Chapter 261 - 260: Is She Crazy?
Ji Mingzhu is pregnant again.
Upon hearing this news, the Emperor remained lost in thought.
Knowing that it was impossible with Ji Mingzhu, he still felt a tinge of bitterness and jealousy.
He gazed absentmindedly at the pattern on the teacup.
"A pregnant woman must not overthink; Mingzhu and the young lady from the Xie Family are like sisters. She must be particularly concerned about her marriage, so make sure to warn the Wei Family. They shouldn’t cast their eyes where they shouldn’t. If they add any grievances to Mingzhu, I will punish them severely."
Seeing the Emperor still unresponsive, Empress Dowager Zheng spoke sincerely, "Mingzhu lost a child for the greater good; both publicly and privately, you must ensure she remains unharmed this time."
"I did not intend to hurt her."
A year ago, he had also hoped that Mingzhu would give birth to the child safely.
He never had the heart to harm her child.
Empress Dowager Zheng dismissed his words, "It’s not what you say that matters; it’s whether Mingzhu feels unharmed."
The Emperor opened his mouth, unsure how to defend himself, and a sense of frustration appeared in his eyes.
"I will give Young General Wei a marriage decree, ensuring he won’t marry Yun Ling."
Empress Dowager Zheng felt satisfied.
"The Empress also needs to be warned. In this recent rebellion, Xie Yunzhen was a hero, yet she troubled the Xie Family at the celebration feast. Is she mad? Just because she gave birth to the Crown Prince, doesn’t mean she can act recklessly!"
The Emperor mumbled a low acknowledgment.
He wasn’t foolish; he could see the Empress’s hostility towards Mingzhu.
Not protecting Mingzhu before made him feel guilty, and he would never allow anyone to hurt her again.
Just as Wei Empress was being mentioned, a Palace Attendant announced a visitor.
"The Empress is here with the Crown Prince."
Empress Dowager Zheng frowned, displeased, "Why bring the Crown Prince out on such a cold day? A child’s body is frail; if he catches a cold, it’ll be quite troublesome. Quickly, let them in."
The Emperor turned the jade ring on his finger, speaking coolly, "If the Crown Prince can’t handle a little wind, he’ll hardly grow into a great man in the future."
Wei Empress, carrying the child, stepped into the grand hall and overheard these words.
Her heart felt a sharp stab.
A fine network of pain spread.
This was his own flesh and blood, just an infant, yet he was so heartless...
Was it only Ji Mingzhu’s child that could elicit his tenderness?
Wei Empress couldn’t control her grip, and the chubby baby awoke crying.
This was Empress Dowager Zheng’s legitimate grandson, naturally precious.
"Let me comfort him."
Wei Empress hastily handed the child to the Empress Dowager, "He was sleeping soundly before, probably wants your comfort, and purposely woke now."
With a glance at Wei Empress, "If he was sleeping well, why bring him here? It’s not good for his growth."
Wei Empress had already prepared her excuse.
Her smile remained, "Recently, the Emperor has been busy with state affairs, and I dared not trouble him with personal matters. Now that the rebellion is quelled, I boldly come to seek the Emperor and mother’s help in finding a good wife for my brother."
Empress Dowager Zheng played with the infant in her arms, without lifting her eyelids.
"Oh, who have you taken a fancy to this time?"
The word "again" reminded Wei Empress of the celebration feast incident.
Her face burned with embarrassment.
Calming down over the past few days, she realized.
The Emperor wouldn’t allow a marriage alliance between the Wei Family and Xie Family.
After all, both families held military power. If they formed an alliance, the Emperor might find no peace at night.
By then, he’d have to support newcomers against the Wei Family and Xie Family.
He might even expand the harem, stirring the waters.
If any of the beauties entering the palace are capable, it would be her trouble.
Wei Empress thought Xie Yunling was not a suitable choice.
The past few days, she regretted deeply.
Fortunately, the Xie Family declined the marriage with Xie Yunling, moving past the issue.
Otherwise, she’d have been too anxious to sleep.
Though she suffered a loss of face, compared to her family’s future and her own position, that was nothing.
Being able to bend and stretch leads to great accomplishment!
Wei Empress smiled slightly, "The young lady Yun Ling is really beautiful, her personality seems straightforward, and I liked her at first sight."
Turning her words, "At the time, I was bewildered, thinking to marry her to my brother. After calming down, I realize it’s not wise."
Not just the Empress Dowager, even the Emperor’s gaze fell on Wei Empress.
"My brother acts recklessly, needing someone to think for him; Yun Ling is too naive, they’d only end up with her suffering because of him."
"A marriage is a union of two families; if Yun Ling suffers, as the one who made the match, I’d be too ashamed to face the Duke Mansion’s members."
These words placed the Wei Family’s stance low.
Empress Dowager Zheng suddenly understood why her son was willing to leave the harem to the Wei Family to manage.
Moreover, never considering the thought of deposing the Empress.
Though his heart was for Ji Mingzhu.
"If not Yun Ling, then who have you fancied?"
Wei Empress let the palace maid present a list to the Emperor and Empress Dowager.
"After thorough consideration, I selected these suitable ladies. Mother, which do you think is fitting?"
Then she looked at the Emperor, "If you also agree, could a marriage decree be issued for my brother?"
Wei Empress knew the Emperor would not allow the Wei Family to form alliances of equal strength.
Rather than being forced into marrying an unsuitable bride, she chose to act first.
Selecting a bride from a lesser family, yet personally capable, for the Wei Family.
The Emperor scanned the list.
None of the daughters of noble families were listed.
"Even as an Imperial Uncle, his wife should be of suitable stature, otherwise, how will she manage him?"
Wei Empress’s smile widened.
"Emperor, engrossed in state affairs, may not grasp matters of maiden families. Each of these ladies has her strengths. Though they might not manage my brother, they can subtly influence and lead him to maturity."
Her delicate fingers pointed to the names, explaining them to the Emperor.
"Miss Yu hails from a family of doctors, proficient in medicine. My brother is a soldier, prone to injuries. Marrying Miss Yu would ease my concerns for his health."
"Miss Yang’s mother came from a merchant family. Influenced by her mother, Yang is excellent at managing and accounting, surely a great helpmate."
"Miss Zhao is literate, her favorite hobby is reading. Her influence might calm my brother."
The Emperor rubbed the list; he knew these words were somewhat exaggerated.
Yet Wei Empress understood reflection, not stubbornly challenging Mingzhu.
He found no need to dwell on past errors.
His hand, with defined knuckles, pointed to a name, "Miss Zhao. Her father rose from humble beginnings through diligent study, a perseverance worthy of admiration."
Wei Empress beamed, "Would you kindly issue a marriage decree?"