Rebirth of the Phoenix Princess novel Chapter 29

Yun Shang lowered her head more and exclaimed, "Mother! I'm not even fifteen years old. Isn't it be too early to talk about this?"

Empress Yuan Zhen smiled, but her eyes were filled with scorn. "Don't be shy. You'll be fifteen in less than a month. There are plenty of girls who got engaged before their Coming-of-age Ceremony. Your Royal Sister got married right after she turned fifteen. Besides, I just want you to meet more people and see if there's anyone you like. I'm not forcing you to get engaged now. The Emperor is the one to make final decisions regarding your marriage. But if you have someone in mind, it would be wonderful to marry that person."

Well, how thoughtful. Coldness filled Yun Shang's heart. This deceitful attitude is exactly what tricked her in her previous life. At that time, she truly believed that the Empress had prepared a banquet especially for her. She had gone for her Ceremony in delight, and had fallen in love with the most talkative man in the crowd. Yun Shang had found his stories to be enchanting. He had also been charming, sounded erudite and had a great sense of humor. She was so awed by him that she swore she would marry him. Who would have guessed that the man had also been part of the Empress's plan?

Two months after Yun Shang married him, the man showed his true colors. He paid regular visits to brothels and stayed there every night. Yun Shang, as a Princess, had never been treated like this by anyone. Feeling aggrieved, she fought with her husband day after day, month after month, but she only ended up feeling emptiness and loneliness, without anyone's help or attention.

"Mother will always arrange what's best for me." Yun Shang responded with a soft voice. Then she coughed, and lifted up her sleeves to cover her mouth. "It's just that I'm not in good health. I'm afraid there won't be too many people willing to marry me."

Empress Yuan Zhen's face darkened with anger, "How dare they! You are the esteemed Princess Hui Guo, and you are so pretty. The person marrying you should consider himself lucky. Now, you just rest and recuperate. Follow my advice and prepare some nice clothes and jewelry. I want you to dazzle everyone when you meet them."

Yun Shang lowered her head. She blushed. "Oh Mother! I'll follow your advice but stop teasing me."

Empress Yuan Zhen nodded with satisfaction, turned to Xiu Xin, who was standing beside her, "Shangyi Bureau has already sent someone here. Now take the Princess to get measured. Tell them to offer the Princess some popular styles to choose from."

Xiu Xin said yes, walked toward Yun Shang and bowed to her, "Your Highness, this way please."

Yun Shang nodded, "Thank you, Xiu Xin. Mother, I'll take your leave now."

The Empress nodded, and watched as the Princess and Xiu Xin went outside the Palace. As soon as they were gone, the curtain beside her was lifted and out came Hua Jing.

"Mother, considering how long Yun Shang lived in Ning'guo Temple I would have thought hat she would be rude, to my surprise, she appeared quite courteous. I didn't expect that she would show such manners despite her weakened body." Hua Jing whined.

Empress Yuan Zhen contemplated for a while and said, "Have you picked the one as I told you?"

Hearing this, Hua Jing smiled proudly. She walked towards the Empress and sat down, "Yesterday I went back and made a list of marriageable young men living in the Imperial City. Guess what? I actually found someone suitable for her. General Qi's grandson looks impressive, but he is disabled. He was born lame. TaiChang* Lin Qing's son also seems nice... Oh, I had someone write all the names down. Here, take a look Mother. Is there anyone that you feel will be suitable?" Hua Jing took out a piece of parchment from her sleeve and handed it to the Empress.

(*TN: TaiChang, the official responsible for arranging royal ceremonial activities.)

The Empress scrutinized the parchment for a while before pointed to a name, "This man is the one."