2741 The Council of Elders
The Crown Prince's fingers exuded elegance, his palms bearing a dry, warm touch. His message echoed: "Fret not, Qiaoqiao."
Her Excellency Lady Qiaoqiao remained utterly unfazed. It was as if she observed a comical spectacle, her cold gaze sweeping across the assembled gathering.
She, of course, harbored profound tranquility. The unfolding events failed to provoke even a hint of concern within her.
The young one held unwavering faith in both Crown Prince Mo and her spouse, knowing well that Hubby could adeptly manage any situation.
While conversing, the quartet of elders clad in cyan attire entered the main hall in unison, bowing before the emperor seated upon the throne. "Greetings, Your Majesty!"
"Your Majesty, we extend our greetings."
The Emperor responded with a solemn nod. "What brings the esteemed elders together in this manner?"
Foremost among the elders was the Fourth Elder, who nonchalantly stepped forward, stating, "We have been informed of Your Majesty's intention to reconsider the matrimonial union between the Crown Prince and the young lady from the Mu Clan."
The Emperor couldn't suppress a chuckle at their swift information gathering.
/Their sources are notably swift!/
He cast a frosty gaze toward Chen Zhaozhi, who appeared on the verge of perspiring profusely.
/This indeed was an enormous misstep./
Evidently, it wasn't he who had employed a specialized means to notify the elders!
"The Elders' Council has reached a consensus against the union of the Crown Prince with Mu."
In the midst of his declaration, a diminutive elder sprang forth abruptly, waving his hand. "Not I, I did not dissent."
"Fifth Elder!" The Fourth Elder's eyes settled upon him, anticipating a more judicious stance.
The Fifth Elder pursed his lips. "Then, indeed, I did not object."
Fourth Elder dismissed him and addressed the Emperor directly, "Regardless, Sixth Elder, Seventh Elder, and I are in opposition to the Crown Prince's marriage to Miss Mu."
"What good does disagreeing do?" Qiao Mu's words dripped with iciness, leaving everyone stunned.
Well, young maiden, this assembly is the Council of Elders. Must you adopt such a haughty demeanor?
/You might just be the first to dare speak so audaciously in front of the esteemed Council of Elders./
/Did you not observe how even the Emperor maintains a degree of respect toward the elders?/
"This Crown Prince… This crown prince has already taken the Crown Prince Consort as his wife," Mo Lian stated calmly, "Whether you concur or not, I am wedded to her. Even if you sanction it, my choice remains unchanged."
/So be it!/
The Emperor remained silent, his gaze icy as it bore into the elders.
Typically, such castigations ignited a furious blaze within him, as though his lungs were set to explode by this pair of audacious youngsters.
/Why did he strangely feel a sense of contentment and liberation watching the young couple spar verbally right now…/
Was it fitting to derive pleasure from another's misfortune in such a manner?
Fourth Elder's countenance remained solemn. He bowed to the Emperor and uttered, "Your Majesty, customs from time immemorial have stipulated that the Divine Province's Council of Elders holds the authority to decide the betrothal of the heir apparent. This also pertains to the future advancement of our Divine Province."
Unable to restrain himself, Mu Jingfeng retorted icily, "Are you lamenting the fate of the girls from our Mu Clan?"
Mu Rouxuan involuntarily froze, her gaze finding her father's determined visage. For the first time, she witnessed her father standing up for her while aligning himself with the young crown prince consort.
This notion likely stemmed from a concern for her family clan's interests, Mu Rouxuan contemplated.
Yet, Mu Rouxuan wasn't alone in her perception. The young crown prince consort herself harbored the same notion.
/Could Mu Jingfeng possibly be inclined to assist her? Could it be solely due to her status as the Mu Clan's daughter? After all, their Mu Clan would undoubtedly find it disheartening to be publicly rebuffed by the formidable Council of Elders./
"Family Head Mu, your interpretation is misguided."
Mu Xingchen retorted, "Misunderstanding? Then, pray tell, what consequences arise from incessantly expressing your dissent? My younger sister's matrimony is beyond the scope of your jurisdiction."
