son, don't mess around

"absurd!"

"Nonsense!"

Zhao Xi's words undoubtedly enraged Prime Minister Zhao: "Do you know what nonsense you're spouting?"

"To become a concubine? You would degrade yourself like this for a man?!"

It's no wonder that Zhao Xiang was so angry; no father could tolerate his daughter becoming someone else's concubine.

Besides, she's Zhao Xiang's daughter!

The daughter of a high-ranking prime minister, possessing both beauty and talent, attracted countless outstanding young men from the capital who flocked to the Zhao family's door seeking her hand in marriage. Yet, this daughter insisted on marrying the heir of the Prince of Lin, even saying she was willing to become a concubine.

How could this not anger Prime Minister Zhao?
If his daughter becomes a concubine, won't she become the laughing stock of the capital?

Wouldn't the Zhao family lose face?

Faced with her enraged father, Zhao Xi curled her lip and said, "I don't think this is an insult."

"How can marrying the man you love be considered a form of self-degradation?"

"But he's already engaged!"

Zhao Xiang's face darkened: "How could my daughter become his concubine? If word gets out, where will we put our faces?"

Zhao Xi retorted, "In Father's eyes, is Father's face more important than his daughter's happiness?"

"Is your daughter's marriage more important, or is the father's belief in a good match in terms of social standing more important?"

Zhao Xiang seemed surprised by his daughter's sharp tongue and immediately flew into a rage: "Precisely because this is a matter of great importance in your life, it cannot be done so hastily!"

"There are so many talented young men in the capital, and you look down on none of them. Why did you choose him?!"

Only then did Zhao Xiang realize why his daughter had hesitated so much when he had planned to choose a marriage partner for her last time.

It turns out she already had someone she loved!
Thinking of this, Zhao Xiang became even angrier.

Letting that kid go today was far too lenient; the guards should have given him a good beating, and then Lin Hengzhong should have come to take him away in person.

Zhao Xi didn't know what her father was thinking, but now that things had been discussed, she no longer hid anything.

"Father, I don't think it's hasty. I've always been clear-headed. The person I marry will only be someone I like and have my eye on!"

"As long as my daughter likes him, she doesn't care who he is or what his status is."

Zhao Xi spoke firmly, her gaze was open, and she looked at her father without any fear or avoidance.

It's her personality; she doesn't deliberately hide her emotions. Once she likes someone, she won't conceal it. Having already decided on Lin Jiangnian, she's determined to marry no one else.

Looking into his daughter's stubborn and resolute gaze, Zhao Xiang seemed to recall his deceased wife in a daze.

This girl is just like her mother.

He was too busy with state affairs and neglected his daughter. As a result, that brat took advantage of the situation and is now siding with outsiders.

silence.

The father and daughter stood facing each other like that.

This powerful minister of the current Great Ning Dynasty, an old man whose influence is immense and who commands utmost respect from everyone in the court, is now somewhat helpless.

After a long silence, Zhao Xiang spoke in a deep voice: "You cannot marry him!"

Zhao Xi's heart sank. She knew her father wouldn't give in so easily, and that it was almost impossible to persuade him.

But she was still unconvinced when she heard her father's words.

"He is the heir of a prince, and you are my daughter."

After a long silence, Zhao Xiang finally spoke: "If you insist on marrying him, do you know what the consequences will be?"

Now it was Zhao Xi's turn to fall silent.

"Today, the imperial court is facing the greatest crisis in a century, beset by internal and external troubles. Prince He Lin's residence is the dynasty's greatest enemy."

"As the prime minister of this dynasty, I represent the dynasty and its people. You are my daughter. If you marry him, do you know how the officials in the court will view you? How will the people view you? Do you know how much turmoil will ensue?!"

Zhao Xiang spoke in a calm tone, but Zhao Xi's face turned slightly pale.

She had anticipated this.

Yes!

If she insists on marrying him, the consequences will be too severe!

And this is also what she worries and struggles with the most.

That's also why she never dared to mention it to her father.

"Furthermore, what if the imperial court and the Prince Lin's residence become enemies?"

Zhao Xiang's eyes were deep: "If he wants to use you to threaten me, what should I do?"

Zhao Xi instinctively wanted to open her mouth to refute, but when the words reached her lips, she couldn't utter a single one.

She really wanted to say that Lin Jiangnian wasn't that kind of person!

He would never gamble with his life.

Can……

Although she trusted him, there were many things that were beyond his control.

He is the heir apparent of the Prince of Lin, but behind him are the Prince of Lin, the thousands of soldiers of the Prince of Lin's mansion, and countless common people.

Many times, we are not in control of our own lives!

Zhao Xi bit her lower lip tightly, her tone unwilling: "Is there really no other solution?"

"Will the imperial court inevitably break with the Prince Lin's mansion and eventually resort to arms?"

Zhao Xiang shook his head: "Of course not!"

"The imperial court does not want things to come to that point, but the threat posed by the Prince Lin's residence is too great. The court will not be at peace until this threat is eliminated!"

"Reducing the power of the regional military governors is imperative!"

As soon as he finished speaking, a glint of light flashed in Zhao Xiang's eyes: "Do you want to know what I just said to him?"

"what?"

“I gave him two choices: agree to the reduction of the princely power, and the court would guarantee the safety of their Princely residence. Or he could hand over his military power, and the court would guarantee that the princely power would not be reduced, and the Princely residence would retain its title and the treatment it deserved.”

"If he agrees, I will allow you to marry him."

Zhao Xi suddenly looked up at her father.

"He refused!"

Zhao Xiang said in a deep voice.

"father!"

Zhao Xi's tone became somewhat impatient and agitated: "How could he possibly agree?!"

How could you threaten him like that?!

Zhao Xi was very angry.

No wonder that guy looked off earlier, and he was cursing at her father. It turns out her father did something so outrageous.

Zhao Xi was furious and about to say something when Zhao Xiang said solemnly, "Reducing the power of the princes is an inevitable trend and the best way to protect the Prince Lin's mansion. If he truly wants to marry you, he must give up something!"

“He agreed to Father’s conditions, and the Prince Lin’s Mansion will no longer be a threat to the court. If you marry him, no one in the world will criticize you anymore.”

"Father has given His Majesty and the entire court an explanation!"

Zhao Xi was speechless, unsure of what to say for a moment.

She knew her father was right.

From Dad's perspective, there was nothing wrong with what he did.

He was the prime minister of the Da Ning Dynasty, and served as an official for decades. All his interests were based on the interests of the Da Ning Dynasty.

Reducing the power of regional lords is indeed the optimal solution.

In fact, Zhao Xi had already vaguely guessed the purpose beforehand.

Even more so, her father, who had just vehemently refused to allow her to marry Lin Jiangnian as a concubine, still made concessions under the temptation of the benefits of reducing the power of the princes. Zhao Xi didn't find it ironic, nor did she think her father had gone too far. She understood her father; if she were in his shoes, she would have made the same choice.

only……

While she could accept it rationally, Zhao Xi was unwilling to accept it emotionally.

He won't agree.

Zhao Xi looked at her father and shook her head: "Even I, your daughter, will not agree!"

"If marrying him requires such a price, and you are forced to get involved in your political struggles."

"Then, my daughter would rather never get married!"

"Nonsense!"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Xiang's face suddenly darkened: "Are you threatening Father?"

"I don't have a daughter."

Zhao Xi lowered her eyes, but her expression was very calm: "For my daughter, if she can't marry the person she loves, she'd rather grow old alone."

"If marriage involves so much political maneuvering and self-interest, then it's better not to get married at all."

Zhao Xi had never thought she would get married before meeting Lin Jiangnian; she always believed she would grow old alone.

Of course, it can't be considered that he will die alone.

She came from a wealthy family and was born with a silver spoon in her mouth. For her, marriage was not a necessary part of life.

Although not getting married was considered a violation of ancestral wishes in this era, and would be condemned behind one's back, given her personality, she was naturally willing to defy convention and engage in such a struggle.

Therefore, after realizing the numerous difficulties she would face in marrying that guy, Zhao Xi decisively chose to give up.

Since getting married is so troublesome, then let's just not do it.

Who says you have to get married?
Prime Minister Zhao stared intently at Zhao Xi before him, his gaze deep and unwavering. He understood his daughter's character; if she had said she wouldn't get married, then she truly had no intention of marrying!
Zhao Xiang took a deep breath: "As my daughter, born into the Zhao family, you should have known that you would face such a day."

Zhao Xi argued, "But Father, you promised me before that you would never make things difficult for me if I didn't want to marry someone."

"Does Father want to back out now?"

Zhao Xiang recalled that he had indeed promised to do so.

His daughter was intelligent from a young age and always had strong opinions and ideas, so Zhao Xiang never worried that she would do anything rebellious. In addition, she had very high standards, and any young talents she chose were definitely not ordinary people.

Therefore, Zhao Xiang had previously promised her that he would not interfere with her choice of a suitable husband.

I just didn't expect that my daughter would have such high standards, and that she would take a liking to that boy.

That kid is indeed a talented individual. As Lin Hengzhong's son, his actions in the capital a year ago did not disgrace his father's reputation.

but……

Why did I fall for him of all people?

Zhao Xiang was completely baffled.

Looking at her daughter's stubborn expression, she remained silent for a long time before asking, "So what do you plan to do?"

"What do you mean?"

"You're already with him now..."

Zhao Xiang recalled seeing that boy walk out of his daughter's room early this morning, and a nameless anger rose in his heart again.

"If this matter isn't explained, what will happen to your reputation if word gets out?"

"Why don't we just keep it from getting out? Nobody will know anyway," Zhao Xi said, pouting again.

Zhao Xiang took a deep breath and suppressed his anger once again.

Just keep it from getting out?
Is this just self-deception?

The daughter of the dignified Prime Minister Zhao could actually accept something like this.

Zhao Xiangqiang suppressed his emotions. Now that things had come to this point, there was no point in pursuing the matter any further.

If that young man is willing to agree to the conditions, the court will reconcile with the Prince of Lin's mansion. Although Prime Minister Zhao is unwilling, for the sake of his daughter's happiness, he can reluctantly agree to let his daughter marry that young man.

Even if the time comes, Prime Minister Zhao would be willing to ask His Majesty for the position of principal wife for the sake of his daughter's reputation.

But that ungrateful fellow flattered him and resolutely refused his request. Therefore, whether for the sake of the court's situation, personal reasons, or his daughter's safety, he absolutely could not marry his daughter to him.

No way!
"In that case, let's just drop this matter and pretend nothing happened."

Zhao Xiang said in a low voice, glancing at her: "From today onwards, you are not allowed to have any contact with him anymore, and you are not allowed to see him again in the future."

"what?"

Zhao Xiang's words caught Zhao Xi off guard. She looked up abruptly and blurted out instinctively, "Why?!"

"If you don't intend to marry him, why are you still associating with him?"

Zhao Xi's expression and reaction made it clear to Prime Minister Zhao what she meant. He was furious: "What? You still want to have a secret relationship with him and be his shameless mistress?!"

Seeing her father's angry expression, Zhao Xi pouted and muttered, "It's not that it's impossible..."

"What did you say?!"

"nothing!"

Zhao Xiang snorted coldly: "Don't think I don't know what you're thinking. Since there's no possibility between you two, then you must not have any contact with him anymore. It's best to cut ties completely."

"Father, you're being unreasonable!" Zhao Xi protested.

"Hmph, I'm your father!"

Zhao Xiang glanced at her and said, "I spoiled you too much before. From today until that boy leaves the capital, you are not allowed to go out again. You must stay at home and reflect on your actions."

"Dad, are you even being reasonable?"

Zhao Xi was furious. Her father had no choice but to resort to such unreasonable and unreasonable behavior.
"I'm going to tell your mother on her grave later!"

"If you want to go, then go now!"

Zhao Xiang snorted coldly, flicked his sleeves and walked to the door, then stopped and looked back at her: "Don't even think that brat will come looking for you. If he dares to come again, I'll break his legs!"

"We'll give his dad face this time, but he won't be so easy to talk to next time!"
Having said that, Zhao Xiang left the room, ignoring Zhao Xi's angry protests.

……

Outside the courtyard, Zhao Xiang, his face grim, walked out. Zhao Jing had already returned and was standing outside the courtyard.

"What about the boy?"

"They've already gone back." Zhao Jing looked up at the courtyard behind his master, who had a gloomy and angry expression.

Is the master arguing with the young lady?
Why are you so angry? Something serious must have happened.

After hesitating for a moment, Zhao Jing finally spoke up: "Master, the Prince of Lin asked me to convey a few words to you..."

"Say!"

"The Crown Prince of Lin said..."

Zhao Jing relayed what Lin Jiangnian had just told the master, and after Zhao Xiang listened, his face suddenly darkened.

"He still wants to threaten me?"

"You brat, do you really think you can bully the Zhao family because we have no one to rely on?"

"Butler Zhao!"

"master?"

"Starting today, increase the number of guards patrolling the manor, especially the inner courtyard of the young lady. Draw on the best guards from the manor to keep a close watch on everything, not even a fly should be allowed to escape!"

"If that brat dares to come, beat him out with sticks!"

"Master, this..."

"Ok?"

"Okay, sir!"

"..." (End of this chapter)