Chapter 957

Marriage is a matter of parental order and matchmaker's words; Hu Xiaotian used to scoff at such talk, but today he realized he could not escape this cliché. In this era, pursuing so‑called marriage freedom is pure fantasy. He had been pondering how to let the lovely women around him live in harmony, someday having three wives and four concubines, embracing left and right, benefiting from all sides. Yet the Emperor sending Wu Jingshan to propose was like a blow to the head, shattering the beautiful dream he had just woven.

Prince Consort! It sounds wonderful, but if I truly become a prince consort, I fear I'll never be able to take a concubine in this lifetime. With Qiqi's stubborn nature, I doubt she'd even allow me to glance at another woman.

Seeing Hu Xiaotian lost in thought for a long while, Wu Jingshan could not help but ask, 'Old brother Hu, give me a clear answer on this matter so I can report back to the Emperor.'

Hu Xiaotian said, 'What kind of clear words does Sir Wu want?'

Wu Jingshan laughed, 'Old brother Hu, you're asking knowingly.'

Hu Xiaotian sighed, 'No offense to Sir Wu, I have no objection to this matter; I just don't know what the Princess thinks. Although the Emperor sent you to propose, the Emperor may not be able to decide for the Princess. If I agree here and Yongyang Princess later backs out, I'd lose all face.'

Wu Jingshan said, 'You mean……'

Hu Xiaotian said, 'I want to first ask Yongyang Princess for her opinion; if she agrees, I naturally have no problem.'

Wu Jingshan laughed, 'That means you've already agreed; I'll go report to the Emperor now.'

After Wu Jingshan left, Hu Xiaotian immediately went to the Yongyang Prince's residence; matters cannot be delayed, he must see Qiqi in person to speak clearly and get a clear answer.

When Hu Xiaotian arrived at the Yongyang Prince's residence, he saw Qiqi's carriage returning; he dismounted and waited by the roadside.

Qiqi lifted the carriage curtain, saw Hu Xiaotian by the road, and waved at him.

Hu Xiaotian walked over slowly, clasped his fists, and said, 'Your Highness, greetings!'

Qiqi said, 'Why are you coming to see me again? Didn't you already send your mother back?'

Hu Xiaotian said, 'This time I'm not here for my mother, but for another matter.' He quietly observed Qiqi's expression; her face showed no change, not even a hint of shyness. Normally a girl meeting her future husband would feel some bashfulness, yet she remained as usual—how could this girl be so calm?

Qiqi naturally knew what other matter he referred to; she nodded and said, 'Come in.'

Hu Xiaotian followed her into the Yongyang Prince's residence; Qiqi had someone lead him to sit in the garden waterside pavilion. He sat there for over half an hour, until night fell and Qiqi still hadn't come to see him, making him anxious. While pacing back and forth in the pavilion, he saw two palace maids bringing food and wine. He asked, 'Where is the Princess?'

A palace maid replied, 'The Princess is bathing and changing; we've prepared the food and wine first, and asked Commander Hu to stay here for a meal.'

Hu Xiaotian thought to himself: a woman beautifies herself for the one who pleases her; though Qiqi is young, she is still a woman. It seems she must have developed feelings for me, otherwise why would she treat me so favorably? Having come, I'll make the best of it and see what this girl has to say today.

After the food and wine were served, I saw Qiqi in a white long dress, appearing like a lotus rising from water. A girl changes greatly at eighteen; over the year plus I've known her, she has undergone a striking transformation. First, her height: from before, reaching my shoulders, now it's up to my eyebrows—about 1.70 meters. Her brows and eyes have opened; though there's still some childishness between them, her features are exquisitely perfect. If there's a flaw, it's that her breast development hasn't kept pace with her height; I estimate her bust is certainly smaller than mine. Moreover, she still lacks a woman's allure and charm, like a bright flower that's vivid but lacks rich fragrance.

Feminine charm absolutely requires cultivation and refinement; unless it's someone like Xi Yan, born with a seductive, calamitous nature, few can attain such depth at such a young age.

Seeing Hu Xiaotian stare at her with wide eyes, Qiqi's heart fluttered with panic—something that had never happened before—but she didn't show it, spitting, 'Never seen? What are you staring at me for?'

Hu Xiaotian said, 'I've never seen the Princess bathing.' The words blurted out; afterward he wanted to slap himself. Hu Xiaotian, Hu Xiaotian, you're utterly shameless—how could you say such a thing to a young lady? To Hu Shengnan, Xi Yan, and Feiyan, that would be flirtation; to Qiqi, it's disrespect.

As expected, Qiqi's phoenix eyes flashed with killing intent; she coldly stared at Hu Xiaotian and said, 'Hu Xiaotian, just for that remark, this palace could behead you.'

Hu Xiaotian said, 'Ladies, don't be so fierce, or you'll scare off suitors.' He then sat down rudely at the table, poured himself a cup of wine, drank it in one gulp, and utterly ignored Qiqi's threat.

Qiqi also sat opposite him and said, 'What do you want from me? Speak plainly.'

Hu Xiaotian said, 'I came to ask the Princess a few questions face‑to‑face, hoping she'll answer honestly.'

Qiqi said, 'All right, ask away!'

"Is this engagement your idea or the Emperor's?" Hu Xiaotian got straight to the point.

Qiqi said, 'The Emperor's.'

Hu Xiaotian said, 'What do you yourself think?'

Qiqi said, 'Either way, the marriage will be settled sooner or later; rather than wed a total stranger, it's better to choose you, especially since the Emperor has decreed it and imperial edicts cannot be defied.'

Hu Xiaotian said, 'Do you like me or not?'

Qiqi chuckled, 'It's neither like nor dislike.'

Hu Xiaotian felt a headache coming on, poured another cup, drank it down, and, emboldened by the drink, asked, 'Do you know what love between a man and a woman signifies?'

Qiqi shook her head: 'I don't care; any feeling is nothing compared to Dakang's survival. Even if I marry you, it means nothing; I could never swear eternal vows like others, nor could I be a wife who tends her husband and raises children, let alone sacrifice myself for you.'

Hu Xiaotian said, 'If that's how you see it, I'm relieved—then we're just going through the motions, a nominal husband and wife.'

Qiqi said, 'You look rather unwilling about this marriage.'

"The imperial edict cannot be defied!"

Hearing Hu Xiaotian say that, a fleeting chill passed through Qiqi's eyes, then vanished; she whispered, 'Do you already have someone you love?'

Hu Xiaotian said nothing, just gave a hehe laugh.

Qiqi smiled, 'Could you tell me who she is? I might be able to help you get together.'

Hu Xiaotian said, 'I dare not say.'

Qiqi said, 'You worry I'll be hostile toward her? Heh, rest assured—I won't meddle in your affairs.'

Hu Xiaotian said, 'Once a woman becomes jealous, she loses reason.'

Qiqi smiled faintly, 'I won't develop any jealousy toward you; even without you saying it, I know who your beloved is—my aunt, right?'

Upon hearing Qiqi mention Long Xi Yue, Hu Xiaotian's eyes instantly dimmed—three parts pretense, seven parts genuine feeling. Long Xi Yue's departure without farewell has become a scar in Hu Xiaotian's heart; he even avoids thinking about it.

Qiqi said, 'You do have some affection for my aunt.'

Hu Xiaotian said, 'Do you realize that if two people without feelings marry and live together, it will be the most painful thing in the world?'

Qiqi said, 'No need for alarmist talk; it makes no difference to me who I live with. If you ever dare to wrong me, I'll simply kill you with a single blade.' Though her tone was light, it conveyed an unquestionable, firm resolve.

Hearing this, Hu Xiaotian felt a creepy sensation and whispered, 'What do you mean by wronging you?'

Qiqi said, 'To wrong Dakang is to wrong me! Don't think I can't see what scheme you and your father are hatching.'

Hu Xiaotian said, 'Since we're engaged, we'll be one family; my father will be your father, so you'd better stay polite toward my parents.'

Qiqi said, 'I've already sent your mother back home; tomorrow I'll restore your father's freedom—aren't you satisfied now?'

Hu Xiaotian said, 'My father is already old, and now we're engaged—don't you think we should reconsider his overseas voyage to Luo Song?'

"Consider what?"

"Let me take his place and go overseas for him."

Qiqi shook her head, 'You have another important duty.'

"What matter?"

"On the twenty‑third of next month, it's the fiftieth birthday of Li Tianheng of Xichuan; the Emperor has already decided to send you to Xichuan to congratulate him."

Hu Xiaotian said in astonishment: "What?"

Qiqi said: "I didn't expect you to go either, but this is something the Emperor has decided. Firstly, the marriage pact you and I made makes you the future Dakang Prince Consort; sending you off makes it grand. The Emperor is preparing to grant Li Tianheng the title of Prince of Chuan."

Hu Xiaotian lamented: "Do you truly not know what my relationship with Li Tianheng is?"

"I know; he was just a step away from becoming your father-in-law."

Hu Xiaotian wryly smiled: "Since you know, why are you still sending me to Xichuan? Aren't you afraid of becoming a widow before the wedding?"

Qiqi said: "The Emperor decided this matter; he attaches great importance to this mission, so we must find someone with an important status and position, someone who also needs both courage and strategy. After careful consideration, we selected you, and moreover, several court officials all Recommendation you to go."

Hu Xiaotian said: "Who's screwing me over? Tell me, who exactly are they?" (To be continued~^~)