The gate of Xingyuan Marquis Mansion is majestic and solemn, with stone lions guarding on both sides, showing the nobility of the family.
At this moment, the atmosphere in the hall of the mansion was extremely solemn and dignified, as if even the air had frozen.
The sunlight shines through the exquisite window lattices and falls on the imperial edict. The golden silk sparkles in the sun, adding a touch of royal style.
Everyone in the palace gathered together at this moment, holding their breath, respectfully waiting for the eunuch to unveil the royal decree.
The eunuch announcing the decree was dressed in gorgeous attire, holding a whisk and looking solemn. He glanced around to ensure everyone's attention was focused on him. Then, his shrill voice echoed in the silent hall, each word carrying an irresistible imperial majesty: "By the will of Heaven, the Emperor decrees..."
As the eunuch read out, everyone seemed to be able to feel the majesty and pressure coming from the palace.
Old Madam Hong Yingrong knelt in the first seat. Although her face maintained the calmness and dignity of a lady from a noble family, her heart was turbulent.
When the eunuch's voice slowly read out "Princess Ning'an is granted marriage to...", the atmosphere in the entire hall suddenly became tense.
Hong Yingrong's heart was in her throat. She tilted her head slightly, subconsciously glancing at her second son, Xue Zhongfu, who was standing beside her. He looked calm, as if even thunder and rain could not disturb him in the slightest.
However, the following words caused a huge uproar in everyone's hearts: "...granted marriage to Xue Jiyan, the third son of the Xingyuan Marquisate!"
Hong Yingrong was startled when she heard the name "Xue Jiyan," but quickly regained her composure. She thought to herself that this was probably the result of a secret intercession by Consort Shu in the palace. She hadn't anticipated that Princess Ning'an would eventually marry into the Xue family, only her partner would be the third son, Xue Jiyan, rather than the second son, Xue Zhongfu.
When Xue Zhongfu heard the arranged marriage was with his younger brother, a flicker of bewilderment crossed his face. He had always known Princess Ning'an was interested in him, but he hadn't held high hopes for the marriage. Hearing the news now, though a touch of disappointment lingered, he also felt relieved. This was all well and good; he figured he didn't want to let Princess Ning'an down in her life.
Xue Jiyan, on the other hand, was completely bewildered. He had never imagined he would become a consort to the emperor; the news came as a complete surprise. He looked at his mother, Hong Yingrong, only to see her eyes deep, as if she were lost in thought. He then turned to look at his brother, Xue Zhongfu, only to see the slightest smile on his face, as if he wasn't surprised by the outcome.
Although Hong Yingrong was shocked, she was from an aristocratic family after all and had experienced countless hardships. She quickly calmed down and turned to look at Xue Jiyan, who was still in a daze. She reminded him in a deep voice: "Ji Yan, quickly accept the decree and express your gratitude!"
Xue Jiyan was brought back to reality by his mother's voice. He suddenly came to his senses and hurriedly stepped forward, respectfully raising his hands above his head, ready to receive the order.
The eunuch who announced the imperial edict nodded with satisfaction and solemnly handed the imperial edict to Xue Jiyan.
"Your servant Xue Ji Yan has accepted the imperial decree and thanks the Lord for His grace!" Xue Ji Yan's voice echoed in the Xiangyun Hall. Although it was still a little confused, it was more firm and respectful.
Seeing this, Hong Yingrong felt relieved. Now was not the time to go into details. The most urgent thing was to deal with the current situation.
So, she turned and smiled at the eunuch announcing the decree, motioning to Nanny Zhao beside her to hand over a heavy purse. "Your Excellency, you have worked hard on the journey. This is a small gift. Please have some tea."
The eunuch who announced the decree weighed the purse in his hand and a satisfied smile appeared on his face. "Old Madam, you are too polite. I will go back to the palace to report now." After that, he turned and walked out. Everyone in the mansion bowed to see him off.
In the Xiangyun Hall, the Marquis' family had already taken their seats one by one, but Xue Jiyan's mood was like the turbulent waves, fluctuating constantly.
Although he knew that marriage should follow the orders of parents and matchmakers, and he had never engaged in any private transactions, when he calmed down at this moment, he felt an inexplicable sense of loss in his heart.
He had also thought that his future wife should be a virtuous, gentle and considerate woman who could spend the rest of his life with him in harmony.
Although it is an unparalleled honor to marry a princess now, when he thinks of the eldest princess's completely different identity and personality, he can't help but feel a little melancholy.
Just as he was lost in thought, a heroic figure in red riding clothes suddenly appeared in his mind.
"Master Xue San..." The voice seemed to echo in his ears, causing ripples in his heart.
"Look at how happy third brother is, I'm dumbfounded!" Fourth sister Xue Huichun's laughter suddenly came, breaking Xue Jiyan's meditation.
He came back to his senses and looked at his sister who was smiling sweetly, and couldn't help but smile bitterly.
Yes, he is about to become a prince consort. What an honor it is. He should be happy, but why is his heart filled with loss?
However, Xue Jiyan knew that he could not let his emotions affect his family. He tried hard to calm the waves in his heart, put on a smiling face, and celebrated the upcoming happy event with his family.
Xue Jiyan solemnly kowtowed three times to his mother Hong Yingrong, who was sitting in the main seat, and each movement was filled with deep respect and gratitude.
"I bow to you in gratitude for your upbringing," he said in a steady, emotional voice. "I have been taught by you since childhood, and that is how I have become. Today, I am honored to marry the princess, thanks to your grace. This is truly an honor for our Xue family."
He raised his head, looked at Hong Yingrong with a firm gaze, and continued, "However, no matter how my status changes, my filial piety will never waver. From now on, I will redouble my efforts, not only to be the princess's husband, but also to be her son, living up to her grace and her teachings."
Listening to her son's words, Hong Yingrong's eyes flashed with relief. Xue Jiyan has been a filial and sensible child since he was young. Now that he can marry the princess, it is even more glorious for the family.
But what made her even more gratified was that even at this glorious moment, her son still did not forget his duty and original intention.
"Get up, Yan'er." Hong Yingrong said gently.
"Zhongfu," she called softly, "Go to the study and draft a letter home to the military camp at the border, informing your eldest brother of this good news. As the eldest son, even though he's far away at the border, he deserves to be informed of this important family event."
Upon hearing this, Xue Zhongfu immediately stood up and said with a saluted hand, "Yes, mother. I'll do it right away."
Even though the eldest brother Xue Yuanchu was in the military camp, he was always concerned about everything at home. Now that the third brother Xue Jiyan was about to marry the eldest princess, such a happy event should indeed be made known to the eldest brother so that he could share the joy with him.
Hong Yingrong nodded with satisfaction and continued, "Also, prepare some winter clothes and send them to the orphanage tomorrow. The weather is getting colder, and the children there need them."
Xue Zhongfu responded without hesitation, "Don't worry, mother. I will pick out the clothes myself to ensure that the elderly and children there can stay warm during the winter." He knew that his mother always cared about the children in the orphanage. This kindness and love has always been his role model.
After saying this, Xue Zhongfu turned and walked towards the study to prepare to write a letter home.
At this moment in the Yong'an Palace in the imperial city, Princess Ning'an still doesn't know that her future husband has been replaced.
A palace maid said, "It is a great honor for the Xingyuan Marquis's family to have a son-in-law!"
Let her still be immersed in the joy of getting married.
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