Three days later at the family banquet, Tang Zhaozhao brought Chu Mu along.

Now Chu Mu was walking steadily, and he had even begun to learn some Inner Strength. His talent was exceptional; his meridians were already unblocked, and he could exert some power.

During the banquet, after a topic ended, Chu Mu looked at Tang Zhaozhao, then held Tang Zhaozhao’s hand, and knelt before the people seated at the head.

"This commoner, Chu Mu, has long held feelings for Tang Zhaozhao, and now I wish to propose to Zhaozhao. I hope everyone will consent."

Tang Zhaozhao obediently knelt beside Chu Mu, without speaking.

As soon as these words were spoken, the entire banquet fell silent.

They could see that Chu Mu had feelings for Tang Zhaozhao, but no one expected Chu Mu to have the audacity to propose.

Chu Mu was merely the son of a merchant, and merchants ranked last among the scholar, farmer, artisan, and merchant classes. Although this ranking no longer existed in the Great Tang, in everyone’s mind, merchants were still considered the lowest.

But Tang Zhaozhao? She was a princess beloved by all; one could say that marrying Tang Zhaozhao would bring visible benefits.

Almost the entire Great Tang Royal Family would spare no effort to support him.

It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say he would ascend to success in one step.

Tang Zan frowned; Tang Zhaozhao, being very similar to Pei Shu’er, was someone he was reluctant to marry off to an ordinary man.

Chu Mu was once disabled, and even though Pei Shu’er healed him, there might be pressure in the future.

To be fair, after spending much time with Pei Shu’er, his sense of class distinction wasn’t as strong.

But when it came to his daughter’s happiness, he couldn’t let her be blinded by emotion and choose an unsatisfactory man.

Seeing Chu Mu, such a frail person, he feared that before long, Tang Zhaozhao would end up a widow.

Or, after marriage, it would be Tang Zhaozhao taking care of everything.

Thinking of this, Tang Zan couldn’t agree.

His daughter was getting married to pursue happiness, not to serve as a maid or be someone else’s support.

Moreover, he always disliked Chu Mu, that pretty boy.

A dislike that was instinctual.

Pei Shu’er looked at Tang Zhaozhao.

"Zhaozhao, what is your wish?"

Tang Zhaozhao remained silent for a long time; she couldn’t help but think of Tao Hai, and then she found herself laughable.

Compared to Tao Hai, Chu Mu was much better.

Her hand was held by Chu Mu; the warmth spread through her palm. Tang Zhaozhao smiled at Chu Mu and then looked at Pei Shu’er.

"I am willing to marry Chu Mu, to make Chu Mu the Prince Consort."

With these words, Chu Mu let out a breath of relief, but the atmosphere among the Imperial Family grew even more oppressive.

Tang Zan said, "I do not agree to this; I’ve had enough."

Pei Shu’er didn’t say anything for once, nodded at Tang Zhaozhao, and then left. 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝙚𝔀𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝒐𝒎

But sometimes, that’s how emotions are; the feelings may not be so firm, but once opposed by parents, the determination to be together becomes even stronger.

Tang Zhaozhao spent her days persuading Pei Shu’er, persuading Tang Zan, almost swearing by the heavens.

Chu Mu often put on the appearance that he could only be with Tang Zhaozhao.

Tao Hai came to find Tang Zhaozhao several times, but she always refused to see him.

She could imagine her married life with Chu Mu, and she was able to accept it, even if it was a little more peaceful.

But a life with Tao Hai, she couldn’t endure.

Of course, Tao Hai didn’t need her anyway.

If Tao Hai encountered Chu Mu when he came looking for Tang Zhaozhao, Chu Mu would have people drive him away.

Tao Hai didn’t understand why, after returning from the Lin State, Tang Zhaozhao had drifted away from him, even though he hadn’t done anything.

He couldn’t help but think of Chu Mu, always feeling that Chu Mu was up to no good.

But he couldn’t find any evidence.

That night, Tao Hai sneaked into Tang Zhaozhao’s bedroom. Coincidentally, Tang Zhaozhao was being escorted to her door by Chu Mu, who smiled softly.

"You should go to sleep; you’ve been out of the palace all day."

Tang Zhaozhao smiled and nodded.

Once Chu Mu left, Tang Zhaozhao entered her room. Just as she was about to close the door, she saw a figure swiftly slip inside.

Tang Zhaozhao looked up and saw Tao Hai.

Tang Zhaozhao frowned.

"What are you doing here?"

Tao Hai answered, "I’ve come to find you, of course. Tang Zhaozhao, why haven’t you wanted to see me lately? I’ve heard you’re now intent on having Chu Mu as the Prince Consort."

"But you should know, your father and mother will never agree."