Chapter 865: Chapter 17: Useless Crown Princess Consort
"Second Prince, why do you need to personally go to greet her? Iâve heard that this Princess is just a coarse woman who grew up in the countryside," a guard of Dugu Qian, the Second Prince of Hou Qin, voiced his discontent.
The birth mother of the Eldest Prince of Hou Qin was merely a lowly palace maid and couldnât inherit the rightful throne.
If it hadnât been for Du Xiu seizing the position of Crown Prince, Dugu Qian would undoubtedly be the future Emperor of Hou Qin, but the Third Prince Du Xiu rose to prominence and usurped the throne.
Now, heâs going to marry a low-class woman from the commoners, and the Second Prince even has to use grand ceremonies to welcome her. In the eyes of these guards, itâs clearly a rebellious act.
Moreover, according to reports from the Crown Princeâs informants, this "Fake Princess" is coarse in behavior and violent in nature, supposedly causing the Crown Prince Dugu to be infuriated multiple times along the way.
How could such a woman become the future Empress of Hou Qin?
"What do you know? I, the Prince, personally want to probe and see what kind of woman my dear brother has chosen," Dugu Qian already saw a distant welcoming procession onshore.
At the forefront of the procession, Du Xiu stood proudly.
"Your Highness the Crown Prince, I, Dugu Qian, have been sent to greet," Second Prince Dugu Qian stepped ashore and respectfully saluted Du Xiu.
"Weâre all family, no need for such formalities, Second Brother," Du Xiu nodded.
Dugu Qianâs gaze moved to the Phoenix Carriage behind Du Xiu.
Noticing Dugu Qianâs gaze, Du Xiuâs lips curled slightly, with a hint of calculation, knowing full well Dugu Qianâs intentions.
Dugu Qian likely had heard rumors and wanted to probe what kind of woman this future "Crown Princess Consort" truly was.
"Your Highness the Crown Prince, I have heard that the Eastern Capital nurtures extraordinary beauties born of its rich soil. I wonder if today I have the honor to witness the face of the Crown Princess Consort," Dugu Qian courteously.
"Second Brother flatters me. Since you wish to see, Shengâer, come down," Du Xiu approached the Phoenix Carriage and extended his hand.
His words were softer than ever, causing Dugu Qian to pause.
There was no movement from the Phoenix Carriage, leaving Du Xiuâs hand raised awkwardly.
Dugu Qianâs eyes gleamed with a cold smile.
Du Xiu was indeed somewhat angry, secretly cursing that this woman truly treated his words like the wind by her ear.
Just as Du Xiu was about to withdraw his hand, a delicate hand extended from the Phoenix Carriage and placed itself on his, revealing a woman.
The woman was dressed in a burgundy palace dress, her skin was jade-like and translucent, her demeanor graceful, and her eyes were intoxicating.
The woman was young, around fourteen or fifteen years old â the perfect age for a girl transitioning into womanhood, exuding a distinctive aura.
Is this the legendary "Second Princess Donghuang?"
Dugu Qian was unsure whether to be disappointed or amazed; Donghuang Shengâs appearance and demeanor were completely different from what he had heard.
Du Xiuâs eyes held only amazement.
He hadnât expected Yun Shengâs demeanor was just like that of a proper Royal Princess.
Donghuang Lingling gave Yun Sheng a proud gesture of approval.
Though Yun Sheng was displeased with Du Xiu, she understood that this trip to Hou Qin was very important. As the Crown Princess Consort representing the Eastern Capital, any misstep would implicate the Eastern Capital.
Before she could break the Soul Dreaming, she had to maintain peace with Du Xiu.
Du Xiu was very pleased with Yun Shengâs performance, but when he turned and saw the look of awe on Second Prince Dugu Qianâs face, he felt a pang of displeasure.
He already regretted agreeing to let Dugu Qian see Yun Sheng.
Du Xiu coughed in annoyance, prompting Dugu Qian to avert his gaze.
Such is Du Xiuâs luck, somehow he ended up with a stunning counterfeit.
Dugu Qianâs manor housed beauties from various nations, but none compared to a beauty like "Donghuang Sheng."
However, admiration aside, Dugu Qian hadnât forgotten the purpose of his visit.
"Crown Princess Consort, you must be tired from the trip. Please, both Your Highness and the Crown Princess Consort, come aboard; refreshments and tea are prepared," Dugu Qian offered as he escorted them aboard.
No matter how comfortable the carriage, the travel is exhausting, and Yun Shengâs Magic Soul was sealed, even meditation was difficult. After the lengthy journey, she was indeed feeling sore.
After several sips of tea, Dugu Qian began conversing with them.
Unlike Du Xiuâs cold brevity, Second Prince Dugu Qian was adept at conversation, inquiring about the Crown Prince and Princess Consortâs journey while introducing the scenic beauty along the Ao River.
Yun Sheng listened with interest.
Mid-discussion, Dugu Qian abruptly asked, "Princess Consort, Iâve heard you were once a common-born?"
Before Yun Sheng could speak, Du Xiu quickly interjected, "Shengâer had a difficult fate, adopted by foster parents since childhood, but a few years ago they also passed away."
Du Xiu had already verified these details with Yun Sheng, to prevent Dugu Qian and other Hou Qin factions from exploiting Yun Shengâs background.
Yun Sheng picked up a snack and ate it deliciously, knowing that Du Xiu would shield her, having already recognized Dugu Qianâs type just like the Second Prince of Tang Yuan - a typical wolf in sheepâs clothing.
"I observe that the Crown Princess Consort doesnât seem knowledgeable about martial arts," Dugu Qian, however, remained persistent.
Dugu Qian saw Yun Shengâs delicate appearance, noting her soft joints, suggesting she hadnât learned martial arts.
In Hou Qin, a nation that revered martial prowess, it would be disgraceful for a Crown Princess Consort to lack martial skills.
"Shengâer doesnât need to know martial arts. I, the Crown Prince, donât like women wielding swords," seemingly recognizing the sarcasm in Dugu Qianâs words, Du Xiu swiftly countered.
"Then where did the Crown Princess Consort study magic?" Dugu Qian remembered that the Eldest Princess Donghuang Lingling supposedly studied at Mainland Magic Elite Camp.
If not martial arts, surely magic was studied.
"Studied for a few years in childhood, but canât use it now," Yun Sheng pointedly glared at Du Xiu.
"Shengâer fell gravely ill earlier, her Magic Soul affected, so she canât currently use magic," Du Xiu found Yun Shengâs irritated glance amusing, leisurely explaining.
Dugu Qian was taken aback.
Du Xiu had skimped on details, even playing the dutiful son to his father, not realizing that this time he foolishly married a Crown Princess Consort who canât perform martial arts or use magic.
A woman like this, though stunning in appearance, was otherwise worthless.
The Emperor Dugu Sheng of Hou Qin might erupt in rage upon meeting her.
Dugu Qian revealed a disdainful expression.
~Actually, I wonder, can everyone see when I reply to the messages daily?~