Peasant Woman's Decreed Life as a Wife

Chapter 2352: Chapter 2349: Fulfilling One’s Duties

"There hasn’t been any news from the beauties in the palace?" Minister Qi said with a hateful tone. Compared to the marriage alliance between Prince Rong and the Chu family, Minister Qi was even more dissatisfied with this aspect. Indeed, without anyone in the palace, news always lags behind.

Old Madam Qi sighed helplessly, "There’s nothing that can be done. The child has only been in the palace for a few months, and the Emperor does not enter the Imperial Harem. Besides, with Consort Deng obstructing the way, it’s not easy for her to gain favor."

"Give her more silver, let her be more generous in the palace, and gain favor soon," Minister Qi was feeling anxious. He wasn’t foolish; even though he hadn’t made any moves yet, Emperor Xuanming was already displeased with King Qi’s influence and was bound to find a prince to contend with him.

However, that doesn’t mean King Qi has no hope.

It seems it’s still necessary to please Emperor Xuanming.

Minister Qi had made up his mind, and he was no longer flustered. He even showed a hint of joy on his face as he stood up with the other subjects to congratulate the Emperor.

Dropped this huge bombshell.

The banquet became lively on the surface.

Even Hetu, who had previously been looking for trouble, quieted down. However, his gaze fell on Li Chongjin multiple times, filled with unabashed scrutiny.

Since sitting down, Li Chongjin remained as he was before. When someone came to toast him, he drank, maintaining his reticent demeanor, showing no change despite being bestowed a marriage.

Those ministers who came to probe him saw that he did not express any attitude towards this marriage, neither joy nor displeasure.

To put it bluntly, they thought he was stupid not to show a little happiness at being granted a marriage by the Emperor.

The happy thing was that Prince Rong, who couldn’t handle interpersonal relations, was much better than the old fox. The more ignorant he was, the more Emperor Xuanming disliked him, and they wouldn’t be affected by this marriage.

"Congratulations, Prince..." Glasses clinked, and on the surface, it seemed harmonious.

However, an official secretly shook his head behind others, finding it ridiculous that Prince Rong didn’t take advantage of Emperor Xuanming’s guilt towards Chu Heng by leveraging Miss Chu to gain the Emperor’s favor. His wooden demeanor was lacking basic understanding, no wonder he was sent out of the palace as a child without proper teaching, he’s indeed useless.

Li Chongjin lowered his eyes, withholding the emotions in his eyes, maintaining his attitude. Only when presenting New Year gifts did he become close to Emperor Xuanming for a moment. Otherwise, he kept a distant demeanor.

Consequently, fewer officials approached him over time.

However, on King Qi’s side, due to the presence of the King of the Southern Border, several officials were greeting him, creating a lively atmosphere.

Emperor Xuanming quietly drank wine from the upper seat, watching the performance while taking everything in sight.

"Your Majesty, this concubine worries that Jin’er lacks worldly skills. How about letting him stay at the palace tonight, and this concubine will personally guide him?" The Empress, who had hardly consumed anything, spoke as the banquet neared its end.

The Dowager Empress had already left midway to return to the palace.

Emperor Xuanming lifted his eyes and set down his wine cup.

With slightly parted thin lips: "He indeed needs guidance."

"Your Majesty, Prince Rong is not young anymore. Even if he’s unwilling about the marriage, the palace’s ritual officials can assist. Empress, there’s no need to worry, if the child doesn’t listen, he should be taught more." Consort Deng chuckled lightly, covering her mouth.

The Empress lowered her eyes slightly, "Consort Deng, I don’t understand your words. All I know is that doing one’s duty and learning what one must isn’t disgraceful. As for whether he’s happy or not, Jin’er is obedient, which is always better than being outwardly compliant but inwardly resistant."