Chapter 324 The Villain Lady Arrives 153
The princess' words were like a stone thrown into a lake, stirring up ripples. However, not everyone was willing to be touched by this force. A young and energetic minister stood up, his eyes flashing with dissatisfaction and provocation: "Your Highness, you may be too naive. In this world where the strong prey on the weak, idealism is nothing but an empty fantasy. If we don't consolidate the alliance through marriage, how can we survive surrounded by powerful enemies? You are playing a joke on the fate of the entire country!"
As soon as these words came out, the atmosphere in the hall suddenly became tense. Princess Andrila's face turned pale, but she quickly regained her composure. She knew that in the face of such doubts and provocations, only firmer beliefs and more powerful arguments could win respect and understanding.
"Your Excellency is wrong," the princess said slowly, her eyes looking straight into the young minister's eyes. "I have never denied the cruelty and complexity of reality, but I believe more in the power and wisdom of people. In history, how many countries have declined due to internal discord and division? How many countries have stood firm in the world because of unity and common struggle? We should not be bound by the current predicament, and we should not sacrifice personal happiness in exchange for temporary peace."
The princess' words were like a stream of fresh air, gradually calming the restlessness in the hall. However, just when everyone thought things were about to take a turn for the better, an even more shocking piece of news exploded in the hall like a bolt from the blue.
"Your Highness, I'm afraid you don't know yet?" A minister who had been silent all this time suddenly spoke up, with a bit of embarrassment and helplessness in his voice that was difficult to conceal. "For the benefit of the country, we have secretly reached a marriage agreement with a neighboring country. Your marriage partner will be a young prince from a neighboring country."
As soon as these words came out, there was an uproar in the hall. Princess Andrila's face turned pale as paper in an instant. She looked at the ministers in disbelief, with shock and anger flashing in her eyes.
"You...how could you do this!" The princess' voice trembled. She clenched her hands into fists, her nails digging deep into her palms. "How could you decide my marriage without my permission? You are depriving me of my freedom and rights!"
The ministers looked at each other, some lowered their heads, and some tried to defend themselves with various reasons. However, under the angry and determined eyes of the princess, all the excuses seemed pale and powerless.
"Your Highness, please listen to us calmly." The old minister stood up again, his tone full of helplessness and pleading, "We are not unaware that this is unfair to you, but we are also helpless. The neighboring country is powerful. If we do not agree to their demands, I am afraid that war will be triggered immediately. By then, the whole country will be in dire straits. We are also considering the overall situation!"
The princess was filled with mixed emotions when she heard this. She understood the ministers' difficulties and helplessness, but she could not accept such an arrangement. She took a deep breath, tried to calm herself down, and then slowly said, "My Lords, I understand your worries and concerns, but I cannot accept such an arrangement. Marriage is a matter between two people and should be based on mutual love and respect. If I lose my happiness and freedom because of a forced marriage, then what is the meaning of such a marriage?"
The princess' words hit the ministers' hearts like a heavy hammer. They all lowered their heads, speechless. The hall fell into silence again, but this time the silence was a little more heavy and depressing.
At this time, a female official who was usually known for her gentleness slowly walked out of the queue. Her eyes were slightly red and her voice was a little choked with sobs: "Your Highness, I dare to make a suggestion. Do you know that the people in the border areas are looking forward to the dawn of peace day and night? What they want is to be able to farm in peace and their children to run freely under the sky without war. If you don't agree to this marriage, once the neighboring country starts a war, how will those innocent lives bear it? Displaced, families broken up, these tragic scenes, are you really willing to see?"
The words of the lady-in-waiting were like a sharp knife, gently cutting through the defenses in the princess' heart. Princess Andrila's eyes flickered slightly, as if she could see through this magnificent palace, the people in those distant and unfamiliar lands suffering from war. Her fingers unconsciously clenched into fists, her nails almost digging into her palms, the pain temporarily pulled her out of her personal emotions, and she began to think about this problem rationally.
"I... I certainly don't want to see my people suffer." The princess' voice trembled a little, and she tried to calm herself down. "But, is there no other way? Do I really have to use my happiness to exchange for the peace of the entire country?"
The hall fell into silence again. The ministers looked at each other, seemingly searching for answers. At this moment, the elder wise man spoke again, his voice gentle but firm: "Your Highness, we all understand your intentions. But please allow me to remind you that a true leader should not only care about personal happiness, but also have the heart to sacrifice the self for the greater good. Of course, we are not advocating blind sacrifice, but we should make the most beneficial choice for the country and the people after weighing the pros and cons."
The wise man's words were like a bright light, illuminating the princess's confusion. She took a deep breath and tried to clear her mind. She knew that she was shouldering not only her own destiny, but also the future of the entire country. She had to make a decision that was responsible not only for herself, but also for the country and the people.
"My Lords," the princess' voice regained its former firmness, "I thank you for your reminders and teachings. I know that as a princess, I have the responsibility to contribute to the peace and prosperity of the country. But I also hope that we can find a way to safeguard national interests while respecting my personal choice."
The princess' words carried a subtle expectation, and she looked at the ministers, hoping that they could understand and support her ideas. However, the ministers' expressions were somewhat complicated, as they knew that the princess' request was not easy to achieve.
At this moment, the armored general stood up, his voice full of determination: "Your Highness, I understand your difficulties. But please allow me to be frank. The current situation is urgent. Neighboring countries are ready to make a move. If we can't make a decision quickly, I'm afraid we will miss the best opportunity. Marriage is currently the most stable and effective solution. As for your happiness, I believe that as time goes by, you will understand and accept this decision."