bestfiction Chapter 83 The Prime Minister of Nanzhao Kingdom felt that Gu Liuli was not good enough for the Crow
Chapter 83 The Prime Minister of Nanzhao Kingdom felt that Gu Liuli was not good enough for the Crow
After Jiang Liushen overruled all objections, the Xijing Kingdom began preparing intensively for the royal ceremony to confer the title of princess upon Gu Liuli and bestow upon her the title of Anning. The officials of the Ministry of Rites in the palace were extremely busy, meticulously planning the ceremony's procedures and carefully arranging the palace's interior and exterior, striving for perfection in every detail to showcase the majesty and glory of the royal family.
On the day of the investiture, the entire palace was adorned in magnificent splendor. Outside the Hall of Supreme Harmony, a red carpet stretched from the palace gates all the way to the square, flanked by orderly guards in splendid armor, each wielding a long halberd, exuding an imposing aura. Colorful silks hung from the eaves of the palace, fluttering gently in the breeze, resembling a splendid painting.
Gu Liuli wore a magnificent palace gown embroidered with golden peonies, a phoenix crown on her head, and a hairpin that swayed gently with her steps, making a clear and melodious sound. Surrounded by palace maids, she slowly walked towards the Hall of Supreme Harmony, each step graceful and elegant, yet her eyes betrayed her nervousness and excitement.
Inside the Hall of Supreme Harmony, on the dragon throne, Jiang Liushen, dressed in a bright yellow dragon robe and wearing a crown, stood with a dignified and solemn expression. Civil and military officials stood in neat rows, holding their tablets, their expressions respectful. When Gu Liuli entered the hall, everyone bowed in greeting.
The investiture ceremony officially began. A Ministry of Rites official in a red court robe stepped into the hall, unfurled the imperial edict, and loudly proclaimed: "By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: Gu Liuli is of pure heart and exceptional intelligence. After investigation, she is found to be my own sister. Therefore, she is hereby conferred the title of Princess of Xijing Kingdom, with the bestowed title of Anning. It is hoped that she will henceforth uphold her duties, bring glory to the royal family, and contribute to the nation. So be it!"
The voice echoed in the hall. Gu Liuli bowed gracefully and accepted the imperial edict. Then, Jiang Liushen rose and personally presented Gu Liuli with the seal and token symbolizing her status as a princess. His eyes were full of his brother's love and expectations: "From now on, you will be the Princess of Anning of my Xijing Kingdom. I hope you will live up to your title and protect the country and its people."
Gu Liuli's eyes were slightly red, but her voice was firm: "Your Majesty and the royal family will do their utmost to live up to your expectations."
After the ceremony, everyone moved to the Imperial Garden for a grand banquet. The garden was brightly decorated and filled with delicacies. Officials came forward to offer their congratulations, and laughter and cheerful conversation echoed throughout the Imperial Garden.
However, amidst the crowd, the Prime Minister's face was grim. He gripped his wine cup tightly, his eyes flashing with resentment as he secretly plotted a new scheme. Meanwhile, Xiao Jingchuan and Jiang Liushen exchanged pleasantries with the crowd while keeping a close eye on the Prime Minister's every move. They understood that this power struggle had only just begun.
Meanwhile, in the Nanzhao Kingdom's court, the atmosphere was exceptionally heavy. Minister Li, the father of Consort Li, stood tall and solemnly addressed Emperor Xiao Han, saying, "Your Majesty, I have heard that the Xijing Kingdom has bestowed the title of Princess upon Gu Liuli. However, Gu Liuli is of humble birth and is truly unworthy of my Nanzhao Kingdom's Crown Prince, Xiao Jingchuan. The Crown Prince is the heir apparent, and his marriage is a matter of national importance; it cannot be handled so hastily."
Emperor Xiao Han, who had been sitting calmly on his dragon throne, suddenly darkened upon hearing this, a flash of anger crossing his eyes: "Minister Li, Jing Chuan and Gu Liuli are deeply in love, and Gu Liuli is exceptionally intelligent, having shared the burdens of the court on numerous occasions. She has already been bestowed the title of princess by the Western Jing Kingdom, making her worthy of the crown prince's status. What is your intention in questioning her without cause?"
Minister Li did not back down and continued to argue: "Your Majesty, even if Gu Liuli has some merit, her background is ultimately a major flaw. I believe that the position of Crown Princess should be chosen from a prestigious family to truly reflect the majesty of our Nanzhao Kingdom."
Emperor Xiao Han glared angrily, slammed his hand on the armrest of his dragon throne, and shouted, "Enough! My mind is made up, there is no need to discuss this matter further. If you speak recklessly again, don't blame me for disregarding our past relationship!" Minister Li, though unwilling, could only retreat in a huff.
Meanwhile, in the inner palace, the Empress and the Empress Dowager also learned of this matter. The two sat in the Phoenix Palace, their faces solemn. The Empress Dowager spoke first: "Consort Li has become increasingly arrogant lately. Her father actually openly opposed Jingchuan and Gu Liuli's marriage in court. It's truly absurd."
The Empress nodded slightly, a hint of coldness flashing in her eyes: "Mother is absolutely right. Consort Li, relying on His Majesty's favor, has become increasingly unruly. This time, her father's actions in court were truly excessive. We must give her a warning and teach her to restrain herself."
The Empress Dowager then summoned Consort Li. Consort Li rushed over, and as soon as she entered the hall, she sensed the tense atmosphere. The Empress Dowager, her face stern, coldly said, "Consort Li, are you aware of your father's actions in court?"
Consort Li was startled and quickly knelt down: "Your Majesty, I know that Father is only concerned about the Crown Prince's lifelong happiness and has no ill intentions."
The Empress Dowager snorted coldly: "Concerned? He's interfering in the royal family's affairs. The Crown Prince's marriage is a matter for His Majesty and the royal family to decide. Go back and persuade your father not to meddle in this matter anymore, or don't blame me for being impolite!"
Consort Li was pale and repeatedly agreed, but her heart was filled with resentment. She knew that her and her father's plan was likely to fail, but she would not give up so easily.
After leaving the Phoenix Palace, Consort Li couldn't wait to send a message to Prime Minister Li, inviting him to a secret meeting in her palace. As night fell and the lanterns were lit, Prime Minister Li, dressed in plain clothes, hurriedly entered Consort Li's palace.
"Father, the Empress Dowager and the Empress have both issued warnings this time. We must quickly come up with a new plan," Consort Li said anxiously as soon as she saw Prime Minister Li, her eyes filled with anxiety and resentment.
Prime Minister Li frowned, sat down in his chair, picked up his teacup and took a sip, and said in a deep voice, "Don't panic, I have my own plans. As long as we act quickly, we still have a chance."
"What opportunity could there be? His Majesty has already made his stance clear," Consort Li replied somewhat impatiently.
Prime Minister Li put down his teacup, a sly glint in his eyes: "I've heard that your sister has recently made great progress in poetry and painting, displaying exceptional talent. We can use the pretext of hosting a royal poetry gathering to invite the Crown Prince and other members of the royal family to participate."
"Then let your sister shine at the poetry gathering and catch the Crown Prince's attention."
Consort Li's eyes lit up, but then she became worried: "But the Crown Prince only has Gu Liuli in his heart. Even if you perform well, will he be able to win your heart?"
"Hmph, as long as your sister can stand out at the poetry competition and become a talented woman praised by everyone in the capital, why would the Crown Prince not be tempted? Besides, we can put some effort into the poetry competition and arrange some unexpected events to give the Crown Prince and your sister more opportunities to interact." Prime Minister Li's lips curled up slightly, revealing a barely perceptible sneer.
"Father is brilliant!" Consort Li clapped her hands in praise, and a smug smile finally appeared on her face. "Then I will trouble Father to prepare for the poetry gathering. I will also keep an eye on Gu Liuli and the Crown Prince's movements in the palace, and we must not let their marriage proceed smoothly."
"Alright, be careful in the palace. As long as your sister becomes the Crown Princess, the Li family's position will be as secure as Mount Tai." Prime Minister Li stood up, patted Consort Li on the shoulder, his eyes full of anticipation for the future.
The two discussed some details in hushed tones before Prime Minister Li hurriedly departed under the cover of night. Consort Li watched her father's departing figure, her eyes flashing with complex emotions.
Meanwhile, far away in the Western Jing Kingdom, Xiao Jingchuan was handling affairs in his study. His bodyguard, Yueying, quietly slipped in and presented him with a secret letter. Upon seeing the familiar mark on the envelope, Xiao Jingchuan's heart tightened, and he immediately put down his work and opened the letter.
As his gaze swept over the letter, Xiao Jingchuan's face grew increasingly grim, a cold glint flashing in his eyes: "This Prime Minister Li is truly courting death!" He slammed the letter heavily on the table, his anger barely contained.
The letter detailed Prime Minister Li's unreasonable remonstrances in court, and his conspiracy with Consort Li to use the royal poetry gathering to bring her sister closer to him, thereby sabotaging his marriage to Gu Liuli. Xiao Jingchuan knew that if the ambitions of Prime Minister Li and his daughter were not curbed, they would inevitably lead to endless troubles.
"Moon Shadow, keep a close eye on the movements of the Nanzhao Kingdom, especially the preparations for this royal poetry gathering," Xiao Jingchuan said in a deep voice. "Also, send someone to deliver a letter to Father Emperor, informing him that I have a countermeasure in place."
Yueying accepted the order and left. Xiao Jingchuan rose, walked to the window, and gazed at the night outside, silently pondering a solution. He would never allow Prime Minister Li and his associates' conspiracy to succeed; Gu Liuli was the wife he had chosen, and no one could separate them. A covert contest with Prime Minister Li had already begun to unfold in Xiao Jingchuan's mind.
Meanwhile, Gu Liuli was leisurely flipping through an ancient book in her palace.
The personal maid rushed in, looking somewhat flustered: "Princess, I just heard that Prime Minister Li and Consort Li of Nanzhao Kingdom are planning to hold a royal poetry gathering, hoping to get Consort Li's sister close to His Highness the Crown Prince and ruin your relationship with him."
Upon hearing this, Gu Liuli did not put down the ancient book in her hand, but simply smiled lightly, her smile carrying a hint of confidence and composure: "Them? They think they can ruin my relationship with Jingchuan? They're being too naive."
The maidservant looked worried: "Princess, they are, after all, powerful and influential figures in the Nanzhao Kingdom. What if they really..."
Gu Liuli put down the ancient book, gently patted the maid's hand, and reassured her, "Don't worry, I know Jingchuan's feelings best. He's not the kind of person who can be easily fooled. Besides, this poetry gathering might be a good opportunity." A sly glint flashed in Gu Liuli's eyes, as if she already had a plan.
"A good opportunity? Princess, what is this...?" The maid looked at Gu Liuli with a puzzled expression.
"You'll find out when the time comes," Gu Liuli said with a mysterious smile. "Go and make your preparations. I'll go find my husband and tell him not to worry too much about this. We have our own way of dealing with it." With that, Gu Liuli got up, put the book on the table, and left. Her eyes were firm and full of wisdom, as if she could already see the moment when Prime Minister Li and his group's conspiracy would be thwarted.