Marrying the Crown Prince

"Oh?" Zhou Zhou replied lazily, somewhat puzzled.

"Last time, when the Qixi Kingdom came to the Chen Kingdom, there were not many officials accompanying them, just a few scattered individuals; this time, they are here to welcome a bride, hence the number of envoys is in the dozens."

After listening to Li Ziyan's words, Zhou Zhou roughly understood that the autumn hunt was the most direct way to demonstrate the might of the emperor and the strength of the nation, but this method also had its drawbacks.

The uncertainty is huge. Although the young talents of Chen Kingdom are indeed excellent, things can change in an instant on the hunting ground. Who can guarantee that they will definitely win?

There are many generals who can shoot an arrow through a willow leaf from a hundred paces, but very few who can win every battle.

and so……

"Will it be too risky?"

"Losing is fine too." Li Ziyan was very calm. "If we win, it will demonstrate the might of the emperor, which is naturally a cause for celebration; if we lose, it will serve as a warning to those arrogant and self-important princes and ministers, letting them know that there are always people more capable than us, and that even small border countries should not be underestimated."

Hearing his words, Zhou Zhou was somewhat surprised, "Is this what the court has been arguing about lately?"

Li Ziyan chuckled lightly, "Where would I be so free?"

"Recently, everyone has been discussing the matter of Qixi Kingdom paying tribute."

"My father originally intended that after Jiafu married into the Qixi Kingdom, the annual tribute from the Qixi Kingdom would be halved."

"If it were twenty years ago, when the national treasury was empty, Father Emperor would not have had this idea."

"But now, the country is prosperous and the people are at peace, and the national treasury is full."

"Furthermore, the tribute that Qixi Kingdom sends each year is only a few scattered pieces."

"Therefore, Father Emperor had this idea."

“But this must be very difficult, right?” Zhou Zhou grasped the key point.

"Hmm." Li Ziyan nodded, unable to express any emotion. "The court officials believe that Jiafu's dowry was already more than enough. To give him this honor would make people think that we were begging for this marriage."

Zhou Zhou sighed, unsure of what to say.

Throughout history, the Chen Kingdom has had its share of marriage alliances, but most of the brides were daughters of the royal family. There were also instances of palace maids being adopted as princesses and then married off. So...

Why does Emperor Chenze insist on using a real princess? Su and Cao are hardly a good match!

“No, Father Emperor thinks the King of Qixi Kingdom is a truly good match,” Li Ziyan explained slowly.

A question mark slowly appeared above Zhou Zhou's head—was his old eye failing him?

Although Qixi Kingdom is not as poor as the Tartars in the Northern Regions, who are so poor that they eat grass every day, it is still so far away from the capital of Chen Kingdom. If she marries there, she will probably never see him again in this lifetime.

That alone makes them a poor match.

"Both Su and Cao are of extraordinary appearance and character, possess lofty ambitions and exceptional talent, and are not people who would willingly remain subordinate to others."

"If that's the case, wouldn't it be dangerous for Jiafu to marry into that family?" Zhou Zhou was even more puzzled. If it weren't for the fact that it was so outrageous, she would have said that he must have lost his mind!

"When two nations are at war, it is the common people who suffer. My father does not wish for this," Li Ziyan said solemnly. "Marrying a princess would serve two purposes: first, to appease them, and second..."

"Secondly, after Jiafu gives birth to a child, if that fellow still harbors rebellious intentions, we will strike first and help them establish a brave and wise new ruler for the Kingdom of Qixi."

Zhou Zhou was silent.

This is indeed a good method, but it is too cruel for Li Zixi.

Speaking of this topic, Li Ziyan's mood became quite heavy, and he complained to Zhou Zhou, "I don't know where Father Emperor came up with this idea, it's really..."

I disagree!

If Emperor Chenze had consulted with me before issuing the decree to arrange their engagement, I would have definitely objected and corrected this mistake.

Both of them sighed.

As they spoke in unison, Zhou Zhou looked up and met Li Ziyan's eyes.

He first smiled, his expression gentle, "Alright, let's not talk about this anymore, go and get some rest."

"Okay." Zhou Zhou rolled over and snuggled up to him.

Li Ziyan's body felt slightly cool; it was very comfortable to lean against him on such a hot summer day.

He reached out and gently embraced the other person, his nose filled with Zhou Zhou's unique fragrance. This fragrance was very gentle and had a calming effect, which could easily soothe the violence in his heart.

Li Ziyan slowly closed her eyes and fell asleep peacefully.

Days passed by, and soon it was Zhou Zhou's birthday—June 21st.

The weather was still hot and humid, so the banquet was not held in a grand manner. However, since it was Zhou Zhou's first year of marriage into the Eastern Palace, the birthday banquet was still held in a lively manner.

Zhou Zhou didn't invite many people, but Li Ziyan's brothers and sisters-in-law, as well as her close friends and people from the Yongjing Marquis's mansion.

Unfortunately, women of marriageable age cannot easily leave their homes, so the only acquaintances who are certain they will attend the banquet are Liu Jingyuan, Zhou Rong, and Zhou Yue.

Looking at the replies, Zhou Zhou suddenly got angry. Pointing at the pile of "junk," he said to Ju Fang, "Look at this, not one or two of them can come. If you ask me, there's absolutely no need to hold this birthday banquet."

Her words silenced Jufang, who hesitated for a long while before cautiously speaking, "Your Majesty, a birthday banquet is not something that can be held at will by the person whose birthday is approaching."

"and……"

"And there's something I'm not sure if I should say."

Jufang looked up at Zhou Zhou, hesitating to speak.

Zhou Zhou immediately cut him off, saying, "If you know you can't say it, then don't say it."

Jufang: "..."

That's not how it's written in the storybook. Your Majesty, shouldn't you say something like, "Just say it, I forgive you"?

Seeing her complicated expression, Zhou Zhou felt much better, and what he said was much more agreeable. "Alright, say whatever you want."

"Then Your Majesty should not be angry." Ju Fang chuckled and continued before Zhou Zhou could answer, "Besides, there are far too many hardships and helplessness in this world. Your Majesty, your... whether or not to hold a birthday banquet is really too pretentious."

After saying that, Jufang quickly dodged to the side, successfully avoiding Zhou Zhou's elbow strike.

"Your Highness, please don't be angry. I suddenly remembered that the kitchen made some delicious snacks today. I'll go get them for you to try," Jufang said with a smile, trying to appease her.

Zhou Zhou feigned anger and said, "Get out of here now."

Jufang quickly rolled away.

Seeing the person rush over in a flash, she chuckled and muttered under her breath, "They've just been spoiled rotten."

Zhi Bei, standing to the side, felt a surge of emotion and envy upon hearing Zhou Zhou's doting tone.

What can be done about this?

Jufang and Sizhu have had a close relationship with the Crown Princess since they were young, and no matter how we compare, we can't surpass that.

On June 21st, the Empress Dowager gave Zhou Zhou two days off, telling her to have fun and relax, and not to think about her studies all the time.