Chapter 269 But He'll Be Childless!
Chapter 269 But He'll Be Childless!
Su Mowan knew who it was as soon as she heard the voice.
Only a few days have passed, and Song Chuwen has actually taken the initiative to propose marriage to the eldest princess? What's going on?
Not only Su Mowan was surprised, but everyone in the hall was astonished.
The officials all turned to look at Song Chuwen, who was sitting upright in his seat, and began to whisper among themselves.
Song Chuwen was a low-key person. He had achieved outstanding political results in the past few years as the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Justice, but he was still unmarried.
This unassuming man, in front of all the civil and military officials, proposed to the eldest princess... This...
The Minister of Justice was in the position directly in front of his own son. When he heard his son say that he wanted to marry the eldest princess, he was filled with fear.
After realizing what was happening, he immediately hissed in a low voice, "Stop fooling around!"
Song Chuwen glanced at his father and solemnly repeated what he had just said. This time, everyone in the hall heard it clearly, without missing a single word.
Seeing Song Chuwen's resolute expression, Su Mowan turned to look at the eldest princess.
The eldest princess still had a faint smile on her face, seemingly unaffected by Song Chuwen's sudden action.
Su Mowan was a little confused. Why did it seem like the situation was completely reversed? Shouldn't it be the eldest princess forcing Song Chuwen to marry her, and then Song Chuwen refusing and being unwilling?
How come it became Song Chuwen proposing marriage, but the eldest princess seemed very calm and not very happy?
Murong Jing frowned. He first glanced at Song Chuwen, then at the eldest princess, and finally fixed his gaze on Emperor Mo Yao at the top.
Emperor Mo Yao smiled, seemingly not particularly surprised.
He first looked at Shangguan Qingqi and Tang Minzhi, and said in a good mood, "It seems that someone is in a hurry. It's not your turn yet. You two can sit down first."
Tang Minzhi breathed a genuine sigh of relief. He had, of course, noticed the frequent glances his father was giving him.
However, he was absolutely unwilling to marry the eldest princess.
It's not that the eldest princess is bad, but that he has absolutely no intention of getting married right now.
Shangguan Qingqi glanced at Song Chuwen with curiosity, clearly surprised by Song Chuwen's sudden action.
After Emperor Moyao had the two sit down, he glanced at the Empress and, seeing that she made no comment, turned to Song Chuwen below and asked, "Minister Song, is what you say true?"
Song Chuwen glanced at the eldest princess and said loudly, "Your subject is naturally serious."
The eldest princess looked back at him, but made no comment.
Emperor Moyao cleared his throat, not looking at the eldest princess or Song Chuwen, but instead addressing Song Lian, the Minister of Justice, and asked, "Minister Song, what is your opinion?"
Seeing that his son didn't seem to be joking, the Minister of Justice had no choice but to reply with a stiff upper lip, "It is up to His Majesty to decide."
Upon receiving this answer, Emperor Moyao laughed heartily, and all the ministers assumed that the emperor would surely agree to the marriage.
To everyone's surprise, Emperor Mo Yao waved his hand and said sincerely, "Since you're asking me to make the decision, I don't think it's appropriate. Minister Song is an only son; if he marries the princess, wouldn't the Song family line end?"
"..."
This sounds like a curse.
The Minister of Justice had a really tough time.
Her son was so old and had no intention of getting married. Now that he was finally going to get married, she was about to leave him without an heir!
What an unfilial son!
But she's a princess, what can you do?
The Minister of Justice tilted his head and glanced at his son, sighed, and said to Emperor Mo Yao above, "Your Majesty is exaggerating. If the eldest princess takes a liking to my son, it would be my son's good fortune to marry her. I just don't know if my son can catch the eldest princess's eye."
Since the Minister of Justice had already expressed his opinion, Emperor Moyao asked the eldest princess what she thought.
The eldest princess glanced at Song Chuwen below, seemingly a little embarrassed, with a hint of shyness on her face.
“Father, Vice Minister Song is young and promising, I am afraid I am not worthy of him.”
The eldest princess's words surprised Su Mowan, who was watching the drama unfold, once again. What exactly were the eldest princess and Song Chuwen up to?
Does that mean all her previous assumptions were wrong?
But the eldest princess's eyes were full of affection back then, so why did she refuse to accept it when Song Chuwen confessed his love in public?
They tricked Song Chuwen into playing the role, but the eldest princess herself refused to perform!
The early Song dynasty was in a very awkward position.
Thinking of this, Su Mowan looked at Song Chuwen. In fact, not only her, but everyone present looked over.
Song Chuwen is a low-key person. He finally dared to be high-profile, but he was rejected by the eldest princess. How would he react?
Song Chuwen's reaction was no reaction.
He looked straight at the eldest princess above him, his whole being radiating determination: "Your Majesty, I have long admired you. I am only expressing my feelings today to let you know. If you have someone else in your heart, I will gladly offer my blessings."
Ha, now that's what a real man is!
Although Su Mowan didn't understand the situation between the eldest princess and Song Chuwen, Song Chuwen's words were incredibly manly!
I couldn't help but silently cheer for Song Chuwen in my heart.
Naturally, these words not only moved Su Mowan, but everyone present was also impressed by Song Chuwen's demeanor.
Even Emperor Moyao and the Empress thought Song Chuwen was a good person. The Empress, in particular, took a second look at Song Chuwen.
I think this child has a dignified appearance, broad eyes and brows, and seems like a serious and responsible person. He also speaks with a calm and composed demeanor.
What's rare is that he has feelings for the eldest princess, so he's not a bad match!
Emperor Mo Yao understood the Empress's meaning and then looked at Song Chuwen.
To be honest, Emperor Moyao greatly admired Song Chuwen, knowing that Song Chuwen was a good official who worked quietly and diligently, especially since he had uncovered a bunch of cases a couple of days ago, and he hadn't had a chance to reward him yet.
Now is the perfect opportunity. If the eldest princess is willing, it would fulfill Song Chuwen's deep affection.
Emperor Moyao then looked at his eldest daughter, "Xuan'er, since Minister Song is sincere, the choice is yours. If you are willing, that would be wonderful; if not, your father will not force you."
Su Mowan also kept a close eye on the eldest princess's reaction. This crucial moment was particularly gripping.
The eldest princess glanced at Song Chuwen, then turned to Emperor Mo Yao and said softly, "Your subject will leave everything to Your Majesty."
Su Mowan finally relaxed, and the officials present were ready to offer their congratulations, but before the eldest princess could finish speaking...
"However, I do not wish to leave the palace to establish my own household. If Vice Minister Song is willing, I would like to marry into the Minister's household."
The ministers were immediately unsettled by the princess's words.
To be able to marry a princess was already a very prestigious thing, but now the eldest princess wants to marry into the Song family. Such a condescension shows that Song Chuwen is truly extraordinary!
Even Su Mowan was somewhat surprised. The eldest princess leaving the palace to establish her own residence was quite different from marrying into the Song family.
If Song Chuwen were to leave the palace and establish his own household, as the son-in-law of the princess, he would be respected by the eldest princess. However, after marrying into the Song family, the eldest princess, as a daughter-in-law of the family, would be respected by Song Chuwen.
The main difference here is whether or not one can take a concubine.
If the eldest princess were to establish her own household and live independently, Song Chuwen would not be allowed to take a concubine. However, if she were to marry into the Song household, the situation would be different.
So the eldest princess's words surprised everyone present.
Su Mowan suddenly realized that her earlier guess was correct. The eldest princess definitely liked Song Chuwen, but for some reason, Song Chuwen was somewhat evasive about the eldest princess's attitude.
For some reason, Song Chuwen's attitude changed from evasiveness to publicly proposing marriage today. The eldest princess, who should have been overjoyed, chose to marry into the Song family instead of establishing her own household when happiness came so suddenly.
If you can't figure it out, then stop thinking about it. Su Mowan glanced thoughtfully at the eldest princess, and seeing that the eldest princess still had a proper smile on her face after saying those words, she looked at Emperor Mo Yao on the throne.
Emperor Mo Yao's expression was somewhat unreadable. He didn't seem unhappy, but he wasn't happy either. The eldest princess was of noble birth, and it was beneath her dignity to marry into a subject's household.
Song Chuwen was slightly taken aback by the princess's words, and then his eyes flashed as he was about to speak.
The Minister of Justice, speaking before his son could, said with seven parts sincerity and three parts fear, "Absolutely not! The eldest princess is of noble birth, how can she be forced to marry into my Song family! If the eldest princess takes a liking to Chuwen and can grant Chuwen his wish, this old minister will be eternally grateful!"
The Minister of Justice's words were indeed heartfelt.
The eldest princess is a member of the royal family. If she marries into the Song family, she will be lowering her status and losing her dignity. Moreover, the people in the mansion will feel very uncomfortable.
With a princess standing in the mansion, one has to be careful and cautious in everything one says and does.
Too tired!
At this point, the Minister of Justice no longer cared about whether or not his son would have no descendants. Since his son liked the eldest princess, and the eldest princess also liked his son, the matter of marrying the princess was already a foregone conclusion.
Emperor Mo Yao's expression softened slightly after hearing the Minister of Justice's words.
That old scoundrel Song Lian, his son secretly set his sights on his eldest princess and managed to trick her into marrying him willingly!
Thankfully, that old scoundrel still had some sense at this point! Otherwise, I wouldn't know how to save face!
Emperor Moyao gave the father and son an approving look, then said to the eldest princess, "Although I do not object to your suggestion, the Minister of Justice is old and cannot be frightened, so let's not bring this up again."
"..."
The Minister of Justice, who was easily frightened, quickly lowered his head and wiped his sweat, looking as if he was truly terrified.
The eldest princess noticed the displeasure in Emperor Moyao's eyes and knew that her request would not be granted.
Her eyes darkened, and she was about to speak.
Song Chuwen, however, made the first move.
Song Chuwen stepped out from behind the banquet, lifted the hem of his official robe, and knelt on the ground.
He looked up at Emperor Mo Yao and said in a deep voice, "I will only marry the eldest princess in my life. I beg Your Majesty to grant my request."
Real man!
Su Mowan couldn't help but praise him again. Her gaze towards Song Chuwen was full of support.
Such men are rare in ancient times. The princess's eye for talent is truly exceptional and incredibly discerning!
Emperor Mo Yao's face immediately lit up with a smile. After a few hearty laughs, he waved his hand and declared decisively, "Very well! Minister Song's intentions are truly commendable. I entrust the eldest princess to you with peace of mind! I will have the Imperial Observatory calculate an auspicious day before you two are married!"
Song Chuwen immediately kowtowed, "Thank you, Your Majesty."
At this point, the civil and military officials became active, some offering congratulations, some expressing sourness, and some gloating.
However, the matter was not over yet.
Emperor Moyao smiled and accepted the congratulations from the officials. He raised his hand to signal them to be quiet and said, "The eldest princess is already celebrating a joyous occasion. I think we should celebrate double happiness today!"
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