Chapter 323 The Villain Lady Arrives 152
Princess Andrila stood still, her posture straight and her eyes sharp. She took a deep breath and said slowly, "My Lords, I am fully aware of my status and responsibilities, and I have never underestimated the sanctity and importance of marriage. But I believe that a strong country should not sacrifice the happiness of its members in exchange for so-called stability and prosperity."
"Princess, you are wrong!" Another young minister stood up and spoke sharply, "Since ancient times, marriage has been an important means to consolidate national alliances and enhance national strength. If you refuse, won't you be leaving the country alone and letting the efforts of our ancestors go to waste?"
The princess shook her head, her eyes gleaming with determination and wisdom: "The efforts of our ancestors were to allow us to have a wider world to pursue freedom and happiness, rather than to become shackles that bind us. True strength is not achieved through marriage, but through the efforts and wisdom of each of us, to jointly create a better future."
As the princess finished her words, the hall fell into silence. The ministers looked at each other, obviously shocked by the princess's point of view. But soon, someone began to try to refute her with more traditional ideas.
"Your Highness, you may not yet understand that marriage is not only a matter between two people, but also a union of two families and even two countries. Your decision will affect the fate of countless people." A middle-aged minister said in a deep voice, his tone full of worry and helplessness.
The princess was filled with mixed emotions when she heard this. She understood that these ministers did not completely disregard her happiness, but they were bound by traditional concepts and responsibilities and could not think outside the box. So she decided to express her views in a more direct and profound way.
"My lords, I respect and appreciate your loyalty and dedication to the country. But I also hope that you can understand that everyone has the right to pursue happiness, no matter if he is a king or a commoner, a princess or a maid. We cannot deprive people of this right just because of their different identities." The princess' voice was firm and powerful. She looked around and continued, "As for the so-called national justice and filial piety, I don't think they are contradictory. True filial piety is to respect the opinions of elders, but also to stick to one's own beliefs and pursuits; and national justice is for the prosperity of the nation, so that every member can live freely and grow happily."
The hall fell silent again, but this time there was more thought and reflection in the silence. The ministers began to re-examine their own ideas and positions. They realized that perhaps they had always been too obsessed with those external forms and rules, and ignored people's hearts and emotions.
At this moment, an elderly wise man slowly stood up. He had white hair, a kind face, and a look of transcendent wisdom in his eyes. "Your Highness, what you said is absolutely right." He said, "We should indeed re-examine those traditional concepts and practices so that they can keep pace with the times and meet the needs of the times. Marriage is a matter between two people, and should be based on mutual love and respect, rather than external interests and calculations."
The wise man's words were like a stream of fresh air, instantly dispelling the dullness and depression in the hall. The ministers nodded in agreement, and they began to re-examine their positions and attitudes, realizing that perhaps they should really give the princess more freedom and choices.
The princess looked at the transformation of the wise men and ministers, and a warm feeling welled up in her heart. She knew that although this struggle was difficult, she had taken an important step. She believed that as long as she persisted, she would be able to win her own happiness and freedom.
However, just when everyone thought that the matter had been settled, an unexpected voice suddenly sounded. "Your Highness, you may not care about your own marriage, but you cannot ignore the future and destiny of the country." A general in armor strode into the hall, his eyes full of determination and resoluteness, "Now, neighboring countries are eyeing us covetously, and border wars are frequent. If you can consolidate the alliance through marriage, it will win precious peace time for our country. Isn't this worth your consideration?"
The general's words were like a bombshell, instantly exploding in the hall. The ministers began to discuss, some supported the general's point of view, believing that marriage was the best way to solve the current dilemma; others opposed it, believing that the princess's happiness should not be sacrificed for the sake of immediate interests.
The princess looked at the general with mixed feelings. She knew that the general's worries and concerns were not groundless, but she was more convinced of her own beliefs and pursuits. So, she took a deep breath and said slowly: "General, I admire your courage and responsibility, and I also know the severity of the current situation. But I also believe that true strength is not to exchange peace through marriage, but to protect this land through our own efforts and wisdom."
"As for my marriage," the princess paused and continued, "I am willing to give everything for the benefit of the country, but I also long for my own happiness. I believe that as long as we unite as one and work together, we will be able to overcome all difficulties and challenges."
The princess' words were so powerful that they echoed in every corner of the palace. The ministers fell into silence and thought again. They began to realize that perhaps they should really respect the princess's choices and pursuits instead of blindly restraining her with traditional concepts and responsibilities.
The princess' words were like the first ray of sunshine in the morning, penetrating the haze in the hall, but they failed to immediately dispel all the stubborn shadows. The ministers had different expressions, some frowned, some had flickering eyes, and it was obvious that the princess's persistence did not immediately convince everyone.
"Your Highness, your ideals are certainly lofty," an old official in gorgeous official uniform spoke slowly, with a certain unquestionable majesty in his voice, "but reality is often more cruel than ideals. The neighboring country is powerful. If we cannot consolidate the alliance through marriage, I am afraid it will be difficult to resist its aggression. Your happiness is important, but the safety of the country is the top priority!"
As the old minister finished speaking, whispers rang out again in the hall, and many ministers nodded in agreement, with worries growing on their faces. Princess Andrila's heart sank, but she did not back down, instead she became more resolute in her stance.
"My lords, I am not someone who does not know the importance of things," the princess said softly but firmly. "I know that the safety of the country is more important than Mount Tai, and I am willing to sacrifice everything for it. But I believe that true strength does not rely on external forces, but comes from our inner beliefs and unity. If we sacrifice personal happiness because of fear, then such a country, even if it is temporarily peaceful, will eventually lose its soul and vitality."