Chapter 172: No Response

Chapter 172

No Response

Kang Wang met his mother’s gaze, fully aware that she had likely deduced the nature of his relationship with Mu Rongying. Xian Fei had always been sharp, never missing a detail in any situation. Otherwise, how could she navigate through the treacherous waters of the inner palace for so many years? Mu Zhao Yi also sensed the implications behind Xian Fei’s question, having heard rumors about Xian Fei’s strict standards for her daughter-in-law. In her heart, Mu Zhao Yi hoped that Xian Fei would target Mu Rongying.

Kang Wang was young and handsome, and the thought of him possibly being with Mu Rongying filled Mu Zhao Yi with envy. Why had she been forced to settle for a man who was as old as her father as a concubine, the status that Mu Rongying didn’t want? The bitterness within her grew, and she longed to drag her cousin down with her.

"Young Miss Nie is beautiful and accomplished. Any man who marries her would be truly fortunate, wouldn’t you agree, Master?"

Mu Zhao Yi said, deliberately steering the conversation toward the Emperor. With Mu Rongying’s current status, should she enter the palace, she would be without a powerful family to back her, making her an easy target for Mu Zhao Yi to manipulate. The power of the merchant family, after all, was insignificant in the royal court, no matter how rich the Nie family was. In contrast to the Mu family, which was the major family that openly supported Mu Zhao Yi. No matter how hard Mu Rongying tried, it would be nearly impossible for her to rise above Mu Zhao Yi’s rank. The title of Fei was not reserved for the most beautiful women, but for those with powerful family connections.

If Mu Rongying were to marry a man like Kang Wang, Mu Zhao Yi would prefer that she join her in sharing an aging husband. At least, as Consort Zhao Yi, she could maintain a superior rank.

The Emperor lowered his gaze with a faint smile, his thoughts difficult to discern. Xian Fei, however, was not fooled by Mu Zhao Yi’s intentions. Yet, she couldn’t quite understand why Mu Zhao Yi was so eager to push the Emperor toward considering Young Miss Nie as a consort. After all, aside from her lack of noble birth, Nie Ying was certainly a woman of interest. However, Xian Fei already had a specific candidate in mind for her son’s future wife, and she didn’t want him to be distracted. For now, she remained silent.

"Nie Ying is far from perfect. I only know how to manage business. I intend to use my skills to support myself and do not seek marriage to rely on a husband. I doubt any family would be interested in someone like me," Mu Rongying spoke with a firmness that everyone could feel.

Her words filled with determination that everyone could feel. Xian Fei had initially been suspicious of Mu Rongying, but she now found herself impressed by the young woman’s bold words. Mu Rongying wasn’t just a pretty face; she carried herself with dignity, intelligence, and strength. Xian Fei, having fought many battles of her own, admired such courage. It made her think of her own youth. How different her life might have been if she hadn’t had to go into the palace, and if she’d had the freedom to speak so boldly back then.

Mu Rongying’s words effectively ended the conversation about marriage. Seeing that her role in the gathering was complete, she excused herself, leaving the royal family to their complicated dynamics. Once she had left, the Emperor remarked aloud,

"Not bad! Not bad at all! That young woman is truly something."

Mu Zhao Yi, though filled with jealousy, forced herself to wear a mask of admiration.

"A beauty like her is not easy to find. If Your Majesty were to take her as a consort, it would be her fortune. As for her claim that she does not wish to marry, that’s just the foolish talk of a naive girl. How can a woman live without a husband or children? Who would bury her when she dies? If Your Majesty is merciful enough to accept her into the palace, she will soon realize how misguided her thinking has been."

Kang Wang furrowed his brows, about to scold the meddling consort, but the Emperor seemed to be considering Mu Zhao Yi’s words, stroking his beard as he murmured thoughtfully,

"Mm, but she is Nie Shuang’s sister. If she doesn’t agree, it would be difficult to force her."

Mu Zhao Yi smiled sweetly, though her intent was malice.

"If it’s a royal decree, who could refuse, Your Majesty?"

Kang Wang felt an intense disgust for her. Despite being from the same family, she treated Mu Rongying as if she were an enemy. If they weren’t in front of his father and mother, he might have drawn his sword and struck down Mu Qiuxiang right then and there.

"Enough of this matter for now,"

Xian Fei’s voice cut through, and Kang Wang let out a sigh of relief. However, his relief was short-lived as his mother turned her focus toward him.

"Wuqian, you’re not getting any younger. I’ve had my eye on the daughter of the Wen family for years. I didn’t bring it up before because she was too young, but she recently came of age and is now ready for marriage. She’s beautiful, well-mannered..."

Kang Wang suppressed the surge of anger building within him and interrupted his mother.

"Mother, I have no intention of getting involved with the Wen family..."

"Do you already have someone in mind?"

His mother’s voice turned cold. Even the Emperor and Mu Zhao Yi could sense the chill. Though Xian Fei hailed from a scholarly family, she had the strength and authority of a military General.

"We’ve come all this way to Xiangyun Tea House; we should enjoy the peaceful atmosphere while we’re here. It would be a shame to let such fine tea grow cold. Xian Fei, let’s save this discussion for when we return,"

The emperor interjected, easing the tension in the room. Kang Wang glanced at Mu Zhao Yi’s snake-like expression and made a firm decision. If he didn’t speak up now, who knew what lies Mu Zhao Yi would tell his father later?

"Father, Mother, I will only marry Young Miss Nie Ying!"

His words caused the room to fall into stunned silence.

"Wuqian...marriage is not something to speak of lightly,"

Xian Fei said with a calm, gentle tone. She composed herself quickly, understanding that her son, once he set his mind on something, wouldn’t change it easily. She knew using a firm hand would only push him further.

"I am serious, Mother. I admire Young Miss Nie. If you and Father are merciful, please help me make this wish come true."

Mu Zhao Yi’s face was ashen. She had intended to push her cousin toward the Emperor, but now Kang Wang had taken up the cause himself. There was no way she would allow Mu Rongying to marry such a distinguished man as Kang Wang. She was determined to oppose this at all costs.

"Your Highness, you hold a noble title, but she is merely the daughter of a merchant..."

"Who gave you permission to speak!? Leave the room! I will discuss this with my parents alone."

Mu Zhao Yi was so humiliated, but the Emperor didn’t even say a word in her defense, so she pretended to leave the room in tears, sliding the door shut behind her.

"Wuqian...have you thought this through? Her status cannot elevate yours,"

The Emperor said, his voice filled with a mix of emotions as he addressed his son.

"Yes, Father. In this lifetime, I ask for her to be my only wife. If you believe this to be unworthy, then punish me as you see fit. If you wish to strip me of my rank and title, I will not protest."

"Wuqian! How could you say such a thing? Your Majesty...you cannot allow this."

Xian Fei finally lost her composure. The Zheng family had sacrificed so much for Wuqian, and now he was willing to throw it all away for the sake of one woman?

"Mother, ever since I was young, I have followed your wishes. Please, allow me this one desire."

The Emperor let out a heavy sigh.

"This matter requires further discussion. Let’s speak of it again when we return to the palace."

Xian Fei’s hands trembled as she stared at her son with disappointment. Kang Wang had always been an obedient child, never giving her any reason for concern. But now, for this one woman, he was willing to abandon everything. The Zheng family, with its hundreds of members, stood ready to give their lives for his grand ambitions. How could she accept this? She lifted her teacup, trying to calm her nerves, while the Emperor drank his tea as if it were wine. Kang Wang knelt and bowed his head before them.

"Father, Mother, please have mercy on me,"His voice resonated with conviction, but no response came from the two distinguished figures.