novelden Chapter 140 Chen felt—not so good
Chapter 140 Chen felt—not so good
As the Japanese officer finished speaking, everyone's attention at the banquet was drawn to him.
Xue Wen looked worried, but Ling Huanan took his hand and patted it, indicating that he didn't need to worry. Then she glanced up at Feng Han and Xiao Junhou, whose faces were pale.
Upon hearing the Empress Dowager's words, Lin Shu calmly moved the fruit wine that Feng Yu had secretly drunk further away before rising and walking into the hall: "Your subject Lin Shu greets the Empress Dowager."
"Raise your head!" The Japanese officer looked at Lin Shu not far away, his tone carrying a hint of superiority.
Lin Shu looked up as instructed, and a pretty face with an expressionless face and indifferent eyes came into view.
The Japanese officer was startled by what he saw, then subtly glanced at Ling Huanan, thinking to himself: It's so similar! Although Rui'er had mentioned it before, it was nothing compared to the shock of seeing it with my own eyes.
However, being a long-time ruler, he quickly composed himself: "You are indeed quite beautiful, no wonder Feng Yu is so determined to marry you..."
Upon closer listening, the old lady's tone carried a hint of disdain, clearly because Ling Huanan had disrespected him earlier, and she wanted to take her anger out on Lin Shu.
However, his words secretly offended many people, who not only said that Lin Shu relied on her looks to climb the social ladder, but also implicated the Seventh Prince Feng Yu, who was shameless and eager to marry...
Regardless of the truth, it has ultimately been a disgrace to the Queen!
Therefore, Feng Han's expression at this moment could be described as ashen.
However, the Japanese officer was unaware of this. Suddenly, he looked at Ling Huanan, changed the subject, and said:
"Rui'er can be considered your father, and his nephew Chu Jiang is your cousin. Today, I will bestow your cousin upon you in marriage, so that he may become your concubine. This will strengthen our family ties!"
These words not only drew sympathetic glances from the officials present, but even Feng Rui seemed somewhat bewildered, thinking to himself:
[Didn't we agree with Father to choose General Ji Wan of Andong? The Eldest Princess Feng Xin wants the support of General Ji Wan and the Grand Tutor's mansion, so why did Father choose Lin Shu?]
Although Chu Jiang, who was standing next to him, was also puzzled, he couldn't help but blush and feel shy when he saw Lin Shu's face. After all, who wouldn't like such a beautiful and charming woman?
Ji Heng looked at Chu Jiang's feigned weakness and charm with disgust. A dangerous glint flashed across his usually gentle face. He then rose and bowed to the Grand Dowager, saying:
"Sir, Miss Lin has just married the Seventh Prince. It would be inappropriate for her to marry again at this time."
The Japanese officer narrowed his eyes upon hearing this. It seemed everyone dared to contradict him these days. He then said in a somewhat sarcastic tone:
"I remember that the young master of the Ji family is usually the most self-disciplined and courteous. Why is he so eager to speak up for a woman today? Doesn't he fear ruining his reputation?"
These words were a veiled criticism of Ji Heng, implying that he was always pretentious and affected.
"My little brother wasn't wrong. Besides, that Jiang guy isn't even as good-looking as a rough woman like me. Even I, the general, wouldn't be interested in him, and he still has the nerve to say that..."
Ji Wan found the old lady's tone strange. She could tell that the old lady was criticizing her younger brother, but she understood the phrase "ruined his reputation," so she couldn't control her temper.
"Wan'er, don't be rude!"
Before Ji Wan could finish speaking, she was interrupted by the old Grand Tutor Ji. The old Grand Tutor Ji had a serious expression and cursed inwardly what was wrong with the old lady today.
The old lady was practically grinding her teeth to powder. What did Grand Tutor Ji mean? He merely told Ji Wan not to be rude, but didn't say she was wrong. Wasn't that tantamount to agreeing with Ji Wan's statement...?
Feng Yu, who had been listening at the table for so long, finally understood what the Grand Tutor meant. His eyes widened as he scanned Chu Jiang and Lin Shu back and forth.
With a loud "bang," Feng Yu threw the pastries she had stolen onto the table, scattering them everywhere with a clatter.
She stood up abruptly, glared at Chu Jiang and Feng Rui, and shouted, "No, I don't agree!"
The old lady had nowhere to vent her anger, and just then Feng Yu bumped into her. She glanced at him unhappily and reprimanded him sharply:
"Where have you learned all your manners and sense of shame? I think it's because the Queen Mother spoiled you too much. Even after you're married, you still don't know any manners."
"What right do you have to interfere with your wife's marriage? Even if you're a prince, aren't you afraid of being divorced by your wife's family if you're too jealous!..."
After saying that, the matriarch turned back to look at Lin Shu and asked, "Lin Shu, what do you think of this marriage?"
Feng Yu pouted in grievance, which made Feng Han and Empress Xiao feel sorry for her. Just as they were about to speak, Lin Shu interrupted them with a cold and slightly angry voice: "I think—it's not good."
"What did you say? Do you know what you're saying?" The officer's voice was shrill as he slammed his hand on the table.
He never expected that Lin Shu would dare to refuse him at his birthday banquet, especially in front of so many people.
"Your Majesty, I say—I am not worthy of this marriage." Lin Shu's tone remained unchanged, her dark eyes fixed on the Dowager, and she continued:
"The Seventh Prince is not necessarily attached to Lin Shu; rather, Lin Shu sincerely sought his hand in marriage. Moreover, he is pure and kind-hearted, and is also Lin Shu's husband. Therefore, he naturally has the right to interfere if Lin Shu remarries."
Furthermore, Lin Shu has a father and has been repeatedly targeted for assassination by Prince Rui; she is incapable of repaying evil with kindness...
However, if we're talking about a marriage that strengthens family ties, then Miss Ling would be a better fit!
As soon as Lin Shu finished speaking indifferently, the surroundings fell into dead silence. This was showing no respect whatsoever to the Japanese commander!
But what he said makes sense. If you want to kill someone's father and then want your nephew to marry him, there's no such thing as a free lunch!
"Outrageous! Outrageous! Cough, cough..." The old lady was so angry she could hardly breathe, almost fainting. Pointing at Lin Shu, she cursed without regard for her image: "Guards, take this disgraceful woman away..."
"boom……"
"enough."
Two voices came at the same time: one was Ling Huanan slamming his cup on the table in anger, and the other was Feng Han's impatient voice.
Ling Huanan pulled Xue Wen to his feet, gave the old lady a cold look that made her feel uneasy, and then said in a detached tone, "It seems that the old lady is not feeling well today, so my family will take our leave first."
After saying this, he bowed to Feng Han, then lifted his robe and pulled Xue Wen out. When they passed Lin Shu, he paused, turned his head, and said sternly, "Aren't you coming with us?"
Lin Shu and Feng Yu naturally followed closely behind.
After watching them leave, the Empress Dowager raised her hand, trembling, and pointed in the direction they had gone. She then turned to Feng Han and questioned her, "Han'er, are you just going to watch them humiliate me like this?"
"Alright, Father, all you want is to find a marriage for your brother Rui's nephew, right? I grant your request!" Feng Han said impatiently.
However, before the Japanese emperor could be happy, he heard a voice that struck him like a thunderbolt: "I think Lin Shu is right. Since we are going to strengthen our kinship, let's bestow her upon Wanzhen!"
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