Commoner Queen: Falling in Love with His Royal Highness the Crown Prince - Chapter 19

“His Majesty has arrived!”

“Father is here—quick, we must greet him!” Yi Han swiftly moved to the entrance of the hall to welcome the Emperor.

The Emperor arrived, accompanied by Consort Li. There was only one reason for her presence—she had rushed to report that Yi Han intended to take a cursed woman as his consort. The Emperor couldn’t ignore such news. If his son truly planned to act recklessly, he had to intervene.

“My son,” the Emperor settled into his seat, “with so many fine ladies to choose from, have you found one to your liking?”

Yi Han answered without hesitation. “Yes, Father. I have already chosen.”

“Oh?” The Emperor’s gaze sharpened. “And whose esteemed daughter has caught your eye?”

Yi Han smiled, then walked toward Murong Ziying, taking her soft hand in his. With firm steps, he led her before the Emperor. “Father, this is my chosen bride—Murong Ziying, the only daughter of Minister Murong Xi.”

Murong Ziying was stunned. Completely dumbfounded, she snapped her head toward Yi Han.

What? He chose her? How was this possible?!

The Emperor’s expression darkened as he noticed Murong Ziying’s blatant shock. “Yi Han, have you truly thought this through?”

He knew his son’s temperament—once Yi Han made a decision, he rarely changed his mind.

Yi Han met his father’s gaze with unwavering determination. “I will marry no one but her.”

“And if I refuse?” the Emperor challenged.

Yi Han’s brows furrowed. “Father, you arranged this consort selection. Now that I have chosen, why would you deny my decision? Have you been misled by mere rumors?”

The Emperor’s voice hardened. “This girl was never part of the official selection. You must choose from the pre-approved candidates.”

Yi Han’s grip on Murong Ziying’s hand tightened. He would not relinquish her—not for anyone. “No, Father. My heart is set. Please grant your approval.”

The Emperor’s patience ran out. “Yi Han! Are you defying me?!”

“Even if it means opposing you, I will still marry Ziying.” His tone was resolute.

The Emperor’s anger flared. “You—!”

“Oh, Your Majesty, please don’t be so upset!” Consort Li interjected with feigned concern. “If you let your anger harm your health, it wouldn’t be worth it. The Crown Prince is young and impulsive—please don’t take his defiance to heart.”

“Hmph!” The Emperor turned away in frustration.

Consort Li seized the moment. “Prince, this young lady may have a pretty face, but she carries ill fate. She is unfit to join the royal family. You should reconsider before upsetting your father any further.”

Yi Han’s lips curled into a cold smile. He knew Consort Li had always seen him as a thorn in her side. She had tried to undermine him numerous times, and now she was clearly scheming again.

“I appreciate your concern, Consort Li, but tell me—if not Ziying, then who else in this hall is worthy of our royal family?” His voice was laced with sarcasm.

Consort Li’s eyes gleamed as she grasped the opportunity. “There is someone! Minister Li’s third daughter, Ying Shui—she is intelligent and gentle. She would make the perfect consort.”**

At her signal, a servant escorted a young woman from the crowd and presented her before Yi Han. “Look at her—she is just as beautiful as Murong Ziying, if not more so.”

Yi Han cast a brief glance at the timidly blushing Li Ying Shui. “Minister Li’s daughter? Oh, that means she’s your niece, Consort Li.”

He smirked. “I see now. So this was your plan—to use a beauty trap against me. What a well-calculated move.”

Consort Li’s expression stiffened, but she quickly composed herself. “Indeed, she is my niece. She has been well-educated since childhood, excelling in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting—a rare talent.”

She eagerly praised her own family member, as if to cement her qualifications.

Yi Han let out a sharp chuckle. “If she’s so talented, she should be applying for an imperial court position, not vying for a seat as my consort.”

His words left the hall in stunned silence.