Chapter 829 - 755: Political Marriage (2)

Chapter 829: Chapter 755: Political Marriage (2)

But the East Tang envoy indicated that the alliance between the two countries would naturally prevent warfare and promote better development. Such a win-win situation, we ask the Emperor of Nanxia to fulfill.

They will stay in Nanxia City for a month, giving the Emperor ample time to consider.

The Emperor did not reply immediately, clearly contemplating.

After the banquet ended, the Emperor thought of the Seventeenth Princess. She was his only princess now; should he really marry her off to such a distant place like East Tang?

The Seventeenth Princess was delicate and pampered, a gold branch and jade leaf.

Better to discuss it after tomorrow’s early court session!

The next day at the early court session, the Emperor asked the ministers to debate.

The opinions among the ministers were divided on the matter.

Some felt that since East Tang proactively sought friendship, it could prevent war between the two countries. Historically, when countries establish diplomatic relations, it begins with royal marriage alliances. Although it means marrying off a princess, it is still a worthy tale.

Others felt that Nanxia was now powerful and not inferior to East Tang. Marrying off a princess means being the weaker side. Why should East Tang ask to marry a Nanxia princess? Can’t our Imperial Grandson seek to marry a princess from the East Tang Imperial Family? If East Tang is sincere in fostering goodwill, they should send a princess here to marry!

The two sides argued passionately.

The Emperor felt annoyed and looked around, noticing that some ministers were not involved, merely observing on the side. He squinted and said, "Mr. Zhao, what is your opinion?"

The questioned Grand Tutor Zhao stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said, "Your Majesty, this issue requires no dispute!"

The Emperor said, "Oh?"

Grand Tutor Zhao chuckled and said, "The reason Your Majesty hesitates and asks the ministers to debate is because of Your Majesty being a father and not wanting to see his daughter marry far away! But if Your Majesty considers, near and far are more about one’s mindset. Village folk think crossing to another town is far; in the city, crossing a prefecture is far; but Mr. Gu’s daughter, married to the son of a great scholar in Yunzhou, feels that a friend exists across the world, and that the earth’s ends are neighbors! The son of the Left Minister married the granddaughter of retired Chief Minister Yuan from Liangzhou. Chief Minister Yuan even once jested, ’When love is mutual, another’s land becomes one’s home!’"

The Emperor glared at him and said, "So you’re saying, marrying my daughter to East Tang isn’t far? After all, it’s a marriage between nations?"

"Your Majesty is wise!" Grand Tutor Zhao stroked his beard and laughed, saying, "I’ve heard the Third Prince of East Tang has a gentle nature, is like a noble gentleman, upright and capable, intelligent, renowned for talents, a perfect match for the Seventeenth Princess! If the Seventeenth Princess can marry such a gentleman, why be constrained by where he originates?"

The Emperor said, "You’ve said it all; if I don’t agree, are you going to call me a foolish emperor?"

Grand Tutor Zhao bowed in salute and said, "Your Majesty, you honor this humble servant too much!"

Though he pleaded guilty, his demeanor was relaxed.

Of course, the Emperor was not complaining to him.

In fact, when the East Tang envoy presented the national letter seeking marriage, he already had a plan in mind. As Grand Tutor Zhao mentioned, as the Emperor, he would act accordingly, but as a father, he hesitates.

The arguments previously were intense, but after the Emperor questioned Grand Tutor Zhao, whose casual remarks laid it all out, those ministers who felt royal marriage would tarnish Nanxia’s dignity knew further debate would be futile and might irritate the Emperor. So, they wisely kept silent.

After court was dismissed, the Emperor returned to Longyu Hall, where several princes were present.

Before the court debate, the Emperor had already instructed Eunuch Feng to notify the princes to attend at Longyu Hall.

The Emperor walked into the hall, and the princes knelt in salute!

The Emperor waved his hand, "Rise!"

The princes thanked and stood up.

The Emperor walked to the desk, turned to face them, and scanned his gaze over them, saying, "You all know about East Tang’s envoy seeking marriage with the Nanxia Princess, right?"

The princes naturally knew, but though it was also a family matter, it was a national concern to be decided by the Emperor.

The Emperor continued, "I’ve decided to agree to the alliance, allowing your Seventeenth Sister to marry into East Tang!"

Prince Lu said, "Father is wise; Seventeenth Sister marries afar, as her elder brother, I will certainly prepare a generous gift to complement her wedding!"

Prince Xin said, "Father, I believe East Tang intends to take advantage of our Nanxia."

"How so?" The Emperor gestured with a hand, signaling them to speak freely.

Prince Xin displayed a hint of pride and said, "We marry off a princess to East Tang; they ought to marry off a princess to us as well. Only then is it reciprocal! It’s an equal exchange!"

"Absurd!" Prince Cheng snorted coldly and said, "So, in your eyes, the Seventeenth Sister’s marriage is merely a transaction?"