Chapter 447 Who can tolerate you?

When people in love go on a date, time always seems to fly by without them realizing it.

After the initial blushing and heart-pounding moments when they first met, Jiang Yu and Prince Rui chatted over tea about recent events concerning themselves and the court. They found themselves increasingly congenial, and before long it was dinner time. They ate together before parting ways into the night.

Jiang Yu went downstairs and left first. Prince Rui sat upstairs by the window, watching her retreating figure. The orange glow of the lanterns under the teahouse eaves reflected on her tall silhouette, making her appear as if she were bathed in warm mist, hazy yet comforting.

A gentle smile graced his face as he watched his beloved woman lift her skirt, ascend the stool, and board the carriage. As she bent down to enter the carriage, she turned back, their gazes meeting across the hazy night.

A surge of reluctance welled up in his heart, and he even wanted to go downstairs and follow her, so they could be inseparable from now on. But his reason prevailed, and he suppressed this unrealistic impulse, waving his hand to signal her to leave without worry.

Jiang Yu smiled at him and then entered the carriage. The coachman cracked his whip, and the carriage rumbled away over the bluestone slabs. Prince Rui watched the carriage gradually disappear into the night, remaining in that position for a while before finally standing up and leaving.

He left through the back door of the teahouse and boarded a carriage. By the time he arrived at the palace gates, night had fallen. However, several lanterns hung brightly at the gates. Upon seeing him, the imperial guards immediately opened the gates and respectfully invited him inside.

After entering the palace gate, it took another fifteen minutes to reach Cining Palace. The palace maid guarding the gate greeted him, saying, "Your Highness, you've finally returned! The Empress Dowager has been asking about you several times."

Upon hearing this, Prince Rui hurriedly entered the Empress Dowager's bedchamber. He saw the Empress Dowager leaning against soft pillows, talking to her nanny. Seeing him return, she smiled and waved, "Come quickly."

Prince Rui strode over, and the nanny rose to make way for him, then tiptoed out, leaving only the mother and son in the bedchamber. The Empress Dowager looked at him with a mischievous glint in her eyes without saying a word. Prince Rui felt somewhat embarrassed and helpless under her gaze, so he smiled and called out "Mother" like a child pleading.

"Pfft." The Empress Dowager laughed, then said, "My Yan-ge'er has finally grown up."

Prince Rui, who was in his early twenties, was speechless again when he was told this. "Mother, I am twenty-three."

The Empress Dowager snorted, "She's twenty-three and still not married."

Prince Rui: "..."

In the eyes of elders, older single people who don't get married are considered sinners.

However, the Empress Dowager did not dwell on the matter. She sat up straight, leaned closer to Prince Rui, and asked in a low voice, "Did you go to see that girl Jiang Yu?"

Prince Rui pursed his lips, remaining silent, but his slightly shy expression said it all. The Empress Dowager chuckled, "Well? Did that girl agree?"

Prince Rui, recalling Jiang Yu's praise of his intelligence, couldn't help but raise the corners of his lips. He lowered his head, picking at his fingers, and said, "Your subject just... explained to her that I told you about Xin Yue and her."

"What did he say?" the Empress Dowager asked, her voice tinged with urgency.

Prince Rui's voice carried a hint of melancholy, "She didn't say anything."

Upon hearing this, the Empress Dowager's expression instantly soured. Seeing this, Prince Rui immediately said, "Your Majesty, I did not ask her...whether she would accept me. Now that the Prince of Lingnan has arrived in the capital, Your Majesty is determined to conquer Lingnan this time."

She was her brother's right-hand woman, and given what the Prince of Lingnan had done to the Duke of Chu's mansion, she was bound to seek revenge. At this point, anyone of sound mind wouldn't be talking about romance.

The Empress Dowager nodded, her expression softening considerably. She sighed and said, "I originally felt that girl was unsuitable to be your princess consort. She carries the future of the Duke of Chu's family on her shoulders and is also an important official in the court. The affairs of her family and the court have already exhausted her energy. How could she serve you and become a qualified princess consort?"

"Mother..."

Prince Rui wanted to explain, but the Empress Dowager raised her hand to interrupt him, saying, "But as you said, there are plenty of servants at home, why would you need her to serve you? Besides, she is someone you love, and whatever she does is to your liking. I hope you can live a happy and content life."

Although Jiang Yu may not be a perfect wife or princess, she is wise and kind-hearted. If you can accept that she cannot be a typical wife who focuses on raising children, you can have a good life together. Most importantly…”

The Empress Dowager grasped Prince Rui's arm and lowered her voice, saying, "I cannot help but think of your future. Your brother and I dote on you. Once your brother and I are gone, who among your brother's children will be able to tolerate you? Jingwei?"

Prince Rui's eyes welled up with tears. The Empress Dowager's deep voice continued, "Jingwei has a deep affection for you, but who can be sure he will ascend the throne? Even if Jingwei does ascend the throne, will he change?"

"Mother..."

The Empress Dowager raised her hand to interrupt him again, and continued, "Only power that the next emperor fears can guarantee your lifelong peace and safety. Looking at the entire court, although there are forces that rival the Chu State Duke's faction, they are not as upright as Jiang Yu and as kind as she is. If she can also be fond of you, the two of you will be a perfect match, which would be the best."

“Mother,” Prince Rui’s voice choked with emotion, “I wish to remain under your and my brother’s protection forever.”

The Empress Dowager affectionately patted his head. "What I just said must not be told to a second person, not even your brother. He is the Emperor, and the affairs of the country and the safety of the court are always his top priority. Jiang Yu is a minister he highly values, and you are a prince. If the two of you marry and have children, those children will pose a threat to the country."

Therefore, your elder brother will not agree to your marriage. But don't worry, I'm prepared. Your most important task now is to win Jiang Yu's heart.

At this point, the Empress Dowager's face showed some pride, "My son's appearance is unmatched in the capital. In addition, you are intelligent and kind, and no woman would dislike you."

Prince Rui was somewhat amused and exasperated, for in his mother's eyes, there was nothing wrong with him.

He leaned forward, resting his head gently on the Empress Dowager's shoulder, and said softly, "Mother also said that I am intelligent, so even without your protection and my brother's protection, I can live a good life. Please don't worry too much about me; taking good care of your health is the key."

Just like when he was a child, the Empress Dowager gently patted his back and said in a calm and loving tone, "A mother always wants to give her child the best and wants her child to never experience hardship in their life. I know you are intelligent. You still hold the power of the Heavenly Crafts Bureau, but wouldn't it be better to have multiple layers of protection? Besides, you have already fallen for Jiang Yu."

Prince Rui knew that further words would be useless, so he obediently replied, "Alright, I will try my best to get her to accept me as soon as possible."

The Empress Dowager chuckled, her eyes filled with wistfulness, and said, "I await the day when I bestow titles upon your children."