Seeing Chu Liuyun agree to Gong Linjue's sparring request so quickly, Kang Zhibo was so anxious his heart nearly leaped out of his chest.
He could have at least delayed for a few days. What if he couldn't win?
Watching the diplomatic mission gradually depart, Song Jinzhao spoke up, "This Prince of Wei comes with ill intentions. Sparring is just an excuse; his true goal is to test our strength. He is preparing for a future war between our two nations."
Chu Liuyun stared at the tall figure walking away.
"I know. Since he came all this way, he wouldn't let me avoid it. That being the case, I might as well accept."
"He wants to test my strength, but I also want to test his."
Song Jinzhao withdrew her gaze, lowering her eyes in deep thought.
"There is something I wonder if I should say."
Chu Liuyun turned to look at her, a questioning look in his eyes.
"Please speak freely, County Princess."
Song Jinzhao said, "Back in Anyang Prefecture, Prince Ying's secondary consort, Li Qinyun, mentioned that Princess Yongjia harbors feelings for you, My Lord Duke."
"Since arriving in the capital, based on my observations, it seems that you and Princess Yongjia share a mutual affection. I presume I haven't misread the situation?"
"Uh..."
Chu Liuyun was momentarily stunned, then let out a short, breathy sound, as if the words were caught in his throat.
He hastily averted his gaze, the tips of his ears growing hot and flushing red. Even his speech became flustered.
"Why would you ask about this, County Princess?"
Seeing his face turn red with shyness, Song Jinzhao couldn't help but laugh out loud.
"It seems my guess was correct. You also have feelings for the Princess."
The bashfulness on Chu Liuyun's face faded slightly, replaced by a serious expression.
He lowered his head and murmured to himself, "I have loved the Princess for many years."
Song Jinzhao asked, "In that case, why don't you petition the Emperor for a marriage decree? Given the prestige of the Duke of Zhenguo's estate, the Emperor surely wouldn't refuse."
Chu Liuyun replied, "I originally intended to ask the Emperor for a marriage decree, but my grandmother passed away, so I had to postpone it for a year."
"Now, Her Majesty the Empress is already selecting a Prince Consort for the Princess. I am on the list of candidates, which is essentially just a formality. The marriage edict will be issued before long."
Song Jinzhao understood perfectly.
For the selection of the Prince Consort to be delayed until now, Princess Yongjia must have stalled for a considerable amount of time, all to wait for Chu Liuyun's mourning period to end.
"Since the affection is mutual, you should marry as quickly as possible. It would be best for you to urge the Emperor."
Chu Liuyun couldn't understand why Song Jinzhao was so concerned about his marriage. At her age, she shouldn't have a hobby of playing matchmaker.
"What do you mean by this, County Princess? The Princess holds a noble status. The process of selecting her Prince Consort must be careful and solemn. How could we rush it and wrong the Princess?"
Song Jinzhao sighed softly, staring at Chu Liuyun, feeling a bit speechless.
How could his mind be so inflexible? They were already in love, yet he still wasn't hurrying to marry her and bring her home.
Being a princess of a weak nation was a highly dangerous profession.
"You saw Gong Linjue's attitude. We are bound to have another war with the Shuobei Kingdom. If we lose, ceding territory, paying reparations, or even a political marriage will be inevitable. And in the palace, Princess Yongjia is the only one of marriageable age."
"Just in case, it's better for you two to marry quickly, lest you end up separated by the ends of the earth, regretting it for the rest of your lives."
The expression on Chu Liuyun's face completely changed.
"The Emperor dotes on Princess Yongjia deeply. He probably wouldn't send her away for a political marriage."
Song Jinzhao retorted, "No matter how much he dotes on her, can it outweigh the Dragon Throne?"
"When that time comes, the civil and military officials could drown someone with just their spit. If trading one princess can buy peace for the realm, how do you think the Emperor will choose?"
Chu Liuyun fell into a heavy silence.
Seeing that he had taken her words to heart, Song Jinzhao didn't linger any longer. She turned and walked away.
