Chapter 87 Let's get engaged, the sooner the better...

When Yao Qingxi came to the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, He Zheng was hiding in her duty room, idling away.

"I met my parents the other day, do you still have any concerns?"

Recalling the Duke's birthday banquet, Yu Mingshu felt no discomfort whatsoever. Although it was called a banquet, it was actually only attended by members of the He family, plus a strategist. That strategist was also one of the Duke's most trusted old friends, so he couldn't be considered an outsider.

Therefore, the atmosphere at the banquet was harmonious, and the Duke and his wife treated her with kindness.

When Tao heard that she had changed her form of address, she scolded her and told her to call her back to "Auntie".

Whether it was at He Zheng's behest or not, He Ting brought up his past experiences in the Youzhou army. Only then did she learn that the current Empress and Lady Tao, the wife of the Duke, were both skilled in martial arts and had even fought on the battlefield and killed enemies in their early years.

During the meal, Yu Mingshu secretly glanced at Tao several times, finding it hard to believe that such a kind-looking elder had such a past.

She put away the case file in front of her, looked up at He Zheng's face, and said earnestly, "I'm willing to give it a try."

He Zheng seemed not to have come to his senses.

Suddenly, there was a creak behind her, and the half-closed door was pushed open. Chen Qingyue nervously rushed into the room and said to Yu Mingshu, "Mingshu, His Majesty summons you."

"Whom are you summoning?" Yu Mingshu raised an eyebrow, subconsciously gesturing with his chin towards He Zheng, and asked suspiciously, "Where is there another war going on?"

Chen Qingyue quickly said, "No, His Majesty wants to see you!"

He Zheng turned around and asked, "Why would His Majesty summon the Junior Chamberlain of the Eastern Palace for no reason?"

Chen Qingyue shrugged. "I don't know."

Yu Mingshu stood up and straightened the wrinkles in his clothes. "I'll be right there. Qingyue, please help me sort out the remaining case files."

He Zheng quickly followed her, saying, "I'll go with you."

Chen Qingyue reminded him, "Eunuch Yao is waiting outside. You came to the Court of Imperial Sacrifices during your duty hours, so don't let anyone see you."

He hesitated upon hearing this, but Yu Mingshu gave him a reassuring look and told him to stay and wait.

…

On the way from the Imperial Household Department to the Taiji Hall, Yao Qingxi maintained a chilling smile.

“Yu Zhanshi is young and promising. He has been promoted several ranks in less than three years since entering the Eastern Palace. He must be highly valued by His Highness the Crown Prince.”

Unsure of his intention, Yu Mingshu humbly replied, "I am deeply grateful for His Highness's kindness. I can only repay this favor with all my might."

The palace gate was just ahead, and Yao Qingxi said nothing more. He went in and announced the arrival of Yu Mingshu, then let him enter the palace by himself.

The hall was empty, with only the emperor sitting at the head of the table. Warmth enveloped him, but a chilly wind blew in from outside behind him, causing Yu Mingshu to shiver imperceptibly.

"Your humble servant, Yu Mingshu, Junior Chamberlain of the Eastern Palace, pays his respects to Your Majesty."

She bowed respectfully in worship, her voice crisp and clear, and as she finished speaking, her gaze fixed on the gaps between the bricks and stones.

After waiting for a while, they still did not hear a response from the emperor.

The silence inside the hall was eerily quiet.

Just before she was about to look up to see if the emperor was asleep, his voice finally rang out from in front of her.

"Come closer."

Yu Mingshu, not understanding his meaning, cautiously took three steps forward and arrived at the bottom of the steps.

Looking at her like this, the emperor vaguely saw a familiar quality in her; Zhang Zhuoyan seemed to have been just as elegant and refined in her youth.

At that time, my elder sister was also a renowned talented woman in Chang'an, with unrestrained talent and a forthright and decisive personality.

As the years passed, my elder sister, just like her name suggests, lost her sharpness, leaving only a gentle and graceful demeanor.

Looking at the woman standing with her head bowed at the bottom of the steps, it's understandable that Yuan Yi could be captivated by her.

He gazed intently at Yu Mingshu and went straight to the point: "I wish to choose a virtuous woman for the Prince of Qin to discuss marriage."

Upon hearing this, Yu Mingshu's heart trembled. He couldn't help but worry that Yuan Yi had said something to the Emperor and the Consort. After hesitating, he cautiously flattered, "His Highness Prince Qin is over twenty years old and should be married and start a family."

The emperor asked her, "In your opinion, which woman in the capital could catch his eye?"

Yu Mingshu found the question strange. Why would the emperor ask Consort Zhang or Prince Qin himself when he wanted to choose a wife for his son?

Suddenly recalling what Liang Yuanyi had said when he invited her to the carriage a while ago, her heart tightened, and she subconsciously avoided the emperor's gaze.

"His Highness the King of Qin is a man of lofty character and profound knowledge. Only the most talented, virtuous, and noble woman in the world is worthy of the honor of being his queen."

The emperor chuckled and raised an eyebrow. "But Yuan Yi told me personally that he would marry no one but you."

The words caused a huge uproar, and Yu Mingshu below was so shocked by their bluntness that he felt dizzy.

In her panic, a thin layer of sweat instantly seeped from her back. She immediately knelt down and cried out, "When I was studying at Chang'an Academy, I received instruction from His Highness Prince Qin. Later, by chance, I became his neighbor and regarded him as my teacher and friend. How could I dare to have any intention of currying favor with him!"

Having exhausted her explanations, she bowed deeply, pleading, "Your Majesty, please see the truth!"

Another heart-wrenching silence followed.

The emperor's tone was ambiguous. "I am not accusing you of trying to climb the social ladder. However, the Prince of Qin is deeply in love with you, and the position of Princess Consort is not something a mere orphan like you can bear... If I were to make you suffer for a while and enter the Prince's residence as a concubine, would you have any complaints?"

Yu Mingshu felt a chill run down his spine and quickly straightened up to look at the emperor on the throne, saying loudly, "Your Majesty, please allow me to report! I am already engaged, and the betrothal gifts will be exchanged this month!"

The emperor seemed taken aback by this turn of events, and after a moment of silence, his tone suddenly became serious, "You are already engaged? Who is the groom?"

Yu Mingshu lowered his eyes, steeled his resolve, and said, "It is He Zheng, the second son of the Duke of Heyang and the Marquis of Pingyan."

The emperor fell silent, his brow furrowing deeper and deeper.

If this person's surname weren't He, he would have a thousand ways to make the other party back down.

But this person's surname happens to be He.

In terms of affection, He Zheng, his nephew, is bold and unpretentious, straightforward and honest, and more likable than his father, He Xiao.

Logically speaking, He Zheng was skilled in both literature and martial arts, and was also capable of winning battles, thus completely eradicating the thorn in his side, Northern Yan. He Xiao and his son He Ting had also been quite low-key in their dealings over the years, serving diligently and conscientiously. The Empress was also virtuous and capable in managing the household, keeping the harem in perfect order.

He couldn't possibly turn against the He family completely for the sake of a woman.

"So be it, so be it."

After an unknown amount of time, the emperor waved his hand, signaling her to leave.

Yu Mingshu tiptoed to his feet and retreated towards the outside of the hall. Just as he was about to cross the threshold, he heard the emperor's voice drifting over again.

"Do not divulge today's events."

"Your humble servant will keep that in mind."

…

Leaving Taiji Palace, Yu Mingshu's back was soaked with cold sweat. The chilly November wind whistled through his cloak, perfectly embodying the word "bitterly cold."

She glanced at the gloomy sky, and at that moment, light snowflakes began to fall softly on her brow.

What kind of nonsense is this?

She composed herself, pulled her cloak tighter, and ran towards the Imperial Household Department.

He Zheng was indeed still waiting for her in the room, but Chen Qingyue had disappeared.

Seeing her push the door open and come in, He Zheng thoughtfully helped her change out of her cloak and closed the door to keep the cold wind out.

"Is the Taiji Hall so hot that you're covered in sweat?"

Yu Mingshu hugged him tightly, buried her face in his neck, and took a deep breath.

He Zheng was stunned, and helplessly patted her shoulder, "What's wrong with you? What did His Majesty say to you?"

Yu Mingshu sniffed and said in a muffled voice, "He Xingzhao, let's get engaged, the sooner the better."

He Zheng was overjoyed, but after a moment of ecstasy, he immediately cupped her face in his hands, looked into her eyes, and asked anxiously, "What happened? Why are you in such a hurry all of a sudden?"

Recalling the scene in front of the palace, Yu Mingshu's heart was still pounding.

"His Majesty just asked me if I would like to become a concubine of the Prince of Qin."

Upon hearing this, He Zheng was furious. "This Yuan Yi, a teacher, actually covets his own student! It's one thing to have a despicable heart, but he also wants you to be his concubine!"

“This was not his intention.” Yu Mingshu said the truth with some hesitation. “He told His Majesty that he would not marry anyone but me. Perhaps it was because my background was not prominent that His Majesty was dissatisfied with me and used the position of concubine to test my reaction.”

"How did you reply?" He Zheng asked nervously, his palms sweating.

“I told you that we are already engaged and will soon exchange betrothal gifts,” Yu Mingshu said in a soft voice. “So, to avoid any unforeseen complications, we should register our marriage as soon as possible.”

He Zheng pulled her into his arms, a sweet feeling welling up in his heart.

She truly did not hesitate for even a moment.

"Alright, I will return to the Duke's mansion today and explain to my parents."

The man returned to the Duke's mansion that evening, and the next afternoon a long line of servants carrying gift boxes entered Yongning Ward. The lively music and ceremonial music echoed through the streets and alleys, and the neighbors couldn't help but peek out to inquire about the situation.

Upon hearing that it was Marquis Pingyan who had come to propose marriage to the Yu family's daughter, everyone's expressions were as if they had heard something extraordinary.

There were signs that these two would get together long ago, but they delayed getting married, dragging out their marriage until they were over twenty. Other young couples would probably already have children by then... So why did they suddenly change their minds now?

Yu Mingshu had also returned home the night before and explained everything to his mother, so Wu Qiuniang was already mentally prepared when the people from the Duke's Mansion came to deliver the auspicious gifts.

The two families signed a marriage contract and then submitted it to the government for registration, thus finalizing the marriage.

Only after the people from the Duke's mansion left did Jiang Ru'an dare to show his naivety, asking, "With so many betrothal gifts, can our family afford to repay them?"

Yu Mingshu glanced at her and said, "Don't worry, I won't empty out my family's storeroom."

“Who’s worried about that!” Jiang Ru’an felt a little hot as she felt she had been subtly mocked. “I’m worried that my elder sister’s dowry won’t be enough to cover the betrothal gifts, and that the Duke’s mansion will be able to outdo her in the future.”

“Even if I could afford a dowry of equal value, they are dukes and marquises, while I am just a minor official with no support. They could easily manipulate me.” Yu Mingshu chuckled.

"Then why are you still getting married?" Jiang Ruan muttered softly.

"Didn't you always want to throw me out?"

“I was afraid you would ruin Sanlang’s future.” Jiang Ruan glared at her. “Now everything is fine at home, and Sanlang has established himself in the capital. I naturally hope that my elder sister can find a good husband and have a smooth marriage.”

Yu Mingshu deliberately changed the subject, raising an eyebrow at her, "Sanlang's superior hasn't caused him any more trouble?"

Jiang Ruan said, "This is strange. I don't know when it started, but those snobbish guys have changed their ways and no longer bother you with trivial matters. Now, when the legal advisor comes to a case, he will also take you along to consult."

Hearing her say that, Yu Mingshu understood.

It was probably He Zheng who sounded the alarm for that group.

…

News of their engagement quickly spread throughout Chang'an. Some people sighed that He Zheng had finally made up his mind, while others criticized Yu Mingshu's family background as not being a good match for the Marquis of Pingyan.

Xu Jie was the latter. He was mocking the matter with someone under the porch of the Bureau of Justice when He Zheng overheard him and punched him twice on the spot, and the rumors stopped.

Yu Mingshu went to Zhaohua Palace with official documents at noon. As soon as she entered the courtyard, she was greeted with a continuous stream of congratulations. Even Yang Leyi, for the first time ever, said "Congratulations" to her.

After bowing to the Crown Prince upon entering the hall, they saw Liang Yuanjun raise her hand, followed by two eunuchs who carried in a huge wooden box.

"Minister Yu is a pillar of the Eastern Palace, and he is engaged to my cousin. This is a joyous occasion of double kinship, how could I not make a gesture?" Liang Yuanjun smiled and had someone open the box. The brilliance of the heavy jewels and jade in the box was dazzling.

Yu Mingshu was flattered and hadn't even uttered a word of refusal when Yang Leyi laughed and said, "It's a joyous occasion to have a marriage between relatives, but it's quite an expense for Your Highness. You've already given Yu Zhanshi a dowry, and you still have to send a congratulatory gift to Marquis Pingyan."

Liang Yuanjun laughed it off, saying that the Crown Prince's palace wasn't so poor that it would go bankrupt if it gave out two congratulatory gifts.

Upon hearing that He Zheng was also entitled to a share, Yu Mingshu no longer declined, respectfully thanked him for the reward, and steered the conversation back to the main topic.

When I returned to Chongrenfang in the evening, I could see a carriage blocking the door from afar. This time it was no longer a simple carriage, but a real princely carriage, a luxurious one.

Yu Mingshu turned to run away, but the sharp-eyed eunuch spotted her and immediately informed the people in the carriage. Liang Yuanyi lifted the curtain and called out to her.

"Where is Master Yu heading?"

With nowhere else to turn, she had no choice but to bite the bullet and step forward to bow to him through the car window.

"Your humble servant pays respects to Your Highness, the King of Qin."

Liang Yuanyi's eyes darkened. "You're avoiding me?"

Yu Mingshu nodded and replied, "Your Highness misunderstands. I have been busy with official duties lately, and I also have to prepare for the wedding in my spare time. I really have no time to spare."

Liang Yuanyi clenched his fists, his thin lips unconsciously tightening. "Not long ago you said you had concerns and didn't want to marry him. How come you suddenly changed your mind?"

Yu Ming opened his mouth, his thoughts racing, and immediately decided to pin the blame for the conflict on the emperor.

"Two days ago, Your Majesty summoned me. During our conversation, Your Majesty mentioned Your Highness's marriage and asked if I would be willing to enter the Prince of Qin's residence as a concubine."

Liang Yuanyi was stunned. He never expected that the emperor would go directly to Yu Mingshu. When he spoke again, his tone became more impatient: "I never intended for you to be subservient to anyone. What I told His Majesty was that I would marry no one but you!"

Yu Mingshu smiled and said, "It's no longer important. I am already engaged. I only hope that Your Highness Prince Qin will open your heart and find another suitable partner."

"You want to sever ties with me?" Liang Yuanyi's gaze was intense as he stared intently at her face.

“In my heart, Your Highness will always be my mentor,” Yu Mingshu said.