Chapter 5 All Prosper Together

Both the Xie family and the royal family were happy to see this marriage happen.

However, given the emperor's hypocrisy, he would certainly still ask the Xiao family if they were willing.

Now, the key to this marriage still lies in the hands of the Xiao family.

Xie Qingran wasn't entirely confident, but for now, this was her best option.

Now that she has embarked on this path, she will not regret it, nor will she turn back!

The Duke of Zhenguo's Mansion.

Butler Xiao Yuan walked over and looked at the man in the wheelchair with some difficulty.

This heir of the Duke of Zhenguo, known throughout the capital, was once an exceptionally handsome man. But now, he has completely lost his former brilliance. He sits in a wheelchair, as if all his life has been drained away, showing no joy or sorrow, and his eyes are filled with only gloom.

"Uncle Yuan, just say what you have to say."

When Xiao Jue spoke, his voice seemed to come from hell—hoarse and unpleasant, carrying an indescribable stench of decay, much like the current state of the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion.

The entire Zhenguo Duke's mansion, like Xiao Jue now, is flawed, sinister, yet impossible to forget.

"His Majesty said that Xie Qingran, the eldest daughter of the Xie family, has taken the initiative to marry the Crown Prince, and that the Crown Prince should take a good look at her."

Xiao Yuan couldn't help but sigh.

If the Zhenguo Duke's Mansion hadn't fallen into decline and had no successor, how could it have been the Xie family, a fallen noble family, that took the initiative to arrange a marriage?

"Is this the Emperor's will?"

Xiao Jue raised his eyes and looked at Xiao Yuan.

Before Xiao Yuan could speak, Eunuch Bao strode in and bowed respectfully to Xiao Jue without the slightest disrespect.

"Congratulations, Your Highness. Xie Qingran, the eldest daughter of the Xie family, has taken the initiative to approach the Emperor and said that she is willing to marry into the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion."

"His Majesty means that the two families are well-matched, and the eldest daughter of the Xie family is a wonderful person. The young master should also take a look at her."

“The young master is getting on in years; it’s time for him to settle down, start a family, and have children.”

Grandpa Bao spoke succinctly, and didn't forget to promote Xie Qingran in advance.

On the one hand, it was because Xie Qingran was indeed a remarkable person, and on the other hand, it was because the emperor himself wanted to make this happen.

With his keen intellect, Bao Gonggong naturally understood the meaning above and went along with it.

"Since it is His Majesty's kind intention, I will naturally comply."

"It's just a pity that Miss Xie has been wronged."

Xiao Jue looked at his crippled legs with a forlorn expression, revealing a hint of helplessness and a perfectly measured vulnerability.

Eunuch Bao immediately spoke up, "Young Master is really overthinking it. Since Miss Xie volunteered, she shouldn't mind these things. With a talent like yours, how could you possibly wrong Miss Xie?"

"Three days from now, there will be a crabapple blossom banquet in the palace. I urge Your Highness to attend and take a good look at Miss Xie." Eunuch Bao smiled slightly, bowed, and turned to leave.

The Duke of Zhenguo's mansion may seem luxurious and opulent, but in reality, it's a place rife with trouble. Once you've taken care of your business, it's best to leave as soon as possible.

"Your Highness, what does His Majesty mean by this? Does he intend to force a cow to drink water if it doesn't want to?"

A hint of humiliation flashed across Xiao Yuan's face. Once upon a time, the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion was incredibly prestigious, and the young master was the dream man of countless noble ladies in the capital. How could it have fallen to such a state now?

"Uncle Yuan, why get angry?"

"His Majesty's kindness is something we should all be grateful for."

Xiao Jue's sinister eyes revealed a hint of irony.

“My younger brother and sister are both of age where they should be showing their faces in public. I’m already like this, but they should still have a bright future ahead of them.”

"Before the incense of my Duke Zhenguo Mansion burns out, I need to make plans for them in advance."

"Prepare well for this trip to the palace. I also want to see what kind of person Xie Qingran is."

Xiao Jue leaned back in his wheelchair, his eyes filled with a hint of inquiry.

Since he became like this, all the women who once had feelings for him have avoided him like the plague.

This is the first time in all these years that someone has taken the initiative to ask to marry him. There must be some hidden reason behind it, right?

The Xie family.

Xie Yankang soon received news of the palace's crabapple blossom banquet, and the invitation clearly stated that Xie Qingran was to attend.

Having spent many years navigating the treacherous waters of the imperial court, he naturally understood what this post meant.

This marriage is almost certainly going to happen!

After putting away the invitation, Xie Yankang went directly to the main courtyard and found Madam Wang: "The invitation from the palace has been delivered to me. This marriage is of great importance to our Xie family. You must dress Qingran up properly and not disgrace our Xie family."

Upon hearing this, Wang felt a moment of mixed emotions, unsure whether she should be happy or something else; it seemed that heartache preceded happiness.

"Master...is the young master...a suitable match?"

Whether Xiao Jue was a good match for Xie Qingran, and whether Xie Qingran would be happy after marrying him, were not within Xie Yankang's considerations.

All he knew was that this marriage would solidify the Xie family's position and brighten his and his son's future once again.

Compared to all of this, even if Xie Qingran died in the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion, it would be worth it.

"You just focus on preparing for this marriage."

Xie Yankang said this and turned to leave.

Perhaps it was due to his advancing age over the years, but Xie Yankang's dissatisfaction with Wang Shi grew increasingly stronger.

Wang watched Xie Yankang's retreating figure, then turned and went to Xie Qingran's Yingxing Pavilion.

Having just punished Xie Qingran for falling into the water, Wang felt somewhat guilty upon seeing her again.

As she walked in, her gaze fell upon her daughter, whose face was deathly pale, and a look of heartache flashed in Wang's eyes.

"How did you get so sick?"

"The paddle didn't hit you, did it?"

Wang walked over and gently touched Xie Qingran's forehead, looking worried.

Does it mean it won't hurt unless the board hits you?

Xie Qingran's attitude was indifferent, and she only spoke in a dutiful manner: "Is there something you need, Mother?"

"You child, do you really hold a grudge against your mother?"

"Besides, you were the one who almost drowned your brother first, which is why your mother hit you in a fit of anger. Now that your father has stepped in, let's just let this matter go?"

With a few casual words, Wang dismissed all of Xie Qingran's grievances.

Xie Qingran had long been used to such neglect and favoritism and no longer cared about it.

“My mother is right. We are all one family. We share the same fate, and we share the same fate.”

This needs to be made clear beforehand.

After all, Wang has never been a clear-headed person, and it would be bad if she ruined her own plans.

"Why are you so stubborn, child?"

"Is this how your nanny taught you?!"

Wang's eyebrows were tightly furrowed. How could her own daughter not be of one mind with her?