Chapter 410: Chapter 324: Two Women as Wives (Requesting Monthly Tickets)
Prince Jing, as the younger brother of the late Emperor, commanded a wealth and stature within the Capital City that few could rival, save for the one within the palace walls.
Because of this, Prince Jing’s perspective was far-reaching and his attitudes toward his children’s affairs were markedly more open-minded than those of ordinary families.
While young ladies from average households were confined indoors, expected to abide by the "three obediences and four virtues," Prince Jing, upon witnessing Yu Zhen Immortal seek a disciple, resolutely allowed Yin Weiyin to apprentice for cultivation.
Though the Great Yu Empire favored the promotion of Daoist endeavors, for a family of such high status to willingly let their child pursue cultivation rather than form a marriage alliance spoke volumes of Prince Jing’s indulgence and progressive attitude toward his children.
Prince Jing looked at the jubilant crowd gathered in celebration and felt a slight sheen of cold sweat gather on his forehead.
His gaze was fixed on Chen Yi, who in turn looked at him with playful amusement.
Seeing this, Prince Jing regained a faint air of imposing authority despite his disquiet, and proclaimed once more in a resonant voice:
"It’s often said that marriage relies on the decree of parents and the arrangement of matchmakers. Yet beyond this, it’s better for a man and woman to see eye to eye. Moreover, my eldest daughter of the Prince Mansion, having cultivated from a young age, is this generation’s Taichua Goddess. If she succeeds in her path of cultivation, she will ascend to immortality and ultimately transcend the judgments of mortal conventions. To coerce her now into a marriage would merely destroy her future.
Therefore, even if it is my will, this matter must still depend on my daughter’s own consent."
As his commanding voice resounded, the lively hall gradually quieted, and all eyes turned toward the seated female crown. Rumors of Prince Jing’s progressive stance toward his children had long circulated in the Capital City. For the decision to hinge on his daughter’s approval was unexpected, yet in alignment with his principles.
But the question stood: would this illustrious Taichua Goddess give her assent?
Upon her seat, adorned in a robe of azure blue with flame-like patterns, Yin Weiyin appeared like a drop of ink dissolving into a jar of clear water—both blending into the mortal world yet remaining ethereal in her detachment. Her serene demeanor, with her gaze slightly cast down, resembled that of a celestial being depicted in a mural, sprinkling divine dew with a willow branch.
The crowd stood entranced by her otherworldly aura, falling into an involuntary hush.
She remained silent, as though contemplating the secrets of heaven itself. Her expression was devoid of emotion, yet her features seemed sculpted from white jade, their lines faintly ethereal and fleeting.
Yet, none among them could have predicted...
Yin Weiyin was utterly dumbstruck.
Truly dumbstruck...
Was Chen Yi... proposing to her?
Her latent bewilderment—and her life’s deepest fear—had congealed into this proposal?
He would deny her path to immortality, yet seek to claim her as his bride? If she agreed to this, she would no longer be some mere concubine or vessel of cultivation energy but... his wife...
Could it... could it be possible that this meant her dream of immortality was within reach? No, not merely immortality—perhaps this meant binding herself to him more deeply.
Yin Weiyin’s consciousness swirled in disarray, her Heart Lake churning as if tens of thousands of fish leapt within its waters, waves rising and ripples spreading endlessly. She could not discern whether this was a blessing or a disaster.
Prince Jing cast a sidelong glance at his eldest daughter, who had yet to speak, and his previously panicked heart began to settle.
Since Weiyin remained silent and did not immediately consent, it must be because she harbored no romantic inclinations. Without such feelings, she would undoubtedly reject Chen Qianhu’s proposal.
After all, as the Taichua Goddess, her standing rested far above them all. There was a gap even between her and her parents, let alone this mere mortal surnamed Chen, who was separated by an abyss.
Thinking this, Prince Jing’s worries dissipated.
Over the years, he had begrudged Yin Weiyin’s singular focus on cultivation, but given the prestige of Taihua Mountain and Yu Zhen Immortal, who was but half a step from ascension, along with his naturally progressive outlook and his daughter’s exceptional talent, he had restrained his complaints and chosen not to oppose her.
But now, Prince Jing had never been more thankful that Yin Weiyin had entered Taihua Mountain to cultivate toward immortality.
Yin Weiyin deliberated for so long that the crowd began to lose patience, and murmurs grew around the room.
However, Prince Jing remained composed—he knew Yin Weiyin to be a resolute and independent person, who prioritized matters of destiny over mortal concerns in the choice of a Dao partner.
No matter how much the crowd clamored, in the end, Yin Weiyin would surely lift her horsetail whisk with a calm shake and issue a gentle refusal.
Reassured, Prince Jing spoke again, his tone indifferent:
"Let me preface this by setting your expectations—I fear my eldest daughter is unlikely to agree."
As he spoke, his eyes shifted toward Chen Yi.
Given how matters had escalated to this point, Prince Jing could only curse himself for agreeing to this matchmaking ploy. He yearned to tear Chen Yi apart—the man who had provoked this entire situation.
There was no forgetting the feud between them. Even if they maintained a tenuous peace, Chen Yi had slain so many of Prince Jing’s followers, deepening their enmity to insurmountable levels. Thus, the Prince Mansion and this man could only remain eternal foes.
Not only foes...
But this adversary now sought to brazenly steal his daughter away...
How humiliating!
Fortunately, aside from her path of cultivation, Yin Weiyin remained a dutiful daughter who would surely consider the deep-seated grudge between their families.
The outcome was clear. Prince Jing, confident once more, curled his lips into a cold smile and mocked:
"It seems this time, it’s a case of unrequited affection. Chen Qianhu, I suggest you seek another match elsewhere. The threshold of the Chen household is far too high—my daughter could never enter."
"I will marry him."
Prince Jing froze on the spot.
It took him a long moment after those words fell to slowly turn his disbelieving gaze toward his daughter.
What... what had Weiyin just said?
That figure in the azure robe, adorned with fiery patterns, now rose gracefully to her feet. Yin Weiyin descended step by step, her voice clear and resolute:
"If Chen Qianhu truly seeks my hand in earnest today, then I shall marry him."
The entire hall strained their ears at her declaration.
Prince Jing’s earlier statements had been filled with unequivocal rejection, leaving the crowd bewildered. Yet now, his daughter’s direct proclamation decisively settled the matter.
The Prince Mansion was truly choosing a husband today!
Prince Jing’s face turned as pale as paper. He lost all composure, blurting out anxiously:
"You—you mustn’t force yourself! You’ve embarked on the path of immortality and should sever ties with mortal entanglements. You mustn’t pursue what is not destined!"