C9 Impenetrable and Stubborn

Xiao Ling was not only handsome but also quite talented, making him the target of many prominent families eager to marry their daughters into the Ho King's household. Meanwhile, Ruan Qingge, the Anyang County Princess, became the subject of gossip among the idle ladies, who delighted in mocking her and her mother, the once-respected High Princess.

Ruan Qingge couldn't care less about the rumors. Mrs. Sunn hadn't informed the North Peace Marquis, Ruan Zhen, about her recovery, and Qingge had no intention of bringing it up. Ruan Zhen had married the High Princess under imperial pressure, and Qingge's past foolishness had embarrassed him greatly. He had always ignored her, and now, after the broken engagement, his shame was compounded. Fueled by Mrs. Sunn's exaggerated tales of Qingge's supposed insolence, he refused to acknowledge her as his daughter and even ordered her to be confined to her quarters.

Qingge paid no mind to these orders, letting them go in one ear and out the other. She enjoyed her freedom, spending her days reading and studying the layout of the mansion, planning her escape.

One day, as Qingge was basking in the sun in the courtyard, the sudden crackle of firecrackers erupted outside. The steward, who had delivered the news before, approached her with a beaming smile, his face full of joyful wrinkles. "Congratulations, Princess!" he exclaimed.

In Ruan Qingge's memory, this butler had always been in Mrs. Sunn's service, often skimming off what was rightfully hers. Seeing him suddenly act all friendly made her frown. "What's the congratulations for?"

"Oh, my dear, you haven't heard! The palace just issued a decree. The Emperor has arranged a marriage, promising you to the Sixteenth Master!"

The butler rubbed his hands together obsequiously, pointing towards the palace. "Your hardships are over, Princess. Becoming the Liang King's Consort is no small feat. Don't forget about us old servants!"

"Who is the Sixteenth Master, and what does my becoming the Liang King's Consort have to do with you?" Ruan Qingge had no fondness for this butler, so she didn't bother to hide her disdain. Yet, as soon as she uttered "Sixteenth Master," a spark of recognition flickered in her mind, and a vague image emerged.

The Sixteenth Master, Xiao Rongjuan, was once the Sixteenth Prince, the current Emperor's younger brother. It was well-known that the Emperor was the Empress Dowager's legitimate son, and the Great Sheng Dynasty placed great importance on bloodlines and legitimacy. However, when the former Emperor was alive, he favored Consort Hui greatly. When she gave birth to the Sixteenth Prince, Xiao Rongjuan, he even considered naming the young prince as the heir. This caused quite a stir among the officials, who petitioned for over a month, eventually persuading the former Emperor to appoint his legitimate son, the current Emperor, as the crown prince.

The South Suppressing King family wielded immense power and wealth, rivaling that of entire nations. Xiao Rongjuan, at just thirteen, joined his uncle in battles against the East Liao, earning remarkable military achievements. Before the late emperor passed, he named Xiao Rongjuan as the Liang King, granting him the three richest provinces of Great Sheng as his domain, with ten thousand households under his rule. Xiao Rongjuan himself was strikingly handsome, with a commanding presence. For the women in the capital, becoming the Liang King Consort was even more enticing than marrying the Ho King.

Xiao Rongjuan, now in his twenties, had not yet chosen a bride. Suddenly, this coveted position fell to a plain, talentless girl who had just been jilted. It was baffling and infuriating to many.

However, Ruan Qingge had no interest in Xiao Rongjuan. She frowned deeply, expressing her dissatisfaction, "Why is it that just after the Ho King leaves, the Liang King appears? Tell the emperor that I lack the virtue and ability to be the Liang King Consort."

"How dare you!" boomed a deep male voice from the courtyard entrance. A middle-aged man in a dark robe adorned with crane patterns glared at her, seething with anger. "You ungrateful girl! The emperor has graciously arranged such a favorable match for you, yet you spout such nonsense. You are utterly incorrigible!"

Ruan Zhen glared at Ruan Qingge, not noticing any change in his daughter. He harshly declared, "I’m telling you, the wedding is in three days. If you dare disgrace the North Peace Marquis Mansion again, I’ll disown you and have your mother discipline you herself!"