The second princess was furious when she learned about her marriage. She rushed to the Qifei Palace in a panic.

Seeing Concubine Qi crying, she said, "Mother!"

Concubine Qi knew her daughter's purpose, but she pretended not to know and asked in confusion, "What's the matter? Who has upset our Second Princess? Tell me and I'll help you vent your anger."

The Second Princess' face was filled with indignation and resentment as she said, "Mother, don't you know that the Emperor has granted me a marriage?"

Concubine Qi feigned surprise and said, "Mother doesn't know. Who did your father choose to be your consort?"

"It's Lu Ming, the runner-up in the exam last year. He's a poor boy, and I won't marry him! Please go and beg my father to revoke his decision! I'll be laughed at by the world for the rest of my life if I marry a poor, good-for-nothing boy."

Her eyes were red, and her usual dignity and elegance were completely gone. She looked like a helpless child at this moment.

Concubine Qi angrily scolded: "Nonsense, your father chose the prince consort for you for a reason. He is your biological father, so how can he push you into the fire pit?"

"Mother has met Lu Ming. He is handsome, knowledgeable, and well-read. Although his family is poor, as long as he is motivated, his official position will be decided by your father's words."

"As long as you are obedient, your father will definitely not treat you unfairly."

The Second Princess became even more furious after hearing Concubine Qi's words. She stamped her feet and said, "I will not marry, even if I die. I am a princess of such noble status, how can I marry someone who has nothing?"

Concubine Qi sighed, took the Second Princess's hand and said, "Ning'er, the noble sons of the princes and generals in the capital, besides their family background, are also proficient in eating, drinking and having fun. They have a lot of concubines in the house and have to live with their parents-in-law. There will be many difficulties after marriage."

"Lu Ming has no bad habits except for his poor family background. He lives a carefree life after marriage. This is a hundred times better than marrying any nobleman."

The Second Princess shook off Concubine Qi's hand and said angrily, "Mother, please don't try to persuade me. I have made up my mind and will never marry this man. If Mother refuses to help, I will go and confront Father myself."

Having said that, he turned and left.

Concubine Qi hurriedly stopped him, her eyes stern as she said, "If you act so willfully, you will only anger your father. Not only will the marriage be impossible to change, but you'll also be punished."

"A lot has happened in the palace recently. Concubine Rong and Concubine He are both dead. The eldest prince and Censor He have been illegally mining iron ore. Your father, in a rage, had dozens of people in the He residence executed. He's already furious. If you displease him again, punishment is inevitable. Mother and your grandfather will be implicated. Do you want to see your mother sent to the cold palace?"

"Look at the harem right now. Who dares to displease your father? Everyone will stay away from you. Yet you are the one who dares to ask for trouble."

"Go if you want to! Mother has said enough. There is no point in saying more."

The second princess stood there in a daze, tears welling up in her eyes. She said intermittently, "But...but..."

Concubine Qi gently comforted her, "Ning'er, don't worry. The marriages of princes and princesses are originally decided by the Emperor. Since your father has chosen Lu Ming, he must have thought it over carefully and would not marry you off so easily."

"Although the runner-up has no power or influence at the moment, he is still extremely talented. He may even be promoted to a noble or military commander in the future."

The second princess bit her lower lip, still feeling unwilling, but Concubine Qi's words made her calm down a lot.

"Mother, I am just unwilling to accept this. With my status, I should be matched with a better family."

Concubine Qi gently stroked her hair and said softly, "Ning'er, sometimes there's more to this world than meets the eye. Mother has heard that Lu Ming is an upright and kind person. If you marry him, you'll live a life of happiness."

"People envy the power and influence of the concubines in the harem, but only by experiencing it firsthand can you know what life is like. Look at how many times a month your mother sees your father, not to mention other things."

"Mother, do you regret entering the palace?"

"A woman born into a noble family is born for the benefit of her family. How can there be any regrets? And my mother is very satisfied with you."

The second princess apologized, "Mother, I may have displeased you before. Please forgive me for my unfilial behavior."

Concubine Qi held the Second Princess's hand and said, "Ning'er, you are my only daughter. I hope that after you marry in the capital, we can see each other often. Unlike the eldest princess, who married far away in another country and will never have the chance to return to her homeland, let alone reunite with her family."

"Perhaps your father has foresight behind this marriage, and it may also be a form of protection for you."

The second princess gradually calmed down, but there was still a hint of stubbornness and unwillingness on her face.

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