Tang Dynasty Mingyue Song Dynasty Pass

Chapter 917 Yongqing's Stance

After the banquet, Zhao Dezhao and Yongqing were invited back to the main tent to seriously consider Su Chen's proposal. Once an agreement was reached, they would try to win over the garrison of Chenliu City and then submit to the Wu Kingdom.

In truth, Zhao Dezhao was still hesitant. He led Yongqing back to the main tent and discussed the matter in hushed tones.

"Yongqing, do you think what I did was right?"

Yongqing was more sentimental. She didn't have much feeling for imperial power and hegemony, but instead yearned for the chivalrous spirit and cared about the common people.

"The Song Dynasty was originally founded by seizing power from the Chai family. The empire cannot belong to our Zhao family forever. Since it was stolen, it is only right to hand it over now. Moreover, the greatest heroes are those who serve their country and people. If one occupies the empire only for pleasure, then he is a foolish ruler who will cause suffering to the people. Su Chen, however, is different. He is a man of both literary and martial talents, and he is skilled in governing the country. If the world submits to him, the people will live a good life in the future. This is a truly great deed!"

After meeting Su Chen, Yongqing's idol, Jiangzuo Su Lang, perfectly combined with the real-life general and hero. He was handsome, had an extraordinary demeanor, was polite, and could command heroes and guide the country. With these qualities combined, no one in the world could compare.

If Yongqing could marry a man like that, he would feel incredibly lucky.

Therefore, Yongqing held Su Chen in high regard both publicly and privately, and was also comforting his elder brother, the Emperor.

After all, in the Song Dynasty, she was just a princess with an awkward status. When this generation was over, the new emperor would consider her status and feelings, but who would remember the status of her descendants?

But if she marries Su Chen, Su Chen will surely become an emperor for all time, and she may become a concubine, and her child will become a prince.

Thinking about it this way, Yongqing was more inclined to submit to the Wu Kingdom, assist Su Chen in unifying the world, and leave his name in history. For the people of the Central Plains, this would also be a kind of protection and responsibility.

"But the Song Dynasty only lasted thirteen years before it perished. We, the descendants of the Zhao family, are ashamed!"

Zhao Dezhao, after all, was surnamed Zhao, and he still felt a sense of belonging to the Song Dynasty. It was the country his father had built, and he couldn't accept handing it over to someone else so easily.

“Brother, I heard that when Father passed away that night, Empress Song instructed Wang Ji’en to go find Zhao Defang. Her intention was very clear: she wanted to support Defang because Defang was young and close to her, which would make it easier for her to gain status and power and rule from behind the curtain later.”

“Wang Ji’en secretly went to find our Second Imperial Uncle to enter the palace and helped him ascend the throne. From beginning to end, you had no chance. This country no longer belongs to you, so why are you so concerned? What we should have in our hearts is the people and the greater good, not our own status, wealth and glory.”

Yongqing's words silenced Zhao Dezhao. He understood that preserving the Song Dynasty was driven by personal motives—family honor and a sense of family duty. Submitting to Wu, however, was driven by a greater cause: the more than 100,000 soldiers in Chenliu could avoid death. These were all citizens of the Song Dynasty, sons, husbands, and fathers of many, representing countless families. There were also the people of Chenliu, the imperial guards of the capital, and many more—all lives were at stake.

"Yes, people can't be so selfish, especially when it comes to the overall historical situation and the unification of the world. These things are beyond human control; they are all ordained by fate!"

Zhao Dezhao seemed to have been manipulated by his sister's words, realizing he shouldn't be so selfish, only considering the Zhao family's empire, but should also consider the suffering of the people and the safety of the soldiers. "Alright, let's do it this way then. This matter is difficult, so let me help Su Chen complete his final mission. After all, he'll be my brother-in-law in the future." Zhao Dezhao looked at Princess Yongqing, his eyes filled with tenderness.

When Yongqing's secret was touched, her cheeks flushed slightly. She said, "It's not certain yet. Su Chen is too perfect. He might not be interested in me. Besides, he has many women around him. Even if we get married, I don't know if he will cherish and love me."

Yongqing expressed his concerns.

Zhao Dezhao looked at his younger sister and said, "Don't worry, you have advantages that they don't. You are younger and your identity is that of a princess of the Song Dynasty. Once the Wu Kingdom moves its capital here, the old officials of the Song Dynasty will support you. In the future, your child may have a chance to seize the throne or become the most prestigious prince."

Upon hearing this, Yongqing felt a longing in her heart. However, what she cared about more than these powers was gaining Su Chen's favor, being by his side, and being able to see him every day, to see how he wrote poetry and how he governed the country. That would be a kind of happiness for her.

Meanwhile, Su Chen returned to the main tent and was discussing the dinner with Meng Yutong and Peng Jingjing.

"Do you think Prince Zhao will agree?" Peng Jingjing was puzzled and full of doubt.

Su Chen smiled slightly and said, "I'm about 50% sure. After all, the Song Dynasty is in turmoil and on the verge of collapse. Even if Zhao Dezhao disagrees, we can still conquer Chenliu and take Bianjing. In that case, he would be completely useless and would become a prisoner. Secondly, his father's death was related to his uncle, who took away the throne that should have been his. He must harbor resentment and want to find an opportunity for revenge. Thirdly, in the Song Dynasty, his status is awkward, and Zhao Guangyi will not tolerate him. Sooner or later, he will find an excuse to deal with him. He lives in Bianjing in fear, not only for his own safety but also for the safety of his wife and children. Therefore, Zhao Dezhao will seriously consider it and will not easily refuse."

“That makes sense!” Peng Jingjing felt that Su Chen’s analysis was correct. She generally trusted Su Chen’s words, and since he said so, she felt that this was how things would develop.

At this moment, Meng Yutong said calmly, "They will agree! Zhao Dezhao may hesitate, but Princess Yongqing will not, because a woman will consider the interests of her husband's family more than her own. The mention of the marriage alliance at the banquet showed that Yongqing likes our husband very much, even to the point of infatuation. Since our husband has not opposed the marriage alliance, and even said that we can try to get along and have a marriage alliance, then Yongqing will put herself in the shoes of Lady Su, consider the issue from the perspective of Wu, and persuade her brother, the emperor. Then the scales will tip in our favor."

Upon hearing this, Peng Jingjing said speechlessly, "We're going to have another sister. We already have enough wives and concubines at home. If we have any more, how long will it take to get a turn for one night?"

Meng Yutong rolled her eyes at her. With national affairs at hand, what was she thinking about?
"It's all because your husband is so charming!"

"It's as if you're not talking about your husband."

The two exchanged a sarcastic remark: "Women's minds are ever-changing; they're never easy to fathom."

"Marrying Yongqing is actually beneficial to our Wu Kingdom's entry into the Central Plains and will help our great cause. I don't object to it! If she is a well-educated and reasonable woman who knows how to behave and doesn't vie for favor or stir up trouble, then I can accept her marrying into the Su family and living harmoniously with you. If she is jealous and shrewish, she will probably cause trouble. In the future, we will be husband and wife in name only. We will just arrange a separate courtyard for her."

Su Chen understood this very well. At his level, it was becoming increasingly difficult to commit emotionally. Before, when he was just an ordinary person, he could still develop deep relationships with many women through small interactions. But now, with his status and position, the women he met might not simply like him as a person; they were more interested in his reputation, status, and power. Therefore, Su Chen found it difficult to focus on romance and indulge in romantic feelings.

Meng Yutong and Peng Jingjing nodded slightly after hearing Su Chen's words. They roughly understood Su Chen's thoughts. He was not obsessed with women, but only for the sake of his great cause. This reduced their jealousy and made them more accepting. At the same time, they were also curious about Princess Yongqing. They wondered how they would get along after she married into the Zhennan Prince's Mansion. They would wait and see.