. But as he listened more, he found her words to be logical and genuine, and everything fit with his earlier investigation. He felt guilty for having doubted his own daughter.

"Father, I've looked into the calendar. The sixth day of the next lunar month is a lucky day. How about we arrange my marriage to Prince Jing on that day? It's rushed, but I'm afraid that's exactly what uncle wants. Oh, by the way, is the emergency he mentioned really that urgent? I was thinking, it would be good to have the wedding settled earlier. As mother hasn't given birth to the child, she could attend the ceremony. Since she has already prepared my wedding gowns, she must want to attend my wedding ceremony very much..." * *

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