No longer to be sent to the second or third households, it was explicitly stated he was to go to the Temple of the Reclining Buddha.
That meant he would only return upon his death!
Steward Fang's heart thumped with fear as he lowered his head: "Understood. This old servant will make it clear to Meng Yang. But what about His Majesty's side..."
"You need not concern yourself with that. I have my own plans."
For the next two days, Yan Zheng claimed illness and did not attend court.
The Emperor couldn't catch him, and thus had no chance to broach the subject.
By the sixth day of the second lunar month, an auspicious day suitable for weddings, the Cao household was bustling with activity early in the morning. The old lady was bustling about inside and out, her spirits exceptionally high.
Xue Ling sat before the bronze mirror, still somewhat nervous. Chu Ruoyan kept her company for a while until she saw Chu Jing entering, supporting her waist. "Aunt is here! Please, sit here!"
She quickly vacated the seat. Chu Jing, supported by her maid, walked over. Seeing her daughter with makeup applied, her eyes reddened.
"Mother! Why are you crying for no reason!" Xue Ling hurriedly knelt by her knees. Chu Jing dabbed the corners of her eyes with a handkerchief. "It's nothing. Mother was just thinking... my Ling'er is getting married too..."
Recalling the past—the Marquis of Chengen's Mansion, Xue Gui, Zhang Ji, Old Madam Xue... it all felt like a lifetime ago.
Xue Ling's nose tingled with sorrow: "Mother, it's all thanks to Father and Grandmother that we have today. It's just a pity... a pity Father hasn't woken up yet, and can't see me get married with his own eyes..."
As she spoke, tears streamed down her face.
The wedding matron was startled. Chu Ruoyan hurriedly passed her a handkerchief: "Cousin, don't cry on such a joyous day! Be careful, you'll ruin your makeup!"
Xue Ling sniffled and nodded vigorously. Chu Jing grasped her hand: "Alright, Ling'er, don't cry. If your father were awake, he would certainly want you to marry happily... Let's not talk about this anymore. Come, let Mother comb your hair."
After speaking, she struggled to rise. Xue Ling quickly said, "Mother, you're with child, it's not convenient. Let the matron of complete fortune do it?"
However, Chu Jing insisted: "You only marry once in your life. I can't favor one over the other. Come."
Moved, Xue Ling agreed. Chu Ruoyan felt a tightness in her chest and took the chance to step outside for some air.
"Young lady, what's wrong? This old servant has noticed you seem unwell lately. Should we find a physician to take a look?" Nanny Zhou asked with concern.
Chu Ruoyan pressed a hand to her chest, catching her breath for a moment before saying, "We'll talk about it when we return. I also feel something's been off lately... always feeling weak and nauseous..."
"Nauseous?"
Nanny Zhou's eyebrows raised as she was about to inquire further when firecrackers sounded—the wedding procession had arrived!
Xie Zhizhou sat tall on a large horse, dressed in bright red wedding robes, even more dazzling than the day he paraded through the streets as the Tanhua (Third Place Scholar).
He took Xue Ling's hand from Chu Jing and carefully helped her into the bridal sedan chair...
All the way to the Earl of Nanping's mansion, Chu Ruoyan only breathed a sigh of relief after the ceremony was complete.
After all, the wedding of her second cousin and Cousin Huaian two days prior had been fraught with complications, making her somewhat fearful that today might turn out similarly.
Fortunately, everything went smoothly.
Just then, Yulu quickly walked to her side: "Young lady, Miss Rong the Second is here. She says she must see you about a matter of utmost urgency!"
"Miss Rong the Second?" Chu Ruoyan paused for a moment before remembering it was Rong Su. "Did she say what it's about?"
"No. She's waiting in the outer courtyard right now, saying the banquet is crowded with too many eyes and ears!"
Seeing her so grave, Chu Ruoyan hurriedly informed Xie Yaozhi and went out.
Outer courtyard of the Earl of Nanping's mansion.
Rong Su was pacing back and forth, twisting a handkerchief in her hands. Seeing Chu Ruoyan emerge, she rushed forward: "County Princess Changle, do you know... His Majesty intends to bestow a woman upon Third Brother Yan?"
Chu Ruoyan was shocked. Yulu's eyes widened: "Miss Rong, don't speak nonsense! For no reason at all, why would His Majesty bestow someone upon our master?"
Rong Su said urgently, "It's true! Two days ago, my father asked me vaguely, but I didn't catch his meaning. Then today, after morning court, he asked me directly if my heart remained unchanged and if I was still willing to marry into the Yan family... He said it was His Majesty's intention. If I nodded, His Majesty could have Third Brother Yan take me as a 'pingqi' (equal-status wife) just like Minister Dou did, with no distinction in rank between you and me!"
Pingqi? No distinction in rank?
It took Chu Ruoyan a moment to understand the meaning. A sense of absurdity filled her heart: "Isn't His Majesty busy enough with state affairs? Why meddle in his ministers' household matters?"
As soon as the words left her mouth, a haughty voice came from nearby: "How dare you, Chu Changle! You dare to speak irreverently of the Emperor! Guards, slap her mouth for this princess!"
Turning to look, they saw Princess Jiahui approaching with Gu Feiyan and several other noble young ladies, stopping not far away.
Chu Ruoyan frowned. Rong Su interceded: "Your Highness misunderstands. County Princess Changle was not speaking irreverently of His Majesty. She was merely discussing an unusual anecdote with this subject!"
Princess Jiahui raised an eyebrow: "Is that so? Rong Su, if I recall correctly, weren't you enamored with the Chief Minister? Why are you now speaking up for your rival?"
Rong Su glanced back at Chu Ruoyan, shaking her head bitterly: "Your Highness overstates it. Even if Rong Su were still enamored with the Chief Minister, his heart belongs only to the County Princess. A melon forced from the vine is never sweet. Rong Su has already let go..."
Upon hearing this, Gu Feiyan, standing beside Princess Jiahui, lowered her head even further.
Princess Jiahui, however, sneered coldly: "It's not up to you anymore! His Majesty's sacred will is decided. Your entry into the household is only a matter of time!" She then turned to Chu Ruoyan, looking down her nose. "So, how does it feel to be replaced by a new favorite? This princess can also tell you, it's not just Rong Su who will be entering the household. Since you are usually unfilial to your grandmother, causing the old Dowager to lodge a complaint with the Emperor, His Majesty will also bestow Minister Xu's concubine-born daughter and the Marchioness of Baoxing's daughter upon Yan Zheng as concubines! Hahahaha!"
Chu Ruoyan let out a scornful laugh, unsure whether to call this princess foolish or idiotic.
With just a few words, she had betrayed all her own allies!
"If it truly is as Your Highness says, then Changle can only..."
Before she could finish, a clear, firm voice stated: "Cannot."
Chu Ruoyan was startled. Glancing sideways, she saw Yan Zheng in purple robes, striding over in just that manner to tightly grasp her hand.
She wanted to say something, but a wave of nausea churned in her stomach, and she began to feel unwell again.
She could only close her mouth, suppressing the urge to retch.
By now, the commotion had grown quite loud, and many guests from the banquet were standing at the entrance, watching.
Princess Jiahui, seeing their clasped hands, felt intense hatred. She said loudly, "Chief Minister Yan, my father's imperial decree has been issued. Do you intend to defy an imperial decree for the sake of a woman?"
A flicker of disdain passed through Yan Zheng's eyes. Suddenly, someone emerged from the crowd—it was Gu Sun, who had presided over Xie Zhizhou and Xue Ling's wedding ceremony that day.
He said clearly, "The Chief Minister would naturally never defy an imperial decree... However, today is the joyous wedding day of Tanhua Xie and Miss Xue. Princess Jiahui, perhaps we should all return to the banquet for celebratory wine first?"
A malicious smile curled Princess Jiahui's lips. She suddenly reached out and pushed Rong Su.
Staggering from the push, Rong Su found herself in the center. Then they heard Princess Jiahui say, "Lord Gu, celebratory wine is naturally to be drunk. But since the Chief Minister will not defy the decree, this princess is curious: when might we get to drink the celebratory wine for him and Miss Rong the Second?"
Seeing the situation escalating, Gu Sun had no choice but to advise in a low voice, "Chief Minister, perhaps you should say something?"
The Earl of Nanping, who had also come out, nodded: "Yes, Chief Minister. Taking wives and concubines is, after all, a joyous matter. Why not just..."
Before she could finish, Yan Zheng's cold, clear voice cut through: "I will neither marry nor take a concubine."
Princess Jiahui was overjoyed: "Then you intend to defy the imperial decree!"
Yan Zheng swept a frigid glance at her, sending a chill down Princess Jiahui's spine. At that very moment, Yin Shun arrived.
"By His Majesty's decree, the Chief Grand Secretary and County Princess Changle are to attend the Emperor immediately, without delay!"
