MYUFPC CHAPTER 28
I am jealous
Princess De ning was three years older than Emperor Zhanghe, and as siblings born to the same mother, their bond was naturally deeper than that of other royal relatives.
However, De ning never expected that Emperor Zhanghe would summon her to the palace today to discuss the marriage of Princess Jiashan.
Princess De ning had no objections to Jiashan. It was just that in the past, she had not gotten along very well with the late Empress. Therefore, she was naturally not as close to Jiashan.
When Emperor Zhanghe asked her who she thought would be a suitable match for Jiashan, Princess De ning simply smiled. She took the tea offered by the palace maid and said casually, "Hasn't Your Majesty already chosen someone?"
Emperor Zhanghe said gently, "There are too many talented young men in the court, and I'm a bit dazzled by the choices. As you know, Royal Sister, Jiashan is my eldest daughter, and I cherish her very much. Since A Qiao passed away so early, I've been thinking about this, I have no choice so I decided to discuss it with you."
A Qiao was the Empress's childhood nickname, and Emperor Zhanghe always called her that. Seeing Emperor Zhanghe mention the Empress, De ning said, "Your Majesty might want to recall, when the Empress was alive, did she have any requirements for Jiashan's future husband?"
Emperor Zhanghe thought carefully for a moment, then turned his head and said slowly, "Jiashan was too young back then, how could A Qiao have thought so far ahead?"
He sighed and said, "I was originally inclined towards the eldest grandson of the Duke of Anguo, but Jiashan that child said that Zhan Shaoying's moral character was insufficient. After I had people investigate, I was also unwilling to wrong Jiashan."
Emperor Zhanghe spoke in the tone of a loving father, but it made Princess De ning's expression less calm.
In the past, one of the main reasons she didn't get along with the former Empress was that she felt that the woman was too proud and arrogant. If she were made Empress, she would certainly not be worthy of the title of a virtuous Empress.
Although she passed away early, she had not even been Empress for ten years, but as long as she was in charge of the six palaces, De ning would not enter the palace unless it was absolutely necessary, to avoid the two of them looking at each other with distaste.
Now, hearing that Jiashan was dissatisfied with the husband that Emperor Zhanghe had chosen for her, De ning immediately thought of the Empress. She straightened her face and said, "Then according to the eldest princess, who do you think is worthy of being her husband?"
Emperor Zhanghe said, "The words of parents and the matchmaker. Naturally, I will still make the decision for her."
He paused and smiled. "When our Father chose a husband for Your Royal Sister, he also chose very carefully. The fact that Your Royal Sister is now living a peaceful life proves that our Father's vision was not wrong."
De ning smiled.
Emperor Zhanghe said, "Yun Chi is seventeen now, isn't he? He is honest and loyal, very much like Duke Zhengguo."
Mentioning her eldest son, a loving expression finally appeared on Princess De ning's face, and she nodded, "Yes."
"It's just that he's a bit too honest," De ning laughed.
Emperor Zhanghe also clapped his hands and said, "It's better to be honest. What I hate most are those who are unscrupulous and scheming."
After a while, he casually said as if they were chatting, "Yun Chi is not young now, after all, he is the son of my Royal Sister, I want to keep him by my side and give him more guidance for a few years."
"Is he engaged now?" Emperor Zhanghe asked lightly.
Princess De ning, unprepared for this turn of events, smiled and said, “Not yet. I had planned to find him a suitable marriage after he had secured a government position.”
Emperor Zhanghe nodded, seemingly agreeing with Princess De ning’s suggestion, “That’s appropriate.”
“Speaking of which, Jiashan and Yun Chi are of a suitable age,” Emperor Zhanghe raised his eyes. Looking at Princess De ning who was sitting silently beside him, he smiled slowly, “I’ve watched Yunchi grow up, and I trust his character.”
Princess De ning hadn’t expected Emperor Zhanghe to abruptly bring the conversation back to Jiashan’s marriage. Her expression changed slightly as she carefully observed Emperor Zhanghe's demeanor. Seeing that he looked serious, De ning couldn't help but inwardly cry out, "Oh no."
"As for my royal sister, I naturally trust you even more,” Emperor Zhanghe leaned back on his dragon throne. His tone was gentle, as if he were merely joking, “If I were to pass away someday, I'm sure my royal sister wouldn't treat Jiashan poorly.”
De ning quickly replied, “Your Majesty is still in the prime of your life. You mustn't say such things.”
“Everyone is destined to die,” Emperor Zhanghe's lips curved upwards slightly, “Don’t be nervous, Royal Sister.”
Princess De ning smiled dryly. After all, he was her younger brother, and she understood his character well. As an emperor, he was tolerant of his officials and people, and as a father, he had always cared for Jiashan.
He had specially invited her to the palace today, beating around the bush for so long, and it was obvious that he wanted to tell her that he intended to give Jiashan to her as his daughter-in-law.
As a princess herself, Princess De ning understood the many benefits that marrying into the royal family would bring to an ordinary noble family, and she also understood the drawbacks for a man.
Her status was already quite noble, and Emperor Zhanghe, for the sake of her face, would never mistreat her future generations. So those benefits of marrying into the royal family were almost insignificant to Princess De ning. But the drawbacks were quite numerous.
Unless Jiashan remained childless for seven years, her son could forget about taking any concubines or maidservants. Moreover, with Jiashan's personality, she would probably control Yun Chi, and in the future, they might have frequent disputes.
De ning forced a smile on her lips. Seeing that Emperor Zhanghe was just staring at her firmly, she didn't want to confront him head-on, so she could only smile and say, "If Yun Chi is truly blessed enough, then I will thank Your Majesty on his behalf."
Emperor Zhanghe nodded in satisfaction. He said, "I would also like to strengthen the bond between our families."
Princess Dening's heart grew colder and colder. She left the Qianqing Palace with a bitter smile.
When she reached the Dongzhi Gate, Princess De ning paused for a long time. After much thought, she turned around and walked back towards the palace.
At that moment, Zhan Yue, who had just come out of the Jinwu Guard's duty room, saw Princess De ning and naturally greeted her politely.
De ning smiled at him, as if she had thought of something, and said to Zhan Yue, "A few days ago, the Shizi Furen came to visit me. If you have time, please tell her that I have received a new batch of West Lake Longjing tea, and I would like to invite her to come and taste it at her leisure."
Zhan Yue's expression was indifferent, he simply replied, "Yes."
"And..." De ning paused for a moment, her eyes smiling, "She asked me the last time why His Majesty inquired about her eldest son's birth date. I casually told her that it was probably because Ying'er was going to marry into the royal family."
Princess De ning smiled and said, "If you see her, be sure to tell her not to take it to heart."
“I will convey your message,” Zhan Yue said.
“Mmm.” De ning murmured, “His Majesty intends to matchmake Jiashan and Yun Chi. If she wants to choose another noble family for Ying’er, she can start making preparations.”
Zhan Yue was slightly startled. He looked up and said in a hoarse voice, “What?”
De ning smiled and did not respond further, nor did she continue towards the inner palace. Under Zhan Yue’s gaze, she slowly got into her carriage at the Dongzhi Gate.
Zhan Yue’s expression stiffened. He stared at the wrinkles on his robe and quietly ordered the Jinwu Guard beside him, "Help me make a trip to Changchun Temple. Please ask the Princess Ruyang to come to the palace within the next two days."
The Jinwu Guard replied, "Yes."
"Go quickly and come back soon," Zhan Yue extended a slender hand and gently patted the Jinwu Guard's shoulder, appearing casual.
However, the Jinwu Guard clearly saw a hint of pale trembling in the commander's fingertips.
The Jinwu Guard quickly took the order seriously and left.
That afternoon, Jiashan also learned through Eunuch Chen that her father intended to marry her to De ning Princess’ eldest son, Zheng Yun Chi.
She immediately became anxious.
Princess De ning didn’t like her very much, and Jiashan had long realized this. To be honest, her relationship with this aunt was probably not as close as her relationship with the Princess of Ruyang.
But Jiashan also understood that her father meant well. No matter how distant Princess De ning was from her, marrying into her aunt's family would at least be more comfortable than marrying into someone else's.
Moreover, Zheng Yun Chi was always kind and gentle, and they were also cousins, so he would certainly not treat her poorly.
This choice was probably the result of Emperor Zhanghe’s careful consideration and weighing of various interests. It meant that it would not be so easy to persuade her father to change his mind this time.
Jiashan frowned tightly. She took several deep breaths and had almost no mood to do anything else for the rest of the afternoon.
Zhao Youze had already written several characters for birthday, and she only needed time to embroider them. Now, it was giving her a splitting headache, and she had no mood to do any embroidery.
"What's wrong, Sister?" Zhao Youze had just woken up from a nap. He rubbed his eyes, came out of the inner room, and saw Jiashan sighing constantly, so he couldn't help but ask.
Since returning from Changchun Temple, Zhao Youze had been somewhat fond of coming to Fengyang Pavilion to cling to Jiashan whenever he had no lessons.
Jiashan also felt sorry for her younger brother and naturally agreed to everything. Hearing his question, she said, "Just some annoying things."
"Oh." Zhao Youze nodded. He was always obedient, and he didn't ask any more questions about things that Jiashan didn't want to talk about.
Listening to Jiashan's heavy breathing, he smiled and said, "I'll help you check your letters. Zheng Mama brought the reply from my cousin just now, and I'll open it for you."
Jiashan rubbed her temples, not wanting to be bothered by these meaningless things, and she nodded, "Okay."
Actually, the letter Jiashan sent to Pei Yuantang a few days ago was very simple. It was just thanking him for providing her with that accurate gossip, so she could have a reason to reject her father's arranged marriage.
She originally thought there was no need for him to reply, but now that Pei Yuantang had written back, Jiashan naturally wanted to know what else he had said in the letter.
"Hmm..." Zhao Youze hesitated as he opened the envelope. He sniffed the seal and wrinkled his nose, "It smells a bit strange."
Jiashan loved seeing him like this. She helped Zhao Youze wipe the sweat off his nose and finally had a slight smile on her face. "What's wrong?"
"This seal has the smell of pine resin," Zhao Youze leaned closer and sniffed the envelope carefully. He said calmly, "Pine resin is often used to seal confidential letters, and it's frequently used in the palace. Cousin sending a letter to Sister is a family letter, and based on Cousin's personality, he wouldn't be so formal. Besides, Cousin wrote the letter in the Pei residence, and he should have used ordinary wax to seal it. Where did he get the pine resin?"
Jiashan was startled and her expression changed slightly. She quickly took the letter from Zhao Youze. In that instant, countless possibilities came to her mind.
Could it be that Fifth Uncle had found Doctor Kong, so Pei Yuantang was so serious? Or could it be... that word had leaked out, and the Chengqian Palace knew what she was going to do, so they secretly opened her letter?
Jiashan's hands trembled slightly as she opened the letter. Zhao Youze said, "Maybe I smelled wrong, Sister, don't worry too much."
Jiashan reassured him with a "Hmm" and quickly read the letter.
After reading the letter, Jiashan pursed her lips, and her expression finally calmed down. She took a deep breath and said softly, "It's nothing."
Zhao Youze poked his head and said, "What's nothing?"
"I probably know who read this letter." At that moment, Jiashan's heart felt like it was on a rollercoaster, experiencing great ups and downs.
She lifted her eyelids and her gaze fell on the four words on the letter.
In her previous life, her marriage had been arranged early, and she really didn't know she was such a hot commodity. A few days ago, she had experienced Zhan Yue's sincere confession, and now she had received a confession from her cousin.
And with Princess De ning' matter still unresolved, Jiashan closed her eyes slightly.
Zhao Youze said, "Sister, do you think it is Zhan Daren?"
"It was him," Jiashan snorted with a laugh, her tone certain.
"Oh," Zhao Youze summarized, "If Cousin knows, their feud is definitely going to start."
Jiashan just smiled bitterly, "Is there not already a feud between them?"
A hint of helplessness flashed in her almond-shaped eyes. "It seems I really need to have a good talk with Zhan Daren."
Zhao Youze nodded and said, "Then Sister should think carefully about how to say it."
Jiashan nodded, thinking to herself: This time, I definitely won't be led around by him again.
However, as soon as she thought of that moonlit night, Jiashan's breathing became heavier. She lowered her eyelids and let go of the letter.
After dusk, Zhao Youze returned to Changle Palace, and Jiashan asked Su Yu to secretly send a message to Zhan Yue, using the excuse of delivering sweets to Qianqing Palace, inviting him to Fengyang Pavilion that night.
When Zhan Yue received the message, he nodded calmly.
That night, he arrived at the courtyard of Fengyang Pavilion almost on time.
Su Yu had been guarding the door for them. When she learned that Zhan Yue had arrived, Jiashan changed her outer robe and said, 'Please ask him in.'"
Su Yu hurriedly and carefully invited Zhan Yue in.
Jiashan summoned Zhan Yue to the main hall. Zhan Yue was very quiet this time. If Jiashan didn't speak, he wouldn't either, but his very present gaze followed Jiashan's movements.
After drinking a sip of tea, Jiashan smiled and asked, "Daren, did you eat dumplings tonight?"
"No," Zhan Yue looked up, seeming a little puzzled as to why Jiashan asked that.
Jiashan said lazily, "If you didn't eat dumplings, why do you smell so sour?"
She shook the letter in her hand. With a rare opportunity to tease Zhan Yue, she widened her eyes and said with a pale face, "You've smoked all over my letter."
Zhan Yue wasn't as embarrassed as Jiashan had expected. He looked at her steadily, his expression not the least bit flustered.
The corners of his lips curled up in a smirk as he admitted, "I am jealous."
Zhan Yue raised his eyes slightly and tapped the table lightly with his fingers. "How do you plan to reply to him, Your Highness?"
Shizi Furen - Reffering to Zheng shi