The Enchanting Imperial Concubine (Book 3)

Chapter 455 - Request for the Princess's Hand in Marriage

Because his injuries were not serious, after three or four days, the Fourth Prince came out wrapped in bandages. He had sprained his left arm, which did not significantly affect his movements. However, he definitely couldn't ride a horse anymore, so he could only sit with the ladies and watch others engage in activities.

To say the Fourth Prince had a handsome face and lips that looked like they had been dipped in honey certainly wasn't an exaggeration. Regardless of whether they were elders or peers, the ladies around him all cooed and laughed, making him beam with delight.

Ye Yun watched from the side with a wry smile, wondering if Ning Chen had also been like this back in the day. But after some thought, she felt it was unlikely, as Ning Chen hadn't been as carefree in his youth as the Fourth Prince.

Although the Fourth Prince was well-liked among the ladies, he faded somewhat among the men. The men were busy with hunting, archery, and wrestling—activities in which the Fourth Prince could not participate. So during these days, the Third Prince began to stand out.

The First and Second Princes were not adept at these activities, making the Third Prince the only son who could showcase his talents in Ning Chen's eyes. He seemed to bear the glory of the younger generation of Nan Qi royal family. Of course, the younger sons of Prince Ping were not lacking either, but the Third Prince was the Emperor's son, which made him somewhat different.

With such a spotlight on him, the Third Prince smiled more, and even Yi Fei began to forget the beating she received not long ago, slowly lifting her chin again. However, no matter how pleased the Third Prince was, Ning Chen had never been warm towards Yi Fei. Apart from resting in his tent or visiting Ye Yun, other consorts could only see the Emperor during daytime gatherings.

This attitude left both the Third Prince and Yi Fei perplexed about Ning Chen's intentions. Logically, with the Third Prince performing so well, the Emperor should be closer to Yi Fei, but that was not the case.

Thus, the Third Prince increasingly felt that Ning Chen favored Ming Guifei too much, to the point that no matter how hard he and his mother worked, they could not gain more of his attention. Of course, if Ning Chen heard such words, he would surely feel hurt.

It was true that Ning Chen had not shown warmth to Yi Fei, but his affection and appreciation for the Third Prince had never waned. However, the Third Prince had long since fixated on this issue, growing more and more obstinate and less likely to change his mind.

Due to the Third Prince's outstanding performance, Enhejin decided to quickly arrange a marriage engagement, thinking it would help secure his position more firmly. The Third Prince knew he was courting danger, and Enhejin was not unaware of his cunning and fickle nature. Supporting a new heir to achieve their goals was not something that could be accomplished in a short time, so placing his daughter beside the Third Prince served both as a marriage alliance and as a means of gathering intelligence.

Thus, during a hunting event on the eve of the Double-Ninth Festival, Enhejin shot down a male eagle and won the first prize. When Ning Chen asked him what reward he desired, Enhejin knelt and clasped his hands, saying, "Your Majesty, I boldly ask for your permission to betroth my legitimate son Hong Ge'er to the Eldest Princess as his wife!"

This shocking statement immediately silenced the banquet. Both Rong Xian Fei and the Eldest Princess were stunned. Especially Rong Xian Fei; had it not been for the Eldest Princess holding her hand down, she might have stood up and rejected it outright.

Having been in the grasslands for so many days, the Eldest Princess had already discerned the tense relationship between her father and the Third Prince Enhejin. If she were to marry, the Third Prince Enhejin would surely settle down, and thus... she would be willing.

After all, her father had raised her for so many years, and she should relieve some of his worries. Thinking further, Hong Ge'er was also handsome, skilled in martial arts at a young age, and a noble heir, making his status quite suitable.

However, Ning Chen would not agree to it. With a light laugh and a sigh, he said, "The Third Prince's good intentions are indeed commendable, but Jiayu turned fifteen at the beginning of this year, and I have long since arranged a suitable marriage for her. I just haven't granted the engagement yet, so I must turn down the Third Prince's kind offer. Why don't you consider other options, Prince?"

Upon hearing this, Rong Xian Fei finally breathed a sigh of relief, her expression softening a little. Everyone knew the Emperor was just making excuses, but who would dare to pry into the Princess's marriage?

The Eldest Princess was also momentarily taken aback, but then she cast a warm glance at her father. Ning Chen was focused on Enhejin and didn't notice this; it was Ye Yun sitting beside him who caught it. She returned a reassuring look to the Eldest Princess, who smiled faintly, feeling much more at ease.

However, what no one expected was that Enhejin's other request was to marry the Second Princess. This time, before Ning Chen could say anything, the Fourth Prince, who was usually closest to the Second Princess, couldn't hold back first.

"Third Prince Enhejin, my Second Sister has not yet reached marriageable age. It will be two years before she comes of age, and since the heir is older, he would have to wait an additional two years. According to the customs of the Central Plains, a man cannot have concubines nor can he have children before the primary wife is married into the household. Wouldn't that waste two years of the heir's life?"

"If the Prince is considering marrying my sisters, why not let the heir go to the capital to be a prince consort? While he can't get married there right away, at least they could see each other often!"

With this remark, he flashed a sly smile, his eyes full of calculation. Not to mention that Enhejin could never allow his son to go to the capital to be a son-in-law, Hong Ge'er himself would not be willing to do so. He didn't love the princess, so why would he give up his title to become a mere prince consort?

Although the intention behind Enhejin's proposal was unclear, it must be said that the Fourth Prince's words had effectively left him speechless. Ning Chen's eyes lit up as he glanced at the Fourth Prince, a smile blossoming on his face. He immediately responded, "That is indeed a good idea. This way, I can keep my beloved daughter close while not disappointing the Prince's goodwill. What do you think of this plan, Third Prince?"

The Second Princess had felt anxious for a moment, but she quickly composed herself and sat quietly, believing that her father wouldn't let her marry far away. Moreover, with Ming Guifei present, she knew that she wouldn't sit idly by.

Enhejin found himself somewhat caught off guard. He had prepared for a second attempt to propose marriage to the princess, knowing that Ning Chen loved his children and wouldn't let his daughter marry far away. He had thought that after failing twice, he could present the idea of marrying his daughter to the third prince. However, Ning Chen's current response shifted the situation to one where he agreed but wanted to summon Enhejin's son to the capital to be a prince consort.

If Enhejin were to refuse this third time, it would appear insincere, putting him at a disadvantage. As the situation grew tense, Hong Ge'er could no longer remain seated and took the initiative to stand up.

"Father, I am unfilial; I already have someone I admire. If I were to do this, wouldn't it be unfair to the princess? Besides, I am coarse and unrefined, and I know I am not worthy of her, so I earnestly ask you not to propose on my behalf."

After a pause, he knelt before Ning Chen. "Your Majesty, although I cannot marry the princess, my sister Ulan Tuya indeed has feelings for His Highness the Third Prince. I hope Your Majesty will grant this!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Enhejin instantly understood what his son was trying to do. Without hesitation, he kicked him. "You little brat, what nonsense are you talking about? Just watch, I'll beat you to death today! It's all because you and your mother spoiled your sister!"