Chapter 10 A Blessed Marriage

Amid cheers, Huiyi slung her baton over her shoulder, glanced triumphantly at Lin Lanting beside her, and hummed smugly.

"So, who lost?"

The man was so smug that even the horse beneath him followed suit, its tiny steps revealing a hint of pride.

Lin Lanting found it amusing. Since things had come to this point, there was no need for him to compete with a young lady. He simply smiled and said, "Congratulations on your great victory, Princess."

Lin Lanting is good at saying nice things.

Huiyi wanted to see Lin Er get frustrated and angry, but the man was flattering her indifferently, which made Huiyi feel like she had punched a cotton ball.

"snort!"

Seeing that the person was acting this way, Huiyi lost interest and had no desire to argue further.

She tossed the club to the eunuch, dismounted, and the pain in her left arm returned.

She instinctively covered herself, which was seen by Lin Lanting, who dismounted behind her.

He frowned, his lips twitched, but he held them back.

Why does he care so much? He's just bored and has nothing better to do.

Li Xiuyun's movement was subtle and difficult to see unless you were very close, but Huiyi's movement was not timid and hesitant, and many people saw it.

They wanted to say something, like that the spoiled princess had thrown another tantrum, but when Huiyi pitifully rolled up her sleeves and exposed her forearm in front of the emperor, everyone fell silent.

On that snow-white, lotus-root-like forearm was a bruise, its color completely different and particularly jarring.

“My cousin hit me with her golf club on purpose to stop me, so I got angry and hit her back. Grandpa, there’s no need to punish me anymore.”

Upon hearing this, Emperor Yongxi was immediately enraged and hastily summoned the physician to examine the child. He then reprimanded Prince Liang.

The father is to blame for not teaching his son. Even though it was just a quarrel between children, Emperor Yongxi couldn't help but take it to heart.

Li Xiuyun dared not utter a word. In the end, it was her impulsive act that not only did she suffer a beating, but her father was also reprimanded, and she had to honestly apologize to him.

Who could blame her when Li Huiyi was the daughter of a saint, while she was merely a county princess?

Li Xiuyun still didn't realize her mistake and thought in an extreme way.

Although they were the losing side in the polo match, they still received encouragement from the saint.

Lin Lanting, in particular, was the only one detained by Emperor Yongxi for questioning.

"We are so grateful that Erlang showed mercy this time."

Emperor Yongxi's discerning eyes saw it all: someone deliberately threw the last ball; otherwise, his rhinoceros slave might not have won.

Lin Lanting, feigning ignorance, chuckled and said, "What is Your Majesty saying? I don't quite understand. Wasn't it the princess who was more resilient and skillful today?"

He pretended to be ignorant even though he knew the truth, but this pleased Emperor Yongxi greatly.

A tree that stands out in the forest will be felled by the wind; a young talent who is too arrogant is also not a good thing.

The Lin family's son is quite good; he's both arrogant and tactful, which is truly rare.

Emperor Yongxi was even more satisfied.

"Good lad, no wonder I have my eye on you."

Overjoyed, Emperor Yongxi bestowed upon Lin Lanting a great deal of silk and also gifted him a magnificent riding outfit, so red and gorgeous that one could only imagine how handsome and dashing Lin Lanting would look in it.

Huiyi was unaware of these things. She had endured it for a long time and went back with Yu Niang early to apply the medicine.

The cooling ointment made Huiyi feel much better after it was applied to the bruises.

This time, not only Biqing, but even the usually good-natured Yu Niang spoke ill of Li Xiuyun behind her back.

"How could you deliberately injure someone just to win a game? Princess Anning's behavior is utterly disgraceful!"

"Exactly! It breaks this old servant's heart. Look at the injuries, all bruised and purple. It's too much!"

De'an chimed in from the side, his face contorted with heartache, and huffed.

Seeing that Biqing still wanted to say something, Huiyi said with a smile, "It's okay, it's okay. Anyway, I hit her, and I didn't hold back. I guarantee she'll be in pain for days!"

If she could handle it herself, her parents wouldn't need to help. It was a matter of repaying kindness with kindness, and Huiyi felt it was fair.

Yu Niang shook her head and chuckled, and the Xunfeng Palace was filled with laughter and joy.

...

In the Zichen Palace, the Emperor and Empress discussed Huiyi's marriage.

When Empress Du heard the name Lin Erlang from her husband, she hesitated and said, "I'm afraid Lin Erlang's temperament won't get along well with our Xinu, will it?"

They're like two peas in a pod, constantly poking each other when they're living together.

Emperor Yongxi moved closer to his wife, trying his best to analyze and explain.

“Hey…you can’t say that. Is she the same outside as at home? Take our Xi Nu for example. People who don’t know her say she’s unruly and shrewish, but we know what she’s really like.”

"Similarly, would Lin Erlang treat his close family members at home the same way? How much more so would he treat his future husband and wife, who would share a bed and be intimate with him? They would probably become very affectionate within a month."

"not to mention……"

Emperor Yongxi thought of the court, and his tone changed. With a solemn expression, he said, "By taking the Lin family boy as our son-in-law, we can bring the Lin and Guo families together with us. Just thinking about it makes me feel at ease!"

With the topic shifting to this, Empress Du also became serious and nodded in agreement, saying, "One is the leader of the civil officials, and the other is the head of the military generals. If we can win them over in one fell swoop with this young man, that would be the best outcome."

To maintain balance in the court and win over important officials.

This is something that almost every emperor cares about, unless that emperor is a complete waste.

Looking at her husband's smiling face, Empress Du suddenly thought of something and smiled as well, saying, "I'm afraid there's another reason. You've liked a boy like the Second Son of the Lin family for who knows how long, haven't you?"

"No, no, Su Yun is wrong. I used to just admire and like it, but I never thought about it in that way. It wasn't until Master Yunhe's prophecy not long ago, and the rhinoceros slave's words at today's polo match, that I was awakened. Now I'm thinking about it."

Empress Du was in a bad mood today and didn't go over. Upon hearing about Xi Nu, she exclaimed in surprise, "Could it be that these two children are truly destined for each other?"

Emperor Yongxi said with certainty, "It is certain. Suyun, think about it, what aspect of Lin Erlang does not meet the standards of the rhinoceros slave?"

Empress Du pondered for a few moments, then slowly nodded and remarked, "That makes some sense."

Having convinced his wife, Emperor Yongxi was even more confident of victory and said with a smile, "See? That's how it'll be done!"

...

After the medicine was applied, Huiyi was served her evening meal.

Because she had put in a lot of effort today, Huiyi had a good appetite and ate two more flatbreads than usual.

It was precisely because I was exhausted and had eaten too much that I was extremely sleepy today. I started to feel drowsy while washing up, and I was in a daze. Fortunately, Biqing and Yu Niang were there to take care of me, so I didn't fall asleep in the pool and make a fool of myself.

I had just lain down in bed and tucked the blanket in when Grandpa came over.

Seeing that his beloved daughter had already lain down, Emperor Yongxi, having important things to say, sat affectionately by the bedside.

"Does Grandpa have something important to say?"

Huiyi yawned softly, her voice lazy and slightly nasal.

Emperor Yongxi smiled kindly and nodded in response: "It is an important matter concerning your lifelong happiness."

Upon hearing that it was about her marriage again, Huiyi felt bored and said, "Otherwise, I won't get married. Anyway, my parents can afford to support a little girl like me. If all else fails, I'll just live my own life like my aunt."

My grandfather's only sister, her own aunt Princess Ningguo, Li Changying, was also credited with my grandfather's restoration to the throne.

Because of her service in supporting the emperor, Aunt Ningguo now lives a carefree life. Since the death of her husband, she has not remarried and has kept many lovers in the princess's mansion. She lives a carefree and happy life every day.

Huiyi thought that if she couldn't find a suitable husband, she would live a carefree life like her aunt.

But this was not what Emperor Yongxi wanted most; he still hoped that his beloved daughter could find a soulmate to grow old with.

“Ah, be careful, be careful…”

Seeing her father's objection, Huiyi also became a little angry and said, "Ke'er can't find a suitable consort, so she's too lazy to look for one."

Emperor Yongxi seized the opportunity and coaxed with a smile, "In that case, the matter of choosing a consort will be left to your father. Your father will choose for Xinu!"

Huiyi perked up a bit, but still asked worriedly, "If Grandpa is choosing, will he be able to choose well?"

Upon hearing that his beloved daughter did not trust him, Emperor Yongxi immediately patted his chest and assured her, "Rest assured, Xi Nu, I will certainly take your marriage to heart."

"Master will find a handsome man for Rhinoceros, someone capable, upright, and not one who curries favor with those in power. Oh, and he must also be cheerful and always smiling, so that our Rhinoceros can be happy every day..."

After listening to the story, Huiyi realized that it was all things she liked, so she believed her grandfather and said with bright eyes, "Grandpa is right. Then I'll leave this to you. If we can't find it, we can take our time. I'm not in a hurry."

Upon hearing this, Emperor Yongxi was overjoyed and tucked his beloved daughter in even more, almost wrapping her up like a zongzi (a type of Chinese rice dumpling).

"Very well, very well, Xinu, just wait, your master will definitely handle this matter perfectly!"

The father and daughter were both satisfied with their conversation. Emperor Yongxi left with a joyful smile, and Huiyi drifted off to sleep.

As Emperor Yongxi left Xunfeng Palace, he thought it was getting late and he shouldn't disturb Minister Lin, so he decided to talk about it tomorrow.

Let's keep them behind after court to discuss the marriage of our youngest child.

The more Emperor Yongxi thought about it, the happier he became, and he even walked with a spring in his step.

The following day, at the Zichen Palace.

After the political discussions were nearly finished, the group of officials in their crimson and purple robes were about to leave when Chao En flicked his whisk, smiled, and called out, "Lord Lin, please wait. His Majesty has some important matters to discuss with you."

Lin Heng stopped what he was doing and stood quietly inside the hall, waiting for the sage to speak.

With no outsiders around, Emperor Yongxi waved to his trusted minister.

"Come, Minister Lin, sit down. I have some good news to tell you."

Lin Heng's eyebrows twitched violently several times for some reason, but both sides twitched at the same time.

Lin Heng's intuition has always been very accurate; he would jump left when things were going well and right when things were going badly, but it has never been as strange as it is today.

He was a little unsure for a moment.

“Sage, please speak freely, I am all ears.”

Chao En served two cups of Zisun tea, the aroma of which spread along with the rising steam, making people feel relaxed and happy.

Emperor Yongxi, impatient, took a couple of sips of tea and asked hastily, "Your son is not yet engaged, is he?"

Upon hearing this, Lin Heng understood everything immediately.

Princess Chang Le, the daughter of the emperor, was not yet married, and her age was just about the same as that of the second son in the family.

"No, Your Majesty."

Lin Heng had actually been mentally prepared for this, so when he heard it for the first time, after the initial surprise came a sense of relief and acceptance.

He held the highest position in the court, the most prestigious position, and his brother-in-law was a General of the Cavalry—his prestige was far too great.

Families like theirs are either feared and suppressed by emperors or won over through marriage. The current emperor is gentle and benevolent, and he and Guo are honest and upright with no faults. Marriage is the most suitable option.

Lin Heng had previously considered whether to take the initiative to ask the princess for Erlang's hand in marriage, but now there's no need for that.

Emperor Yongxi was naturally aware of the Lin family's situation, but he needed to have something to say. Hearing Lin Heng say this, he pressed on while the iron was hot, saying, "Perfect timing. As you know, my beloved Lin, my Princess Chang Le is still unmarried, but she has high standards and can't find anyone she likes. She thinks that your second son is a young and talented man, a dragon among men, and is a perfect match for you!"

"What do you think, my dear minister?"

Emperor Yongxi was full of expectations, and his intuition told him that Lin Heng, the usually sensible and intelligent prime minister, would not refuse.

As expected, Lin Heng bowed and said without hesitation, "It is my son's honor to marry the Sage's beloved daughter, and it is also the honor of the entire Lin family."

"I have no objection."

"Hahaha, excellent, excellent!"

"Have the Secretariat draft an edict immediately, the sooner the better!"

Lin Heng was the Grand Secretary, but Emperor Yongxi, in his delight, kept him there for drinks. He then sent Chao En to the Grand Secretariat to deliver an imperial edict, ordering several Grand Secretariat scribes to temporarily take on this post.

Under the emperor's explicit instruction, the Secretariat drafted the decree in less than half an hour and then passed it on to the Chancellery, which was responsible for reviewing government affairs.

There was hardly any controversy surrounding the emperor's daughter's marriage; the Secretariat quickly approved it, and it eventually reached the Ministry of Personnel, which was responsible for making and implementing the decision.

The imperial edict granting the marriage passed through three provinces in just one day, and its delivery to the Lin family would not be until the afternoon of the following day; it was truly decisive.

However, neither of the protagonists in this marriage knew their own fate.

One of them went hunting in Nanshan two days ago and hasn't returned yet. The other has become obsessed with the new shadow puppet show at Da Ci'en Temple these past two days, leaving early and returning late every day, unaware that his grandfather has promised him a lover.

A note from the author:

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