Chapter 258: Settlement of this Marriage
Chapter 258: Settlement of this Marriage
Jiang Shaohan followed Yun Sheng's gaze and saw a beautiful woman dancing under a lantern.
"That's my cousin, Liu'er." Yun Sheng's voice had a hint of pride.
When Liu Er saw them, she hurried forward and saluted: "Prince, Princess, you finally came out."
"Liu'er, you are still in the garden so late, is there something wrong?" Yun Sheng asked with concern.
"Princess Consort, I heard that the power struggle in the palace is becoming more and more intense. I have come to ask you how to remain neutral in the struggle." Liu'er's voice revealed anxiety.
Yun Sheng looked at Liu'er tenderly, and a warm feeling welled up in her heart. She understood that Liu'er was a kind and tenacious woman who longed to find her own place in this mansion.
"Liu'er, just be yourself and keep your inner kindness and sincerity, and you won't have to worry." Yun Sheng's voice was full of comfort.
Liu'er nodded gratefully, with a determined light in her eyes.
The moonlight was like water, gently sprinkled on Liu'er's departing back. Her footsteps were gentle, but they echoed Du Yunsheng's profound teachings, igniting a ray of hope in her heart. On this quiet and mysterious night, the lights in the General Zhengxi's mansion were brilliant, and the dignitaries in the mansion were nervously preparing for an upcoming power feast.
"Yun Sheng, I heard that General Liu intends to marry his daughter Liu'er to my family in order to strengthen the friendship between the two sides." Jiang Shaohan's voice sounded particularly low under the gentle night breeze.
Du Yunsheng stopped and turned her head to look at Jiang Shaohan tenderly, with worry in her eyes that could not be ignored: "Shaohan, you know my position very well. I have always opposed this kind of political marriage. Liu'er, she is kind-hearted and I know her character very well. I don't want to see her give up her personal happiness for the benefit of the family."
Jiang Shaohan was silent for a moment. He understood Du Yunsheng's character. She never liked power struggles and was more willing to exchange sincere feelings for sincerity. He gently held her hand and gave her a little comfort: "I will advise my father and I will stick to your choice."
In the night, the figures of the two were stretched out by the silvery moonlight. Not long after, the housekeeper came hurriedly, his face as solemn as a deep pool: "Prince, Princess, urgently summoned, there is something important to tell you."
"What's the matter?" Du Yunsheng and Jiang Shaohan asked almost in unison.
"Your Majesty has already made a decision on the candidate for the General Who Conquers the West," the butler replied.
"Who is the candidate?" Jiang Shaohan's voice unconsciously revealed a hint of nervousness.
"Yes..." The butler hesitated to speak, his voice vague and uncertain in the night wind.
"Just say it!" Du Yunsheng said in a firm tone, leaving no room for doubt.
"Yes...it's General Liu." The butler finally revealed the truth.
Du Yunsheng and Jiang Shaohan looked at each other, feeling bitter. This game of power seemed to be out of their control.
"Yun Sheng, how should we deal with this?" There was a hint of confusion in Jiang Shaohan's voice.
"Shao Han, we can only be ourselves." Du Yunsheng's eyes flashed with determination, "No matter how the world changes, our love will never change."
Jiang Shaohan stared at Du Yunsheng, and a warm feeling surged in his heart. He knew that as long as Du Yunsheng was by his side, he would have the strength to face everything.
"Yun Sheng, are you willing to accompany me to see my father?" There was a hint of pleading in Jiang Shaohan's voice.
Du Yunsheng nodded gently: "I do."
The two walked into the study side by side and met General Zhengxi. In the study, the atmosphere was solemn, General Liu was discussing border affairs with his staff.
"Shao Han, Yun Sheng, you are here." General Zhengxi's gaze stayed on the two for a moment, then turned to General Liu, "General Liu, your decision is obvious."
General Liu stood up, clasped his hands and said, "Your Majesty, I have decided to betroth my daughter to Shao Han to help strengthen the General's Mansion."
General Zhengxi and Du Yunsheng looked at each other, feeling helpless. In this world of intrigue, what else can they do?
"Father, Yun Sheng and Liu'er are both kind people. We should not let them be involved in this fight." Jiang Shaohan made an earnest request in his voice.
General Zhengxi sighed and said, "Shao Han, you are wrong. There is no absolute good or evil in the world. All we can do is try our best to have a clear conscience."
As Du Yunsheng's figure was silhouetted against the threshold of the study, she stared at the tense atmosphere in the room, and a deep haze fell over her heart. She knew very well that this marriage web woven by politics was an inextricable fetter in the intertwined fate between her and Jiang Shaohan.
Jiang Shaohan patted her shoulder gently, with an unspeakable sadness in his eyes. "Yun Sheng, go in." His voice was low, but with a hint of relief.
Du Yunsheng nodded calmly and walked into the study room with steady steps. Inside, General Liu and General Zhengxi had stood up, their eyes were like torches, tightly locking onto her every move.
"Yun Sheng, I understand that you don't want to do this." General Liu's voice trembled a little, "But this is the family's expectation and a great trust."
Du Yunsheng raised his lips slightly, his eyes showing determination: "General Liu, I know your difficulties. I am willing."
General Liu and General Zhengxi looked at each other with a touch of relief in their eyes. They knew that although marriage was politically colored, the courage and responsibility shown by Du Yunsheng were exactly the qualities they desired.
"In this case, let's arrange this marriage." General Zhengxi's tone was calm and left no room for doubt.
"Father, I have a request." Jiang Shaohan suddenly spoke with a firm voice, "Before the marriage, I would like to go to the border to gain experience in person to prove my ability."
General Zhengxi was slightly stunned, then nodded in agreement: "Okay, I'll allow you."
Jiang Shaohan's eyes flashed with courage: "Yun Sheng, I will be back soon."
The busy sounds of wedding preparations were heard in the mansion, servants were constantly shuttling back and forth, Du Yunsheng and Jiang Shaohan were busy with trivial matters before the wedding. Liu Er, on the other hand, hid in her room alone, tears flowing silently.
"What's wrong with you?" Du Yunsheng pushed the door open gently, and seeing Liu'er's red and swollen eyes, he couldn't help feeling sad.
"Yun Sheng..." Liu'er choked and tears flowed like a spring.
"Liu'er, don't worry. We will treat you with courtesy." Du Yunsheng held her hand gently, his eyes full of determination and commitment.
Yun Sheng, I know the depth of your heart, however, there seems to be some hesitation in your words... Tears welled up in Liu'er's eyes like pearls from a broken string, her throat choked with sobs, and her voice trembled.
"You are my closest confidant, how could I forget your deep affection? Shao Han, the same goes for him. His heart is always with you, but he has never dared to reveal it easily." Du Yunsheng gently caressed Liu'er's shoulders, revealing endless consideration in his words.
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