Crying While Filling the Pit I Dug - Chapter 59

Yan Yu informed, “Guard Yi… I’m unsure of what he did, but His Majesty grounded him. I haven’t seen him in the past two days.”

“Ah.” Whether or not it was the Princess who forced him into marriage, and whether Yi Qing was aware of it, in the Emperor’s eyes, he was in the wrong. Despite leading his daughter astray, he faced only grounding—a relatively lenient punishment.

A maid presented a bowl of traditional Chinese medicine in a jade vessel, prompting Yan Yu to remark, “Princess, it’s time for your medicine.”

Song Miaomiao grimaced at the aroma of the dark concoction, but she knew she had no choice. Medical care in ancient times was rudimentary at best; a simple fever could prove fatal. After enduring so much, succumbing to illness would be a futile end.

“Bring some candied fruit,” Song Miaomiao requested something sweet to alleviate the bitter taste.

Yan Yu complied, “Of course.”

Suppressing her distaste, Song Miaomiao took her first sip of the decoction just as the Emperor arrived.

“Your Majesty.”

Struggling to rise in greeting, Song Miaomiao was halted by the Emperor, who approached and personally offered her a piece of candied fruit.

“Thank you, Father.”

With a pale face, Song Miaomiao downed the medicine in one gulp, her eyebrows and nose almost wrinkled in distaste. She quickly followed it with a bite of the sweet candied fruit.

The Emperor, avoiding the gaze of the assembled crowd, sighed, “I will grant what you asked for.”

System Oppa: [Congratulations, the fourth task was completed successfully. Reward points: 1000 points. Current points: 3300 points.]

Song Miaomiao was overjoyed. “Thank you, Father.”

The Emperor gently patted Song Miaomiao’s head. “As a father, I couldn’t bear to see you leave. When Abul proposed to marry you off to Northern Xinjiang, I hesitated. I merely mentioned it to gauge your feelings about the Tartars. I never expected it to unveil such a significant secret of yours.”

Song Miaomiao blinked. “What about Abul?”

The Emperor explained, “Having a connection with them is beneficial for us. It allows us to spread our culture and maintain peace on the frontier. Since you’re not keen on the idea, I’ve arranged for someone else who understands the customs to go in your stead. Their Queen’ position will be filled by another. As long as she remains loyal to her nation, there’s nothing amiss.”

Concerned, Song Miaomiao asked, “Who is this person? Is she willing? You’re not deceiving her, are you? Not everyone would be willing to marry into Northern Xinjiang.”

The Emperor avoided elaborating. “You needn’t worry about it; I have everything under control.”

Persistent, Song Miaomiao pleaded, “But Father, please ensure the well-being of the woman who will be wedded so far away. Our country is prosperous; there’s no need to sacrifice a woman.”

Impatiently, the Emperor dismissed her concerns. “Alright, let’s not dwell on it.”

Song Miaomiao uttered an “Oh” and whispered, “Where’s Yi Qing?”

The Emperor’s lips curved upward, his expression indulgent. “I will issue an Imperial Decree for your marriage once Abul’s task is completed.”

A servant swiftly entered the hall. “Your Majesty, the Crown Prince has arrived.”

Xiao Chengqi bore bruises on his chin and dark circles under his eyes. Saluting, he said, “I greet my father.”

“Rise,” commanded the Emperor.

Xiao Chengqi remained kneeling, his gaze shifting to Song Miaomiao on the bed. “Sister, are you feeling better?”

“I’m much better now,” replied Song Miaomiao.

Xiao Chengqi then turned his attention back to the Emperor. “Father, I have a bold request. I wish to marry the Lady of Anhua County. Please, do not betroth her to Abul.”

System Oppa: [Fifth Task: Help Gu Jiaren refuse to marry Abul and marry Xiao Chengqi instead. Fifth Task Objective: to resolve a previously unclear plot point. Bonus Points: 1000 points.]

What?

The Emperor’s solution to the marriage contract between the Gu and Yi families, along with his intention to wed her to Yi Qing, was to arrange for Gu Jiaren to wed in Northern Xinjiang. Hence, it made sense for him to appoint her as the Lord of Anhua County.

For a daughter, becoming a Queen through marriage was a significant honor compared to being the wife of a mere bodyguard. It was likely that Gu Shangshu, upon hearing the news, wouldn’t be pleased initially. However, given it was the Emperor’s decree, he would probably take the initiative to annul the marriage with the Yi family. Considering the bigger picture, General Yi wouldn’t likely protest either. As Anhua County’s Lord was marrying for the country, they would likely accept it without objection.

The Emperor fixed his gaze on Xiao Chengqi. “Do you comprehend the weight of your words?”

Xiao Chengqi knelt and bowed. “I implore my father’s assistance.”

“Hmm, both of you are pleading for your desires to be fulfilled. But if I do what you say, who will consider the welfare of our country?”

Song Miaomiao interjected, “Father, the Tartars cannot afford disruptions in the border regions. They still rely on trade with us. Even if we lose one in-law, it shouldn’t hinder the friendship and peace between our nations.”

While marriage often meant a daughter leaving her home, not many were willing to go so far away. Although this was a tale from a novel, it mirrored reality. Song Miaomiao didn’t wish to deceive anyone. Instead, she simply urged the Emperor to reconsider his decision.

The Emperor frowned, remarking, “You siblings vie to solve dilemmas for me.”

Xiao Chengqi replied, “Father, while marriage can forge alliances, it’s not the sole means. With my current capabilities, I don’t need to marry for gain.”

The Emperor retorted angrily, “Abstaining from marriage is one thing. But if you disrupt your subjects’ marriages— one betrothed to the Prince, the other to the Princess—wouldn’t we become the laughing stock of the whole world?”

Song Miaomiao was taken aback. The consequences of such actions spreading would undoubtedly be unfavorable. It dawned on her that what she and her brother had done was morally wrong, driven by selfish desires to break marriages. When she made the story, she hadn’t contemplated this aspect. It was only upon reflecting on it now, faced with reality, that she realized its absurdity.

With a sigh, Song Miaomiao conceded, “It’s truly regrettable. My brother and I had no ill intentions, but the damage is done.”

Yet, the plot’s trajectory had been set by the author, so it couldn’t be changed. She also wanted to change. But only by finishing the novels, she could immerse herself in the movies and TV shows of the real world.