Xue Xian’s eyes darkened when the Yan family mentioned Chu Ruoyan. With a bright smile, she linked her arm through the emperor’s: “Your Majesty, ever since Princesses Qixia and Yuzhen were married off, the one in the palace who has truly captured your favor is Jiahui. Now that she has found her beloved, why won’t you grant her your blessing?”
The emperor’s expression turned a bit awkward as he replied, “If it were a son from another family, I would have no hesitation. But the Sixth Son of the Yan Family was only recently betrothed to the third daughter of the Duke of Chu. If I were to issue an edict now, it might be seen as ruining a marriage.”
Xue Xian guided him to sit by the couch. “Your Majesty, it’s admirable that you care for your subjects, but…”
She deliberately paused, prompting the emperor to ask, “But what?”
“But haven’t you considered this? The Duke of Chu’s legitimate daughter is already married to the Yan Prime Minister, and now his third daughter is to marry the Sixth Son. Wouldn’t that bind the two families too closely?”
Her pointed words made the emperor frown deeply.
Indeed, Yan Zheng had only one younger brother left. If he married into the Chu family as well, the two houses would be tightly intertwined…
One was the head civil official, the other wielded military power—it was certainly not a favorable situation.
“Then, does Your Majesty mean to summon the Sixth Son of the Yan Family as a royal son-in-law?” the emperor asked.
Xue Xian lowered her gaze. “Your Majesty is wise. But if you do so, it might give people something to talk about, saying you’re breaking up a couple. It would be better to…”
She leaned in and whispered a few words. The emperor’s eyes lit up with delight, and he couldn’t help but pull her close, planting a kiss on her lips. “My beloved consort is truly clever, always resolving my worries. If Jiahui knew, she would surely be overjoyed!”
Just as Xue Xian was about to say more, Yin Shun hurried in, his usually composed face beaming with excitement. “Your Majesty! Great news! The northern border has been won! Prince Qin has already returned from the campaign and will soon arrive at the capital!”
“What? Say that again?”
“Your Majesty, it’s true! Here is the official dispatch from Prince Qin—”
Yin Shun quickly handed over the report. The emperor’s eyes scanned it, and he sprang to his feet. “Excellent! No wonder the Ninth Prince succeeded so swiftly, clearing the northern border in just over a month. I chose well! Yin Shun, issue the edict—when Prince Qin enters the city, open all four gates, have all officials welcome him, and I will personally greet him at Hongwu Gate!”
“Yes, Your Majesty!”
At the Duke of Chu’s residence, in Lanxin Garden.
“What? You’re saying the emperor summoned you to the palace to serve as a guard for Princess Jiahui?”
Chu Ruolan’s eyes widened in disbelief. Yan Zhao looked helpless. “Yes, the eunuch who delivered the edict just left the Yan residence, so I came straight here to tell you. The emperor suddenly issued this order out of nowhere!”
Normally, even if one were promoted, it would be to a post at Xishan Camp or the Wucheng Military Division.
Sending a son of the Yan family to serve as a guard for someone else? That’s a serious underutilization of talent.
Chu Ruolan was stunned for a moment, then grabbed Yan Zhao’s arm and headed straight for the Bodhi Temple.
At that moment, Chu Ruoyan was discussing her marriage arrangements with Lady Jiang the Younger. Seeing someone enter, she was about to tease them, but when Chu Ruolan spoke, her brow furrowed. “Serving as a guard for Princess Jiahui? And they specifically want the Sixth Son?”
She fell silent for a moment, then looked at Yan Zhao with a hint of sympathy. “Sixth Brother, it seems Princess Jiahui has taken a liking to you…”
Chu Ruolan shot him a glare as sharp as a knife.
Yan Zhao protested, "Third Sister-in-law, I’m innocent! I haven’t even exchanged two words with that blasted princess. Besides, I once saved her back in the Imperial Garden..."
"What? You even saved her?" Chu Ruolan snapped angrily, reaching out to hit him. "You useless fish! I thought you were just clueless and indifferent, but turns out you’ve been flirting around—and with a princess no less!"
Yan Zhao quickly dodged and hurriedly explained, "Ruolan, listen to me! At that time, there were bees swarming all around her. I couldn’t just stand by and do nothing, could I? I—ow!!"
He yelped as Chu Ruolan gave him a fierce pinch, his eyebrows and nose scrunching up in pain.
Lady Jiang the Younger couldn’t stand the tension and said, "Alright, Ruolan, don’t be so quick to blame him. Let’s think about how to solve this first! Maybe we should ask Father to plead on our behalf?"
Chu Ruoyan shook her head. "If the Emperor is concerned about Father, this imperial edict wouldn’t have been issued. It’s clear now that it’s already been approved..."
She furrowed her brow slightly.
The younger maids didn’t know the full story, but she could guess some of it.
The Emperor must be afraid of the Yan and Chu families becoming linked by marriage, so he’s deliberately sabotaging this match!
"Ruolan, rest assured, I swear to heaven I will never marry that blasted princess!" Yan Zhao’s solemn vow made Chu Ruolan’s expression soften a little. But then her eldest sister added, "It’s not that simple. The Emperor didn’t issue a marriage edict but summoned you to serve in the palace. On the surface, you can’t refuse."
"Then what do we do? Should we ask Father to go to the palace and beg the Emperor?" Chu Ruolan asked anxiously.
Chu Ruoyan shook her head gently. "It won’t work. If the Emperor cared about Father, this edict wouldn’t have been issued..."
Chu Ruolan and Lady Jiang the Younger exchanged worried glances, both at a loss.
Yan Zhao gritted his teeth. "If it comes to that, I’ll just enter the palace and become Princess Jiahui’s guard! Anyway, our wedding is next month. When the time comes, the Emperor can’t keep me locked up forever, right?"
Chu Ruolan looked up at Chu Ruoyan with hopeful eyes. "Big Sister, do you think that will work?"
