diately investigating Xishan Province. All officials involved, regardless of their rank or position, must be apprehended. After a joint trial by the three judicial authorities, those who deserve to be...Chapter 723: Playing Matchmaker

Hearing Li Chen's question, Li Peipei, who had already prepared herself mentally, trembled and said softly, "Not yet."

The marriage of princes and princesses was largely arranged, especially for the princesses. They were often raised in the secluded inner court with limited exposure to young men from outside their family circle. Naturally, they couldn't possibly have any preferred candidates.

Moreover, women with as much free will as Su Jinpa were absolutely in the minority in this era, so Li Peipei's answer was within Li Chen's expectations.

Li Chen said calmly, “You’re of marriageable age now. If you don’t get married soon, you’ll become an old maid, which wouldn’t be appropriate in terms of feelings or reason. Second brother plans to arrange a marriage for you. The object is Su Pingbei, the eldest son of General Su Da. He just returned from a victorious battle; I believe you must have heard of him”

Li Peipei softly said, “General Su is impressive at a young age. Peipei has heard some of his heroic deeds.”

Li Chen smiled and said, “This is the best outcome. General Su has a son and a daughter. His daughter, Su Jinpa, will soon be marrying into the East Palace to become the Crown Princess. I was thinking of making this a closer relationship, after all, it’s better for wealth and power to stay within our own family. I plan on betrothing you to Su Pingbei. With your status as a princess, you'll undoubtedly be his rightful wife, and you will surely enjoy wealth and prosperity. Are you willing”

Even though she was mentally prepared and knew that this situation seemed like Li Chen was asking for her consent, in reality, she had no room to choose, but at this moment, Li Peipei still found it difficult to say those three words "I am willing."

To be bound to the life of a stranger she had never met, Li Peipei always felt conflicted about this arrangement.

If the emperor were to make the match, there wouldn't be a step of summoning Li Peipei to ask for her opinion. He would directly issue an imperial decree to choose a date and have her married off.

But since Li Chen summoned Li Peipei, it means he never wanted to force her too much.

Getting up and walking to Li Peipei's front, Li Chen said earnestly: "Your Majesty has many children, but they are widely spaced in age. The youngest is only seven or eight years old now, while there are only a few who are of marriageable age. Among the princesses, only you and the Thirteenth Princess."

"Old Thirteen's mother has a low status, only a concubine's position, not as noble as your mother's imperial consort position. Therefore, you and Su Pingbei are the only ones considered a suitable match."

I know Su Pingbei. He's straightforward and ambitious, with a heart set on serving the court and making his mark. As for his wife and children, he treats them well enough.

“At the very least, by marrying him, you'll still be in the capital and able to spend time with your mother. Your mother, Empress Dowager, is frail and spends most of the year taking medicine. If you were to marry far away, even if she had a headache or fever, you wouldn't be able to take care of her. This is already the best choice for you.”

Upon hearing Li Chen's words, Li Peipei's eyes turned slightly red as she softly said, "Thank you, second brother, for your consideration and care. Your sister will follow your lead in everything."

"That's good."

Li Chen smiled and said, "Since that's the case, I will call Su Ping north over. You two can meet privately and have a chat to get acquainted."

Li Peipei nodded gently, indicating agreement.

Have someone take Li Peipei to rest, and then Li Chen summoned Su Pingbei.

"The last general Su Pingbei, pays respects to Your Highness!"

Looking at Su Pingbei, who was kneeling before him with a valiant air, Li Chen said: "I've found your wife. She's in the side hall next door. Go and see her, talk to her, then go for a stroll in the East Palace's back garden. If you have the ability, take her out of the palace for a trip as well."why I had you all transferred to the royal hunting grounds."Li Chen said calmly, "Be careful these days, especially if there are any internal changes, discover them in time. If you can't handle it, le...