allonlinenovel Chapter 273 A Fateful Marriage
Chapter 273 A Fateful Marriage
Ye Qingchen sought out Gu Mochen, who was quite troubled. He had never really arranged marriages for anyone before. Last time, when Liu Yufeng took a liking to Aunt Dong, it was basically a matter of them coming together on their own. Now, was Dong Nanxi about to get married? But would a top scholar and prince like him be willing to become a live-in son-in-law in another country?
Seeing Gu Mochen's troubled expression, Ye Qingchen couldn't help but smile. "Mochen, look at you. You're usually so imposing in court, why are you so troubled when it comes to arranging marriages?" Gu Mochen shook his head helplessly. "Chen'er, this is very different from matters of the court. Marriages are about mutual consent, especially when it involves a top scholar and a prince as a son-in-law. The intricacies involved are quite complex."
Ye Qingchen took a sip of tea, pondered for a moment, and said, "Your Highness, I don't think this matter is entirely hopeless. Dong Nanxi is the top scholar in the imperial examination and also a prince, with exceptional talent. Even if he becomes a son-in-law, he might not be looked down upon by the court. Moreover, my sister has just ascended the throne, and with his help, I feel more at ease. However, we must first probe his intentions and see if he is willing." Gu Mochen nodded, "What you say makes sense. However, Nanxi's thoughts are always unpredictable. Asking him rashly might not be appropriate."
As the two were talking, a servant rushed in, "Your Highness, Your Highness, Prince Xi requests an audience." Ye Qingchen and Gu Mochen exchanged a glance, both showing surprise. "Quickly, invite him in," Gu Mochen said hastily.
Dong Nanxi entered the hall, bowed, and then looked slightly flustered. "Your Highness, Your Highness, I've come because I heard you two were discussing my marriage. I'm truly uneasy about it, so I've come to find out what's going on." Ye Qingchen smiled and said, "Nanxi, please don't be so formal. We're just concerned about your marriage. But we don't know what your thoughts are on becoming a live-in son-in-law."
Dong Nanxi frowned slightly, and after a moment of silence, said, "To be honest, I have no prejudice against being a live-in son-in-law. But have I met the woman? And do I know her identity, or why she wants to take in a live-in son-in-law?"
Gu Mochen said, "It's Qingchen's older sister, that Southern Frontier Holy Maiden. She must have been attracted to your outstanding appearance, and then, after hearing Qingchen talk about your talent, she was greatly moved. You know, someone of her status is bound to have a marriage alliance, but since she didn't have time for one when she was the Holy Maiden, she needs someone of your caliber to help her now." Dong Nanxi listened, a thoughtful look flashing in her eyes. She looked at Ye Qingchen again and said, "I'm willing, but I haven't met her yet, and I don't know if we'll really get along. I suggest she get to know me first." Ye Qingchen nodded, "Nanxi is absolutely right. We should at least spend some time together."
After Dong Nanxi left, Ye Qingchen and Gu Mochen fell into deep thought again. "Why do I feel like Nanxi is acting strange today? Could it be because we arranged a marriage for him?" Ye Qingchen asked. Gu Mochen shook his head. "I don't know what that kid is thinking all day. He's meticulous and hides many things very well." After saying that, he looked thoughtfully in the direction Dong Nanxi had walked.
After Dong Nanxi agreed to meet the Holy Maiden of Southern Xinjiang, Ye Qingchen and Gu Mochen began arranging their meeting. Their first meeting was arranged in the garden of the Prince's mansion, with pavilions, terraces, and lush flowers creating a romantic atmosphere.
Dong Nanxi, dressed in a moon-white robe, stood tall and straight, holding a book, waiting quietly. A short while later, Duan Ling'er, the Holy Maiden of Southern Xinjiang, slowly approached, accompanied by her maid. She wore a red dress with strange patterns embroidered on the hem, her long, black hair casually tied up, a few strands falling beside her fair cheeks, exuding a unique charm and mystery. She resembled Ye Qingchen, yet was not Ye Qingchen; she possessed a special allure.
The two greeted each other and then sat down to talk. Duan Ling'er's eyes were full of curiosity and admiration for Dong Nanxi. "I have long heard of Young Master Dong's talent. Meeting you today, I can see that your reputation is well-deserved." Dong Nanxi smiled slightly and said modestly, "You flatter me, Holy Maiden. I am merely smattering with literary knowledge."
At first, the conversation went smoothly, but as the topic deepened, differences gradually emerged between the two. Lianxin grew up in the southern border region and had a straightforward personality, acting mostly based on intuition and emotion; while Dong Nanxi had been well-versed in literature since childhood, was meticulous and steady in his dealings with others, and valued rules and reason.
When discussing strategies for governing the southern border, Lianxin advocated using traditional witchcraft to aid in governance, believing it to be wisdom passed down through generations and capable of uniting the people. Dong Nanxi, however, frowned slightly and subtly countered, "Holy Maiden, while witchcraft has deep roots in the southern border, it is unlikely to be a long-term solution for governing the country. In my opinion, we should promote benevolent governance, adhering to the law, to ensure lasting peace and stability."
Upon hearing this, Ling'er's expression changed slightly, and her tone became urgent: "Young Master Dong, are you questioning the traditions of my Southern Frontier? These traditions are the foundation of our nation." Dong Nanxi quickly explained: "Holy Maiden, please don't misunderstand. I had no such intention. I was merely offering some humble suggestions from the perspective of governing the country." Ling'er was already somewhat displeased, but she didn't say anything more. This was because Dong Nanxi was indeed handsome, exceptionally talented in literature, and not bad at martial arts.
Dong Nanxi stared intently at the girl before him who looked exactly like Ye Qingchen, his thoughts drifting to the distant horizon. Back then, when he and his aunt were in dire straits, their lives hanging by a thread, it was that dashing, cross-dressing Ye Gongzi who appeared like a divine intervention and saved them. And this Ye Gongzi was, in fact, Ye Qingchen.
Dong Nanxi had already realized Ye Qingchen's secret of being a woman, but before his admiration could take root in his heart, he learned a heartbreaking truth—Ye Qingchen was actually his cousin's wife. Therefore, he could only silently bury his feelings deep within his heart, never letting them show.
However, fate seems to love playing tricks on people, and now heaven has sent another woman who looks exactly like Ye Qingchen. Despite their similar appearance, this girl named Duan Ling'er has a completely different personality. She seems scheming and deep, but in reality, she is much more innocent and pure at heart; moreover, her way of doing things is completely different from Ye Qingchen's, they are two entirely different styles.
As for why Dong Nanxi agreed to this marriage, even he himself couldn't quite explain it. Perhaps it was because he couldn't let go of that past, or perhaps he sensed a special connection with Duan Ling'er? In any case, at this moment, he only wanted to wholeheartedly assist this extraordinary woman in ascending to the throne of queen.