An Eight-year-old Princess novel Chapter 193

Upon hearing the Prince's words, Yun Shang said no more. After a long while, she chuckled. Though she was laughing, her eyes reflected her sadness, for she suddenly realized that she had never been loved. No one's heart truly belonged to her, neither in her previous lifetime nor in the recent one.

How could she be happy with a forced marriage? Both she and Prince Jing had their own schemes and troubles, but the ultimate solution was to get married. Only through marriage would they achieve their goals. What an awful couple they made...

Yun Shang didn't say a word. Instead, she giggled. She had matured considerably in this life at least, and had learned to exchange her marriage for what she wanted. As her bitter laughter settled, she spoke to the Prince.

"It's not a good time, but we can't delay anymore. You must've known about the one hundred thousand soldiers hiding in the State of Ning. At least that is what I've heard. Perhaps there are more of them. Right now, if you lost father's trust, the other states would take the chance and invade Ning. And if that happened, it would be catastrophic for the State of Ning. I'm fully aware of your ambitions. But you can't achieve any of them if the State of Ning is at stake. It's also in your interest. Therefore..."

"Therefore, our marriage is the best and only solution." Prince Jing completed Yun Shang's sentence. He felt a sudden ache spreading in his heart. Upon casting a glance at Yun Shang, he noticed the indifferent expression on her face. He hadn't forgotten yet, how unhappy she had been when she learned that he had asked for the royal decree of their marriage. The Prince also remembered how he had forced and cajoled her into consenting. But now, when Yun Shang spoke of their marriage, her voice was calm and indifferent, as if they were discussing what they would have for dinner.

He wished Yun Shang to set her goals based on what was in her heart, not by what was in her best interest.

Yun Shang paused for a while when she noticed Prince Jing's displeasure. But all she could manage was a bitter grin, as she said, "Of course. If that were the case, we should make the best of both worlds. So, why not?"

Without saying another word, Prince Jing got to his feet and headed out of Yun Shang's palace. Having heard their conversation, Qin Yi shot a worried look at Yun Shang. She had served the Princess for many years, and knew her better than anyone else. Although the Princess always appeared calm, wise, and selfless, she had high self-esteem. She certainly didn't mean what she said...

Silence continued. After about a quarter of an hour, however, Yun Shang burst into a loud, braying laughter. Qin Yi hurriedly looked to her, and saw the emotions in Yun Shang's eyes, although she sounded so sad and helpless when she laughed.

"Your Highness..." Qin Yi implored, trying to soothe her.

Grinning, Yun Shang glanced at her maid, "Qin Yi, I'm going to get married. But why can't I..." Yun Shang didn't continue, as she wondered why she did not feel even the tiniest bit of happiness from the thought of her upcoming marriage with Prince Jing. Perhaps it was because of the circumstances in which they found themselves? Their marriage was more like a bargain, and its participants were the merchants. They married for interests, not love. But why was she not pleased by the result? At the very least, she had harvested what she had been longing for. She had dissuaded the Prince from pursuing his ambitions and saved her country. She'd also count herself lucky for marrying the Prince, for he was handsome in appearance and tall in stature. He was the most eligible bachelor in the State of Ning and many girls fantasized about life with him. She should be glad that the Prince would be her life partner instead of some random plain man. But why? Why couldn't she persuade herself to be happy?

"Qian Yin, tell Ning Qian to scout Mount Kirin and report to me to which state those soldiers belong." Yun Shang abruptly ordered. Then she massaged her temples with her hand.