Transmigration: of Mysteries and Songs

Chapter 104: Unwilling

"The Duke of Anping? What is he doing here?" The Emperor was puzzled.

Princess Shangrong cut in quickly, afraid that Situ would foil her plans. "Father, let the Duke wait outside until we settle this matter at hand. The taking of a concubine for the Heir of Huaiyang is a very important matter."

"Nonsense." The Emperor shook his head. "I'm sure the Duke has important matters to report to me; how can I let him wait?" He motioned to the attendant.

"Enter, Duke of Anping!"

Feng Luodi took a look at Princess Shangrong. Why is the princess looking so...antsy all of a sudden? Could it be that she's doing this to me because of Situ?

Situ marched into the Imperial Study and bowed to the Emperor. "My humblest greetings, your Majesty."

"Rise." The Emperor returned to his seat and turned to face Situ. "What is this urgent matter that you wish to report to me?"

Situ glanced at Feng Luodi, who was still kneeling on the floor. He swept up the loincloth around his knees and dropped to his knees beside her. "Your Majesty, I am here today to request for decree from you, to bequeath the daughter of Chamberlain Feng, Feng Luodi, as my wife."

His words stunned the entire study.

The Emperor shook a hand at Princess Shangrong, who was about to speak. He smiled at Situ. "What bad timing, my Duke. The Heir of Huaiyang had just asked for her hand in marriage before you came. I'm afraid I might have to disappoint you in this matter, seeing as how he'd come to me before you did."

Situ was unmoved. "If you remember, your Majesty, I'd once mentioned about a girl that I'd wished to wed. She is Miss Feng, the girl beside me right now. I'd proposed to her when we were in the North, but it was delayed because I had to seek the approval of her parents before it could be completed. If you look at it that way, I came before the Heir of Huaiyang."

Princess Shangrong shoved Chu Huaicai on the arm, hard. Chu Huaicai quickly stepped forward and knelt in front of the Emperor as well. "Your Majesty! Please believe my genuine intention to wed Miss Feng and bequeath her to me!"

Feng Luodi's hand was shivering, not with fear, but from anger. Who are these people to decide my marriage for me? "Your Majesty, I will not marry either one of them. I wish to stay by Mother's side and keep her company, at least for the next few years." It took all she had to keep her voice steady.

"Well, well. One of you here is trying to go against my decree, while the other two ask for my decree in marriage. This is frustrating indeed." His words seemed playful, but anger was apparent on his face.

Situ kowtowed, an action he was pardoned from because of his importance to the kingdom. "Your Majesty, I'd remained single these twenty-seven years of my life, waiting for my chosen lover. Now that I've met her, please give me her hand in marriage. I swear to abide by my position and lay my life down for the kingdom, and for you."

Feng Luodi's head was still on the floor, but her entire body shivered uncontrollably with rage. So this is the age where everything is decided by the whims of a single man. With just one word, he can destroy my entire life. Why is it so hard for me to simply keep my family and I safe?

Situ looked at Feng Luodi, trying to hold in the urge to help her up from the ground. His kowtow surprised the Emperor, finally realising the seriousness behind his words. Quickly sensing her Father's urge to give in, Princess Shangrong dropped to her knees as well.

"Father, I have long since admired the Duke of Anping. Please give us your blessings to be together in marriage."

Chu Huaicai was shocked to hear those words. He looked at Princess Shangrong, who quickly waved a hand at him, trying to placate him. Chu Huaicai took a deep breath and steadied himself. I'm sure the princess is just doing this to stop the situation from becoming worse.