Chapter 354: Imperial Marriage

"Then... what does Your Majesty think?" The Emperor asked the Empress Dowager with his eyes.

After all, issuing an imperial edict directly is different from receiving the Empress Dowager's decree, and as the ruler of a country, he felt unusually uneasy.

The conditions proposed by the princess of the northern border were tempting enough for him. Exchanging Yuan Siyin for peace with the northern border was the best deal he could ask for, especially since the Yuan family was a thorn in his side.

Of course, all of this is on the premise that the Yuan family will not rebel. So whether this matter can be accomplished depends mainly on the Empress Dowager's attitude. If she opposes it, no matter how well she agrees, it will not work. In the end, the Empress Dowager still has the upper hand over the Emperor, but she just doesn't show it to others.

The Empress Dowager's expression flickered. After a long silence, she finally nodded slightly: "If both parties are willing, their affairs are none of my concern."

Yuan Siyin had expected the emperor to agree, but she hadn't expected her aunt to not object either.

No one in the room uttered a sound, as if they were enjoying the judgment that was hers alone.

The Empress Dowager waved her hand, and Jade immediately stepped forward to help Yuan Siyin down. As she passed by Yu Shiyan, Yuan Siyin slowly turned her head to look at him, but received no response. On the contrary, Yu Yuanchao was a little agitated and was hit hard on the back of his hand by the Empress, who warned him with her eyes not to meddle in other people's business. After this, no one really had any objections.

Yu Shiyan stood tall and elegant in his white robes, his gaze fixed on the swaying lotus flowers. The dappled sunlight cast shadows under his eyes, giving him a cool and aloof air.

Only after Yuan Siyin's figure had completely disappeared did he turn his head, his eyelashes trembling slightly.

Nalan Yujie walked up to him, smiled, leaned closer, and whispered in a voice only the two of them could hear, "So obedient. If only you had been this obedient from the beginning."

Yu Shiyan neither confirmed nor denied, and said lightly with his thin lips, "A deal."

Nalan Yujie naturally understood his meaning. She took a step back, her eyes pure and innocent, seemingly without any guile: "Of course, I will not forget what we agreed on before, and I hope that Prince Mu will always remember it."

"It concerns her, I remember it clearly, Princess, please rest assured." Yu Shiyan clenched his fingers little by little, his eyes glancing at the half-bloomed lotus flowers, as if they also reflected Yuan Siyin's bright and lively smile.

Yuan Siyin did not linger in Jianzhang Palace. Almost as soon as Emerald let go of her hand, she turned and left.

Hongyu had prepared a charcoal brazier in the side hall, but no one came for a long time. She went out and saw Emerald staring blankly at her palm: "What's wrong? Where is the young lady?"

Jade sighed deeply and shook her head. "I'm leaving. I reckon the imperial edict will be delivered to the Yuan residence soon."

"What imperial decree?" Hongyu hadn't attended the lotus appreciation banquet, so her information was naturally less advanced than that of those present.

"Bestowed marriage."

"But it's for the Princess and Prince Mu? They really are..."

"To go to the northern border for a marriage alliance."

Hongyu couldn't speak, she just twitched her lips, feeling that it was somewhat absurd.

Even at this point, the clouds still haven't parted and the moon hasn't appeared. This twist of fate has been far too cruel.

"Is there really no room for maneuver?"

"Since the Empress Dowager hasn't said anything, what room is there for negotiation?"

Emerald's gaze fell upon her, and she immediately stroked the white fur coat draped over her arm. "This fox fur coat is warm. Put it back in the trunk and keep it safe. The north is bitterly cold. Take it with you as part of your dowry."

The storeroom still holds many items, all prepared by the Empress Dowager for the young lady; I never expected this day to arrive so soon.