MCSCPM -Chapter 188 Overnight News

Early in the morning, Shangguan Qingyun rose and set out for the imperial palace.

“Father, you’re going to pay court to the emperor at this hour?” Shangguan Jiaoran asked in surprise. Normally, at this time, they would be practicing swordplay in the back garden.

“It’s best to settle your heart early,” Shangguan Qingyun replied.

“Father, it’s my fault for being unworthy. You even have to personally speak to the emperor on my behalf. I will practice diligently from now on—not just martial arts, but also embroidery and domestic skills. I won’t let you down!”

“Jiaoran, let me ask you once more—why do you have your eyes set on Prince Jing? Are you sure you won’t marry anyone else?”

A faint blush appeared on Jiaoran’s face. “Father, you are a general of the nation, and Prince Jing is a war hero of his generation. Only such a man is worthy of a general’s daughter’s admiration. I wouldn’t want to marry a weak, bookish man.”

“I understand. As long as you’re happy, I’ll fight for you!” Shangguan Qingyun said. With that, he left the general’s mansion and headed to the imperial palace.

Inside the imperial study, Chu Haolian sat on the dragon throne. The banquet from the previous night still lingered in his mind. He hadn’t expected Prince Jing to be so enamored with Yin Qingyue.

Even someone as outstanding as Shangguan Jiaoran had been rejected—completely beyond his expectations.

“Your Majesty, General Shangguan requests an audience,” announced Eunuch Sun, his voice croaky.

“Send him in,” Chu Haolian said, frowning. He already suspected the purpose of Shangguan Qingyun’s visit: it must be about his daughter.

“I pay respects to Your Majesty,” Shangguan Qingyun said loudly as he entered.

“Rise, minister. Coming so early—what brings you here?” Chu Haolian asked, knowing full well the reason.

“Last night, I reflected and realized my daughter acted immaturely. She is young and spoke recklessly, offending many. I beg Your Majesty to forgive her,” Shangguan Qingyun said, kneeling immediately.

Chu Haolian understood clearly. At last night’s banquet, Shangguan Jiaoran had performed brilliantly yet was rejected by Prince Jing. She had spoken repeatedly of her admiration for him, and it was natural for a father to seek a marriage on behalf of his only daughter.

“Minister, rise. Such words are unnecessary. Shangguan Jiaoran is courageous and capable. If Prince Jing behaved rudely yesterday, that is my fault.”

“Your Majesty, my daughter grew up without her mother. It is my failure in upbringing that caused yesterday’s situation. I beg Your Majesty to forgive us!”

It was clear: if the emperor did not give a definitive response, Shangguan Qingyun would not rise.

“Minister, rise and speak,” Chu Haolian said calmly.

“My daughter acted immaturely and should not have dared to hope for a princess’s position. If Your Majesty does not forgive me, I would have no face to see you in the future,” Shangguan Qingyun said firmly, each word carrying authority.

“Your words are too heavy, minister. The Shangguan family has done so much for Beihao—I could never forget. Without your support, my reign would be unstable,” Chu Haolian said, half-closing his eyes in thought.

Beihao had been at war for years. Its foothold among the four states relied heavily on military strength. The Shangguan family was a formidable force on the battlefield.

“Minister, rise. Your words make me feel ashamed!” Chu Haolian said.

“Your Majesty, everything I have done for Beihao was voluntary, not for fame. As long as the country remains peaceful, I will give my all,” Shangguan Qingyun replied with a smile. Though over fifty, there was a heroic energy in his expression compared to Chu Haolian.

“Shangguan Jiaoran is a rare and exceptional woman. In beauty, talent, and courage, none can compare. Prince Jing is of marriageable age—if Jiaoran is betrothed to him, it would be perfect,” Chu Haolian said, voicing exactly what Shangguan Qingyun had in mind.

“Your Majesty, my thanks!”

“Rise, minister.” Shangguan Qingyun slowly stood, smiling.

“Jiaoran, Father has leveraged our family’s contributions to Beihao to secure this marriage for you. You must treasure it,” he thought. From here on, only she could grasp her own fate.

“Minister, have some tea,” Chu Haolian said, handing over a cup of Longjing tea, its fragrance filling the room.

“Indeed, exquisite tea!” Shangguan Qingyun exclaimed.

“This Longjing is rare—an unparalleled treasure. Sharing it with you this morning is all the more delightful,” Chu Haolian said, both praising the tea and showing respect to Shangguan Qingyun.

“Last night, my daughter acted improperly. If not for Your Majesty giving her an exit, it could have been embarrassing,” Shangguan Qingyun said.

“Not at all. Prince Jing has been on the battlefield for years—he speaks frankly. I should apologize for him. If Shangguan Jiaoran marries him, you could even exchange military strategies in the future—how wonderful!” Chu Haolian said.

“Your Majesty is too kind. I am old now; the world belongs to the young. With Prince Jing’s abilities, he has no need for me,” Shangguan Qingyun said modestly.

Beihao had faced many external wars in its early days. It was only due to the Shangguan family’s efforts that stability was achieved. Chu Haolian’s respect was not only for their contributions but for their refusal of rewards over the years—rare loyalty indeed. Now that Shangguan Qingyun had humbled himself to seek a marriage for his daughter, it was a carefully considered decision.

“As the saying goes, the waves behind drive the waves before. Now, with the Shangguan family in the country and Prince Jing on the battlefield, I am at ease,” Chu Haolian said with relief.

“These years of peace in Beihao bring me great comfort,” Shangguan Qingyun said with a smile.

“Minister, what is your opinion on the current situation?” Chu Haolian asked, narrowing his eyes.

“Since Your Majesty asks, I speak frankly. Inside and outside the palace, everyone focuses on the crown prince. You have delayed appointing one, while Prince Jing’s achievements and looks make him sought-after. But he is uninterested in marriage. Most focus on him, neglecting the most important matter,” Shangguan Qingyun said.

“What matter?” Chu Haolian asked, intrigued. Shangguan Qingyun’s words were reasonable. His delay in appointing a crown prince had reasons.

“Your Majesty holds the ultimate authority to appoint a crown prince. There are multiple imperial sons. Appointing an heir too soon would stir conflict. Perhaps that is why you have delayed.”

“Haha, minister, you truly understand my thoughts!” Chu Haolian laughed. Though over fifty, he considered every possibility. Beihao’s military strength meant that succession disputes would harm the people. Delaying the appointment ensured peace.

“Your Majesty, I only speak my view—I offer no solution. The crown prince must be appointed eventually. I am curious what Your Majesty intends,” Shangguan Qingyun said.

“Go with the flow,” Chu Haolian said with a smile. He trusted no one blindly; Beihao’s court was complex, and any unnecessary conflict could harm all.

“Your Majesty speaks wisely,” Shangguan Qingyun said. He did not probe further. As long as his daughter could marry Prince Jing, he was content. No matter who eventually rules Beihao, Prince Jing’s current status was sufficient.

“My days are few. I only wish to see Jiaoran marry Prince Jing soon, and I would be satisfied,” Shangguan Qingyun said, smiling. His greatest wish was simply his daughter’s happiness.

“Haha, minister, do not worry. When the time comes, I will issue an imperial edict—there is nothing to fear,” Chu Haolian said with a knowing smile.

Shangguan Qingyun had been on many battlefields; he understood people well. Though Chu Haolian did not explicitly state it, Shangguan Qingyun knew exactly what was meant.

“Your Majesty’s kindness will never be forgotten. Whatever orders you have in the future, I will fulfill to the utmost,” Shangguan Qingyun said, eyes full of gratitude.

With an imperial edict, even if Prince Jing were unwilling, he could not refuse—a safeguard for his daughter’s marriage. He did not believe Prince Jing would forsake his position for a Xize girl. The cost would be too great. Knowing his daughter, marrying Prince Jing would make her elated—whether she gained his heart or not, he trusted her ability.

“A marriage of talent and beauty. I am merely the matchmaker. Why be so formal?” Chu Haolian said with a cold smile. The Shangguan family now owed him a great debt, and they would serve the royal house diligently in the future.

“Your Majesty’s generosity is overwhelming!” Shangguan Qingyun said gratefully.

“Minister, your daughter is exceptional. It is not me praising her. I have agreed to this match; there will be no turning back.”

Suddenly, Eunuch Sun rushed in, looking tense.

“Your Majesty, last night, Prince Jing stayed overnight outside the city and did not return to his mansion,” he whispered in the emperor’s ear.

Chu Haolian’s expression immediately darkened. If Prince Jing had truly been involved with Yin Qingyue, how could he explain it to the Shangguan family? Would the previous conversation be void?

This matter concerned the royal family’s relations with the Shangguan family. If a misunderstanding ruined that relationship, the consequences would be severe. The Shangguans commanded powerful military forces. Though Shangguan Qingyun was old, the army’s loyalty was firmly with him.

At this moment, Chu Haolian was not afraid of Shangguan Qingyun personally, but of the military power behind him—a potential threat to Beihao’s security. If the marriage between Jiaoran and Prince Jing was disrupted, who knew what might happen?

Unbeknownst to him, Shangguan Qingyun already knew about Prince Jing meeting another woman—but he did not know that Prince Jing had stayed overnight.

“Leave for now. If needed, I will summon you,” Chu Haolian said coldly, opening his eyes wide. He trusted his son had only stayed overnight. No one knew what truly happened between Prince Jing and Yin Qingyue. Until it was clear, he would not jump to conclusions.

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

After Eunuch Sun left, Shangguan Qingyun asked with concern, “Your Majesty, what has happened? Why does your face look so grave?”