Rebirth: The Journey of an Heiress
Chapter 464 - 461: Overwhelmed with Joy_1

Chapter 464: Chapter 461: Overwhelmed with Joy_1

The Emperor, after hearing Dong Qingping’s words, gritted his teeth. The amiable smile on his face vanished. Though his son was weak and useless, he could not tolerate being looked down upon by a subject!

The Emperor’s voice carried a clear note of anger: "Lord Dong, are you dissatisfied with my son?"

Dong Qingping showed a frightened expression and hastily kowtowed: "Your servant would never dare deceive Your Majesty. Every word I speak is the truth! I beseech Your Majesty to understand!"

The Emperor felt deeply humiliated and dissatisfied.

Seeing the Emperor’s furrowed brows, the Crown Prince feigned confusion and said: "Father, King Liang’s previous love letter to Princess of Zhen and now the intimate item from Miss Dong from the Dong family—is it not a wishful thought on his part? We must investigate thoroughly!"

Hearing the Crown Prince’s words, Dong Qingping’s heart skipped a beat. He quickly kowtowed and said: "Your Majesty, if King Liang is fond of my youngest daughter, it’s a blessing she has earned through countless lifetimes! He could simply hire a matchmaker. If I could have a prince as a son-in-law, I would be overwhelmed with joy! I beg Your Majesty to dissuade King Liang from such actions. Under my care are three daughters; if Tingzhen’s reputation is tarnished, how would my other daughters find husbands in the future? The hearts of parents are always concerned. I beseech Your Majesty to take pity on my three daughters and not let King Liang use my youngest daughter’s personal belongings to propose marriage! I would gladly welcome the matchmakers at my home and ensure the engagement is properly arranged."

Dong Qingping’s sincere and earnest words moved the Emperor, calming him significantly, though he still harbored suspicion towards King Liang.

Having spoken to this extent, Dong Qingping knew the Emperor could not summon Dong Tingzhen to confront the situation.

The Emperor felt embarrassed.

His son, after all, should act honorably. Why resort to sending love letters or using another’s personal items in such disgraceful manners to pursue a woman?

"Go!" the Emperor commanded.

After respectfully kowtowing, Dong Qingping left the hall.

"What sort of nonsense is this from King Liang!" The Emperor was deeply infuriated. "How can he behave like a prince?! Is he truly my son?!"

The Crown Prince observed the Emperor’s displeasure and offered him a cup of tea, trying to calm him: "Your son believes that perhaps Lord Dong wasn’t aware of his daughter’s private agreement with King Liang. However, Lord Dong’s concern is valid. If King Liang uses Miss Dong’s personal items for a proposal, the entire Dong family’s reputation would suffer."

The Emperor took the cup but the Crown Prince continued: "Nevertheless, it’s indeed inappropriate for King Liang to behave this way. He is a prince and has come of age. Would Father Emperor ignore his marriage prospects? Would you force him to marry against his will? If he sincerely spoke to you about it, would you not grant him a proper marriage? Would you break up true love? By using someone’s personal belongings, he tarnishes Miss Dong’s reputation, confining her to a fate where she cannot marry anyone else but him!"

The Emperor frowned deeply, his face full of displeasure.

"Luckily, Lord Dong is an official at the Honglu Temple without military power. Otherwise... Your son might suspect King Liang’s true motives for marrying Miss Dong, even at the cost of her reputation!" The Crown Prince’s voice carried a hint of jest.

The Emperor paused his action of drinking tea.

Dong Qingping lacked military power, but... Dong Qingyue did!

Not only were Dong Qingping and Dong Qingyue brothers with a close relationship, but it was also said that since Dong Qingyue had no daughters, he regarded Dong Qingping’s daughters as his own.

Noticing the Emperor’s contemplative expression, the Crown Prince knew he had struck a chord.

Since the rebellion led by the Second Prince, the Emperor had grown wary of his sons’ relations with military officials, fearing another mutiny. Even the legitimate son, King Xin, dared not act so brazenly over the years.

The Emperor set down his tea cup. But... King Liang’s weakness and cowardice—is that merely a coincidence?

The Emperor unexpectedly recalled the dream of the White Tiger, and the frightening murderous intent when King Liang had silenced Tongji.

The Crown Prince did not disturb the deeply pondering Emperor, standing quietly by his side, massaging his shoulders like a servant.

The Emperor idly stroked the embroidered cushion. King Liang offered him the miraculous elixir for his health. Could it be that he feared his death would automatically enable the Crown Prince to inherit the throne and King Liang would lose his opportunity?

The Emperor turned to look at the Crown Prince massaging his shoulders.

The Crown Prince, seeing the Emperor’s gaze, nervously asked: "Am I pressing too hard?"

The Emperor recalled Shi Panshan, after returning from Yanwo, had pleaded for King Liang, praising his excellent disaster relief work, with the ensuing civil unrest truly beyond his control.

Leaning back on the Dragon Throne, the Emperor dismissed the Crown Prince and sat alone in deep thought.

The Crown Prince was his chosen successor, a filial son who feared him greatly, thus incapable of rebellion. The Emperor felt confident in not appointing another Crown Prince or supporting another prince to balance power.

In every kingdom, the struggle for succession had always been bloody. The root cause was the Emperor’s mistrust of the crown prince, leading to such conflicts.

Therefore, selecting a suitable bride for King Liang required careful deliberation—not too high, nor too low in status.

"Gao Demao!" the Emperor called.

Gao Demao quickly approached with short steps: "Your Majesty, I am here!"

"You personally, discreetly tell King Liang that Dong’s family and Bai’s family are kin. King Liang’s previous attempt to falsely accuse the King of Zhen of treason caused Dong Qingping’s refusal of this marriage. He must not taint Miss Dong’s reputation. Return Miss Dong’s ’pingan’ locket to him and secretly return it to Dong Qingping!" The Emperor tapped the table lightly. "This matter is settled! I will find him a suitable match!"

"Yes! I shall handle it immediately!"

Just as Gao Demao was about to leave, the Emperor called him back: "I recall the retired Imperial Master, Tan Song, has two granddaughters. Are they from his first son’s previous wife?"

Gao Demao quickly understood and replied: "Indeed! The Imperial Master’s eldest daughter-in-law died in childbirth. His current wife came later and had two grandsons with him."

"Are the Imperial Master’s granddaughters married?" the Emperor asked.

"The eldest granddaughter married last year. The second, Miss Tan, is still unmarried. If the Imperial Master knew his granddaughter could marry King Liang as princess, he would be thrilled!" Gao Demao replied with a smile.

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