Chapter 205

Chapter 205: I Am Very Pleased

“After Mother passed away, she left me the exchange token. I never checked it, as I always had enough Silver Ingots,” Shang Hang Yu explained.

Abundant Prosperity Bank was the greatest bank in the Sheng Kingdom, formed by dozens of merchants. Even the value of these tokens had once been specifically decided by Emperor Chong Sheng himself, upon the merchants’ pleading.

Emperor Chong Sheng glanced meaningfully at Su De Yun, who swiftly opened the small box without waiting for instructions.

With just a brief look, the Emperor’s indifferent eyes narrowed slightly. He gestured, and Su De Yun immediately handed him the token.

Turning the token thoughtfully in his hand, Emperor Chong Sheng asked Shang Hang Yu, “Do you truly have no idea how many Silver Ingots this token is worth?”

“I honestly don’t know,” Shang Hang Yu replied thoughtfully, then guessed, “Perhaps one million? I’m willing to gift all of it to Your Majesty. After all, once I become Princess’s husband, Your Majesty will be my Imperial Father…”

Sheng Yuan Hao twitched subtly at this shameless claim.

The token nearly slipped from Emperor Chong Sheng’s fingers. “Who told you it was one million? It’s only a little over four hundred thousand.”

This rascal dared to exaggerate!

“Oh? That little?” Shang Hang Yu looked genuinely disappointed. “But it truly is my entire fortune. If that’s insufficient, I can also offer Mother’s dowry…”

“Who asked for your Mother’s dowry?” Emperor Chong Sheng rubbed his forehead wearily. “Besides, I haven’t even agreed to give Qing Ning to you!”

Shang Hang Yu grew serious. “Then what must I do for Your Majesty to agree?”

Emperor Chong Sheng waved impatiently. “Enough. Step out for now. I must speak with Empress Dowager and Qing Ning. If Qing Ning consents, I won’t object.”

“Truly?” Shang Hang Yu eagerly knelt, knocking his forehead on the floor a few times. “With my looks and build, Princess surely won’t object.”

Delighted, he finally rose and left with Su De Yun.

Emperor Chong Sheng studied the token and asked Sheng Yuan Hao, “What do you think of Shang Hang Yu?”

“He has cleverness but lacks seriousness. He won’t achieve greatness,” Sheng Yuan Hao assessed bluntly.

The Emperor nodded slowly. “Besides his poor reputation, he does have merits. His age and appearance are suitable.”

“Youthful indiscretions can be forgiven,” Emperor Chong Sheng decided. “He can mature in time. Moreover, he once saved Qing Ning…”

He then ordered, “Summon Qing Ning into the palace.”

…

Although Sheng Zhi Wan had anticipated it, she hadn’t expected things to progress so quickly.

An attendant waited outside while she donned formal attire. The dark robes trimmed with gold subdued her radiant beauty somewhat, enhancing instead a regal grace.

Upon reaching the palace gates, another attendant guided her directly to the Empress Dowager’s Merciful Wisdom Palace.

Inside the hall, tension filled the air.

Empress Dowager looked displeased, Emperor Chong Sheng grim-faced. Sheng Zhi Wan paused slightly, overhearing their muffled argument, then calmly stepped forward.

“Imperial Father, Grandmother,” Sheng Zhi Wan greeted respectfully.

Empress Dowager’s eyes softened with sorrowful affection.

“Today I summoned you regarding Prince Lu Chuo’s proposal. Have you heard?” Emperor Chong Sheng began.

“Yes, I have heard,” Sheng Zhi Wan replied gently. The news had spread quickly; it was impossible not to know.

“How do you feel about it?” the Emperor pressed.

“I shall obey Imperial Father’s arrangement,” Sheng Zhi Wan replied with lowered eyes.

Since Emperor Chong Sheng hadn’t agreed immediately, he clearly did not intend to send her to Northern Di. Declaring either willingness or unwillingness too eagerly might arouse suspicion. Better to defer entirely to his judgment.

Satisfied, Emperor Chong Sheng nodded. “Since that’s settled, I’ve already chosen a husband for you…”

Feigning surprise, Sheng Zhi Wan looked up suddenly.

“Emperor!” Empress Dowager interrupted unhappily. “I disagree! Neither man is suitable. I will continue looking for someone more appropriate.”

“Mother, why not ask Wan’er herself?” the Emperor sighed helplessly.

Turning gently toward the seemingly bewildered Sheng Zhi Wan, he explained, “Besides Prince Lu Chuo, someone else has requested to marry you—or rather, asked me to allow him to be your husband.”

Sheng Zhi Wan’s heart fluttered slightly, but she carefully showed shock. “Someone actually wishes to marry a Princess?”

“Yes,” the Emperor affirmed.

“But my reputation is tarnished. Who would accept such a Princess?”

Empress Dowager’s eyes brimmed with tears at these words. “Who dares scorn my Wan’er? Whoever spreads gossip, I’ll punish severely!”

She deeply regretted her lack of trusted aides. If she had anyone reliable left, those gossipers would already have been found.

“Grandmother, I’m willing,” Sheng Zhi Wan reassured gently. “May I ask, Imperial Father, who is this man?”

“It’s someone you already know, who has saved you before—Second Young Master Shang Hang Yu from General Fengguo’s family,” Emperor Chong Sheng explained.

Relief filled Sheng Zhi Wan’s heart. Empress Dowager anxiously squeezed her hand, “Wan’er, if you dislike him, we can search again.”

“No need, Grandmother,” Sheng Zhi Wan comforted softly, holding her grandmother’s hand and turning earnestly to her father. “Second Young Master Shang is a good man. He’s saved me, shown loyalty and kindness. And now, despite my reputation, he still desires to marry me…”

Her eyelashes trembled slightly, eyes shadowed with a gentle bitterness. “I truly feel very fortunate.”

Raising her head, she smiled faintly at Emperor Chong Sheng.

That smile stirred something deep within Emperor Chong Sheng, recalling a similar smile from long ago, a smile from someone he had once betrayed and killed.

He swiftly averted his gaze. “Very well. If you agree, tomorrow I’ll officially issue the decree.”

Empress Dowager froze at this pronouncement, her grip tightening noticeably.

Sheng Zhi Wan squeezed gently back, silently reassuring her grandmother.

“Yes, I accept all arrangements made by Imperial Father.”

After the Emperor departed, Empress Dowager immediately embraced Sheng Zhi Wan, her tears dampening her granddaughter’s hair.

“It’s alright, Grandmother,” Sheng Zhi Wan whispered soothingly. “Second Young Master Shang is handsome and noble. He has saved me and is willing to marry me. He promised not to take concubines or engage in frivolous acts.”

“I truly am pleased,” Sheng Zhi Wan assured genuinely.

Yet, Shang Hang Yu’s poor reputation still made Empress Dowager’s heart ache with worry. She blamed herself for failing to protect Sheng Zhi Wan’s father and now his only daughter.

After finally calming Empress Dowager and dining with her, Sheng Zhi Wan left the palace. Nearing the Princess’s residence, Zhang Da spotted a familiar figure wearing city gate guard attire.

His brow knitted tightly.

Miss Liu Shang had lied to him. Heir Apparent Qi was clearly alive and well, and worse, had returned once more to disturb the Princess.