My stepsister tried to steal the prince's hand in marriage, but little did she know I had been

What enraged the emperor so much was naturally related to the military situation on the border.

He held the urgent report in his hand, his face contorted with barely suppressed rage, for the report stated that the Northern Di army had invaded the border and had already plundered dozens of villages outside Yanzhou City, resulting in hundreds of deaths and injuries.

The Northern Di had just sent hostages seeking peace a few months earlier.

The emperor, unwilling to burden the people and waste resources on war, granted the Northern Di's request for peace, and the two sides signed a series of treaties.

The actions of the Northern Barbarians today are tantamount to slapping the emperor in the face.

"For now."

The emperor's voice was deep, and a murderous intent flashed in his eyes.

"I will immediately dispatch a large army to drive back the Northern Di. This time, I will not show any mercy."

A glint flashed in Consort Zhang's eyes when this matter was mentioned.

"Your Majesty, which general will you send to Yanzhou?" she asked softly. "The Northern Di army is not easy to deal with. After a winter of rest and recuperation, they are probably even more difficult to deal with than when they were short of food and clothing in winter."

Without a second thought, the emperor replied, "Naturally, it is Prince Jing."

Currently, the person he trusts most and who is also the most capable in the court is Xie Jinghan.

Having received a satisfactory answer, Consort Zhang covered her mouth and feigned surprise: "But tomorrow is the day of Prince Jing's wedding. Going to Yanzhou at this time... what will become of the bride-to-be?"

The emperor was troubled by the border affairs, and upon hearing this, he frowned and said, "Which is more important, national affairs or personal feelings? I don't need to say it, Prince Jing understands."

Consort Zhang nodded repeatedly: "That's true. Everyone in the capital knows that the Prince is not interested in women. But... I'm afraid the new bride is not sensible and will stop Prince Jing from going to the border."

"Once my decree is issued, any obstruction is tantamount to disobeying it," the Emperor said in a deep voice. "What new bride would disregard matters of state?"

Consort Zhang looked worried and wanted to say a few more words, but then she saw the emperor raise his hand: "You don't need to persuade me anymore."

"General Kong is getting old, and the other generals each have important matters to attend to. Only Prince Jing..." He swallowed the words back and mumbled, "Only he has no burdens on his shoulders, so he is the most suitable to go to Yanzhou."

"Besides, he was the one who utterly defeated the Northern Di last time, so I trust him."

"Prince Jing has achieved numerous military exploits, so it's no wonder he was able to return victorious," Consort Zhang flattered. "Moreover, His Majesty has always had a good eye for talent."

Upon hearing this, the emperor nodded in satisfaction, but a hint of worry remained in his eyes.

Why did the Northern Barbarians suddenly take action?

Could it be that they have found another source of support?

At the crack of dawn, the imperial edict from the palace was delivered to Prince Jing's residence.

Si Qing was dumbfounded when he heard Eunuch Li read the imperial edict aloud.

"I...I can marry the princess..."

Today is Xie Jinghan's big day! We're leaving for Yanzhou today, but what about the wedding?

Are we going to abandon all the guests?

And Wen Shuyao...

The wedding hasn't even taken place yet, wouldn't this make Wen Shuyao a laughing stock in the entire capital?

Thinking of this, Si Qing already felt sorry for Wen Shuyao.

Based on his understanding of his lord, this marriage was not as important as the military situation in the Northern Barbarians. Between the wedding and the military situation, the lord would only choose the military situation.

This is going to be difficult.

As Si Qing was thinking this, she heard Xie Jinghan's deep voice.

"Go to the Duke of Wen's residence immediately."

Si Qing was taken aback by these words: "Go to the Duke of Wen's mansion? What for?"

Are you suggesting I explain?

The moment the thought crossed Si Qing's mind, he was startled by his own guess. He opened his mouth, unable to comprehend how his own prince could have done such a thing.

However, what surprised him even more was Xie Jinghan's next sentence.

"Go and marry my queen."

Si Qing's face was blank; even as the strong wind blew, he felt nothing. Only one thought remained in his mind—this is not the prince!

Even Eunuch Li looked at Xie Jinghan in shock.

They had expected Xie Jinghan to go to Yanzhou immediately, and they had also expected Xie Jinghan to send someone to appease Wen Shuyao, but they never expected that Xie Jinghan would actually marry Wen Shuyao ahead of schedule.

There are still six hours until the auspicious time given by the Imperial Observatory!

"Your Highness!" Eunuch Li advised tactfully, "The auspicious time has not yet arrived. If you marry the new bride now, I'm afraid..."

According to the time given by the Imperial Observatory, it should be evening, but it is still early morning and not yet dawn.

But no one can stop Xie Jinghan from doing what he's set out to do.

"Is the auspicious time more important, or is it more important to marry the princess?"

Xie Jinghan glanced at Eunuch Li indifferently. Although he didn't care about worldly affairs, he knew what a terrible impact it would have on Wen Shuyao if he left on the wedding day.

Since he has chosen Wen Shuyao as his queen, he will naturally give her the respect she deserves.

This grand wedding must be held today.

With just one glance, Eunuch Li understood Xie Jinghan's determination.

He quickly lowered his head: "Your Highness, please rest assured, this old servant will go to the palace to report to His Majesty immediately."

This was Xie Jinghan's decision, and it didn't delay his journey to the border. Even the emperor couldn't say anything to refuse.

The palace banquet was personally organized by the Empress, but it was only held a few hours earlier, a minor matter.

As for the guests... The Empress personally organized the event, and it was Prince Jing's wedding, so who would care whether it was earlier or later? They were only thinking about taking this opportunity to show their faces in front of the dignitaries.

Even powerful and influential families wouldn't disrespect Xie Jinghan at this time.

This wedding will surely take place today.

No sooner had Eunuch Li left than the gates of Prince Jing's mansion opened.

The prepared carriages and betrothal gifts drove out of Prince Jing's mansion in a grand procession.

……

"Absolutely ridiculous!"

Upon hearing this, the emperor flew into a rage.

He frowned, unable to comprehend how Xie Jinghan could have done such a thing.

The Empress remained remarkably calm upon hearing Eunuch Li's words.

"Rong'er!" the Emperor called out the Empress's childhood name, "You must think of a way to persuade him. He always listens to you; this is no joke. How can he..."

"Your Majesty!" The usually gentle Empress's tone turned serious. "It would take at least five hours to mobilize the army. He did not neglect his duties, nor did he disobey the imperial edict. He simply wanted to give his betrothed a proper send-off."

"His Majesty asked him to go to Yanzhou on his wedding day, and he never complained. His Majesty should be understanding of him." The Empress's tone softened a bit. "Jinghan is like a banished immortal, untouched by worldly affairs. Now that he has someone he cares about, shouldn't His Majesty be happy?"

Upon hearing this, the words that the emperor was about to say were swallowed back down.

"I can't argue with you," the emperor waved his hand. "I just didn't expect that he would also be captivated by beauty..."

"His Majesty is the Son of Heaven, and he himself is fond of beautiful women, let alone Jing Han? What's so strange about him being young and infatuated with someone?"

The empress's words were pointed, and the emperor could no longer utter a word in rebuttal.