Jing Xuan threw herself at her mother. “Imperial Mother, Xuan’er is pleading you not to make Big Sister Kong’er replace me. I beseech you, please say some words to Imperial Father about it.” Her tears were rolling down like a broken dam from all the guilt she felt.
Concubine Xiao’s hands shook and her hand holding the teacup tightly gripped on it until the joints turn white. Because Jing Xuan pounced on her, it accidentally made her splashed some tea on the back of her hand and burnt herself. After quickly putting down the teacup, she touched Jing Xuan’s face. “Xuan’er, I know are sad inside, but don’t tell me you want to go to Qujiang to marry?”
“Of course not, but if Big Sister Kong’er has to marry in my stead, I am also unwilling.”
“This matter is already decided.”
“But the edict hasn’t been issued yet. We still have time. Imperial Mother, please help me. I beg you. Tell Imperial Father not to make Big Sister Kong’er marry to Qujiang.”
Concubine Xiao sighed. Her expression was slightly sour. She took Jing Xuan’s hand and said, “Xuan’er, Your imperial father already bestowed her the title of princess. It’s the same thing as issuing the marriage decree. Even if I go to your imperial father now, it will be all in vain. Behave now, don’t cause trouble.”
Jing Xuan strongly shook her head. “No way! I didn’t want to trap Big Sister and wrong her. She treats me so well. I can’t watch her take my place to marry without doing anything.”
“Why can’t you understand? This is your imperial father’s idea. I only proposed a few candidates. Besides, Kong Yu is not young anymore. Her marriage to Qujiang is a blessing for the Kong family. She also didn’t go against it. Is there still a need for you to speak for her?”
“It’s not like that. She is not willing. She loves Imperial Brother Jing Rong. You also know that.”
‘I know and so does the whole palace.’ Before, everyone believed that the position of Prince Rong’s consort would fall into Kong Yu.
Concubine Xiao pretended to be caught in a difficult situation. “Foolish child. Your imperial brother will not marry her. If he wanted her, he would have married her long ago. Perhaps Kong Yu knew about it, that’s why she didn’t refuse her marriage this time.”
“That can’t be. He’s so good to Big Sister Kong’er, so he must like her.” Jing Xuan was firm in her answer. They were childhood sweethearts that grew up together. Jing Rong was very good to Kong Yu, so he must like her. It must be like that, it couldn’t be anything else. She spoke once again to her mother, showing a painful expression while holding her mother’s hands. “Imperial Mother, please, I beg you. Say something to Imperial Father.”
“I already said that this matter is closed. I have no other way. Tomorrow night, a banquet will be organised with the presence of those people from Qujiang. At that time, your imperial father will officially make the announcement about Kong Yu’s status as a princess and her marriage. Everything is already settled.” Concubine Xiao was unyielding.