Chapter 90
The fragrance of ink wafted from the Xu residence, spreading across a ten-mile radius around the Xu and Qin noble estates. Everyone in the vicinity caught a whiff of the rich scent of ink. Wei Xun glanced toward the study.
He didn’t know what kind of memorial Xu Ming had written, but he was acutely aware that a remarkable piece of literature had been born.
Inside the study, Xu Ming laid down his brush. The memorial was completely filled, every inch covered with characters.
Xu Shuiya and the other two companions stared at the dense, flowing script on the memorial, utterly stunned.
—
“Minister Ming speaks humbly,” began the document. “In obedience to the imperial edict, I am honored to be granted the opportunity to marry Princess Zhaowen. Such an honor surpasses my station and is a grace unparalleled in the realm, bestowed by His Majesty’s benevolence. It bathes me in imperial favor and cleanses me with the light of divine virtue.
The Grand Chancellor, Lord Xiao, once invited me to a banquet, where I composed a humble verse that, by chance, reached His Majesty’s ears. Since then, I have risen from obscurity to serve His Majesty closely, a blessing beyond what I could ever repay, even with the sacrifice of my life. The princess’s beauty is renowned across the land, her wisdom and virtue second only to the Empress herself.”
This lengthy preamble served to recount Xu Ming’s past experiences, express his gratitude for His Majesty’s favor, and extol the princess’s beauty and grace. He aimed to make it clear that he held no disdain for Princess Zhaowen; rather, she was truly extraordinary. His refusal was purely due to personal reasons.
Then, Xu Ming began to explain his rationale: