Chapter 637: Ji Muqing Gets Married

What qualifications does Ji Muqing have to be the Empress?

A woman like that simply wasn't worth Concubine Xiao's notice. "From the beginning, this seat has never intended to let Ji Muqing become Prince Yi's Consort."

Minister Liang asked, "Then Your Ladyship intends..."

"Minister Liang should know that the Ji family has Ji Li and Ji Heng, both of whom hold military power. If they could become part of our support base for Prince Yi's bid for the throne, then why not let her become Prince Yi's Consort? But in what way is that woman qualified to be the Empress? She's no better than a common girl from the markets." Harsh words.

That woman has neither morals nor skills. Concubine Xiao was an extremely proud and self-righteous woman; why would she place a woman like Ji Muqing in high regard? Pah! She's not even qualified to be her foot-washing maid!

When Minister Liang heard her words, he finally understood the implications. He asked in a trembling voice, "So all along, Your Ladyship had never intended to help my daughter reclaim justice. Instead, your ultimate aim was always to marry Miss Ji to Prince Yi in order to gain the Ji brothers' support for his faction."

"That's right."

Minister Liang's face knotted into a mess of wrinkles. The fury in his heart erupted like red flames from his eyes. His own daughter had died so tragically; it was one thing for the culprit to escape prosecution, but to think that she would even become Prince Yi's Consort. The mere thought of it made him wish that he could wipe out the entire Ji family.

Concubine Xiao saw the unwillingness in his expression. She got up and stepped towards him as she said leisurely, "Minister Liang, let this seat finish speaking. Although she will become Prince Yi's Consort, but after Prince Yi has used the Ji brothers to obtain the throne, she would have lost all her value and would become a chess piece to be discarded at will. She can forget about becoming Empress because by that time she would either be banished to the cold palace or would die a tragic death. Only such slow, drawn-out torture would be suitable revenge for Xu'er." As she spoke, a sinister smile stretched across her face.

"Moreover, her days wouldn't be so easy after she marries into Prince Yi's household. Who knows, maybe she wouldn't even survive to see Prince Yi ascend to the throne." Her crimson lips curved upwards. "This seat hears that Minister Liang has a beautiful niece who rather resembles Xu'er."

Eh? "Your Ladyship, why would you mention Luo Li?"

"Ah, so she's called Luo Li? That name sounds pleasing, and the person sounds just as lovely. I also heard that she is well-versed in the four arts, gentle and virtuous, natural and unrestrained. Right now, she is also waiting for a suitable betrothal."

She's implying... Minister Liang eyebrows knitted together as he seemed to get an idea of what she meant.

Concubine Xiao continued, "A girl like this is a rare find; this is the kind of person a true Empress should be. Once the time is right, this seat guarantees that your niece Luo Li would be my first choice for the future Empress."

Wow, what a large, delicious carrot!

Minister Liang's fury had now abated a little, but he was still skeptical. "Is Your Ladyship serious about this?" [1]

"This seat speaks nothing but the truth. Minister Liang may rest assured. After the Ji family assists Prince Yi in ascending the throne, the Ji family would be nothing but a useless pile of trash that may be discarded. When that time comes, this seat would have Prince Yi welcome Luo Li into his household and crown her his Empress. Your family would then be relatives of the Emperor."

Relatives of the Emperor! These four words smashed powerfully into Minister Liang and made him dizzy.

Concubine Xiao took advantage of the chance. "This is my promise to you; I will not break my word."

Minister Liang deliberated for a while. Finally he grit his teeth and gave in. "Alright. This subject shall trust in Your Ladyship then."

"A wise man submits to the circumstances. Minister Liang, you will not be disappointed. The Liang family will surely soar in the future."

What else could he say in reply? The impact of this large carrot had already totally disoriented him.

Concubine Xiao continued, "However, regarding the matter of Gao Bingze, Minister Liang must be careful not to reveal the truth. Otherwise... there may be unnecessary trouble."

He cupped his hands in a bow. "This subject will never divulge a single word."

Concubine Xiao smiled and returned to her seat. "The day that Miss Ji marries in, would be the start of her nightmare."

The hall echoed with her sinister laughter. [2]

......

The next day, Prince Yi's wedding.

The entire Prince Yi residence was filled with a festive air. It was filled with red drawings, red lanterns, red candles...

From early morning, the front doors had practically been battered down; all the Imperial officials as well as prominent members of their families in the capital were in attendance.

Well wishers arrived in an unceasing stream, accompanied by a nonstop crackle of firecrackers.

Even the congratulatory gifts were enough to fill several rooms.

The bridal procession had left the mansion early in the day and was heading towards the General's mansion to pick up the bride.

At this moment, Ji Muqing was still busy with her makeup and accessories in her room. She wore a bright red bridal dress embroidered with lifelike mandarin ducks and a plethora of gold jewellry.

She held a piece of lipstick paper and pinched it gently between her lips. The fiery crimson matched her wedding outfit.

Exquisite makeup, bright almond-shaped eyes, thin brows with the elegance of a willow leaf... What a beauty!

The hairpins and jade accessories were exceptionally eye-catching as well, but instead of looking overdone, they made her look elegant instead.

She sat quietly in front of her dressing table, waiting for the bridal procession to arrive.

For some reason, Ji Muqing treated Ji Wanxin exceptionally well in the last two days. She gave her many gifts that were bestowed by the Emperor, and even asked her to help do makeup on the day of her marriage.

Ji Wanxin slid the last hairpin into Ji Muqing's hair, looked into the mirror at the exquisitely dressed woman, and smiled, "Big Sister looks beautiful today."

Sis, don't you feel the slightest bit jealous?

Ji Muqing smiled shyly, then wrinkled her brows. "Wanxin, I think I'm a little nervous?"

"There'll be the matchmaker to look after you later. You just have to follow her."

"Mn."

Right then, a voice called out, "The auspicious hour has arrived."

A manservant ran over, gasping for breath. "Miss, the palanquin from Prince Yi's household has arrived. Old Master had me to tell you to quickly get onto the palanquin, to avoid missing the auspicious hour."

With that the houseful of maids started getting busy. They quickly pulled the bride up, piled a mess of cloth and accessories on her, and stuffed a red apple into her hands.

Lastly, the red veil was put over her head. She's getting married!

At the front gates, Ji Shuhan and the rest were waiting. When he saw his daughter step out dressed head to toe in bridal reds, his eyes turned a watery red. He instructed, "Once you enter Prince Yi's household, you must be careful."

Ji Muqing nodded. The bride isn't allowed to speak.

Ji Shuhan held back his tears, and personally escorted his daughter up the palanquin. He secretly wiped away his tears as he watched it depart from the gates.

In contrast, Ji Li's expression held no joy at all. Instead, he was filled with worry and concern.

When Ji Shuhan noticed him, he chided, "Today is your sister's wedding day. As her elder brother, how can you have such a despondent look on your face? If anyone saw you, they would think that some tragedy had befallen our Ji family."

Ji Shuhan was the person that Ji Li respected the most. He lowered his head, "Your child understands."

"Alright, let's go in." They went back into the mansion.

[1] Dude how gullible can you be?

[2] Cue Disney stepmom evil laughter.