Chapter 156: Hello Chang’an
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Chapter 156: His Desire
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"Mother's words are very wise!" Cui Lang also stood up. "Master... Miss Chang, my eldest brother has many merits—he's good-looking, skilled, strong, and can take any beating without running away. In the entire capital, there’s probably no one more suitable to be Miss Chang’s perfect match than my eldest brother!"
His master liked to hit people, and his eldest brother had been able to take a beating since childhood—truly a match made in heaven!
"..."
With these words, both the strong-willed Chang Suining and the resilient Cui Jing fell silent.
Even the usually composed Cui Tang couldn't help but look at Chang Suining, her gaze sincere as she spoke. "Miss Chang, my eldest brother is truly a good man. Are you really not considering this at all?"
The Cui family's officials were nearly speechless.
Lu Shi and her two children were clearly displaying malicious intent, and their schemes were so wicked it was truly shocking! Were they really hoping for the eldest son to marry a daughter from a low-ranking military family? Could they not see the harm in this?!
When Cui Lang was about to speak again, one of the officials could no longer bear it and scolded him, "Sixth brother, stop talking nonsense."
But before Cui Lang could be silenced, Lu Shi once again, defiantly, spoke up. "Miss Chang..."
Seeing that Chang Suining remained silent, Cui Jing, not wanting to trouble her further, hurriedly interrupted Lu Shi. "…Mother, there's no need to speak like this."
Trying to force her into marriage through power was coercion, and even using so-called sincere persuasion was still coercion. If she didn’t want it, then it was all being forced upon her—others couldn’t impose it on her, and neither could he or his family.
At this moment, Lu Shi’s smile froze. After a long pause, she blinked, looking at her son in disbelief.
"Mother?"
Mother?!
Her eldest son… had called her mother?!
In that moment, Lu Shi’s heart seemed to explode with fireworks, countless voices screaming in joy.
The sudden and overwhelming sense of being cherished made her both nervous and joyful. Lu Shi swallowed hard and tried to calm herself.
However, the corners of her mouth kept rising, and no matter how hard she tried to suppress it, she could only smile delicately, nodding, and replying with a voice dripping with affection. "Alright, alright, alright… Mother listens to my eldest son!"
Cui Tang looked at her mother, who had sat down with a smile on her face, and thought to herself that tonight, her mother would probably be unable to sleep, sneaking smiles in her bed all night long.
Lu Shi tightly gripped her daughter’s hand under the small table, desperately suppressing her joy.
Since marrying into the Cui family, this was likely the happiest, most glorious day of her life!
From now on, she would be the one officially recognized by her son as his mother!
She had finally come out on top!
With her son’s backing, she could walk with her head held high!
Lu Shi no longer bothered to care about the expressions of the other relatives. Secretly delighting, she lowered her voice and spoke to her daughter. "…This Miss Chang is truly a blessing for us three! If it weren’t for her, how long would we have waited for my eldest son to call me 'Mother'?"
Cui Tang: "By this logic, Mother should be thanking Prince Rong's heir…"
If it weren’t for Li Lu’s request for a marriage decree, how would they have had the fortune to see their eldest son express his intentions to take a bride publicly?
"Yes, I should thank him…" Lu Shi glanced gratefully at Li Lu. "When my eldest son and Miss Chang marry, I will give Prince Rong's heir a big red envelope."
Cui Tang: "…"
There’s no need to go that far, really.
"But right now..." Lu Shi, though happy, couldn’t help but look at Cui Jing with some worry.
Just like when Li Lu had asked for the marriage decree earlier, now voices were beginning to rise again, trying to persuade her.
If one observed closely, they would see that the majority of those offering advice were lower-ranking officials or trusted ministers of the Holy Emperor.
At this point, it was unlikely for Miss Chang to become the Crown Princess, so why not persuade her to marry Cui Jing instead? Compared to marrying a daughter from one of the Four Great Families, if Cui Jing could truly break the Cui family’s tradition, this marriage would be an excellent opportunity to disrupt the long-standing ties between the Five Great Families!
Cui Jing held military power and had a neutral stance, but he was not on good terms with the Cui family, making him an ideal target for others to court.
If this marriage were to go through, the role of Miss Chang would be much greater than becoming the Crown Princess. She was just a young woman, so why not marry anyone?
And such a good marriage, where else could the Chang family find it?
Seeing the opportunity, the ministers were eager to push for the match, making sure the steps were laid out for the Holy Emperor to decree it.
Some ministers subtly exchanged glances with Wei Shuyi, a man who had significant influence in such matters.
At such a crucial moment, how could they not rely on Wei Shuyi’s persuasive skills?
However, the ever-perceptive Deputy Minister of the Eastern Court, who had been quietly watching all along, remained seated in silence. From start to finish, he hadn’t uttered a word. His face, as serene as a spring morning in the mountains, bore a faint, almost imperceptible smile, which made it hard to tell what he was thinking.
Some officials who had long wanted to form connections with Cui Jing but had failed, now began to chime in, surrounding Chang Kuo with words of persuasion.
This time, however, Chang Kuo didn’t clutch his cup. Instead, he waved his hand and laughed, saying, "It should be left to my daughter to decide."
"Oh, but girls are so shy, it’s hard for them to speak their mind directly… As her father, you should help her decide!"
"Exactly, exactly…"
"General Chang and General Cui have worked together for many years, and they know each other’s character well… There’s no better match than this in the entire capital!"
As he listened, Chang Kuo began to sense that something was amiss.
Hey, wait a second, it actually does seem like a good match…
But he quickly snapped out of it—this was something that had nothing to do with them! The two of them were just putting on an act!
As various voices rose in support of this marriage proposal, Cui Jing, after some contemplation, finally spoke: "Thank you all for your good intentions. However, my thoughts align with General Chang's—Miss Chang’s own wishes should be prioritized."
He turned to Chang Suining. "Since Miss Chang is not interested at present, then it is up to me."
The word “up to me” made many people freeze in surprise.
"How long can you wait, General Cui?" The question came from Wei Shuyi, who hadn’t spoken a word since Cui Jing’s appearance.
He sat in his original spot, his eyes holding a smile as he looked at Cui Jing.
"I can wait as long as needed." The young man’s voice was clear and firm, without any trace of coercion, only a quiet stubbornness and resolve. "If I cannot wait, it is no matter—life is short, and if I don't marry in this life, so be it."
Wei Shuyi’s smile momentarily faltered.
Cui Jing… didn't seem to be acting after all.
Under the moonlight and the glow of the lanterns, the strikingly handsome young man stood still, looking at the equally still young woman.
Some officials found this situation amusing.
So what if he was born into the prestigious Cui family? When it came to love, he was just like any other. He had no skill in these matters—when the time came to move forward, he instead retreated. The moment he felt something, even though there was no response, he boldly promised to marry no one else in front of so many witnesses... He was still young. There would be plenty of time to regret such a rash decision, and people would surely laugh at him later.
However, this conversation landed differently in the ears of the female spectators.
Wei Miaoqing nearly couldn’t sit still. Yes, this was exactly the kind of feeling she had been hoping to find in her brother!
But now, it was fully embodied in someone else’s brother!
Her brother, who was always so eloquent and charming, had never been like this. Yet, here was General Cui, who naturally wore a cold face and spoke little, but somehow, in this moment, he...
Wei Miaoqing could hardly hold back her sigh.
Looking at the impressive General Cui, even Duan Shi couldn’t help but sigh.
Some people were born with an air of someone who would never know how to speak of love. Because of this, when they finally did, although awkward, their words held such determination that they unexpectedly made others fall for them even more.
Such an excellent man, with such a genuine heart and such a demeanor—who could resist?
Duan Shi subconsciously glanced at Chang Suining, only to find... that the girl didn’t seem affected at all.
Duan Shi was amazed—this kind of unshakable resolve, surely she must have spent three hundred years under the Buddha’s teachings, or undergone a strict Cold Food Festival fast to be so unaffected?
To her, a good match like this, even if she weren’t moved immediately, at least she should recognize the value and seize the opportunity—after all, who could turn down such a rare fortune?
Duan Shi’s heart was now fully tilted toward this union.
And it wasn’t just Duan Shi who felt this way.
“Miss Chang, it's easy to find priceless treasures, but it's rare to find a man with true feelings…”
Chang Suining glanced to her left at the woman who had been advising her. If she wasn’t mistaken, the same words had been spoken to her earlier by the same woman when the son of the Prince Rong asked for her hand in marriage. Who exactly was this woman supporting?
The woman’s eyes were full of sincerity, as though she genuinely cared for her.
The earlier words had been a political necessity, following her own lord’s steps, but now this was truly heartfelt!
“...Such a calamity, how can she be made a consort for the crown prince?” A drunken official, unable to hold back, sneered.
The crown prince jumped slightly at the words.
As eyes turned toward him, the crown prince almost wanted to shake his head and distance himself from the conversation—he knew nothing about this, and he had no intention of competing with General Cui!
Yao Xia blurted out, “My older sister has done nothing! She didn’t agree to anything, she rejected everything so cleanly. How is this now a calamity? What’s this official going on about? Doesn’t he know how to discuss matters of state?”
Just as Chang Suining was about to respond, surprised by how quickly Yao Xia had voiced his thoughts, she looked at him in astonishment.
“You...” The official was so furious that he pointed at Yao Xia, but before he could speak, Yao Yi quickly reprimanded his niece.
“Ah Xia, don’t speak out of turn!”
The official was left stunned.
What did he mean, “speak out of turn”? What he had said was pure nonsense!
He was about to continue, but a colleague grabbed his arm—seeing that General Chang’s face had darkened, and that the rejected General Cui was now looking their way… did he want to keep his life?
The colleague smiled apologetically at General Chang, “Lord Qi has had a bit too much to drink, please forgive him…”
As the room settled slightly, the Emperor’s voice rang out, “Miss Chang, I will ask you once more—do you truly have no intention of marrying General Cui?”
Chang Suining raised her hand and bowed, “Yes, Your Majesty, I have no such intention.”
The Emperor’s expression seemed to show a hint of regret.
A few people around sighed.
The Emperor then turned to Cui Jing, “In that case, what is your current intention, General Cui?”
Cui Jing also raised his hand in respect, “My wish is simple: I ask Your Majesty not to pressure Miss Chang on my behalf, nor on anyone else's.”
At these words, the room became a little restless.
Clearly, the term “anyone else” referred to Li Lu, or anyone else who might try to intervene.
Ming Luo's lashes trembled slightly, and her expression became slightly stiff.
So, he wasn’t even fighting for himself tonight.
His struggle, in contrast to that of the son of Prince Rong, wasn’t about forcing the issue. He had never intended to coerce her, nor would he allow anyone to do so in the name of any marriage… not even the Emperor.
What he was asking for was a promise from the Emperor.
A promise to sever any attempt to control Chang Suining’s future through marriage arrangements.
This wasn’t about possession. It was about her freedom to choose.
How would she view this?
Ming Luo silently inhaled, the autumn chill filling her chest, and she quietly controlled her emotions, unwilling to think too deeply. She simply stared at the young man she had known for many years, but who felt so suddenly distant tonight.
The Emperor gave Cui Jing a long, deep look.
Then he nodded slowly, “Since it is General Cui's wish, I will grant it.”
Cui Jing bowed, “Thank you, Your Majesty, for your understanding.”
When she heard the words "understanding," Ming Luo couldn’t help but feel a cold, mocking laugh rise in her chest—so, what he was asking for was her self-indulgence and freedom, wasn't it?
In the Da Sheng dynasty, what woman could freely decide her own marriage?
Ming Luo looked through the crowd at the girl who was also bowing in thanks—Chang Suining, now the first to receive such a privilege. Moreover, the favor bestowed upon her by the Emperor herself had been requested by the very man whom she had rejected in public.
Tonight, everything truly felt absurd to the extreme.
"The world is ruled by fate, and no one can force it," the Emperor said to Li Lu. "If fate hasn't come yet, Lu'er need not be too discouraged."
"Yes, thank you, Your Majesty," Li Lu replied, his tone tinged with an unmistakable sadness that he didn't even try to hide. "This matter tonight was indeed abrupt and presumptuous of me..."
A breeze rose, and he coughed for a moment. The Emperor, noticing, ordered him to leave and rest.
Li Lu excused himself and left.
The banquet, which was already nearing its end, came to a close with the Emperor raising her cup for one final toast with the ministers. Afterward, the Emperor departed, and the Mid-Autumn Moon Banquet officially ended.
The guests began to rise and leave in groups.
The lights were dimming, and the moonlight grew even brighter. As the people moved, their shadows swayed. Through the moving shadows and flickering lights, Cui Jing's gaze fell upon Chang Suining.
She, too, looked at him.
Their eyes met, and a faint smile appeared on Chang Suining's lips.
Unconsciously, Cui Jing smiled back.
After their little performance, it was not suitable for them to linger and talk, so Chang Suining left with her father and brothers.
Wei Shuyi remained seated, watching Chang Suining leave. He refilled his cup with wine and, smiling, asked Cui Jing, "General Cui, it’s rare to see you so disheartened. Would you like me to keep you company for a drink?"
Cui Jing glanced at the cup in front of him. "No need," he replied.
He was not disheartened. In fact, he had just done something for her, and perhaps that was worth celebrating.
Seeing Cui Jing turn and leave, Wei Shuyi seemed to ponder something, smiling as he drank the wine in one gulp.
After setting the cup down, he too got up and left.
...
That night, many people stayed awake.
Qiao Yumian had already fallen asleep, while Chang Suining got out of bed, her hair untied and barefoot as she walked to the window. She pushed it open, and the moonlight, like a waterfall, poured into the room.
....
This novel is translated by the Eternal Novel Hits translators. Please read it at https://eternalnovelhits.blogspot.com
....
She stood there in silence, gazing at the moon for a long while.
The moonlight was still and quiet, but the next day, as they returned to the capital, things would not be peaceful.
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(End of Chapter)
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