Chapter 433: Your Majesty didn’t say it wrong; she was indeed well-prepared!
The Empress’s smile vanished from her face, and her confidence was shaken. She never expected that on this joyous day, she would be pressured into marriage by the officials.
Could it be that this was her greatest fear?
The Empress sighed, “Ministers, rest assured, I have already made preparations in that regard. But these matters cannot be rushed; we must take our time.”
The Minister of Rites anxiously replied, “Your Majesty, time is of the essence! You must understand that as you grow older, the risks of pregnancy increase, and it could even be life-threatening! Therefore, we implore Your Majesty to choose a spouse quickly and bear a royal heir!”
“Please, Your Majesty, choose a spouse quickly and bear a royal heir!” echoed the officials in unison.
The Empress’s headache intensified. She responded, “I know, and I have been making preparations. Can’t that be enough?”
“Your Majesty, you’ve been saying you’re preparing, but over these years, we’ve seen you engrossed in state affairs without any visible preparations!” The Minister of Rites urgently exclaimed.
The Empress grew impatient, “Ministers, rest assured, I have already selected the Prince Consort. Isn’t that enough?”
“The Empress has already selected a Prince Consort?” The entire hall was in an uproar.
“Your Majesty, who is this person?” the Minister of Rites pressed for details.
The Empress was furious, “I’ve been open about having a Prince Consort. Why must you…”
“Your Majesty, we have to ask! You are the reigning monarch, and the fate of the entire nation rests on your shoulders alone! Therefore, the selection of the Prince Consort must be done with the utmost care!”
The Minister of Rites bowed and continued, “First, their character must be impeccable, their conduct and demeanor must be appropriate. Second, their family background must be compatible; we mustn’t burden Your Majesty. Lastly, they must be highly educated and able to assist Your Majesty. This is a matter we cannot afford to take lightly!”
The Minister of Rites respectfully implored, “So, Your Majesty, please reveal the identity of the Empress Prince Consort!”
The entire assembly of civil and military officials chimed in, “Please, Your Majesty, reveal the Empress Prince Consort!” At this moment, the Empress was both embarrassed and angry. She wished she could punish these officials severely, but doing so might lead to a political crisis.
“Ministers, rest assured, the person I’ve chosen has impeccable character, a suitable family background, and is unparalleled in knowledge. I guarantee that you won’t be disappointed!” The Empress declared loudly.
“In that case, who is this person, Your Majesty? It’s not something shameful, so why not reveal it?” The Minister of Rites grew increasingly impatient.
“Please, Your Majesty, inform us!” echoed the entire assembly of civil and military officials. The Empress glanced nervously at Lin Beifan, and a blush crept onto her cheeks. She quickly turned back, trying to act as if nothing had happened. However, that one glance did not escape the notice of the cunning officials in the room. After all, they were all sly old foxes!
People become wiser with age!
At this moment, all the officials in the court finally realized it! It turns out that Her Majesty has set her sights on Prime Minister Lin!
Upon careful consideration, everyone realized that Lin Beifan was the most suitable candidate. Firstly, he currently holds the position of Prime Minister and Supreme Commander of the Army, and he’s also the loyal and brave King at this moment, making him one of the highest-ranking individuals in Great Wu. In terms of status, he is indeed a match for the Empress. Secondly, his abilities are outstanding. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have risen through the ranks to this extent in just three short years.
Looking across the land, there is no one who can surpass him. Lastly, their ages are not too far apart, and their appearances complement each other perfectly.
Aside from some minor concerns about character, they couldn’t think of a more suitable candidate for the position of Prince Consort than Lin Beifan.
Upon closer examination, everyone suddenly realized that Her Majesty had set her sights on the Prime Minister a long time ago!
Three years ago, when Lin Beifan entered the court, he had always enjoyed the Empress’s favor, continuously receiving promotions and honors, living a life of great wealth and privilege. Whatever the Empress ate, he ate, and he could often be seen entering the palace as if he were part of the household!
Her Majesty didn’t say it wrong; she had indeed been preparing for a long time! Three years of preparation showed remarkable patience!
At this moment, Lin Beifan also understood! The Empress had indeed set her sights on him and had been planning for a full three years!
How many three years does one have in a lifetime?
Back then, she had solemnly declared, “In matters of marriage, I’ll make decisions for you…”
This was clearly a proposed marriage for him, practically appointing him as the Prince Consort without giving him any choice!
“The Empress is truly cunning,” Lin Beifan sighed in his heart.
At this moment, the entire assembly of civil and military officials fell silent. These sly old foxes exchanged glances between the Empress and Lin Beifan, their eyes revealing an unspoken understanding.
The Empress and Lin Beifan: “…”
Lin Beifan was relatively unfazed, being a man with thicker skin. But the Empress couldn’t handle it!
Faced with such a grand matchmaking scene and having her intentions exposed by this group of cunning old foxes, even Lin Beifan had seen through her thoughts. She suddenly felt uneasy, as if she were sitting on pins and needles, with everyone’s eyes on her.
There was a strong urge to escape!
“Cough… Ministers, if there’s nothing else, you may leave the court!” The Empress said awkwardly.
“Your Majesty, there is still an important matter!”
“What matter?” the Empress asked.
The Minister of Rites couldn’t help but cast a glance at Lin Beifan and said, “Your Majesty, although you’ve already chosen the Prince Consort, and indeed, the choice is very suitable, when do you plan to hold the grand wedding? This matter shouldn’t be delayed, after all, the royal family must have an heir!”
The Empress and Lin Beifan: “Cough…!”
In unison, the officials said, “Your Majesty, please hold the wedding as soon as possible and bear a royal heir!”
The Empress and Lin Beifan: “Cough…!”
The Empress became irritated. “This matter, I have my own considerations. Ministers, don’t meddle! Also, I’m not in a good mood today. You’re all fined a year’s salary! Court is dismissed!” With that, she walked away, leaving the dumbfounded officials behind.
One person had escaped, but the other couldn’t.
Then, the officials gathered around Lin Beifan, offering their congratulations. “Prime Minister, congratulations!”
“We never expected that you would unwittingly become… hehe!”
“This is undoubtedly a great honor!”
“Yes, you’ll marry the most powerful woman in the entire realm; you’ll be the envy of all men!”
“But Prime Minister, Her Majesty isn’t getting any younger, and we can’t afford any delays! So, for the sake of Great Wu, for the sake of the millions of people of Great Wu, please get married as soon as possible!”
“Yes, this matter shouldn’t be delayed! The lower officials are already looking forward to toasting the Prime Minister at the wedding! Hehe!”
Lin Beifan felt overwhelmed. He had only attended a regular court meeting, and now he had gained not only a wife but also the pressure of a wedding, all while being urged by the entire court.
He also had the urge to escape. However, at this moment, the officials surrounded him, not giving him a chance to flee.
Gossip and rumors spread easily, especially when it concerned well-known figures. Just after the court meeting had ended, rumors about the Empress and the Prime Minister had already spread throughout the city, and the common people were discussing it with great interest.
“So, the Empress had already chosen a Prince Consort, and that person is the Prime Minister?”
“They are of similar age, have compatible statuses, and exceptional abilities. Under their leadership, Great Wu has prospered and improved day by day. I fully support their marriage!”
“Absolutely agree! They are a perfect match, like a match made in heaven!”
“With them, Great Wu will enjoy stability and prosperity!”
“Especially Prime Minister Lin, I’ve always been afraid that someone with too much power would be purged by Her Majesty. But if he becomes Her Majesty’s partner, there won’t be that danger anymore! They’re all one family, and they’ll reconcile after any disagreements in bed!”
“I just want to know when they’ll hold the grand wedding!”
“I’m curious too, hehe!”
These gossip and rumors quickly reached the Lin residence, leaving the Lin family in shock.
“The Empress has set her sights on Young Master? She wants to make him the Comsort?”
During dinner, the little princess couldn’t contain her excitement as she asked, “Lin Beifan, is it true what they’re saying outside? Has the Empress really set her sights on you and wants to make you the Prince Consort?” Lin Beifan sighed and replied, “Rumors often have some basis in truth. What do you think?”
“In fact, I had already noticed a while ago,” Li Shi Shi said as she served Lin Beifan a dish, smiling. “In these past few days, I’ve observed how much attention Her Majesty has been giving you, which goes beyond a normal relationship. Although Her Majesty is the ruler of a nation, fundamentally, she is still a woman. When a woman cares so much about another man, it indicates that she’s had intentions for a while.”
“Sister Shi Shi is absolutely right! I also believe that Her Majesty has long favored Master,” Mo Rushuang added with a smile.
“That would be great! If Lin Beifan truly becomes the Prince Consort, then my sister, the Empress, and the big villain can be together forever!” The young princess cheered enthusiastically.
“You’re thinking too simplistically! Our statuses and positions are complicated. She’s the ruler, and I’m her subject. Things won’t be that simple,” Lin Beifan said, delivering a playful punch without much seriousness.
“Of course! Her Majesty is very kind, but it’s you who’s making it complicated!” The young princess pouted, feeling a little dejected.
“Husband, actually, this situation might be good,” Li Shi Shi whispered in Lin Beifan’s ear, speaking softly. “In this way, we won’t have to run around anymore. We can stay in Great Wu peacefully without leaving our hometown and go into exile.”
“Yeah!” Lin Beifan suddenly realized that it might not be a bad idea.
If he became the Empress’s partner, even if things were exposed in the future, she would probably forgive him, right?
Lin Beifan touched his own handsome face. With this exquisite appearance, if he used his charm, he should be able to captivate her, right?
Lin Beifan nodded confidently.
Hmm, it should work!
