Section 3

Meanwhile, in the imperial court of the Great Qing Dynasty, the atmosphere was heavy.

"Northern Qi has been making frequent moves lately; I fear they are about to stir up trouble again."

One official spoke up, a hint of worry in his tone.

"Hmph, those barbarians from Northern Qi are nothing more than jumping clowns. What is there to fear?"

Another official said dismissively.

"While that may be true, we cannot let our guard down. If they truly send troops to invade..."

"Enough!"

Emperor Qing's majestic voice rang out, interrupting the argument.

"I have my own plans regarding Northern Qi. You all need not say more."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

The officials hurriedly bowed in agreement.

Just then, a eunuch ran in hurriedly.

"Your Majesty, His Highness the Fourth Prince has sent word to the palace, requesting to take Chancellor Lin's daughter, Lin Waner, as his Secondary Consort!"

"What?!"

As soon as these words were spoken, the court immediately erupted into an uproar.

Everyone looked at the eunuch in shock, thinking they had misheard.

"What did you say? Say it again!"

Emperor Qing's brow furrowed as he asked in a deep voice.

"Reporting to Your Majesty, His Highness the Fourth Prince has sent word to the palace, requesting to take Chancellor Lin's daughter, Lin Waner, as his Secondary Consort!"

The eunuch repeated it once more, his voice trembling.

Chapter 3: Proposing to Lin Waner! The Court Explodes!

"This..."

The court instantly turned into a boiling pot of chaos.

"What is the Fourth Prince trying to do? Hasn't he always stayed out of worldly affairs?"

"Chancellor Lin's daughter? How could he have taken an interest in Lin Waner?"

"There's going to be a good show to watch now!"

The crowd discussed fervently, their Faces showing expressions of people watching a spectacle.

Lin Ruofu's Face was even more ashen, his eyes filled with fury.

"Your Majesty, this official does not agree!"

He stepped forward directly and spoke loudly.

"Oh?"

Emperor Qing looked at Lin Ruofu with a playful gaze.

"Why does the Chancellor disagree?"

"This official's... this official's daughter has already been betrothed. How can she marry the Fourth Prince?"

Lin Ruofu said through gritted teeth.

"Betrothed?"

Emperor Qing raised an eyebrow.

"Chancellor Lin, why was I not aware of this?"

"This..."

Lin Ruofu was suddenly at a loss for words.

He couldn't exactly say he had just made up an excuse on the spot, could he?

"Your Majesty, I believe this matter is quite feasible."

Just then, Fan Jian stepped forward and spoke up.

"Oh? What brilliant insight does Minister Fan have?"

Emperor Qing looked at Fan Jian and asked.

"Your Majesty, although the Fourth Prince has always kept a low profile, he is still a prince. Now that he has taken the initiative to ask for the Chancellor's daughter, it can be considered giving the Chancellor plenty of Face."

Fan Jian said slowly.

"If the Chancellor insists on refusing, wouldn't that be failing to appreciate kindness?"

"You..."

Lin Ruofu glared at Fan Jian but found himself speechless.

"Your Majesty, I also feel this matter is viable."

"I second the motion."

"I second it as well."

...

In an instant, many officials in the court actually stood up to express their support for this marriage.

"This..."

Lin Ruofu was dumbfounded.

He never expected things would develop to this point.

"Chancellor Lin, what is your opinion?"

Emperor Qing looked at Lin Ruofu again and asked.

Lin Ruofu's expression was unsightly, his heart filled with immense conflict.

He knew that if he refused again, he truly would be seen as not knowing what's good for him.

But he really didn't want to marry his daughter to that trash prince!

"This official... this official obeys the decree."

In the end, Lin Ruofu gritted his teeth and agreed.

"Good!"

Emperor Qing nodded with satisfaction.

"Since that is the case, I shall bestow the marriage between the Fourth Prince and Lin Waner. A date for the wedding shall be chosen!"

"Thank you for Your Majesty's profound grace!"

Lin Ruofu knelt down helplessly to give thanks.

...

In the capital, throughout the streets and alleys.

"Have you heard? The Fourth Prince is going to marry the Chancellor's daughter!"

"Is it true? Hasn't the Fourth Prince always stayed out of worldly affairs?"

"It's absolutely true! I heard the Fourth Prince was the one who proactively asked for the marriage!"

"This is truly strange. How could the Fourth Prince have taken a liking to Lin Waner?"

"Who knows, but there's definitely going to be a good show to watch!"

...

The commoners were discussing it animatedly, full of curiosity and speculation about this marriage.

Some felt the Fourth Prince had finally seen the light, while others felt there was more to it than meets the eye.

In short, this marriage became the talk of the town for the people of the capital.

...

The Lin Manor.

"I won't marry! I'd rather die than marry!"

Lin Waner cried out loudly, her voice shrill and mournful.

"Waner, don't be like this..."

Lin Ruofu looked at his daughter, his heart aching for her.

"Father, I don't want to marry that trash prince! I'd rather die!"

Lin Waner said through her tears.

"Waner, listen to your father. This marriage was personally bestowed by His Majesty. We cannot defy the imperial decree!"

Lin Ruofu said helplessly.

"I don't care! I'm just not marrying!"

Lin Waner's attitude was resolute.

"Waner..."

Lin Ruofu wanted to persuade her further, but was interrupted by Lin Waner.

"Father, say no more. My mind is made up. Even if you beat me to death, I will not marry!"

"This..."

Lin Ruofu was completely out of options.

He knew his daughter had a stubborn nature; once she decided on something, not even nine oxen could pull her back.

Sigh...