Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
The fifth princess had long grown accustomed to her own arrogance, and her perspective on the world was deeply skewed. She genuinely believed that Qin Zhenzhen had secured a happy ending by âsnatchingâ a handsome man. Therefore, she wondered if she could attain a similar outcome by pursuing a handsome man herself.
In her view, men were fickle creatures. They might protest and resist initially, but once they tasted the sweetness of affection, their attitudes would change dramatically. The fifth princess considered herself to be attractive and came from a more prestigious background than Qin Zhenzhen.
She reasoned that if Qin Zhenzhen could win Su Binâs heart, she could do the same. And if Qin Zhenzhen couldnât capture Su Binâs affection, then she could certainly try. However, Su Binâs public declaration of his commitment to Qin Zhenzhen had dampened her hopes. Forcibly taking such a man as her husband would only lead to ridicule.
Upon their return to the crown princeâs residence, the fifth princess confronted her brother, the crown prince, with a direct question. âDid you intentionally bring me to see Su Bin?â
The Crown Prince inquired, âDo you regret having seen him?â
Upon witnessing the expression on her fifth sisterâs face, he understood the truth. He recognized that her infatuation with Su Bin had already taken hold.
âWhy would I regret it?â
âIn that case, I wonât squander my well-meaning gesture.â
The fifth princess remained extremely dissatisfied and pressed, âCan you just tell me your intentions?â
Her brother explained, âYouâre infatuated with Qin Zhenzhen and want her, but sheâs already married.â
âDo you want me to beseech Father to grant Su Bin my hand in marriage and anger Qin Zhenzhen enough for her to leave, leaving him available for you to pursue?â The fifth princess proposed with a sly glint in her eye.
The Crown Prince applauded her cunning plan. âYouâre quite the strategist!â However, the fifth princess wore a displeased expression. âYouâre actually plotting against me?â
The Crown Prince maintained an innocent demeanor. âThis isnât exactly a scheme. Big Brother was simply being considerate!â
âFifth Sister, you have high expectations for your future son-in-law. None of the wealthy youths in the capital meet your criteria. Mother is growing increasingly anxious, as is Eldest Brother.â
âI had already identified a potential Prince Consort for you and was planning to make him the new Primus. But I never anticipated Fatherâs unconventional choice of Su Bin.
âSu Bin is an exceptional talent. Fatherâs decision to appoint him as the Primus is a testament to his abilities.â
âI was thinking that if you could genuinely admire him, I would do whatever I could to assist you.â
The Crown Prince wasnât being entirely truthful.
The fifth princess scoffed. âThen assist me in persuading Father to grant Su Bin to me in marriage and letâs see if you have the nerve to do it!â
The Crown Prince nodded. âIf you genuinely fancy Su Bin, Iâll beseech Father right away!â
âBut before that, youâll need to pretend to fall ill.â
âIâll inform Mother that youâre lovesick, unable to eat or drink, and that life has lost all meaning for you.â
âThe one who unties the knot should be the one who tied it. Only by offering Su
Bin to Fifth Sister as her husband can we save her life.â
The fifth princess sneered. âAnd what if Su Bin refuses?â
Su Bin had promised Qin Zhenzhen in front of so many people. How could he abandon his wife and remarry?
The Crown Prince comforted her. âDonât worry about that. As long as Father gives the decree, he wonât dare to disobey.â
Nonetheless, the fifth princess continued to address her brother in an accusatory manner. âEven if he doesnât dare to defy the imperial decree, he already has an official wife. Are you suggesting that I become the mistress?â
The Crown Prince chuckled and responded, âFifth Sister, youâre quite naive.
You hold the esteemed position of a princess; you cannot be a mistress.â
âEven though Su Bin has an official wife, if his official wife were to make a misstep, he wouldnât have an official wife anymore..â