Why did the Xie family know while they didn't?
Did the Xie family intend to conceal the news and make preparations in advance?
In this year's imperial examinations, the Xie family's branch failed to achieve the top ranking. Did they want to redeem themselves next year and erase their previous shame?
It's understandable to want to achieve the top ranking, but secretly studying while not letting others know about the imperial court's decision to establish the Enke is a bit too much, isn't it?
It's widely known that the local Prefect and the Xie family are relatives. The Prefect's son married a girl from the Xie family. It's possible that, for the sake of the Xie family, the Prefect delayed posting the announcement by a few days.
Although some scholars consoled themselves, thinking there might be some misunderstanding, the Xie family's once lofty position seemed to be on the verge of collapse.
The news of the imperial court's decision to establish the Enke quickly reached the ears of every scholar in the South. The scholars discovered that as the news spread, the Prefect's office posted the announcement of the court's decision to establish the Enke. In order to quell the anger of the scholars, the Prefect personally came out to explain that they had just received the news from the imperial court.
The scholars needed to go to the yamen to obtain travel permits and other procedures before rushing to the capital for the Enke examinations. They outwardly believed the Prefect's explanation but internally harbored doubts about the Xie family and the Prefect's office.
How could the Xie family know about the information coming from the capital if they weren't aware in advance?
However, at this critical moment, although the scholars were dissatisfied, they didn't have the energy to argue with the Xie family.
"I heard that the books on the reading list for next year's Enke have already started selling in the bookstores. Let's hurry and buy them."
For the candidates, the preferences of the examiners were crucial, so regardless of whether they had money or not, they had to find a way to obtain a copy.
When these scholars arrived at the bookstores and inquired, they found that all the books were sold out.
"Sold out?" the scholars exclaimed, "Why didn't the bookstore prepare more?"
The bookstore's owner smiled bitterly, "Gentlemen, I prepared quite a few copies. But today, as soon as the bookstore opened, some servants from the Xie family came and bought all the related books."
Those few individuals claiming to be servants of the Xie family were generous spenders. As a business owner, naturally, he sold the books to whoever paid more.
"Thank you for letting us know," the scholars said helplessly, then went to the next bookstore to inquire. The answer they received was the same: the Xie family's servants had bought all the books.
The same situation happened in several bookstores. As the well-connected scholars asked each other, they discovered that the Xie family had practically bought up all the books in the city. The only bookstores that weren't bought out had books with unclear printing and poor-quality paper.
"The Xie family, despite being a renowned and prestigious clan, is going too far by bullying people like this," Even the most patient person would have complaints in such a situation, let alone when it concerned the Enke.
However, most of these scholars came from humble backgrounds and couldn't afford to offend the Xie family. Even if they harbored resentment, they didn't dare show it. They could only politely ask the bookstore owners to prepare more next time, assuring them that they would come to buy.
On the day the new books arrived, many scholars waited in front of the bookstore early in the morning. As soon as the bookstore opened, before they could even speak, several aggressive individuals rushed in, grabbed the books they wanted, and threw a piece of silver on the counter before leaving.
One scholar wanted to argue with them but saw a tall man with a stern face say, "We are from the Xie family. If anyone dares to say more, be careful or we won't be polite."
After speaking, without waiting for the scholars' reaction, the man turned and left.
"This... this..." Scholar A was so angry that he couldn't speak. After a while, he finally said, "Why has the Xie family become so arrogant lately?"
In the past, the Xie family had been very humble in their actions and had a good reputation. They rarely behaved in such a domineering manner.
"Perhaps their hypocritical facade has been exposed, so they're throwing caution to the wind," said a stranger who seemed somewhat knowledgeable, "If the Xie family dares to attempt to assassinate the Crown Prince, there's nothing they wouldn't dare to do."
"Maybe, maybe there's some misunderstanding?"
"What misunderstanding? It's clear that they're afraid we'll perform well and overshadow the Xie family," the stranger continued, "Most of you are renowned scholars. If you're suppressed, how can ordinary scholars like us find hope?"
At this point, he covered his face and choked, "I pity my elderly mother who has been hoping for me to achieve success in the Enke and return home in glory. With the way the Xie family is acting, how can I fulfill my parents' expectations?"
"Apologies for my outburst. I'll take my leave," After speaking, in the sympathetic gazes of the other scholars, he stumbled away.
"Ah!" Scholar A looked at the disheveled appearance of the departing scholar and couldn't help but sigh, "If the Xie family behaves like this for a short period of time, it's one thing, but if they continue like this..."
The hearts of everyone present suddenly filled with dark clouds, and fear arose within them.
The Xie family was unaware that many scholars had already developed discontent towards them. It should be said that the Xie family, at this point, couldn't afford to care about these small matters. Their attention was entirely focused on the capital.
"Are you sure our master has been confined in the capital?" The one speaking was an old man, the eldest member of the Xie family. In his earlier years, he held a position in the capital but returned to the south to live a leisurely life after his views clashed with Grand Tutor Du.
"To deceive His Majesty, our master has taken a temporary medication that causes confusion," The messenger was a servant from the Xie family's household, "But instead of pardoning our master, His Majesty has dispatched Imperial Guards to heavily guard the princess's estate. I'm extremely worried that His Majesty will imprison our master in the capital for the rest of his life due to Miss Xie's crime."
Elder Xie stroked his graying beard, "Prepare the carriage. I will personally go to the capital and plead with His Majesty to release our master and allow him to recuperate in the south."
During the time when His Majesty was the Crown Prince and was on the verge of being deposed by the late emperor, Elder Xie had spoken in defense of His Majesty in the court. He hoped that His Majesty would take into account their past relationship and spare the Xie family.
Elder Xie, accompanied by several members of the family, hurriedly traveled to the capital, completely unaware that the Xie family's reputation among scholars had gradually deteriorated.
With the absence of Elder Xie, who was accustomed to managing the younger generations, the Xie family's side branches became lively, causing trouble outside.
Once, when they were drunk, they pushed a scholar who had offended them into a river.
The scholar struggled but eventually sank. By the time other passing scholars arranged for someone to rescue him, the scholar who had been pushed into the river was carried away by the current, and even his body couldn't be found.
Although the passing scholars didn't know the scholar who had been pushed into the river, they couldn't tolerate such bullying behavior. They ran to the yamen to report the incident, but to their surprise, the Prefect said, "If you report a crime without presenting a body, it's slander."
The scholars were infuriated by the Prefect's protection of the Xie family's actions. They left in a huff. When they returned to the river, they saw an old woman with graying hair kneeling by the river, grieving and in pain. They felt both guilty and distressed.
Their hearts grew even more determined. They vowed to achieve academic success during their trip to the capital and seek justice for the grieving old woman.
A few days later, the old woman disappeared. The scholars secretly inquired and heard different accounts. Some said the old woman went to the capital to seek justice from high-ranking officials, while others claimed that the old woman had been silenced by the Prefect and the Xie family. Regardless of the truth, the old woman and the scholar who drowned were completely ignored by the Xie family and the Prefect, as if they were insignificant.
The scholars' hearts turned completely cold.
The Xie family's branch members who had pushed the scholar into the river didn't care about this matter at all. They even felt that heaven was on their side. Otherwise, why would the scholar's body be swept away by the river without leaving any evidence?
These incidents in the south did not affect the lives of the people in the capital.
Emperor Changlong even chose a sunny day and invited Hua Yingting and Wei Mingyue into the palace once again to discuss the wedding date.
"Yuansu has been raised by Zhen since he was a child and has reached marriageable age. It's time to plan for his marriage," Emperor Changlong rubbed his hands together, feeling somewhat hesitant to look at Wei Mingyue, "The Astronomical Bureau has calculated several auspicious dates. Zhen finds them all suitable. Both of you, take a look."
Zhao Sancai prepared the auspicious dates calculated by the Astronomical Bureau and was about to hand them to Hua Yingting. However, as he approached Hua Yingting, he paused and turned to offer them to Wei Mingyue instead.
"May 6th of the Fifth Month?" Wei Mingyue frowned, "Your Majesty, this date seems a bit too early."
Emperor Changlong quickly nodded, "Zhen also thinks it's a bit early. Yuansu is Zhen's beloved son, and Fushou Junzhu is the precious gem of both of you. Naturally, Zhen wants to celebrate their wedding grandly. Zhen is afraid we won't have enough time to prepare within this time frame."
"Of course, if General Wei thinks this date is good, Zhen will expedite the preparations. Zhen won't let it be an inconvenience for Fushou Junzhu," Emperor Changlong felt that there would be no problem if he accommodated Wei Mingyue in such a small matter.
After all, Wei Mingyue was capable of smashing rocks with her fists.
Wei Mingyue slowly shook her head, "Your Majesty, in this subject's opinion, this date is not good enough."
"Then... let's look at the next one?" Emperor Changlong couldn't help but wipe the sweat from his forehead.
"June 28th?" Wei Mingyue didn't even think about it and shook her head, "June is scorching hot. This subject's daughter is physically weak. It'll be hard for her to endure sitting in a wedding sedan on such a hot day."
"What you say makes sense, General Wei. Zhen also thinks this date is not good enough. We should prioritize Fushou Junzhu's well-being," Emperor Changlong thought about the Crown Princess's ceremonial attire and realized that it would indeed be uncomfortable to wear it on such a hot day.
"The weather gradually becomes cooler in July, but this month is still not ideal," Wei Mingyue continued shaking her head, "December is too cold. In my opinion, March of next year would be just right. It's neither too cold nor too hot, and it signifies the revival of all things."
Next March? Doesn't that mean we have to wait for nearly a year?
That unfilial son of his wants to marry Fushou Junzhu every day and bring her back to the Eastern Palace. As a father, he should strive and fight for his son's happiness.
"Zhen thinks August this year looks good. The weather is pleasant, and it's a time of harvest, which also has a good symbolism," Emperor Changlong chuckled and turned to Hua Yingting, "General Hua, don't you agree?"
Hua Yingting looked at Emperor Changlong inexplicably and thought, Your Majesty, I don't have an opinion. Besides, my opinion doesn't matter anyway.
Seeing Hua Yingting's expression, Emperor Changlong knew that he couldn't rely on this old friend. He gathered his courage and looked at Wei Mingyue, "General Wei, when your daughter marries into the imperial family, Zhen will treat her as my own daughter."
Hua Yingting began to ponder whether the Emperor's favoritism toward his daughter was a good thing or not.
"August is indeed a good day, but..." Wei Mingyue looked at Emperor Changlong with pity in her eyes. But why bother? If Liuli is married off to the Eastern Palace early, the one who will suffer in the end is the Crown Prince.
"As long as the Wei family has no objections, that's good," Emperor Changlong clapped his hands, "Since we have reached an agreement, Zhen will instruct the Astronomical Bureau to determine the auspicious date on August 12th and let them calculate the most favorable time."
"Your Majesty..." Hua Yingting couldn't help but speak up, "This subject thinks, Hi Royal Highness and this subject's daughter are both still young. There's no need to rush to set the wedding date."
"A man should establish his family before pursuing a career. Once the Crown Prince gets married, Zhen can also pass on some responsibilities to him sooner," Emperor Changlong interrupted Hua Yingting, "Besides, the Crown Prince is already twenty-one, not too young."
"But this subject's daughter is..."
"Although the Crown Prince is five years older than Fushou Junzhu, it's better for him to be slightly older. If he's older, he will know how to take care of others. Don't you think that makes sense?" Emperor Changlong didn't expect Hua Yingting to raise objections. Speaking earnestly, he said, "Hua Yingting, Zhen has been shouldering the burden of this vast imperial palace alone for these years, and Zhen is tired. With you and General Wei as Zhen's in-laws, Zhen can finally breathe a sigh of relief. We are not only sovereign and subjects but also good friends. Please, for Zhen's sake, set the wedding date."
For the sake of his son, Emperor Changlong could even resort to desperate measures.
Hua Yingting had grievances he couldn't express. Your Majesty, I am only thinking of your well-being, which is why I wanted to postpone the wedding date.
"Everything will be done according to Your Majesty's wishes," After a moment of silence, Wei Mingyue bowed to Emperor Changlong, "This subject has no objections."
Hua Yingting looked at his wife, then at Emperor Changlong, who was filled with anticipation. Slowly, he lowered his head, "This subject will comply with Your Majesty's will."
Your Majesty, I have really done my best.
Please don't blame me if anything happens in the future.
After seeing off Hua Yingting and Wei Mingyue, Emperor Changlong finally breathed a sigh of relief. He wiped the cold sweat off his forehead and said to Zhao Sancai, "Go and summon the Crown Prince."
As soon as the Crown Prince entered the Chongyang Palace, he saw Emperor Changlong pointing to a pile of memorials, "Today, these memorials are all handed over to you."
"Father Emperor, Erchen suddenly remembered that there are some matters in the Eastern Palace..."
"Zhen has already discussed it with your future in-laws. The wedding is set for August 12th. If you have any objections, Zhen can postpone it to March next year," Emperor Changlong picked up a teacup and took a sip, "Zhen has always favored you. Zhen can even change Zhen's mind for your sake."
The Crown Prince, who had already turned his back, instantly turned back. He smiled and said, "Erchen made a mistake. There's nothing urgent in the Eastern Palace. It is an honor for Erchen to help Father Emperor in reading memorials."
He sat down at the table, picked up a vermilion brush, and started writing.
Emperor Changlong had a cup of tea.
Emperor Changlong had a plate of snacks.
Emperor Changlong went out and enjoyed some music for a while.
After listening to the music, he returned and looked at his son, who was working diligently, with a sense of satisfaction in his heart. It was so delightful to derive his own happiness from others' suffering.
"Father Emperor, have you really set the wedding date for Erchen?" The Crown Prince pretended not to notice the bright smile on Emperor Changlong's face and continued writing with his pen, "Erchen knows it. Father Emperor's love for Erchen, is heavier than Mount Tai and broader than the sea."
Emperor Changlong: "Heh."
Don't think that flattery will work on him.
The Crown Prince had been using this type of shallow flattery from the age of three to twenty-one. As a father, Emperor Changlong had long grown tired of it.
"Father Emperor, a few days ago, Erchen obtained a fine piece of jade and had the craftsmen carve it into an auspicious beast," the Crown Prince beamed with a smile, "Erchen had Zhao Sancai place it in your sleeping chamber. If you like it, keep it. If not, you can throw it into the private treasury."
Emperor Changlong remembered that when the Crown Prince was young, whenever he got something new, he would always save a share for him. Even when catching insects, he would intentionally catch an extra one to bring back.
After a stick of incense, Emperor Changlong, seeing the Crown Prince occasionally rubbing his wrist in pain, quietly sat back at the imperial desk and picked up the imperial brush.
Forget it, children are always a burden.
Krish728
Author's Note:
Emperor Changlong: It's not easy being a father.
Hua Yingting: It's not easy being a father and a loyal subject.
Why did the Xie family know while they didn't?
Did the Xie family intend to conceal the news and make preparations in advance?
In this year's imperial examinations, the Xie family's branch failed to achieve the top ranking. Did they want to redeem themselves next year and erase their previous shame?
It's understandable to want to achieve the top ranking, but secretly studying while not letting others know about the imperial court's decision to establish the Enke is a bit too much, isn't it?
It's widely known that the local Prefect and the Xie family are relatives. The Prefect's son married a girl from the Xie family. It's possible that, for the sake of the Xie family, the Prefect delayed posting the announcement by a few days.
Although some scholars consoled themselves, thinking there might be some misunderstanding, the Xie family's once lofty position seemed to be on the verge of collapse.
The news of the imperial court's decision to establish the Enke quickly reached the ears of every scholar in the South. The scholars discovered that as the news spread, the Prefect's office posted the announcement of the court's decision to establish the Enke. In order to quell the anger of the scholars, the Prefect personally came out to explain that they had just received the news from the imperial court.
The scholars needed to go to the yamen to obtain travel permits and other procedures before rushing to the capital for the Enke examinations. They outwardly believed the Prefect's explanation but internally harbored doubts about the Xie family and the Prefect's office.
How could the Xie family know about the information coming from the capital if they weren't aware in advance?
However, at this critical moment, although the scholars were dissatisfied, they didn't have the energy to argue with the Xie family.
"I heard that the books on the reading list for next year's Enke have already started selling in the bookstores. Let's hurry and buy them."
For the candidates, the preferences of the examiners were crucial, so regardless of whether they had money or not, they had to find a way to obtain a copy.
When these scholars arrived at the bookstores and inquired, they found that all the books were sold out.
"Sold out?" the scholars exclaimed, "Why didn't the bookstore prepare more?"
The bookstore's owner smiled bitterly, "Gentlemen, I prepared quite a few copies. But today, as soon as the bookstore opened, some servants from the Xie family came and bought all the related books."
Those few individuals claiming to be servants of the Xie family were generous spenders. As a business owner, naturally, he sold the books to whoever paid more.
"Thank you for letting us know," the scholars said helplessly, then went to the next bookstore to inquire. The answer they received was the same: the Xie family's servants had bought all the books.
The same situation happened in several bookstores. As the well-connected scholars asked each other, they discovered that the Xie family had practically bought up all the books in the city. The only bookstores that weren't bought out had books with unclear printing and poor-quality paper.
"The Xie family, despite being a renowned and prestigious clan, is going too far by bullying people like this," Even the most patient person would have complaints in such a situation, let alone when it concerned the Enke.
However, most of these scholars came from humble backgrounds and couldn't afford to offend the Xie family. Even if they harbored resentment, they didn't dare show it. They could only politely ask the bookstore owners to prepare more next time, assuring them that they would come to buy.
On the day the new books arrived, many scholars waited in front of the bookstore early in the morning. As soon as the bookstore opened, before they could even speak, several aggressive individuals rushed in, grabbed the books they wanted, and threw a piece of silver on the counter before leaving.
One scholar wanted to argue with them but saw a tall man with a stern face say, "We are from the Xie family. If anyone dares to say more, be careful or we won't be polite."
After speaking, without waiting for the scholars' reaction, the man turned and left.
"This... this..." Scholar A was so angry that he couldn't speak. After a while, he finally said, "Why has the Xie family become so arrogant lately?"
In the past, the Xie family had been very humble in their actions and had a good reputation. They rarely behaved in such a domineering manner.
"Perhaps their hypocritical facade has been exposed, so they're throwing caution to the wind," said a stranger who seemed somewhat knowledgeable, "If the Xie family dares to attempt to assassinate the Crown Prince, there's nothing they wouldn't dare to do."
"Maybe, maybe there's some misunderstanding?"
"What misunderstanding? It's clear that they're afraid we'll perform well and overshadow the Xie family," the stranger continued, "Most of you are renowned scholars. If you're suppressed, how can ordinary scholars like us find hope?"
At this point, he covered his face and choked, "I pity my elderly mother who has been hoping for me to achieve success in the Enke and return home in glory. With the way the Xie family is acting, how can I fulfill my parents' expectations?"
"Apologies for my outburst. I'll take my leave," After speaking, in the sympathetic gazes of the other scholars, he stumbled away.
"Ah!" Scholar A looked at the disheveled appearance of the departing scholar and couldn't help but sigh, "If the Xie family behaves like this for a short period of time, it's one thing, but if they continue like this..."
The hearts of everyone present suddenly filled with dark clouds, and fear arose within them.
The Xie family was unaware that many scholars had already developed discontent towards them. It should be said that the Xie family, at this point, couldn't afford to care about these small matters. Their attention was entirely focused on the capital.
"Are you sure our master has been confined in the capital?" The one speaking was an old man, the eldest member of the Xie family. In his earlier years, he held a position in the capital but returned to the south to live a leisurely life after his views clashed with Grand Tutor Du.
"To deceive His Majesty, our master has taken a temporary medication that causes confusion," The messenger was a servant from the Xie family's household, "But instead of pardoning our master, His Majesty has dispatched Imperial Guards to heavily guard the princess's estate. I'm extremely worried that His Majesty will imprison our master in the capital for the rest of his life due to Miss Xie's crime."
Elder Xie stroked his graying beard, "Prepare the carriage. I will personally go to the capital and plead with His Majesty to release our master and allow him to recuperate in the south."
During the time when His Majesty was the Crown Prince and was on the verge of being deposed by the late emperor, Elder Xie had spoken in defense of His Majesty in the court. He hoped that His Majesty would take into account their past relationship and spare the Xie family.
Elder Xie, accompanied by several members of the family, hurriedly traveled to the capital, completely unaware that the Xie family's reputation among scholars had gradually deteriorated.
With the absence of Elder Xie, who was accustomed to managing the younger generations, the Xie family's side branches became lively, causing trouble outside.
Once, when they were drunk, they pushed a scholar who had offended them into a river.
The scholar struggled but eventually sank. By the time other passing scholars arranged for someone to rescue him, the scholar who had been pushed into the river was carried away by the current, and even his body couldn't be found.
Although the passing scholars didn't know the scholar who had been pushed into the river, they couldn't tolerate such bullying behavior. They ran to the yamen to report the incident, but to their surprise, the Prefect said, "If you report a crime without presenting a body, it's slander."
The scholars were infuriated by the Prefect's protection of the Xie family's actions. They left in a huff. When they returned to the river, they saw an old woman with graying hair kneeling by the river, grieving and in pain. They felt both guilty and distressed.
Their hearts grew even more determined. They vowed to achieve academic success during their trip to the capital and seek justice for the grieving old woman.
A few days later, the old woman disappeared. The scholars secretly inquired and heard different accounts. Some said the old woman went to the capital to seek justice from high-ranking officials, while others claimed that the old woman had been silenced by the Prefect and the Xie family. Regardless of the truth, the old woman and the scholar who drowned were completely ignored by the Xie family and the Prefect, as if they were insignificant.
The scholars' hearts turned completely cold.
The Xie family's branch members who had pushed the scholar into the river didn't care about this matter at all. They even felt that heaven was on their side. Otherwise, why would the scholar's body be swept away by the river without leaving any evidence?
These incidents in the south did not affect the lives of the people in the capital.
Emperor Changlong even chose a sunny day and invited Hua Yingting and Wei Mingyue into the palace once again to discuss the wedding date.
"Yuansu has been raised by Zhen since he was a child and has reached marriageable age. It's time to plan for his marriage," Emperor Changlong rubbed his hands together, feeling somewhat hesitant to look at Wei Mingyue, "The Astronomical Bureau has calculated several auspicious dates. Zhen finds them all suitable. Both of you, take a look."
Zhao Sancai prepared the auspicious dates calculated by the Astronomical Bureau and was about to hand them to Hua Yingting. However, as he approached Hua Yingting, he paused and turned to offer them to Wei Mingyue instead.
"May 6th of the Fifth Month?" Wei Mingyue frowned, "Your Majesty, this date seems a bit too early."
Emperor Changlong quickly nodded, "Zhen also thinks it's a bit early. Yuansu is Zhen's beloved son, and Fushou Junzhu is the precious gem of both of you. Naturally, Zhen wants to celebrate their wedding grandly. Zhen is afraid we won't have enough time to prepare within this time frame."
"Of course, if General Wei thinks this date is good, Zhen will expedite the preparations. Zhen won't let it be an inconvenience for Fushou Junzhu," Emperor Changlong felt that there would be no problem if he accommodated Wei Mingyue in such a small matter.
After all, Wei Mingyue was capable of smashing rocks with her fists.
Wei Mingyue slowly shook her head, "Your Majesty, in this subject's opinion, this date is not good enough."
"Then... let's look at the next one?" Emperor Changlong couldn't help but wipe the sweat from his forehead.
"June 28th?" Wei Mingyue didn't even think about it and shook her head, "June is scorching hot. This subject's daughter is physically weak. It'll be hard for her to endure sitting in a wedding sedan on such a hot day."
"What you say makes sense, General Wei. Zhen also thinks this date is not good enough. We should prioritize Fushou Junzhu's well-being," Emperor Changlong thought about the Crown Princess's ceremonial attire and realized that it would indeed be uncomfortable to wear it on such a hot day.
"The weather gradually becomes cooler in July, but this month is still not ideal," Wei Mingyue continued shaking her head, "December is too cold. In my opinion, March of next year would be just right. It's neither too cold nor too hot, and it signifies the revival of all things."
Next March? Doesn't that mean we have to wait for nearly a year?
That unfilial son of his wants to marry Fushou Junzhu every day and bring her back to the Eastern Palace. As a father, he should strive and fight for his son's happiness.
"Zhen thinks August this year looks good. The weather is pleasant, and it's a time of harvest, which also has a good symbolism," Emperor Changlong chuckled and turned to Hua Yingting, "General Hua, don't you agree?"
Hua Yingting looked at Emperor Changlong inexplicably and thought, Your Majesty, I don't have an opinion. Besides, my opinion doesn't matter anyway.
Seeing Hua Yingting's expression, Emperor Changlong knew that he couldn't rely on this old friend. He gathered his courage and looked at Wei Mingyue, "General Wei, when your daughter marries into the imperial family, Zhen will treat her as my own daughter."
Hua Yingting began to ponder whether the Emperor's favoritism toward his daughter was a good thing or not.
"August is indeed a good day, but..." Wei Mingyue looked at Emperor Changlong with pity in her eyes. But why bother? If Liuli is married off to the Eastern Palace early, the one who will suffer in the end is the Crown Prince.
"As long as the Wei family has no objections, that's good," Emperor Changlong clapped his hands, "Since we have reached an agreement, Zhen will instruct the Astronomical Bureau to determine the auspicious date on August 12th and let them calculate the most favorable time."
"Your Majesty..." Hua Yingting couldn't help but speak up, "This subject thinks, Hi Royal Highness and this subject's daughter are both still young. There's no need to rush to set the wedding date."
"A man should establish his family before pursuing a career. Once the Crown Prince gets married, Zhen can also pass on some responsibilities to him sooner," Emperor Changlong interrupted Hua Yingting, "Besides, the Crown Prince is already twenty-one, not too young."
"But this subject's daughter is..."
"Although the Crown Prince is five years older than Fushou Junzhu, it's better for him to be slightly older. If he's older, he will know how to take care of others. Don't you think that makes sense?" Emperor Changlong didn't expect Hua Yingting to raise objections. Speaking earnestly, he said, "Hua Yingting, Zhen has been shouldering the burden of this vast imperial palace alone for these years, and Zhen is tired. With you and General Wei as Zhen's in-laws, Zhen can finally breathe a sigh of relief. We are not only sovereign and subjects but also good friends. Please, for Zhen's sake, set the wedding date."
For the sake of his son, Emperor Changlong could even resort to desperate measures.
Hua Yingting had grievances he couldn't express. Your Majesty, I am only thinking of your well-being, which is why I wanted to postpone the wedding date.
"Everything will be done according to Your Majesty's wishes," After a moment of silence, Wei Mingyue bowed to Emperor Changlong, "This subject has no objections."
Hua Yingting looked at his wife, then at Emperor Changlong, who was filled with anticipation. Slowly, he lowered his head, "This subject will comply with Your Majesty's will."
Your Majesty, I have really done my best.
Please don't blame me if anything happens in the future.
After seeing off Hua Yingting and Wei Mingyue, Emperor Changlong finally breathed a sigh of relief. He wiped the cold sweat off his forehead and said to Zhao Sancai, "Go and summon the Crown Prince."
As soon as the Crown Prince entered the Chongyang Palace, he saw Emperor Changlong pointing to a pile of memorials, "Today, these memorials are all handed over to you."
"Father Emperor, Erchen suddenly remembered that there are some matters in the Eastern Palace..."
"Zhen has already discussed it with your future in-laws. The wedding is set for August 12th. If you have any objections, Zhen can postpone it to March next year," Emperor Changlong picked up a teacup and took a sip, "Zhen has always favored you. Zhen can even change Zhen's mind for your sake."
The Crown Prince, who had already turned his back, instantly turned back. He smiled and said, "Erchen made a mistake. There's nothing urgent in the Eastern Palace. It is an honor for Erchen to help Father Emperor in reading memorials."
He sat down at the table, picked up a vermilion brush, and started writing.
Emperor Changlong had a cup of tea.
Emperor Changlong had a plate of snacks.
Emperor Changlong went out and enjoyed some music for a while.
After listening to the music, he returned and looked at his son, who was working diligently, with a sense of satisfaction in his heart. It was so delightful to derive his own happiness from others' suffering.
"Father Emperor, have you really set the wedding date for Erchen?" The Crown Prince pretended not to notice the bright smile on Emperor Changlong's face and continued writing with his pen, "Erchen knows it. Father Emperor's love for Erchen, is heavier than Mount Tai and broader than the sea."
Emperor Changlong: "Heh."
Don't think that flattery will work on him.
The Crown Prince had been using this type of shallow flattery from the age of three to twenty-one. As a father, Emperor Changlong had long grown tired of it.
"Father Emperor, a few days ago, Erchen obtained a fine piece of jade and had the craftsmen carve it into an auspicious beast," the Crown Prince beamed with a smile, "Erchen had Zhao Sancai place it in your sleeping chamber. If you like it, keep it. If not, you can throw it into the private treasury."
Emperor Changlong remembered that when the Crown Prince was young, whenever he got something new, he would always save a share for him. Even when catching insects, he would intentionally catch an extra one to bring back.
After a stick of incense, Emperor Changlong, seeing the Crown Prince occasionally rubbing his wrist in pain, quietly sat back at the imperial desk and picked up the imperial brush.
Forget it, children are always a burden.
Krish728
Author's Note:
Emperor Changlong: It's not easy being a father.
Hua Yingting: It's not easy being a father and a loyal subject.
