Crying While Filling the Pit I Dug - Chapter 57

Song Miaomiao was puzzled.

Xiao Chengqi also glanced at Song Miaomiao, fell silent, and did not respond.

Perplexed, Song Miaomiao asked, “Brother, what’s the matter?”

Xiao Chengqi smiled reassuringly, “It’s nothing, Sister.”

As they neared the Zhanggan Hall, Song Miaomiao and Xiao Chengqi headed to dinner with the Emperor, so they bid farewell to Yi Qing and Gu Jiaren.

Entering the Zhanggan Hall, Song Miaomiao observed the Emperor still deep in thought, surrounded by several minority-style ornaments.

Song Miaomiao and Xiao Chengqi greeted the Emperor together, drawing his attention away from the ornaments.

Noticing Song Miaomiao’s interest in the Tartar trinkets on the table, the emperor inquired, “Xiaoxiao, do you find the Tartar trinkets appealing?”

“They look quite unique,” Song Miaomiao replied. “I think the Tartars are very creative.”

The Emperor remarked, “Xiaoxiao, aren’t you tired of rejecting the Tartars?”

Having been taught that all ethnic groups were akin to family since childhood, Song Miaomiao responded without hesitation, “Why bother rejecting them? I think they’re very good.”

The Emperor said sternly, “Then if you were asked to live in the Tartar tribe and adopt their lifestyle, riding horses and eating mutton, wouldn’t you reject it?”

Xiao Chengqi looked at Song Miaomiao without blinking.

If she were to set aside modern society and immerse herself in the culture of the minority tribes, riding horses, and enjoying roasted whole sheep, it would undoubtedly be an exciting adventure. 

Song Miaomiao responded, “I wouldn’t reject it. I would like to give it a try. Father, will you allow my brother to take me along when he tours northern Xinjiang next time?”

The Emperor shook his head slightly and said solemnly, “It’s not for leisure, it’s for marriage. Xiaoxiao, Prince Abul of the Tartars has proposed to you. Are you willing to marry?”

Marriage? Song Miaomiao was dumbfounded! How did the plot take such a turn?

No! The plot would definitely not unfold like this. She had already written that the Princess married Yi Qing. The plot direction she had written would not change, and there wouldn’t be another mission. Any plot that seemed to deviate from the published one, she would correct in time.

When Song Miaomiao just thought so, System Oppa issued a new task, [Fourth Task: Refuse to marry Abul, find a way to marry Yi Qing. Nature of the Task: to complete the plot that has not been explained clearly. Bonus Points: 1000 points.]

Song Miaomiao: [Plot not explained clearly?]

System Oppa: [Yes, in the chapter you have published, there is no preparation for the wedding between the Princess and the male lead, and the turning point is too rushed. This task is to prepare the plot and prolong the tense atmosphere.]

Song Miaomiao: […]

Seeing that Song Miaomiao did not speak, the Emperor continued, “Xiaoxiao, I’ve thought about it for a while. You know how to be polite, and it’s a good thing to marry for the country and the people. From then on, we will be in good relation with the Tartars, and we will live forever in peace.”

Xiao Chengqi bowed respectfully and said, “Royal Father, the only way to establish friendship between us is not just by marrying my younger sister.”

Turning to Song Miaomiao, Xiao Chengqi urged, “Sister, if you don’t want to, tell me. Speak up, Sister!”

Although Song Miaomiao disliked kneeling, to show her determination, she knelt down and kowtowed, “Father, your daughter doesn’t want to. Your daughter already has a sweetheart, so please let me be with him!”

The Emperor inquired, “A sweetheart? Who?”

Song Miaomiao clenched her fists, summoning her courage to speak up. After all, she had confessed her love long ago, so she treated it as an act, “Your daughter has been in love with Yi Qing for a long time, and I only wish to marry him in this life.”

“Yi Qing?” The Emperor responded disdainfully, “He is just a mere bodyguard, neither a Prince nor a noble, with no accomplishments, merely the son of a general’s concubine. Why would you fall in love with him?”

Prince Xiao Chengqi was also taken aback, his eyes moving as if he was recalling and pondering something.

Song Miaomiao replied, “Although Yi Qing is the son of a general, he is talented and capable. In my heart, he excels in every way, and no one else can compare to him.” 

Yi Qing’s father held the position of a general, which was significant, but being born to a concubine meant his status was lower.

Xiao Chengqi knelt down beside Song Miaomiao and said, “Father, when Yi Qing was a child, he was my companion for several years. I know his character best. He is indeed a person worthy of entrusting for life. Even though he is young and has not yet made any achievements, he has a bright future.” 

Xiao Chengqi bowed his head and continued, “Please, Father, help my sister.”

The Emperor sighed, “Xiaoxiao, Qi’er, Father doesn’t want to make things difficult for you. Xiaoxiao, if you don’t want to marry the Prince, that’s fine. Father can choose another nobleman for you. Yi Qing’s birth status is a bit low.”

Song Miaomiao said firmly, “Father, you are a great leader. Can anyone’s birth status compare to the royal family? Since they can’t, it’s all the same. Why should Father worry about it? Moreover, one’s birth status should not determine their worth. I love Yi Qing for who he is. He has been excellent since childhood, and even if he hasn’t achieved anything yet, he will surely become a pillar of talent in the future. Please help him.”

The Emperor rested his forehead and sighed, “That’s enough. Get up, I won’t let you marry someone from Northern Xinjiang.”

Song Miaomiao remained kneeling, unable to rise. “I beg Father to allow me to marry Yi Qing. If Father refuses, I won’t get up.”

The Emperor said, “Xiaoxiao, you know that I love you the most. I vaguely recall General Yi mentioning a marriage contract involving some minister’s daughter. Doesn’t Yi Qing have a marriage contract?”

Song Miaomiao knew the main obstacle was coming. For the Emperor, it was negotiable to marry the Princess off to Northern Xinjiang. He cherished the Princess so dearly, but he could potentially dismiss the matter by acting affectionately.

However, Song Miaomiao’s plea on her knees and her unwavering determination were rooted in Yi Qing’s marriage contract.

The System Oppa judged that the plot lacked explanation, and there had to be a reason behind it. Yi Qing obviously had a marriage contract, yet he married the Princess instead. The chapter failed to clarify the direction of his existing marriage contract.

If the Emperor agreed to the Princess to marry Yi Qing at the time, wouldn’t that mean depriving his subjects of their marriage? On one side stood the general, and on the other, the minister; one representing scholarly pursuits while the other military prowess. While the Emperor held dominion over his realm, forcibly disrupting such unions mirrored the act of seizing a minister’s spouse.