Chapter 95 (2/2)

He paused for a second. “You're almost twenty-eight years old soon, Anping Duke. It isn't right for you to not have a woman by your side. Let me change that for you. What do you think of my fifth daughter, Princess Shangrong? She's talented and bold – a perfect match for you.”

Situ jumped to his feet again, quickly rejecting the proposal. “I thank you for your kindness, your Majesty. But Princess Shangrong is of royal descent and I dare not taint her with my lowly status.”

“What nonsense!” The Emperor smiled. “There isn't a more accomplished young man within the city walls than you. Shang'er and you are a match made in heaven; I'm sure the marriage will be a fulfilling one indeed.”

“I cannot wed the Princess, your Majesty.” Situ took a deep breath. “There is already someone in my heart. I have promised her that I will not wed anyone else in my life besides her; you know how much I value my promises, your Majesty. Moreover, I cannot marry Princess Shangrong with another person in my heart; the princess deserves someone better.”

“Oh?” The Emperor dragged out his exclamation. “I was unaware that you already had someone in mind. I'll like to meet her in person.”

“She is but the daughter of a simple official, your Majesty. She is unfit to be in your imperial presence.”

“Well well, how many times have you turned down my marriage proposals already? You've got to tell me how this woman attracts you at the very least!” The Emperor said half-jokingly. He chuckled, but the laughter did not reach his eyes.

Situ did not notice the Emperor's displeasure, now immersed in his feelings for Feng Luodi. He smiled and his expression softened. “A third of her is always composed, and another third is lively and joyful. The remaining bits of her is a mixture of melancholy, charm, and wit – and that is what draws me to her.”

“She does sound special indeed.” The Emperor was relentless. “But knowing you, it seems unbelievable that you haven't won her hand yet.”

“She is…special like you said,” Situ did not bother hiding it from the Emperor anymore. “and that is why she refuses to marry me simply because of my status. We still have a long way to go ahead of us, your Majesty, and I hope you can make it easier for us.”

“If you're so in love with her, what do you say if I arrange a marriage between the two of you?” The Emperor smiled lightly.

“I thank you for your good intentions, your Majesty, but I only want to marry her when I get her consent.”

“I see. Well, I should meddle no more in your affairs then.” The Emperor finally decided to put the discussion aside. “The children of the Huaiyang Commandery Prince are coming to Chang'an soon and the Eighth Prince is tasked, by me, to welcome them. Check on him if you have time and guide him along if he needs help.”

“It will be my honour to serve the Eighth Prince as well.” Situ released the breath he did not know he had been holding.

“Alright, that's all I have to say. You may leave. Have a good rest; the journey to the North must have been taxing.”

“Thank you for your concern, your Majesty. I shall take my leave.” Situ bowed and turned to leave the Imperial Study.

As Situ's figure disappeared from view, the Emperor slowly walked down the platform his desk was on. He paced around the study, a slight smile on his face.

“Attendant. Is this the third time the Duke of Anping has rejected my arrange marriages for him?” His calm expression had twisted into one of anger as he drove his foot into a chair in front of him.

The attendant quickly knelt down, sensing the Emperor's rage. “That is only because you have been too kind to him, your Majesty. The Duke had also mentioned a person who'd already had a place in his heart; no need for such anger, your Majesty.”

“Someone in his heart?” The Emperor sneered. No trace of his gentle demeanor remained; all that was left was the wrath of a king. “That is nothing but an excuse to spurn me! If I had not pushed him as I did today, he might not have even bothered to think of an excuse for me! He's the first person who dared to defy my will.”

The attendant kept his head as close to the floor as possible. “The Duke is a vital keystone of the kingdom and your Majesty had always placed your trust in him. Perhaps that is the reason behind his…impudence.”

“Hmph!” The Emperor shot a look at the attendant who was still on the floor. “Get off the ground and stop being so timid! This does not concern you at all.”

“Yes, your Majesty.” The attendant shot a glance at the Emperor. “Your Majesty, do you plan on visiting Concubine Yao now?”

The Emperor shook his head. “No. I've been feeling rather tired as of late.”

“Should I call for the Royal Physician?” The attendant was as respectful as he could be, knowing that the Emperor was in a bad mood.

“No need for that. Probably just a side effect of aging, I reckon.”