Fengguang looked puzzled.
“Yeah, why? What’s wrong?”
“Nothing,” Xia Fengxue said, his smile growing even gentler.
She blinked at him. “Royal Brother, are you going to help me or not?”
“If it’s your request, Fengguang, how could I possibly refuse?” he replied. “But have you thought this through? There’s no shortage of noble sons eager to marry you—why set your heart on that zither player?”
“I can’t help it. I’ve already fallen for him. And Royal Brother, if feelings could be controlled, they wouldn’t be called feelings, would they?”
“But… have you considered everything? If you insist on marrying him, Father might reluctantly agree, but he could strip you of your title as a princess. From then on, your life with that musician would be filled with hardship and instability.”
“That’s okay. I’ve already prepared for the worst-case scenario. Royal Brother, don’t assume I can only live a pampered life. I’m low-maintenance.”
Xia Fengxue gently patted her head and said warmly, “Is that so? As long as you get a little dessert every day, you’re satisfied, huh?”
“Hehe, Royal Brother, you know me best.”
“Then let’s go in.”
“Huh?”
“To the imperial study. Let’s talk to Father directly.”
“J-just like that?”
“Just like that.”
Xia Fengxue took Fengguang’s hand and led her into the imperial study.
Inside, Emperor Xia was still reviewing memorials. When he saw the pair suddenly show up together, he put down his brush and smiled kindly.
“What wind blew you in today, Fengguang? I thought you disliked coming to the study the most.”
It was true. She usually found it boring here and rarely came.
Feeling awkward, Fengguang tugged at Xia Fengxue’s sleeve, hoping he’d speak first. But he let her tug and maintained his calm, refined demeanor, not saying a single word.
She felt like he’d just sold her out.
Emperor Xia noticed their little interaction and chuckled.
“You don’t come to the palace hall for nothing. So, tell me, Fengguang—what brings you here today?”
Bracing herself, she said, “Father… I’ve decided who I want to marry.”
“Oh? And which family’s young lord has caught your eye?”
“It’s… Si Jia.”
Emperor Xia thought for a moment.
“Si… The son of Minister Si?”
“No… He’s the zither player who performed in court a few days ago. Don’t you remember, Father?” As she spoke, she nervously glanced up to watch his expression.
His face froze for just a second, then he replied, “He’s just a musician.”
“Father, you are the sovereign of our nation, and everyone in our kingdom is your subject. And since they’re your subjects, they’re like your children, aren’t they? So… everyone’s status is noble in their way. Don’t you agree, Father?”
Her voice faltered. She was terrified he might flip the table in anger.
Xia Fengxue let out a soft laugh—this line of reasoning might just leave the emperor of the mighty Gengliu Kingdom speechless.
Fengguang heard him laughing and shot him a glare. Xia Fengxue raised an eyebrow and gave her a look that said, You’ve got my full support.
Emperor Xia finally said, “I understand what you’re trying to say, Fengguang.”
“Then, Father—”
“But marriage is a serious matter. Have you spoken to your mother about it?”
“Not yet…”
“Then go talk to your mother first. If she agrees, come see me again.”
Talk about passing the buck…
Fengguang could only lower her head and reply, disappointed,
“I understand. Then I’ll take my leave.”
“Fengxue, stay,” Emperor Xia added. “I still have something to discuss with you.”