Can't a princess ascend the throne?

Is Chapter 431 too enthusiastic?
"...Even if you flatter me, it's impossible for me to grant it to you right now."

"So it's okay later?"

Chunyu Shuang always knows how to grasp the key points, and this time she struck a fatal blow, seemingly lost in thought.

"So, Your Highness also had this in mind, which is why you refused the marriage proposals of those ministers?"

"...If you don't speak, no one will think you're mute."

"Okay, okay."

Chunyu Shuang very consciously covered her mouth and then made a muffled sound. Jiu Que really had a headache.

"Alright, say what you want to say."

"What I was trying to say was, those father and son just now asked Xie Mingchen for help, could it be that they wanted Xie Mingchen to become His Highness's consort?"

hiss--

Jiu Que finally regretted it; she should have glued Chunyu Shuang's mouth shut earlier. She hadn't wanted to bring it up because she was embarrassed, but this guy was deliberately bringing up the very thing she didn't want to talk about.

Fortunately, Xie Mingchen appeared calm and even managed a cold laugh at the father and son's ideas.

"Their plan is quite clever—to use a son to marry into the family and preserve the Xie family's centuries-old wealth and glory. But do they even consider whether they're even alive to enjoy it? Besides, would Prince Chen, who rejects the marriage proposals of the sons and nephews of those first-rank ministers, possibly be interested in me? The reason they're so confident is simply because they think I'm acquainted with His Highness and therefore more likely to be accepted than others. If Xie Mingli weren't already married and had children, I'm afraid we would have already arranged for him to meet His Highness by now!"

Jiu Que blinked awkwardly. Did she really want all her sons to come and try their luck here? She wasn't some leveling-up boss in a game; there was really no need for that.

However, such a thing wouldn't happen to her anyway, so the three of them simply boarded Jiu Que's carriage and displayed the regalia befitting a prince, a rare instance of using their power to intimidate others. After all, given the Xie family's nature, this was indeed the proper way to behave.

Many people witnessed this spectacle along the way. The entire nation knew that the Great Jing Dynasty only had one prince, Prince Chenrui. Furthermore, the Xie family was a long-established and powerful clan, residing in the same prestigious and aristocratic neighborhoods. Ever since Jiuque appeared on Zhilan Street, everyone on the street knew. The people peeking and looking around on both sides of the road were all spies from various families.

Everyone had their own guesses about Prince Chen's intentions, but when the ceremonial carriage stopped in front of the Xie family, many people still sighed inwardly.

Everyone knows that Xie Mingchen of the Xie family has a close relationship with His Highness the Prince. In fact, His Highness has accompanied Xie Mingchen on several occasions when he went out on business. Perhaps they developed feelings for each other during that time?

Originally, everyone was secretly speculating that although Wei Yuan had also gone there, he was, after all, the adopted son of a eunuch, and this identity was really not right. Even if His Majesty trusted Jiu Fu very much, he would not go so far as to find a adopted son of a eunuch to be his daughter’s husband. Wouldn’t that be the same as finding a servant to be his daughter’s husband?

But Xie Mingchen is different. In terms of family background, Xie Mingchen is the result of a marriage alliance between the two great families, Wang and Xie. In terms of status, he is the Right Director of the Imperial Medical Academy. Although his official position is not high and he is not in the central government, precisely because of this, if His Highness marries him, he will not have to worry about his power being taken away.

Yes, in their minds, things were that simple. As for emotions, those were things they always despised. Now, everyone only regretted not sending their sons to work with the prince; otherwise, wouldn't they have been able to get involved?
Even though they knew their nephews and nieces had little chance of winning, they still kept a close eye on Jiu Que's every move, just in case the prince wasn't here to discuss the marriage.
Upon arriving at the Xie family's gate, Jiu Que was surprised to find the Xie family head and Xie Mingli already waiting there, their expressions agitated. They had been furious when they left; their change was too swift!

Confused, Jiu Que didn't want to think about it anymore. Instead, he turned around and dismounted. The curtain of the carriage behind him was slowly opened, and a slender and well-proportioned hand emerged from it. It was Xie Mingchen!
The Xie family head was so excited he almost fainted! He knew that Mingchen still cared about his family; otherwise, he wouldn't have gone to the trouble of bringing Prince Chenrui home. Look! Look! None of the officials in the entire court could win the prince's favor, yet their Mingchen could bring the prince to their doorstep. Wasn't that a success in another sense?

As soon as Xie Mingchen stepped out of the carriage, he saw the contrasting expressions on the faces of the Xie father and son, and immediately felt disgusted. He knew these two too well, so he could tell what they were thinking just from their expressions. But unfortunately, he was going to disappoint them today.

When Chunyu Shuang came downstairs, the Xie father and son's expressions darkened for a moment. They knew Chunyu Shuang, but she had risen so quickly because of her connection with Prince Chen, and now she was swaggering around outside. Moreover, she was getting so close to Ming Chen; what if Prince Chen misunderstood?
However, the two were always good at putting on a show, so they quickly stepped forward with their prominent concubines and children, and greeted them with smiles.

"This humble official, along with his family and relatives, pays his respects to Your Highness..."

"Isn't it right?"

Jiu Que deliberately glanced at the group of concubines and children who were bowing gracefully, his face showing surprise.

"I've heard that Physician Xie bears a striking resemblance to his mother, but none of the family members behind you look like he has her."

"This one……"

The Xie family head immediately realized that Prince Chen's visit was not a friendly one. It was not like they had come to visit as guests, but rather like a disaster was about to befall them!

They couldn't help but glance at Xie Mingchen again. But that beast completely ignored them, leaving them standing there, and no one dared to refuse to answer His Highness the Prince's question. So the Xie family head could only apologize.

"My wife has always been frail, and she fell slightly ill a few days ago. She's currently recovering..."

"Sick? That's a big deal! How many days have you been sick? Have you seen a doctor? How are you now? Are you getting better?"

"This……"

It's said that one lie requires countless more to maintain, and the Xie family head is certainly feeling that way now. Especially with so many people watching in front of the Xie residence, he feels his face burning with embarrassment, unsure how to explain himself.

Unexpectedly, this Prince Chen was a kind-hearted person, and upon seeing this, he simply strode towards the Xie family.

"Oh dear, Lord Xie, there's no need to be so formal. Mingchen is a good friend of mine. How is his mother any different from my elder? That's where Lord Xie's fault is. Since Lady Wang is unwell, we should at least have the renowned physician Mingchen take a look. Is it because we don't have enough medicinal herbs at home? That's not a problem. The palace has plenty. I'll take charge. No matter how precious the herbs are, you can use them. Even if I don't have them, my father certainly does. We're not short of money!"

"No, no, Your Highness, Prince Chen!"

The Xie family head stared blankly at Prince Chen and his entourage, who had already strode away. Unable to stop them, he could only try to catch up as quickly as possible. Wait, what exactly was Prince Chen going to do? Was he being too enthusiastic?

Friends, there's only one chapter today, and I don't know if I'll be able to update tomorrow because the power's out at my place again...

I'm not saying this, but does this wind just have to blow?!
Of course, it's also the author's fault for not having any drafts saved up!