Forced to Marry the Enemy Prince

Everyday, it was either to do something or to get a reward. Not even feeling ashamed to ask them in broad daylight. Xian Sheng glanced at him. Zhan Zhen stretched out his hand and was lightly patted off by him. After several times, Zhan Zhen became honest.

Empress Xin personally tied the waistband on Emperor Jin, her eyes fell on his indifferent and majestic face, and her brows frowned slightly: “No matter what, Prince Shang is Xian Sheng’s brother. If you make a fuss, how can the young couple face each other.”

“In the end, the most I can do is give a beating, Besides, don’t you like Xian Sheng?”

“The Crown prince likes him (ah).” Empress Xin helped him smooth his clothes, and said, “Don’t you still expect her to give Zhan Zhen a son and a daughter?”

“understood.”

She doesn’t know if it was real or not, but he looked so indifferent, Empress Xin couldn’t say anything more, and could only pray that Xian Shang wouldn’t find himself with bad luck today.

If he dares to mention the termination of the marriage contract, he is afraid that he won’t be able to bear the consequences. 1

If he (XS) is gone, Zhan zhen’s hard-won effort to bring a wife will go to waste. 

“The emperor has arrived, the empress has arrived -—”

The original lively banquet room suddenly became quiet, and both Jin and Liang got up one after another. Emperor Jin also had a background in martial arts. He walked calmly and vigorously, and his expression didn’t show any anger but it looked threatening. Xian Sheng vaguely feels that he is looking for trouble, and cannot help but glance towards Xian Shang.

The two took the lead, and everyone paid respect to them: “Your majesty, Empress!”

“All of you need not be polite.” The emperor of Jin raised his hand and let everyone sit down. His gaze fell on Xian Shang with a slightly cold look . The latter gently lifted his robe and sat down, aware of his hidden intention to pick on him and could not help but be respectful.

Empress Xin suddenly leaned into his ear: “Did the ancestors of the South Liang imperial family incharge of the reincarnation? How can the Xian family look so good?”

Emperor Jin was still thinking about other things. When he heard it, he couldn’t help but glance twice at Xian Shang’s face, and after a slight pause, the empress said again: “But it’s okay, we have Zhan Zhen, which is not bad by comparison.”

“…that’s because you gave birth to Zhan Zhen, and the others look like crooked melons and split dates.” 2

Queen Xin’s heart is quite beautiful, but still said evenhandedly: “other children are not bad, you can not expect to give birth to a litter of small immortals.”

“How can people have a litter of little immortals?”

The emperor Jin’s mind was distorted by her and a little unbalanced, the empress who saw the situation promptly said: “Do not forget that Xian sheng is now with Zhan Zhen, look at her appearance, and her ancestors are in charge of reincarnation, won’t she give Zhan Zhen a litter of small immortals?”

Emperor Jin pondered it again, his eyes fell on Xian Sheng’s face. The child was also sitting upright secretly looking nervous.

After thinking about it, Xian Sheng obviously felt that the atmosphere had changed. Emperor Jin greeted Xian Shang gently: ” Prince Shang has worked hard this time.”

Although it was just pleasantries, Xian Shang also did not dare to relax and answered quite cautiously.  Xian Sheng listened patiently. His brother was gentle and polite.

He put his heart down a little.

As a result, Emperor Jin suddenly changed his mind and his eyes fell on Zhan Zhen and said jokingly: “Oh, my son is wearing a court dress today. Is the sun rising from the west?”

The question was really abrupt, Tang Li’s heart was slightly drumming, did Jin Emperor treat today as a family banquet?

Zhan Zhen said frankly: “Today I wore court clothes to show respect for the delegation,, not to mention that since this son3 married Princess of  South Liang, he has to show his attitude so that the princess’s family can rest assured.”

People from Jin have their own way of phrasing things,, but for an instant he was listed as “his own family” by the enemy, this made Xian Shang suspicious. He looked at Xian Sheng, the latter gently shook his head and gave him a reassuring look..

“Well done, you’ve grown up and know how to be considerate …… even the sabre is removed.” Emperor Jin turned to Xian Shang again, and said in a harmonious manner, “Prince Shang has no idea, this kid can’t even part with his precious weapon in front of me, this is the first time.”

Xian Sheng also knew that he was clearing the way for Zhan Zhen, not only to win South Liang’s favor, but also to avoid Jin people from thinking too much. After all, Zhan Zhen usually does not take off his sabre when he sees his father, but today he did so for Xian Sheng, which in the eyes of those who are interested, may cause suspicion.

But what he said casually is enough to show that their royal father is kind and filial, Zhan Zhen is still favored, and it also shows that he is not a narrow-minded person.

But when he came in, he was obviously prepared to be held accountable. Why did he suddenly seem to have changed his mind and be so gracious??

Xian Shang hurriedly said: “It’s a great blessing for sheng’er to be so loved by his highness. Recently, I heard that you authorized sheng’er to ride (the carriage) in the palace. It’s really flattering. Xian Shang thanked Your Majesty on behalf of sheng’er.” 4

“It’s nothing” Emperor Jin waved his hand and said: “I’ve heard that Xian Sheng is the apple of your father’s eye. The delicate eldest princess is alone in the Great Jin, more care should be taken, not to mention that she is beautiful and intelligent, being able to marry her is also Zhan Zhen’s blessing

Before coming, Xian Shang had really never expected Emperor Jin to be able to speak in such a way. He wondered whether Zhan Zhen’s ability to talk had been learned from his father.

“Your Majesty has praised excessively.”

“This is not a false praise. Now in the capital, who doesn’t know that the crown princess is the number one beauty in the world. The Crown Prince only saw her once but couldn’t stop thinking about her and almost fell ill with lovesickness. He couldn’t wait for her to enter the capital and hurriedly marry her.  They love each other very much.”

His smiling words were homely, but Xian Shang had a solemn expression. This incident was obviously a violation of the marriage contract by Great Jin and they did not put Xian Sheng and South Liang in their eyes. Now according to what he said, it was because the prince was deeply affectionate and didn’t understand the terms.

But to think about it on a different level, did the Emperor Jin change his method to suppress South Liang? Although they deliberately broke the contract, we (Liang) still have to hold back. If they (Liang) really hold back, South Liang will really lose face.

Xian Sheng held his breath.

Xian Shang replied calmly, neither humble nor overbearing: “It is indeed a good story to put aside righteousness for the family and the country.”

This is a double entendre, simply put, when it comes to love, we are in-laws, when it comes to country, we are still enemies. South Liang acknowledges the marriage, but is barred from the rights to pursue responsibility. Whether to pursue or not depends on the great Jin’s attitude. Emperor Jin stroked the fingers on his hand and squinted slightly.

The prince of South Liang is proud and unyielding.

Xian Shang made his attitude clear, but he also knew that fighting at this time would not be beneficial, so he said a little bit softer: “Sheng’er married far away and is being favored by the Crown Prince. Your majesty’s blessing is really ‘her’5 good fortune. I believe that my father and mother can be at ease this time.”

This can be regarded as a step up, showing South Liang’s attitude and accepting Great Jin’s statement for the breach of contract. But South Liang’s attitude is still based on the condition that Great jin will always favor the princess like this——

Since you care so much about my sister, what else can be done, but to reluctantly agree to it.

Separating family from the country is considered to be in line with the Jin emperor’s statement, but also retains the dignity of south Liang.

Smart and beautiful, this Xian family is really blessed by the heavens. If Xian Sheng doesn’t give birth to a son and with half the quality of this royal family (Liang royal family), it would be a big loss.

Emperor Jin laughed: “Okay! Come and play music!”

With joy, a team of dancers rushed in.

At this point, the banquet officially began.

Xian Shang sat firmly; his clothes drenched in cold sweat. He raised his eyes and saw Xian Sheng smiling at him, his eyes bright.

The two raised their glasses in greeting.

Zhan Zhen also drank a sip of wine. Xian Sheng turned to look at him. Seeing his expression as usual, he couldn’t help but say: ” In front of so many people Your father said that you were so eager6, why are you so indifferent?”

“I was eager, and I did what I did, why should I be afraid about what other people say ?”

“Shameless.” Xian Sheng mocked him, pouring him wine, and said: “drink less today, okay?”

Zhan Zhen looked at him, and said: “Your brother wanted to take you home through the loophole7, but now it doesn’t seem to be working.”

Xian Sheng hadn’t noticed that all their words and deeds in the residence must be under the control of Emperor Jin. He came in early, obviously intending to notify his brother of this incident, but suddenly he changed his mind somehow.

“I said that I won’t go home.” Xian Sheng said softly, “I’m relying on you now.”

If it weren’t for saving his face in front of the Liang people, Zhan Zhen would have directly pressed him into his arms and chewed him up.

He licked his lips and could only kiss him secretly when no one was looking.

On the stage8, the queen was speaking to Emperor Jin in a low voice: “Look at Xian sheng, that crown and clothes are cleverly matched, I can’t find anything wrong.”

Emperor Jin looked at it for a while, “…are South Liang’s clothes more beautiful than our country?”

“It is also a little low profile.” The queen glanced at the subtle embroidery patterns on Xian Shang’s dress, and then at the golden dragon on Zhan Zhen’s clothes. “We need to be more pompous. We’ll make a new set for Zhen’er another day and change the pattern at the top.”

“You can arrange it.”

“Isn’t it better that way?” said the queen: “I think Zhan Zhen will look even better.”

Xian Sheng asked Zhan Zhen in a low voice, “What is your father and mother muttering about, why are they looking at you and my brother?”

“Deciding who looks better between us.” Zhan Zhen lifted his chin and glanced at him: “Do you think that I look better than your brother?”

“My brother and my husband are both unique and cannot be compared.”

The banquet was a lively affair, exchanging cups and glasses.

Emperor Jin came late, but left early, and gave Zhan Zhen the stage.

Empress Xin accompanied him, watching how drunk he looked after a few drinks, and said: “Why is your drinking capacity not even compared to that of a child.”

“I’m old.” Emperor Jin waved his hand and said: “Qi Sile is treating Xian Sheng, how is it going now?”

“How can it be so fast? Probably will take at least one or two years.”

“One or two years… it’s too long, I can’t wait to hold the immortal grandson of mine”

 “It’s not urgent. You say, her health is so poor and it is difficult to conceive. After returning to the house today, she will have to rest for ten days. Zhan Zhen can only get dozens of times a year. How can she get pregnant?”

Emperor Jin was a little uncomfortable: “Why don’t you tell Zhan Zhen to be lighter, so you can get a few more times? This Xian Sheng is rare, beautiful and smart… It’s a pity if she leaves early9..”

“This, I don’t know any better than you.” The queen thought, “By the way, there have been droughts in the north in the past two years. I promised to pray for blessings before the summer solstice in the third month every year. Although there was no success last year, you have to do it at least for  three-year to be sincere. Don’t forget that this month is about to pass.”

“The Ministry of Rites is preparing.”

“Are you going to go personally, or is it someone else?”

“Do you have a suitable candidate?”

“Xian Sheng.” The queen suggested, “You said she looked like God’s own daughter. If he sees her, he has to give some face. During this time, I’ll take her to the temple to worship and also ask Goddess Guanyin10 to grant ‘her’ a son. Also to get her familiar with all the immortals. Then not only can they solve the problem of drought, and they will send a small immortal down to earth, then you can have grandchildren too “

Emperor Jin pondered for a moment and hesitantly said, “Then let’s give it a try?”

“Yes, let’s give it a try.” said the queen: “This beauty trick has worked everywhere since ancient times.”

Xian Sheng sneezed.

“It’s raining.” As soon as he left the banquet room, Zhan Zhen put his big cloak on him, looked at the fine rain, and said: “Let’s go back first, the rain will get heavier later.”

Eunuch Liao was ordered by the emperor and brought umbrellas to everyone. Everyone left. Xian Sheng nodded to Zhan Zhen, and the latter turned to Xian Shang and said, “Then I will take her home first. This weather, I’m afraid she will get wind chills.”

“Thank you, Your Royal Highness.”

“If the weather is good tomorrow, brother can come to the mansion and let Sheng’er be the host.”

He is now more and more good at talking, Xian Shang nodded: “Noted, go back quickly.”

Xian Sheng saluted, and Zhan Zhen hugged him into the carriage. The guy got lazy again and went inside the carriage too. 11

Tang Li retracted his gaze and said, “Look, my subordinate said, someone like the princess will be pampered wherever she goes.”

The eunuch handed the umbrella, he stretched out his hand to take it, bowed to thank them, and walked into the rain with the Xian Shang.

Xian Shang sighed leisurely: “These people from the Jin country, from top to bottom, make people puzzled.”

On this spring day, it rained lightly, and when the wind blew, it was really cold.

Xian Sheng returned home and sneezed again. Zhan Zhen immediately picked him from the carriage and walked into the house quickly under an umbrella, saying, “It’s not that cold anymore? Why are you so delicate?”

He complained, but his hands were not ambiguous, directly putting the person next to the heater, sticking his hand against his forehead, looking at his pale face, he asked: “Dizzy?”

“Not dizzy.”

“No fever.”

“Okay”

“I wanted to take you out for fun. There are so many people coming and going at the banquet. I guess you didn’t eat well.” Zhan Zhen said, while rubbing his hand that had not warmed up even in spring, he blew hot breaths into his hand and said: “day by day, I know it’s disappointing.”

“How can you say that, do you think I want to be sick?” Xian Sheng was upset, and Zhan Zhen warmed his hands for a while, then hugged him to the bed, wrapped him with the quilt: “Don’t want to quarrel with you, keep warm.”

“The quilt is cool, it takes a long time to warm.”

Zhan Zhen asked people to bring the hand stove and hold it for him. Xian Sheng looked at him and said, “My feet are also cold.”

Zhan Zhen glanced at him: “You’re not expecting me to tuck your feet into my arms like a story in a novel, right?”

“…” Xian Sheng said, “Who cares about you? The stove is useless even if you rub on it for a long time.”

Zhan Zhen raised his eyebrows, suddenly rolled over and pounced, the ruffian said: “What, want me to put a piece of fire core inside your body, eh?” 

 

 

1

Can’t eat and walk around [chī bu liǎo dōu zhe zǒu]get more than one bargained for ;   bear all the consequences ;   find oneself in serious trouble ;   land oneself in serious trouble

2

Crooked melon cracked date, a Chinese idiom, pinyin is wāi guā liè zǎo, which means an ugly person or thing. From Yin Qian “Yin Qian’s Essay Collection”

3

here Zhan Zhen says “Erchen – a first person pronoun employed by a male sovereign when speaking to an empress mother, queen mother, empress dowager, queen dowager, or the like

4

except for the emperor and the empress, no one is allowed to take a carriage inside the palace grounds

5

here Xian Shang says 他 meaning his. But since 她 （her） and 他 (him) is pronounced the same as “ta”, no one can tell the difference when speaking in Chinese. This is the same concept in the entire story since this is a gender bender but also a Chinese one, there is no issue with the gender while talking

6

to marry him 

7

because they broke the terms in the marriage contract

8

a higher platform where the monarch sits

9

(die)

10

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guanyin

11

note – the Emperor only allowed XS to ride the carriage, not ZZ. ZZ is supposed to walk inside the palace grounds