Chapter 103 (1/2)

Chapter 103 Cloud Nine: In the Glory of the Emperor

Liu Shang, Chu Xiaoxiao and Chu Huaicai had just left the estate, stomping out in the middle of the gathering.

Liu Shang was fuming. “Those people have no respect for me at all!”

“Exactly! You are his Majesty's favourite princess – not even the Heir dares to disrespect you like that! None of those ‘distinguished guests' are qualified to talk to you like that!”

Chu Xiaoxiao chimed in her agreements, but Chu Huaicai kept silent.

Liu Shang's anger did not die down. “I am going to lodge a complain against all of them, and their fathers, to Father! I will make them regret what they did today!”

“All of them? Will his Majesty be able to remember all of the people from the gathering today?” Chu Xiaoxiao frowned, completely forgetting the fact that the princess was barred from interfering with matters of the state, even if she was doted upon by the Emperor. Chu Huaicai knew of that, but thought twice of bursting their bubble.

“You're right, Father has been busy recently. Perhaps I should just complain about the person that irked me the most.” Liu Shang sank deep into her thoughts, trying to determine which of the guests at the gathering had insulted her the most. “Feng Luodi! She is despicable!”

“Exactly! Feng Luodi is the most insulting of the bunch.” Chu Xiaoxiao agreed with her. “She is the daughter of an official, yet she played a song together with those lowly zither artistes! How shameless can she be?”

Liu Shang narrowed her eyes. She is the woman that Situ had snuck out with while he spurned my advances! She is but a lowly woman, the daughter of a random official in court; who gave her the right to be more well-liked than I was at the gathering?

“Elder brother Huaicai.” Liu Shang called out to Chu Huaicai.

How may I be of service, my Princess?” Chu Huaicai smiled at Liu Shang. “I will gladly ease the burden on your mind.”

Liu Shang smiled gracefully. “I heard that you'd requested for my hand in marriage? Xiaoxiao has told me of your proposal to Father.”

Chu Huaicai glanced at Chu Xiaoxiao, who quickly looked away.

“Indeed.” Chu Huaicai admitted generously. “Huaicai has always admired you from afar, my Princess. I had approached his Majesty for your hand in marriage, fearing that you will reject me for my low birth. His Majesty had given me the opportunity to spend time with you; if you agree, I will make an official proposal for your hand.”

Liu Shang smiled. “I understand your feelings, Elder Brother Huaicai. I am willing to marry you, but you must do something for me before that.”

Chu Huaicai perked up at her words. “What will you have me do, my Princess?”

“Shang'er wants you to approach Father, telling him that you want to take Feng Luodi as your concubine.” Liu Shang was smiling, but her eyes were filled with hatred.

Chu Huaicai was a little taken aback by her request. “Huaicai had promised his Majesty that he will never take another concubine if he gets your hand in marriage.”

Chu Xiaoxiao was shocked by their conversation. Are these two the people I've known my entire life?

“That is alright. I am the one who asked for you to take a concubine anyway; Father will definitely agree.” Liu Shang laughed. “All I want is the royal decree from Father – the decree that will doom that woman for the rest of her life. Hmph! I'll teach her the difference between us.”

“A brilliant plan, my Princess.” Chu Huaicai bowed his head, a sly smile on his face.

“Let's head back to the palace now; I can barely wait for it to happen.”

“Heir of Huaiyang, can you take full responsibility of your words?” The Emperor was surprised by Chu Huaicai's request and anger laced his voice. “Have you forgotten about your request for Shang'er's hand in marriage?”

Chu Huaicai did not reply but merely looked at Princess Shangrong for help.

The Emperor followed his gaze and looked at his daughter, puzzled. “Is this your intention, Shang'er?”

Shang'er walked towards the Emperor and held his hand. “Father, just say yes to Elder Brother Huaicai. He only has two lowly handmaidens in his household; Feng Luodi will be able to help with any needs at home if she becomes his concubine.”

“What about you, Shang'er?” The Emperor was confused.

“Father,” Princess Shangrong continued, “just command Elder Brother Huaicai to take Feng Luodi as a concubine. I'll be able to stay and provide you company for a while longer, at least until Feng Luodi becomes Elder Brother Huaicai's concubine.”