Chapter 136: Marriage Candidate

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Watching Li Yuan Heng sit down, Tuoba Zhen, who had been keeping an eye on his every move, suddenly got up and walked over to offer him a drink. Li Yuan Heng smiled slightly and drained the cup in a single gulp. Tuoba Zhen whispered: "I don't know what the Fourth Prince came here for. What do you plan to do?"


Li Yuan Heng's eyes brushed past his shoulders, looking at the girl sitting not too far away. Speaking one word at a time: "I... I would like Your Highness's help." Tuoba Zhen stilled for a moment, then laughed softly: "I don't know what the Fourth Prince needs my help with. If I can do it, naturally I will spare no effort." Mo Bei’s influence was something he naturally wanted.


Li Yuan Heng said smilingly: "I'm here to take a wife. Moreover, I want the most intelligent and outstanding woman in all of Da Li."


There was a hint of amusement in Tuoba Zhen’s eyes: “The most distinguished in the Da Li dynasty is my royal younger sister, the Ninth Princess, nowadays the most beautiful is the legitimate eldest daughter of the Marquis of Wu’an, and the most talented is the youngest daughter of Grand Secretary Zhang. I don’t know which one Your Majesty has a preference for?"


Li Yuan Heng's face was determined: "What if I said I wanted it all?"


Tuoba Zhen laughed brightly, and a trace of helplessness appeared on his handsome face: "You are truly a lion opening its big mouth! However, if you really want to marry these three, I naturally have a way to fulfil your wish."


Li Yuan Heng said with a smile: "No need. In fact, I’ve already taken a liking to a beautiful lady, and it’s Anping Xianzhu!"


Tuoba Zhen’s expression suddenly changed. For a split second, his eyes almost appeared sinister, but it was a pity that Li Yuan Heng didn't even notice. Tuoba Zhen suppressed the anger in his heart and said, "It’s Li Wei Yang? Her looks aren’t the best, and she’s also mediocre in terms of talent. As for status, although she has the title of Xianzhu, it’s only an empty name. The Fourth Prince certainly wouldn’t know that her mother was merely a foot-washing maid who served Prime Minister Li. It’s well known. As a prince of Mo Bei, are you not afraid of being ridiculed by marrying such a woman? Naturally, you should choose from genuine blue-blooded nobility, girls such as my royal sister!”


"That’s not true," Li Yuan Heng clearly heard the unpleasantness in the other party's words. Li Yuan Heng's expression did not change. He was still smiling, but suddenly from his mouth came: "I dare say, if she had no ability, how could your Emperor confer the title of Xianzhu upon her? ​​I won’t hide it from you. I dislike those sweet and delicate Da Li princesses and don’t like those accomplished daughters of prestigious houses reciting poetry and composing music at every turn. I like women who are smart and cunning! You also don’t have to hide it from me. I have already heard everything about her, and I want her!"


Tuoba Zhen was stunned by what he heard, and presently glanced at Jiang Hua, who was relaxing next to him with his eyes closed. Suddenly understanding something, he was actually speechless for a moment. It turns out that the Fourth Prince of Mo Bei liked to travel around, and had visited Da Li many times before and made friends with a lot of the Da Li nobility... If he took a liking to any other woman, even his own pampered royal younger sister, Tuoba Zhen would absolutely not be stingy, because Mo Bei's support was extremely beneficial for him to ascend the throne. But the other party he had his eye on was actually Li Wei Yang.


The one he liked so much, the woman he wanted to obtain to no end! In his mind, this unobtainable girl had become what he looked forward to day and night. This person could even be said to be a rare treasure. How could he be willing to give her to others! However at this moment, Tuoba Zhen looked at Li Yuan Heng's slightly smiling and tranquil expression. He suddenly realized that this man came prepared and was determined to win! Although Tuoba Zhen’s heart was filled with unmatched resentment, his expression was the same as usual. After a pause, he understated: "So it turns out that you’ve already made a decision."


Li Yuan Heng's smile broadened a bit, neither hurried nor slow as he said: "Not sure if you would be willing to lend me a hand."


Tuoba Zhen’s heart shook and his brows quirked up slightly: "How do you want me to help you?"


"Your Highness probably doesn't know yet. A moment ago, I went to get a closer look at this young lady, and it seems that she doesn’t like me at all. To get her, one must use unusual methods." Seeing Tuoba Zhen’s face change, Li Yuan Heng paused and then said, "Could it be that you like her as well?"


Before, the Crown Prince’s faction had done its utmost to eliminate the Seventh Prince Tuoba Yu to no avail. On the contrary, the way they handled matters was neither here nor there, and they were unable to settle anything. There were people at all levels of society who had already begun to talk about the strange matter that involved the Fifth Prince. After all, he hadn’t been a fool. He obviously has the opportunity to plead His Majesty for leniency and redeem the situation, so how could he think of forcing the Emperor to abdicate? It was more likely he was framed by the real mastermind behind the scenes. After the Emperor who killed the Fifth Prince returned to his senses, he also had his doubts on the matter afterwards. Originally, Tuoba Zhen and Jiang Hua had joined hands and planned to get rid of the Seventh Prince in one fell swoop. At that time, even if the Emperor regretted, nothing would come of it. If he wanted someone to take out his frustrations on, there would only be the Crown Prince.


For Tuoba Zhen, it did not hinder him and was even greatly beneficial. After all, in order to suppress his brothers, the Crown Prince could even kill his first wife. Once this sort of thing spread, this kind of heir apparent would not be supported by anyone. Originally, that matter — it had been the trap he had dug for the Crown Prince.


Unfortunately, not only did Tuoba Yu not fall, but he even got credit and received the Emperor's praise. Now that His Majesty has come back to his senses, if he were to investigate the Crown Prince’s mistakes, he would not be able to set the snipe and clam at each other. On the contrary, it was because the Seventh Prince still lived that he needed the Crown Prince as cover. Now that the Emperor's mind was clearly shaken, the civil and military officials of the Capital were uncertain, looking left and right. And among the people, rumors and gossip filled the streets. If Mo Bei’s forces were willing to back him, it would greatly increase his odds of success! Because of this, Tuoba Zhen was frightened for a moment and abruptly laughed. He said, "It's just a woman. Like a piece of clothing, what’s so hard about taking it off? Since you like her, what harm is there in letting you have her!" Pausing, he leaned forward slightly and looked at the other party. He said: "But I must warn you. Li Wei Yang is definitely not easy to subdue. I'm only afraid that you won’t have any way to make her yield, and will unexpectedly be harmed by her. If you can't control her, are you still willing to take her as your wife?"


Li Yuan Heng was dumbfounded and frowned at the person in front of him. He only felt that in the midst of the other person's warm and jade-like smile there was a vague trace of coldness. He was startled, and only felt chills all over his body. He looked straight at Li Wei Yang on the opposite side. After a long time, he suddenly smiled and said: "We Mo Bei men are different from you, and have our own ways to deal with women. If she is obedient, that would be best. If she’s not, a whip or a blade can also tame her. You can rest assured!"


If a smart person like Li Wei Yang could be tamed by force, that’d be great, Tuoba Zhen sneered in his heart. The Fourth Prince in front of him was clearly bewitched. Setting his heart on marrying Li Wei Yang, he completely didn’t care if he would be stabbed in the back by the other party. If he used a whip and a knife to deal with Li Wei Yang, the one who would lose his life in less than three days would most likely be him instead. Li Wei Yang had certainly never been lenient towards anyone. He smiled on the spot, took a step back, cupped his hands in salute and said: "Since it’s like this, I’d like to first congratulate the Fourth Prince on winning the beauty to marry shortly."


Just when he was about to leave, Li Yuan Heng said softly: "You… why do you all seem to be afraid of her?" Tuoba Zhen paused, but when he turned back he was smiling calmly. More than fear, it was simply fierce dread. If a man without skill was to take Li Wei Yang home, it was the same as returning home with a statue of Yama, the King of Hell. Wait and see, Li Yuan Heng would definitely pay the price, and Li Wei Yang would eventually belong to him, Tuoba Zhen. For his own things, regardless of how long it had been lost, he would get it all back in the end. He didn't answer the other's question, and just turned away and left.


When Li Yuan Heng saw him like this, he immediately stilled. It was only when Jiang Hua spoke that he recovered himself. Jiang Hua asked: "What's wrong?"


Li Yuan Heng frowned: "Why do I feel that everyone who mentions Li Wei Yang is a bit strange. Didn't you tell me that she is the smartest and most difficult woman to tame in all of Da Li?"


Jiang Hua laughed: "It’s because she’s smart and arrogant that most men are unable to manage her. But Fourth Prince, you are different. Don’t tell me that you’re afraid of her?"


Li Yuan Heng looked at Li Wei Yang involuntarily, and sneered: "Look at her little arms and calves. I'm afraid she won’t even be able to stand up to a single whip. What’s there to be afraid of?"


Jiang Hua saw his eager appearance, but only smiled slightly, concealing his deep thoughts within his eyes. He whispered: "If you want to marry this beautiful lady, you should make your move today."


Li Yuan Heng stared, then turned his head and said, "So soon?"


Jiang Hua just smiled, as if reminding him in good faith: "Everyone likes a good woman. If you’re one step late, they will be snatched up by others. You must know that at today's banquet, His Majesty wants to choose concubines for his sons."


After all, Li Yuan Heng is from Mo Bei. He wasn’t as complex as Jiang Hua. He nodded immediately and said, "Alright, I’ll bring up the marriage with the Li family at once."


Jiang Hua stopped him: "Don't ask in person. If Prime Minister Li finds an excuse to reject it, you won't have any way of redeeming the situation this way. In my opinion, you should tell His Majesty, and it would be best to let him act as a go-between."


Li Yuan Heng thought for a while and agreed: "Good brother, you are right. It should be like this!" After speaking, he stood up and walked happily towards the Emperor. After he was announced by the court eunuch, he walked straight to the Emperor and knelt down seriously. After saying a few words, from Jiang Hua’s point of view, he saw the Emperor's smile waver slightly. Then he seemed to think for a moment, and finally nodded. An anxious expression flashed on the face of Consort Lian next to him, and then she quickly said something to the Emperor. However, the Emperor glanced at Li Yuan Heng and shook his head. Consort Lian’s face became more impatient. But at this moment, the Emperor suddenly said loudly, "Beloved Official Li, we heard you have a woman who has both integrity and talent, lady-like and well-mannered?" The Beloved Official Li who the Emperor spoke of was Li Xiao Ran. Hearing the Emperor suddenly call him, he quickly stood up, but when he realized what the Emperor had said, he stilled for a moment. Integrity and talent? Lady-like and well-mannered? In any case, it wouldn't be Li Wei Yang, right? Nowadays, she’s the most formidable girl in the entire Da Li, and no one dared to come to the house to propose marriage. Was he talking about Li Chang Xiao?


But the Emperor brought up: "We are speaking of your daughter—Anping Xianzhu."


Li Wei Yang raised her head and looked at the Emperor. At this moment, she suddenly understood what the other party was going to do, and raised her eyebrows gently. Sun Yan Jun showed a nervous expression. There was a sense of foreboding in her heart. However, at this moment, everyone's eyes were focused on the Emperor. No one noticed that from a moment ago, Li Min De's seat was empty. However, even if someone found out, they would just think that he was going to the toilet and wouldn’t think of anything else.


At this time, Li Xiao Ran said respectfully: "This official is deeply ashamed, Wei Yang has been pampered since childhood and lacked proper guidance. The so-called integrity and talent, lady-like and well-mannered are all undeserved praises, and aren't accurate." Temporarily feeling a bit dazed, he didn’t know why the Emperor would suddenly ask about Li Wei Yang. Did he want to bestow a marriage on the princes? With Li Wei Yang's background, even if she had the Xianzhu title, she could only be a prince’s side concubine... Could the Emperor be suggesting it on this occasion? He felt that it wasn’t good. Although he didn't like this daughter from the bottom of his heart, Li Wei Yang was surnamed Li after all. Her future was closely related to the future of the Li family, they had to act with caution.


The Emperor smiled wholeheartedly, and apparently didn't care how Li Xiao Ran answered. After all, he just wanted a result and was preparing to continue.


Consort Lian smiled and said, "Your Majesty, according to this concubine, Anping Xianzhu she—" Before he finished, the Emperor had already waved his hand to stop her from talking. Consort Lian was very anxious, but in front of everyone, she dared not say more. Recently, the Emperor had grown more and more distrustful. Even if he wanted to help Li Wei Yang, she was not able to be too obvious. If it aroused his suspicions, it could harm the other party.


"Beloved Official Li is too modest.I am very familiar with the intelligence and wisdom of Anping Xianzhu. All gentlemen will chase after this so-called sweet and virtuous lady. We don't have any other meaning today. We only want to serve as a matchmaker for her." Then the Emperor laughed, "Just now, the fourth prince of Mo Bei told us that he had chanced upon Anping Xianzhu when he previously entered the Capital. Since then, he has been enamored with her, and has no thoughts for tea or rice, and won’t marry anyone but her. Therefore, he came to me and asked him to marry Xianzhu as his concubine. For the sake of his deep love, I decided to take on the role of matchmaker."


Upon hearing this, Li Wei Yang only felt it was extremely funny and greatly admired Li Yuan Heng's ability to lie through his teeth. Today they only met for the first time. How did it turn into him having no appetite, blaming this official for not allowing him to marry? It was simply an enormous joke. Did the Emperor believe this nonsense? No, he didn’t care about whether Li Yuan Heng really liked Li Wei Yang. The Emperor was concerned about the benefits that this marriage connection with Mo Bei would bring. Originally, he wanted to use the Ninth Princess as the chess piece for the marriage, but after all, it was his own daughter. He was a little bit reluctant to let her go to Mo Bei and endure hardships. So on the surface, today’s banquet was for the princes to choose a concubine. His basic goal for tricking these refined young ladies into coming was to pick out a suitable marriage candidate.


It was all taking advantage of the situation, and even Consort Lian was kept in the dark. Li Wei Yang slightly lowered his eyes. She had still underestimated Jiang Hua. He was able to manipulate everything up to this point. Whether it was Li Yuan Heng or the Emperor, they were all immeasurably pleased with themselves. They thought that they had reaped great benefits, not knowing that the real person laughing behind the scenes was Jiang Hua.


Da Li was far from Mo Bei. It was a two month journey by road. Once she left the Capital, left the Li family's sphere of influence, and left Li Min De’s protection, wouldn’t everything be in the Jiang Hua’s hands? He could send someone to kill her halfway, then place all the blame on the heads of the Mo Bei people, saying that they used this marriage to dishonestly gain the Emperor's trust. If a war broke out, the Emperor would be sure to place particular importance on the Jiang family. Or he didn’t have to bother at all. She grew up in Ping Cheng and was used to the mild environments in the South. Even if she had returned to live a pampered life of luxury in the Capital, if she went to Mo Bei, with sand as far as the eye could see and coarse folk customs, intelligence and wisdom were just pearls cast before swine. It was likely that before two years were up, she’d be dead in a foreign land. That way, without wasting the Jiang family's soldiers, Li Wei Yang's name would naturally disappear from the Capital. What a vicious idea!


Jiang Hua was smiling at the moment. He wasn’t afraid that Li Xiao Ran would not agree. The Emperor exchanged one of his daughters and would naturally compensate him in other respects. Moreover, Li Xiao Ran gave careful consideration to the face of the two countries. By promoting the exchange, he was sure to receive the praises of the people. Indeed, it was a plan with steady profit and no losses.


Sure enough, Li Xiao Ran hesitated. At that moment, there was a fierce battle raging in his heart. If Li Wei Yang stayed in Da Li, she would likely stir up all kinds of trouble in the future. She was too intelligent, which was definitely not a good thing. Plus, she was so arrogant and obstinate... It would be better to marry her far away and from then on, her life and death would have nothing to do with the Li family. Even if she died in a foreign land, it would be considered as loyalty to the country. This was safest for the Li family. But Lao Furen... in a flash his heart had already decided. This was the Emperor acting as a go-between. No one could blame him. Even if Lao Furen knew, what of it? Li Yuan Heng was not a terrible partner. His position and authority were great, young and promising, he was a strong contender for Mo Bei’s throne. Compared with marrying into the ordinary honorable families of the Capital, both assets or qualifications were significantly better. Moreover, for the Son of Heaven to bestow a marriage in the Golden Hall, it was a grace that could not be sought. In the same way, it was also a grace that could not be refused lightly. At this time, acting against the Emperor's wishes would absolutely not benefit the Li family. Looking back at Li Wei Yang, she was playing with the glazed wine cup in her hand, her eyes lowered. There was neither joy nor sorrow on her face. Loathing suddenly bubbled up in Li Xiao Ran's heart. This girl's schemes ran deep. Each and every move, every word and action made people’s blood run cold. The farther she married in the future, the better!


Everyone held their breath at this moment, and Sun Yan Jun’s hand was clenched until it ached. However, Li Wei Yang to the side seemed totally unaware. There was a slight smile on her face, as she observed the amber liquid within the wine cup seriously. As if quietly thinking about her own worries, not worried about this marriage in the least.


Tuoba Yu tightly squeezed the wine cup in his hand and nearly stood up, but at this moment, he saw Virtuous Consort Zhang’s meaningful glance. It was not only filled with warnings but even pleading. This was your mother begging you, she was saying. Like this, let her leave, she won't belong to you—Tuoba Yu's heart ached and almost could not speak. Could he prevent it? If he prevented it, what could he say? Let Li Wei Yang marry him? She wouldn’t agree!


At this time, everyone only heard Li Xiao Ran shouting: "This subject obeys the imperial decree. Thanking my Emperor for his grace."


Li Wei Yang raised her brows, an icy smile appearing on her face. Li Xiao Ran, it's easier to invite the devil in than to send him away. Selling off a daughter so cheaply, how could it be that easy!



－－－－－－Start of author's comments－－－－－－－
Xiao Qin: I married Wei Yang off, married her to a pervert who would threaten his wife with a whip and knife


Edit: You really do this, you’ll be killed ╭ (╯^╰)╮


Xiao Qin: It’s just empty talk, that’s all, >_<,