The Untamed Princess

Chapter Forty-Three: The Formal Proposal

Despite the darkness of the night, Ming Yue walked quickly along the winding paths through the mansion gardens.  She had no idea why Weisheng had sent for her at this hour, and from his private chambers no less.  It was more than a little risky.

Fortunately, as she approached, she recognised the two guards on duty outside as being Luo Jian's most trusted men.  Giving them each a nod, she entered the building and closed the doors behind her.  Immediately, Kuai rushed over to give her an enthusiastic greeting, and she bent down to scratch under his doggy chin.

Looking up, she saw Weisheng across the room, but he made no move to come towards her.  She stepped forward, and noticed that his eyes were bright, and he appeared to be holding back a smile.  She raised an inquiring eyebrow.

"Secretary Li," he said, "I have decided to ask Jin for the princess's hand in marriage."

Ming Yue's mouth fell open in shock.  She moved forward swiftly and put her hand on his arm.

"Weisheng, you mustn't.  Think of what would happen!"

The prince smiled and walked her across to the bed.  Sitting her down on the edge, he knelt down in front of her and took her face in his hands.

"That's just it, Ming Yue.  Nothing will happen.  Think about it.  My brother is gone.  My parents have never seen you up close.  You may as well be invisible as far as the ministers are concerned, and you were in the harem for hardly any time at all."

She looked at him blankly, so he continued.

"The only people who see you day in day out are the people here in my mansion.  They are the only ones who would be absolutely certain to identify you if you entered the palace as the Jin princess.  Your encounters with everyone else have been too brief.  Even if they did notice a resemblance, it would be just that.  They would never be confident enough to accuse the wife of the crown prince as having masqueraded as a servant."

Ming Yue thought for a moment.  It was true, she admitted to herself.  The prince's staff and Luo Jian's royal guards were really the only people who knew her well and, even if a few of them may not like her too much personally, they were all completely loyal to Weisheng.  To everyone else of note, she was just a faceless servant.

She looked up to see Weisheng gazing at her with a wide smile on his face, willing her to agree.  She smiled back.

"Alright," she said.  "If you think it is worth the risk, it just might work."

Weisheng got to his feet and pulled her up to meet him, enveloping her in a tight embrace.

"There's no 'might'," he gently chastised.  "It will work."  He tilted her head upwards and leaned closer to her.  In the instant before his lips met hers, he whispered, "my future wife."

Then, he kissed her with such tenderness that she felt as though her heart would burst inside her chest.

***

King Xuanming was in shock.  Of course, he had been the one to suggest the marriage alliance, but he had certainly not expected his son to accept it so readily, particularly as he had always been adamant that he would choose his own bride and that it should be a choice from the heart.  Now, just a few days after he had broached the subject of a political union with Weisheng, the crown prince was in his study agreeing to the match.

After finally coming to his senses, the king sprang into action before his son could reverse course.

"Excellent.  I will send an emissary with a formal proposal.  You have met with members of the Jin royal family recently, so I will expect you to advise me on what gifts should accompany the offer of marriage."