Chapter 281 - 280: Just for This
Receiving Liu Xu’s invitation, Xie Yunling first went to find her mother.
Mrs. Guan had a strong impression of Lan Ci.
Firstly, the young lad was extraordinarily handsome, standing out in a crowd.
Secondly, Xie Yunzhen had sent an article to the second branch, written by Lan Ci.
Not only was the writing exceptional, the calligraphy was also superb, displaying a sense of grandeur.
Talented individuals always tend to easily gain favor from others.
Not only Mrs. Guan, but even Second Young Master Xie greatly admired Lan Ci.
If not for the poor family background, Second Young Master Xie would have readily agreed to this marriage alliance.
Fortunately, there is not just Yunling as a daughter in the family; the first and second branches both have concubine-born daughters.
Moreover, Princess An He stated her willingness to select two accomplished ones to be listed under her name.
The prerequisite is that they must align with the Duke Mansion’s interests.
As a result, the scope of Xie Yunling’s marriage proposal was broadened.
As long as Lan Ci could obtain scholarly merits and make achievements, taking him into the Xie family could be a good choice.
When Xie Yunling arrived, Second Young Master Xie was also present.
Upon hearing that Lan Ci’s widowed sister-in-law had sent her an invitation, he said to Mrs. Guan, "You accompany your daughter to Ruyi Residence to see whether this widowed sister-in-law is a person or a ghost."
Mrs. Guan also wanted to see for herself what kind of person Liu Xu was.
However, she had other concerns.
"If we meet now, will people outside think we are eyeing Lan Ci?"
It’s fine if others think that way.
The fear is that if things don’t work out, and we look at other families’ young men, they won’t be happy.
After all, nobody wants to play the role of the "second-best option."
Second Young Master Xie pondered for a moment, "Why not invite her to our mansion, saying to teach Yunling how to make desserts, so that she can showcase her skills to her husband’s family in the future."
To ensure safety, Second Young Master Xie added, "Go discuss with the sister-in-law and invite the first branch’s nieces to learn together with Yunling."
Mrs. Guan agreed.
"I’ll take care of it now."
If Liu Xu is unwilling to come to the Duke Mansion, then it shows she feels guilty.
The Xie family will no longer consider Lan Ci.
Main courtyard of the first branch.
When choosing a bride for Xie Yunzhen, even the daughter of the Grand Tutor’s family was deemed unsuitable by Princess An He.
Now, in choosing a husband for Xie Yunling, they fancy Lan Ci, who comes from a family with only modest property.
"You are truly unambitious, a perfectly fine girl, not marrying into a good household, but fancying a young man without power or influence!"
Mrs. Guan smiled apologetically, "Ah Zhen says he is talented and will achieve great things in the future. Moreover, choosing a groom from the ranks is common practice, and by selecting early, we avoid competing with other families."
Since her son had taken an interest, Princess An He could not undermine the decision.
In her heart, she thought that the illegitimate daughters of that heartless man had some use.
Otherwise, with only Yunling as a daughter in the family, we wouldn’t have enough people for marriage alliances.
"Since Ah Zhen also thinks it’s good, then let’s try it. If he truly has talent and becomes a court favorite, it will enrich the Duke Mansion."
Mrs. Guan said, "Then I will invite Miss Liu to the Duke Mansion, so the young ladies can gather at the second branch for a lively time."
Towards Xie Yunling, Princess An He was very fond.
She said, "Come to me; I will see what kind of person she is, to prevent you from making an oversight."
For twenty years, Princess An He has dealt with numerous charming women.
No matter how well Liu Xu pretends, she can discern it.
Mrs. Guan laughed, "With sister-in-law helping to keep watch, we can’t go wrong."
Princess An He felt exceedingly pleased by the compliment.
Feigning reserve, "I know Mingzhu and Yunling have a close bond; if Yunling’s matters aren’t settled, even if she goes to the border, she won’t be at ease. She has a little treasure in her belly and shouldn’t worry too much."
Regardless of the reason, as long as Princess An He is good to Yunling, Mrs. Guan is appreciative.
After sitting in the main courtyard for a while, she replied to Liu Xu.
Initially, she planned to set the time around the Lantern Festival, but wishing to have Xie Yunzhen and his wife also take a look, Mrs. Guan set the time three days later.
The message reached the East Courtyard, where Ji Mingzhu was sewing small clothes for the child.
"Aunt handles matters carefully, so I won’t worry."
Xie Yunzhen had already taken the imperial decree to the palace; at this stage, Ji Mingzhu felt she could relax a little.
The elders at home are not foolish; let them make the decisions.
Imperial Palace.
After more than a year, Xie Yunzhen and the Emperor sat together again to play chess.
The hall was quiet, the palace attendants all stood outside, leaving only Eunuch Fu to pour tea and refill the cups.
When the last piece fell, the Emperor laughed aloud, "Ah Zhen, this is the first time I beat you; have you also learned the ways of acting for the occasion?"
Xie Yunzhen’s mouth curved slightly, "Your Majesty’s skill in chess is unparalleled, I am simply not your match."
The Emperor stared at the chessboard, "This year you’ve fought laboriously outside, achieving great merits, yet now you still have to stabilize the border for me. Your contributions are remembered by me, Ah Zhen, I want to apologize to you."
The Emperor lowers his head to admit fault to a minister, Eunuch Fu was astonished.
Moreover, he used the term "I," indicating the Emperor still cherishes past bonds.
Xie Yunzhen seemed unaware, "Your Majesty, what do you mean?"
The matter weighed on his heart for too long.
The Emperor constantly felt he owed Xie Yunzhen and Ji Mingzhu.
Now, he wants to express it but feels ashamed.
His hands tightened on his lap, unable to voice the true feelings.
He said, "I sent you so far away, separated by mountains and rivers from the capital, causing your family to split; my heart feels uneasy."
Xie Yunzhen lowered his gaze.
His long lashes shielded the emotions in his eyes, "To relieve your burdens, Your Majesty, is my honor."
The Emperor sighed breathlessly, finally saying, "In the Duke Mansion, only you and Yun Xuan are promising. Now you are away from the capital, with Yun Xuan remaining in Shu being unsuitable, the mansion still requires someone as its pillar. When the right opportunity arises, I will summon him back to the capital, no later than a year."
This was within Xie Yunzhen’s expectations.
He performed a courtesy, "I have a request, though it is impudent."
The Emperor’s mind suddenly raced.
Xie Yunzhen’s obvious entry with the imperial decree reminded him of the time he hastily issued a decree to coax a snake out of its hole and calm Mingzhu’s heart.
Now that Xie Yunzhen brought the decree, what could he be requesting?
After steadying his mind, "Ah Zhen, you and I are like brothers; speak directly if there is something."
Xie Yunzhen presented the decree, "I heard the Empress plans to select official daughters to enter the palace. Yunling is mischievous, simple-hearted, unable to shoulder significant responsibilities; I implore Your Majesty to exempt her from entering the palace."
The Emperor was slightly surprised.
He truly hadn’t imagined he would use the decree for this.
They didn’t wish for Yunling to enter the palace; whether Ah Zhen or Mingzhu, if either spoke, he would have agreed.
Yet he had brought the decree forth...
The Emperor pinched his brows, speaking helplessly, "Just for this matter?"
Xie Yunzhen nodded, "Just for this matter."
The Emperor chuckled softly, "In a few days it will be Yunling’s coming-of-age ceremony; I have agreed, hoping she can find a suitable groom without worry."
"At that time, I can personally grant them marriage."