The story of a bullied daughter's rise to power

Situ Yaorao and Tan Tai Wu Yue both spoke at the same time. Situ Yaorao was shocked, while Tan Tai Wu Yue directly rejected it.

Seeing the two people's expressions change, the queen smiled, and said generously: "Why not? Speaking of which, Xiu'er is also the illegitimate daughter of the Gu family. Her status is not bad. In addition, she is my goddaughter, so she is qualified to be a concubine." After the queen finished speaking, she patted Xiu'er's hand and said earnestly: "Xiu'er, when you stay in the prince's mansion in the future, you must serve the prince well with your sister."

"Yes." Xiu'er said respectfully.

"Mother, this is absolutely not allowed. Marrying a concubine is extremely rare. The Crown Princess has just entered the family and if she marries a concubine, wouldn't it be a laughing stock? I don't want the Crown Princess to be ridiculed. I also don't want to be the heartless person."

"What are you saying? When have I ever asked you to be heartless and disloyal? I just hope that your Prince's Mansion can be more lively. Isn't that right? Or is it that I can't even help you with this little thing?"

The Queen's words made Tan Tai Wu Yue fall into silence for a moment.

If he really continued to insist, he was afraid that his mother would feel alienated. Thinking of this, Tan Tai Wu Yue hesitated.

Common sense would have dictated his agreement. After all, he and the Empress were not biological mother and daughter; their only connection was likely the desire to be Emperor and Empress Dowager. Furthermore, the Empress had a grudge against him. This, in turn, jeopardized the trust between them. If he refused this request, he feared the rift between them would never be mended.

But, what if he agreed?

Tantai Wuyue quietly glanced at Situ Yaorao, who stood in the center of the lobby, lingering in her seat, caressing the small black cat in her arms. She sighed softly. She had always been proud, and if this matter wasn't handled properly, it would likely break her heart.

Thinking about this, Tan Tai Wu Yue felt troubled.

"My son, I just asked you to make a decision. You are so hesitant. You don't act like someone who can accomplish great things at all." The queen urged dissatisfiedly.

Upon hearing this, Tantai Wuyue remained silent. Seeing his silence, Situ Yaorao knew he was somewhat tempted. After all, the Queen's request had to be agreed to. Besides, even if there was a concubine, it wouldn't be a big deal in his eyes, right?

If it weren't for her, he wouldn't have hesitated at all. Thinking of this, Situ Yaorao felt a tinge of disappointment. Not for Tantai Wuyue, but for this ridiculous system.

Tan Tai Wu Yue loved her, a fact she was more confident of than anyone else. But even with such deep affection, it was impossible for the two of them to stay together forever. This was the sorrow of the imperial family. If possible, she only hoped that he would no longer be the crown prince, and she, no longer some frivolous crown princess. The two of them could be far away, far away from home, and that would be happier than anything else.

Thinking of this, Situ Yaorao couldn't help but look forward to such a day.

"Huang'er, have you thought it through?"

The Queen looked at Tan Tai Wu Yue with dissatisfaction. Seeing him so reluctant to make a decision, the last shred of her patience vanished. Similarly, she felt a sense of resentment. If she hadn't had a son of her own, why would she need to raise such an ungrateful person? If he were her biological son, how could he be so disobedient?

"Mother, may I ask the Crown Princess a question?" Tan Tai Wu Yue looked at the Queen and spoke after a long while.

"What? You marry Concubine Ping and want her, a woman, to have the final say?" The Queen frowned.

Tantai Wuyue ignored the Queen's words, but just looked at Situ Yaorao and said, "Yaorao, if there is such a road in front of you.

The road ahead is full of thorns and bumps, but after you pass through them, spring will arrive and flowers will bloom. Are you willing to go?"

"As long as we're sure the road ahead will be filled with spring blossoms, even if there's a river of blood on the way, what's the harm?" Situ Yaorao smiled, knowing what he meant. Although she felt a little unhappy about it, she still didn't want him to embarrass her. After all, she still loved him.

Situ Yaorao's answer was both reasonable and unexpected. The Situ Yaorao he knew never considered others, only her own willingness. But now? For some reason, Tantai Wuyue felt a little happy seeing her like this. Did this mean that his Yaorao had also begun to consider him?

Thinking of this, Tantai Wuyue made a decision. Since she was willing to consider him, he absolutely could not hurt her feelings because of the ridiculous trust between mother and son. After all, the queen was not her biological mother. Thinking of this, Tantai Wuyue said, "Mother, regarding this matter of Concubine Ping, I think..."

As soon as Tantai Wuyue opened his mouth, the three of them looked at him, awaiting his decision. A glimmer of anticipation flashed across the Queen's eyes, while Xiu'er, standing beside her, was a little excited.

Marrying the Crown Prince and becoming his future Imperial Concubine—this had always been her wish. It was precisely for this reason that she had come to the capital, to the Situ household. She was unwilling to remain in the Situ household and had followed him to the Crown Prince's residence. Even if it meant only being a maid, she would have been content. All this was for the present moment.

However, at this moment...

"The imperial edict has arrived!"

Outside the door, a sharp voice interrupted Tan Tai Wu Yue's unfinished words.

Upon hearing this, the Queen couldn't help but frown. This dog servant, why did he have to wait until this critical moment to deliver the imperial edict when there were other options? However, thinking this in her heart, the Queen still stood up magnanimously and said with a smile: "The emperor has just returned from Jiangnan and has made great contributions. Now is the time for the emperor to pay attention to you. Look, the imperial edict has arrived. Go out and receive it first. As for Xiu'er's matter, wait until the eunuch who delivers the imperial edict delivers it, and then tell me."

The Queen was now certain that Tantai Wuyue would not disobey her wishes, so she was not in a hurry. Hearing this, Tantai Wuyue nodded, thinking that it would be better for her to get angry later than when the eunuch delivering the decree was present.

Thinking about this, Tantai Wuyue said, "Thank you, mother, for your understanding." After that, he said to the outside, "Come in, please let the eunuch in."

As the words fell, the eunuch who delivered the imperial edict walked into the hall of the Crown Prince's residence. Upon seeing the four people in the hall, he was stunned at first. Then, he understood everything. As a eunuch delivering the imperial edict, he must be very discerning, as he had to guess the emperor's intentions. With such a simple question, he naturally understood it at a glance. So, he said, "This old servant pays his respects to the Empress, the Crown Prince, and the Crown Princess."

"Eunuch An, please get up," the Queen said calmly. She looked down on him, but she didn't take the eunuch who delivered the decree seriously.

The eunuch didn't seem to care. He simply said, "This old servant has been ordered to deliver the imperial decree. Please forgive me if I have been negligent, Your Majesty." He then unfolded the imperial edict: "By the providence of Heaven, the Emperor decrees that today, the Wu Kingdom's Princess Qian Shui'er has arrived in the imperial capital of Lanlin. This woman is kind and gentle, of noble birth, both virtuous and talented, and has helped the people of Jiangnan overcome their hardships. She is known as a goddess. Her heart is clear. The princess has come a thousand miles to marry the Crown Prince, Tan Tai Wu Yue. I am grateful for her devotion and hereby grant her permission. However, the Crown Prince already has a Crown Princess, so she is granted the title of Consort Ping and the rites accorded to her. I decree this."

An imperial edict knocked out the four people present.

However, the eunuch who delivered the imperial edict had no time to care about these things. He just said, "Crown Prince, Crown Princess, please accept the imperial edict."

"Thank you, my emperor, for your grace."

Situ Yaorao and Tantai Wuyue both knelt, their hearts still pounding. Situ Yaorao was willing to speak to Tantai Wuyue because she believed he wouldn't disregard her sincerity. If she treated him well, he would also consider her. Therefore, she was certain he wouldn't marry Concubine Ping.

But I didn't expect that a princess from the Wu Kingdom would suddenly appear...

Now, I really feel terrible.