Chapter 283 I Only Want Her
As soon as the prince returned home, he went to find Prince An. Prince An was delighted to see his beloved son return safely.
He asked with concern, "Yu'er, you're back. Have you found Miss Qianhuan who asked for medicine for you? Is she safe?"
The prince replied to Prince An expressionlessly, "Yes, I found her. Qianhuan is safe and sound."
"That's good."
Next, the prince asked in a cold voice, "Father, what is the matter with His Majesty granting me and Yutong a marriage?"
Prince An smiled disapprovingly, and then said, "You are so lucky, Yutong took the initiative to ask for this marriage from your father. I received the news in the northwest, and I was so anxious when I learned that you were poisoned, so I took Yutong back to the capital without stopping. Doctor Bai told my father at that time that if you didn't take the antidote within a month, you would never wake up. My father was in grief at the time. You were so young and didn't even have a wife. My father couldn't accept this fact. At this time, Yutong took the initiative to find my father and said that she had been in love with you since she was a child and wanted to marry you. My father was originally worried that you would never wake up again, and was afraid that it would delay Yutong's life, so he refused to agree to her request. Who knew that the child was extremely determined, saying that even if she really couldn't find the antidote, she would not regret marrying you. If you were really gone, she would be willing to stay in Prince An's Mansion and be a widow for you all her life. My father was very moved to see her sincerity, so he went to the palace to ask His Majesty to grant the marriage."
The prince finally understood the whole story, and he somewhat resented Prince An for making the decision for him on his own initiative.
"Father, I can decide my own marriage. How can you arrange a marriage for me without my consent?"
Prince An said unhappily, "What do you mean by acting on one's own initiative? Marriage has always been decided by parents and matchmakers since ancient times. I am your biological father, so it is only natural for me to arrange a marriage for you."
"But I don't like Yutong. I like Qianhuan. I'm sorry I can't obey your order for this marriage."
"Yutong has lived in our northwest mansion since she was a child. Since you made great contributions on the battlefield and were appointed as a general by the emperor and stayed in the capital, although you and Yutong have been separated for many years, you grew up together when you were young and can be considered childhood sweethearts. Yutong's father was also posthumously appointed as a general by the emperor. In terms of status and family background, Yutong is worthy of you, and it is most appropriate for her to be your wife. As for Miss Qianhuan, we can give her a position as a concubine."
Prince An thought that after his earnest persuasion, the Crown Prince would agree with his arrangement, but he underestimated the Crown Prince's true feelings for Qianhuan.
The prince refused, "I only love Qianhuan, I can't let her be a concubine, I will only marry Qianhuan as my principal wife."
Prince An did not expect his son to be so deeply in love with that woman, so he continued to persuade him, "That woman is just from a peasant family, and she is not a good match for our Prince An's Mansion. If she becomes the principal wife, she will not be able to show the momentum of the mistress of the house because of her humble origin. She will not be able to support our huge Prince An's Mansion. You should listen to your father and marry Yutong as your principal wife and take that girl as a concubine."
However, the prince didn't buy it at all, "There is no room for negotiation on this matter. Qianhuan will only be my legal wife."
Prince An was somewhat annoyed by the Crown Prince's unyielding attitude, but he also knew that his son had a stubborn temper and no matter how much he tried to persuade him, it would be of no avail.
So Prince An had to use His Majesty as a shield, "Even if you don't agree, there's nothing we can do. His Majesty has already issued the imperial decree to grant the marriage. Can our family still disobey the decree?"
"Father, you don't need to worry about this matter. I will go to the palace and ask Your Majesty to revoke your order."
Seeing that the Crown Prince was so determined, Prince An had no choice but to accept it.
But thinking of Yutong, Prince An said, "Since you insist so much, your father will not stop you. It's just that Yutong has been fond of you since she was young. I have watched her grow up, so I know her inside out. Since you don't want her to be your principal wife, then give her the position of concubine."
"Father, Qianhuan told me that she wanted to be together forever, and I have already promised her that I will only marry her as my wife in this life, and I will never marry a concubine or a mistress."
Prince An was very angry when he heard this. "That woman is so jealous and has no tolerance at all. Since ancient times, it is natural for men to have three wives and four concubines. How can she not allow you to have a concubine? How can such a petty woman be the mistress of our Prince An's Mansion?"
"Father, I have made up my mind. If you think Qianhuan is not capable of being the mistress of Prince An's Mansion, then I will move back to the General's Mansion that Your Majesty has bestowed upon me, and let her be the mistress of my General's Mansion."
The prince left after saying these harsh words.
Prince An's face turned green with anger, but he couldn't say a word in rebuttal.
As for Li Yutong, she was still complaining to her personal maid about how useless Wang Kai was, but he managed to rescue the woman.
At this time, a maid came and knocked on the door. Li Yutong's personal maid Hong'er got up and opened the door. The maid whispered to Hong'er and told her the news she heard from Prince An.
Hong'er took out some silver coins from her bosom and gave them to the little maid. The little maid held the silver coins, said a few words of gratitude, and left happily.
Hong Er told Li Yutong the news that the maid had found out. Li Yutong stood up from the stool in shock. "What? Brother Zi Yu wants to break off the engagement with me? Is the news accurate?"
"The little maid said that she heard it with her own ears. The prince said that he only wanted to marry Miss Qianhuan and would never take a concubine in his life."
Li Yutong was like a deflated ball when she heard this. She sat down on the stool in despair. She kept muttering, "What should I do? What should I do? I have liked Brother Ziyu since I was a child. My biggest wish in this life is to marry him, but now he wants to marry someone else and doesn't want to marry me. Hong'er, what should I do?"
Seeing her young lady sad, Hong Er also felt a little uncomfortable. She quickly spoke to comfort her, "Young lady, don't worry. Your marriage with the prince was granted by His Majesty himself. It is not easy to ask His Majesty to take back his decision."
After hearing this, Li Yutong seemed to see a glimmer of hope. She consoled herself, "Hong'er, you are right. This is a marriage granted by His Majesty himself. His Majesty's words are golden. It is impossible for him to take them back just like that."
"Well, Miss, let's just wait and see what happens. If it doesn't work, you can ask Prince An for help. The prince has watched you grow up since you were a child, and he loves you like his own daughter. He will definitely stand by your side."
"Well, Hong'er, I'll listen to you."