Chapter 14: Your Nephew Is About to Get Married!
So the Emperor has made up his mind to discuss matters right in front of him?
Xiao Yue’s steps paused imperceptibly for a moment, but he continued forward with composure, bowing low in greeting. “Your brother pays respects to Your Majesty!”
“Enough, enough!” The Emperor, Xiao Zhi, seated upon the dragon throne, waved his hand with a smile. “You’re still recovering; there’s no need for formalities. Someone, bring a chair!”
The Emperor was only just past forty this year, yet he looked much older than his age, his body clearly frail and sickly, with streaks of silver already visible at his temples.
Tao Renzhi hurried to summon someone to bring a chair.
“Thank you for your consideration, Your Majesty.” Xiao Yue expressed his gratitude and did not refuse, retreating to the side and sitting down. To avoid aggravating his wound, his movements were slow as he bent. Once settled, he looked toward Wu Xun and said, “If I am not mistaken, you must be the Marquis of Dingyuan?”
He had left the capital at the age of fourteen, never involved in court affairs, and though he was not unfamiliar with Wu Xun, he was deliberately observing protocol.
“Wu Xun greets His Highness Prince Sheng!” Wu Xun answered with a solemn bow.
“You have a keen eye!” The Emperor was clearly pleased, laughing. “You two, one guarding the southern border and one commanding troops in the north, are pillars of the Imperial Court, my right and left arms. It’s a rare fate that you both happen to meet here with me today.”
Indeed, fate! Such deep fate, truly.
Xiao Yue reflected on those words with amusement, yet outwardly he maintained a modest smile. “The Dingyuan Marquisate has produced loyal ministers and valiant generals for four generations, earning countless military honors for the Empire. I, a mere junior, dare not compare my achievements to those of the Marquis.”
“You praise me too highly, Your Highness.” Wu Xun, sharing in the honor, replied in a clear voice, “Serving the Emperor and the nation is a minister’s duty; I dare not claim credit.”
With such exchanges, their acquaintance was established.
After a brief pause, Wu Xun offered a polite inquiry: “His Majesty just told me that Your Highness is unwell, with serious injuries? Yet you appear in good spirits, so I presume there’s no major harm?”
“Thank you for your concern, Marquis. I am quite well.” Xiao Yue nodded slightly, then turned again to the Emperor. “Are Your Majesty and the Marquis discussing military affairs? Have I come at an inopportune time? Perhaps I should wait outside?”
He spoke, making a gesture as if to stand.
“No need!” The Emperor waved his hand immediately. He seemed in excellent spirits today, his face constantly wreathed in smiles. “It’s not really military business. The southern and northern borders are perpetually unsettled. Though you’ve recently routed the Beiyan invaders and stabilized the northern frontier, now that you’ve returned to the capital, I plan to send the Marquis back south. Next month is my birthday—I had hoped to summon the Wu family, father and son, who have long toiled at the borders, for a lively gathering. But now, circumstances force me to reverse my plans.”
When Xiao Yue petitioned to return to the capital, Wu Xun was already en route; otherwise, the Emperor would have delayed his summons.
Xiao Yue smiled, saying nothing more.
Wu Xun quickly cupped his hands. “Your Majesty overstates it. My father and I merely fulfill our duties. Since circumstances have changed, I dare not linger in the capital. I shall prepare to depart today, and at the latest, leave at dawn tomorrow. At that time—I will not trouble Your Majesty for a formal farewell.”
“Well done, Marquis, you’ve worked hard!” The Emperor nodded, then shifted topics: “There is another matter for which I called you today.”
“Your Majesty’s command,” Wu Xun replied solemnly.
The Emperor relaxed completely, leaning back against his chair, sipping tea as he spoke casually, “You and Madam Lin have a daughter named Wu Tan, correct? I recall she is the same age as the Crown Prince?”
Wu Xun was momentarily taken aback, then answered, “Yes, my younger daughter Wu Tan just turned twelve this year.”
“Yesterday at Lin’an’s coming-of-age ceremony, the Empress saw the girl at Lady Xian’s residence and was very taken with her. She praised her highly last night, telling me you’ve raised her well—she is obedient and sensible.” The Emperor continued.
Wu Xun listened attentively, replying with measured humility, “Her Majesty flatters us. I thank the Empress on behalf of my daughter.”
“There’s no need for modesty!” The Emperor laughed. “We are not strangers. I’ll speak plainly. The Crown Prince is growing up, and the Empress is eager to select a consort for him. Your daughter has not been betrothed yet, correct? The Empress and Crown Prince both favor her, so I will decide to match her with the Crown Prince. What say you?”
Wu Xun seemed surprised, abruptly raising his head to look at the Emperor.
The Emperor met his gaze, seeking his response.
“Your Majesty, the Empress, and the Crown Prince have shown great favor. I am overwhelmed.” Wu Xun realized he was overstepping, quickly kneeling and hesitating to speak. “But—”
The Emperor’s expression remained genial, asking casually, “What is it? Has your daughter already been promised to another?”
Naturally, the Emperor had already investigated and knew Wu Tan was not betrothed.
“No, my daughter has not been promised to anyone,” Wu Xun replied, carefully choosing his words before speaking earnestly, “But—I beg Your Majesty’s indulgence. My daughter is still young and has been spoiled by my mother since birth. In truth, she is somewhat mischievous. I fear she may not be worthy of the Crown Prince, and if her behavior falters in the future, bringing shame to the royal family, I would truly be at fault before Your Majesty.”
His self-effacing speech also contained a hint of tactful decline.
Xiao Yue listened, detached, savoring the Marquis’s heartfelt words with some amusement.
If things followed the trajectory of his previous life, Wu Xun’s words today would indeed prove prophetic, because—
His daughter would eventually commit a grave offense that brought disgrace upon the royal family.
Thus, Wu Xun’s self-deprecating remarks struck Xiao Yue as rather ironic.
He curled his lips in silent mockery, his eyes unchanged. The Emperor, catching this with the corner of his eye, interpreted it merely as an inappropriate smile and feigned sternness. “Your cousin is about to marry; you should hurry as well. Before, you were far away and ignored my advice, but now you’re in the capital. I’ll have your imperial sister-in-law help you find a match, so you can settle matters early.”
Xiao Yue had not expected the Emperor to suddenly turn his attention on him and couldn’t help but chuckle. “Your Majesty, I am here to recover from my injuries…”
The Emperor, about to retort, was interrupted as Tao Renzhi entered from outside to report, “Your Majesty, the Empress has sent word that everything is prepared and asks when you and Prince Sheng will come over.”
“Oh!” The Emperor relented, explaining to Xiao Yue, “You are wounded and not fit for socializing with the court officials. Let us go to your sister-in-law’s quarters shortly, and invite the Crown Prince. The four of us will have a simple luncheon today. Once you recover, I will host a grand banquet to celebrate your achievements and those of the northern soldiers.”
“Yes, I will follow Your Majesty’s arrangements.” Xiao Yue bowed slightly and rose, glancing at Wu Xun. “The Marquis will soon return to the southern border. Surely Your Majesty has military matters to discuss. Should I go ahead? I have not seen the Empress in years and wish to pay my respects.”
Though a courteous remark, it was reasonable.
The Emperor did not object. “Very well, you go ahead. I’ll speak with Wu Qing a bit more, then join you.”
“Yes, I take my leave.” Xiao Yue saluted and left the imperial study, hearing behind him the Emperor continue, “The matter I just mentioned is settled. Tomorrow, have your wife come to the palace and bring the child’s birth chart for the Empress to match. My intention is to have them wed within the year.”
“Yes, Your Majesty. I thank you for your grace!”
——
Author’s aside: Ah, mutual flattery in business… What a pleasant and harmonious chapter this is (*^▽^*),
Male lead: Hey, hey! Author, you’re getting off track! Focus, focus! Those two are arranging my wife’s marriage right in front of me? Is this really okay →_→
Author: Your wife has already agreed, what’s it got to do with me →_→
Male lead: Heh…
This book was originally published here. Please do not repost!