Chapter 110 - What To Do if You’re the Villain and the Heroine Likes You

Meng Qingqian, who was reading documents in Changhe Palace, immediately rose and hurried to Fenghua Palace upon hearing of the Empress Dowager’s sudden change in situation. Meng Qingqian knew her mother was impulsive and liked to rely on intuition in her actions. Fortunately, she currently had no real power. Unfortunately, her own marriage was still in her mother’s hands. Disdaining the boring men, Meng Qingqian devoted herself to Buddhism and neglected worldly affairs. This way, she would not let her mother ruin her future in a fit of impulse. If her mother made any promises, Meng Qingqian could still mediate. If she stood her ground and did not care about the royal family's reputation, no one could force her. However, going back on one’s word would not only disgrace the Empress Dowager but also the Meng royal family, making them unworthy in the eyes of the people. It was indeed the worst choice. After hurrying to Fenghua Palace, Meng Qingqian found the situation was completely different from what she had anticipated. Everyone, except for the Minister of Works, Yang Xingguang, was chatting and laughing. He Yuanhao said, "Is Li Gongqin also studying at Lujiao Academy?" Li Gongqin waved his hand, "It's better not to mention it, Lord He. But I often hear Li Jin talking about He Yunxiao's matters." He Yuanhao said, "It's a relief if he doesn’t cause trouble." Huang Qinghe said indignantly, "Humph. Not only does he not cause trouble, he's even favored by the teacher." Li Gongqin laughed, "Li Jin said that He Yunxiao is quite talented in his studies." He Yuanhao had never heard anyone praise He Yunxiao before in his life, yet today, the minister praised him. He smiled brightly and said, "I thought this brat went to study just to pursue Miss Fan’s hand. Who would have thought that he would also put some effort into his studies?" Upon hearing the name "He Yunxiao," a hint of anger flashed across Meng Qingqian's usually cold and aloof face. She clenched her fists and took a few deep breaths before returning to normal. She then stepped into the hall. "Your child pays respect to the Empress Dowager." The Empress Dowager smiled when she saw her daughter, "Rise quickly." After that, the courtiers greeted the Crown Princess slightly, as it was not necessary for a grand ceremony in the Empress Dowager's sleeping quarters. Meng Qingqian sensed that something was amiss, especially when He Yuanhao seemed joyful and Yang Xingguang was silent. She roughly guessed the situation. Approaching the Empress Dowager, she whispered, "Mother, what have you agreed to again?" The Empress Dowager frowned and said, "Qingqian, you should refrain from meddling in state affairs and not agree casually. I haven’t agreed to anything." Meng Qingqian didn't believe her at all. If you didn't agree, how could the situation be like this? "Mother, tell me about what just happened." The Empress Dowager explained, “Just now, Li Gongqin and others came to visit me.” Meng Qingqian nodded, unsurprised by this. The Empress Dowager continued, "Then, Marquis Wuqing arrived. When he came, he began quarreling with Lord Huang over a gift list. After some arguing, Marquis Wuqing presented a wedding gift list to marry Nan Zhu. Following this, he and Lord Huang argued again, with Lord Huang even insulting Yunxiao." Upon hearing this, Meng Qingqian thought to herself: Only you think He Yunxiao is good. The Empress Dowager further explained, “I intended to marry Nan Zhu to He Yunxiao, but they all had misgivings. Under these circumstances, I decided not to marry Nan Zhu off.” Meng Qingqian was taken aback. Mother thought it over and decided to marry me off, and directly asked the Marquis's mansion to increase the betrothal gifts. The Marquis's mansion really agreed without a word? Although Meng Qingqian was aware of her mother's personality, she was the Crown Princess responsible for state affairs in Qizhou. How could such an important event be handled so hastily? The Empress Dowager continued, “I wanted to give you to Marquis Wuqing, but Minister Yang and Lord Huang disagreed. Lord Lu Liang initially refused, but later, upon hearing that Marquis Wuqing was willing to restrain the border in exchange for you, he agreed to your marriage to the Marquis’s mansion.” Meng Qingqian frowned upon hearing this. Why would Lord Luliang agree? He had just joined my faction and needed to achieve something significant. How could he agree to let me leave state affairs? He shouldn't have agreed. The Empress Dowager added, “After that, Yang Xingguang used the influence of the Yang family of Hexi to pressure Marquis Wuqing to give up on the marriage proposal.” Meng Qingqian nodded. She knew what the Yang family of Hexi was up to. Having understood that, she secretly sighed: I am aware but am not a member of the Yang family. I have no intention of sacrificing myself for the Yang family. The Empress Dowager then said, “Later, something interesting happened. Marquis Wuqing pretended that a military token had fallen, then he showed off the token in front of everyone. It was as if he was raiding the Yang family with a sword.” Upon hearing He Yuanhao's actions, Meng Qingqian immediately thought of He Yunxiao. It seems that father and son both act quite recklessly and unconventionally. She pondered, "I wonder what hidden tricks are in the novel he deliberately concealed. I really need to take a good look at it tonight." The Empress Dowager sighed, “Qingqian, it’s a pity that your fortune is thin. Marquis Wuqing scared Minister Yang with the military token and ridiculed him before planning to propose to Nan Zhu again.” Meng Qingqian thought to herself: The Marquis used me as a cover to scare off the ministers, then he plans to go back to marrying Nan Zhu. In this way, no one will oppose, and they might even appreciate the Marquis for stepping back for Qizhou. I wonder if he actually came for Nan Zhu from the beginning. Meng Qingqian asked, "Did you agree to him?" The Empress Dowager replied, "I accepted his betrothal gifts, but I haven't agreed. I thought of asking for your opinion. Since you’re here now, what do you think about this marriage?" Meng Qingqian said, “Mother, if you already have a plan, why ask me?” The Empress Dowager was annoyed, “I was planning to send you away. If you were not so busy, marrying He Yunxiao is an excellent match, and naturally, I would have wholeheartedly helped you win it.” Meng Qingqian thought to herself: Marrying He Yunxiao is considered a good match? Would I be toyed with by his handkerchief every day? Remembering He Yunxiao's deep affection for Nan Zhu that day and the promise she made to him not to hinder him and Nan Zhu, she said, “Mother, please agree. This way, it can also fulfill their wish.”