The old lady really didn't expect that her granddaughter would have any connection with the King of Qi.
There are many families who have proposed marriage to the mansion. In the past few months, she has also inquired about the family situation and personal situation of these young men. There are a few who she is satisfied with.
She also thought that since the person was back, she would take Lan Niang to a few more banquets. When all the ladies and young men in the capital were present, they could take the opportunity to meet each other and arrange the marriage to avoid any further complications.
The old lady felt that she was very thoughtful and had taken every aspect into consideration, but she did not expect that after her daughter-in-law and granddaughter returned to Beijing, everything she had done before would be in vain.
Seeing the old lady in deep thought, Shen Qing asked, "But what's wrong?"
In Shen Qing's opinion, the Prince of Qi was perfectly suitable in every way. He was the emperor's younger brother, trusted by him, and didn't have to compete for the throne. He was also young and promising, handsome and dignified, and a perfect candidate.
The only bad thing is that he has offended many people over the years, and his reputation in the court is not very good.
He was responsible for the imperial examination cheating case.
He handled the military pay embezzlement case.
He was in charge of the case of recovering government silver.
This was a major case handled by the King of Qi that Shen Qing knew about.
Each case was a sensation at the time, and each time it caused a bloody storm. The officials and noble families involved were either beheaded or exiled, and a large number of people were implicated.
This happened time and time again, and over time, the King of Qi gained a reputation for being cruel and ruthless.
There is also the ongoing salt corruption case in Yangzhou. Shen Qing once heard his father, Earl Yongchang, sigh that many officials and wealthy businessmen in Yangzhou are about to face disaster.
What Shen Qing can think of, the old lady can also think of.
Even the censors and imperial officials who are hated by everyone may have one or two good friends in private who can stand by their side in the court.
But the old lady thought for a long time and could not think of any officials or nobles who had a personal relationship with the King of Qi.
If we talk about who has the best relationship with the King of Qi, it seems to be the current emperor.
The relationship between the King of Qi and the Queen Mother is somewhat delicate.
When the old lady chooses a husband for her granddaughter, she not only considers the man's character, but also the reputation of his family and the connections behind it.
If a noble family wants to survive forever, it cannot do so alone.
When the old lady heard Shen Qing's question, she came to her senses and felt that she had thought too much.
If the Empress Dowager approves the marriage, their mansion cannot disobey the order, so all her thoughts will be in vain.
"Nothing wrong, you two can go back and rest first."
Wan Jinlan smiled and said, "I haven't seen grandma for a long time. I miss her so much. I'll talk to her again and tell her about the scenery of Yangzhou."
The old lady felt relieved and smiled comfortably.
The next day, Wan Jinlan was stretching his arms and legs in the yard early in the morning when the eunuch who was delivering the imperial edict from the palace arrived.
Except for those who were already on duty, all the members of the mansion went to the front yard to listen to the imperial decree.
After receiving the imperial edict, Wan Jinlan changed into a suitable set of clothes, looking dignified yet still young and beautiful.
Shen Qing tied the forbidden steps around her waist and told her what to pay attention to after entering the palace.
Speaking of which, Wan Jinlan has never entered the palace since she went to the southwest. Because there are too many rules and she was bullied by the eldest princess when she was young, she doesn't like to enter the palace.
The palace's jade steps, red courtyards, and golden tiles and red walls represented the majesty of the royal family, as well as the strict hierarchy and various rules. She had to make herself uncomfortable before entering the palace.
In the palace, after Emperor Jian'an finished his court session, a eunuch came forward and said that the empress dowager had summoned the eldest daughter of the Wan family into the palace again.
Emperor Jian'an said, "It's time for me to pay my respects to my mother, and to go to Ci'an Palace."
In Ci'an Palace, Queen Wang brought concubines of the fifth rank and above to pay their respects to the Empress Dowager.
The Empress Dowager summoned some people today, but sent them away without saying a few words, leaving only Concubine Wan.
Queen Wang also heard that the Queen Mother went to the Duke of Zhenguo's Mansion to summon someone. Seeing that the Queen Mother only left Concubine Wan alone, she became alert and found an excuse to stay as well.
How could the Queen Mother not know about the Queen's cunning thoughts? She just didn't care. The two of them had been mother-in-law and daughter-in-law for many years, and they had been through thick and thin together.
"I heard that the daughter of the Duke of Zhenguo is a good painter and also knows some martial arts."
In just a short period of time, the Queen Mother had thoroughly investigated Wan Jinlan.
Concubine Wan remained calm when she heard the first half of the sentence, but the second half made her mouth twitch slightly.
"My niece is good at painting and also knows some martial arts. My father taught her martial arts himself. Because she has been practicing martial arts since she was young, my niece has always been in good health and has basically never been sick. In winter, other girls are afraid of the cold and easily get sick, but she can still ride a horse in the cold weather."
Although Concubine Wan did not know the Empress Dowager's intention, as they were family, she had to try to make amends.
The Queen Mother's expression brightened upon hearing this. She said, "The old Duke is quite far-sighted. It seems that it is good for a girl to practice martial arts to strengthen her body. This is a unique way to teach a daughter a martial artist."
Queen Wang snorted inwardly, but smiled and said, "The most important thing for a girl is to be gentle, polite, and dignified. Before getting married, she should be filial to her parents and elders at home. After getting married, she should take care of the harem for her husband, stabilize the family, and be filial to her parents-in-law. This is what a woman should be like."
Concubine Wan rolled her eyes inwardly.
This is what she admires most about the Queen: she always seizes the opportunity to praise herself in disguise, praising herself as a role model for women all over the world.
The Queen Mother often praised the Queen in front of all the concubines for being filial and considerate, saying that she was the best daughter-in-law.
Concubine Wan was naturally jealous in the past, but it was just a lot of talk, and that was it. She no longer cared about it.
Concubine Wan rolled her eyes inwardly, but said sincerely, "Your Majesty is right. You are the mother of the nation. In my opinion, you are a role model for all women."
Queen Wang was choked.
It's been very strange recently. When paying her respects every day, Concubine Wan no longer takes advantage of the emperor's favor to say sarcastic words to upset her. Instead, she always agrees with her.
Every time this person said something nice, she felt uneasy, wondering if Concubine Wan was being sarcastic and mocking her.
And, most importantly, Concubine Wan met Prince Duan less and less frequently. In the past four months, she had only met Prince Duan three times, and each time Prince Duan entered Yongfu Palace, he stayed for less than an incense stick.
Queen Wang didn't know what Concubine Wan was up to, and she was on guard.
The Queen Mother didn't like what the Queen said today. "All the affairs in the palace cannot be separated from you. Please leave first."
Queen Wang opened her eyes wide.
The Queen Mother actually wanted to drive her away! This would make Concubine Wan laugh!
"Mother, what you are talking about is so noisy, I can hear it all from outside."
The emperor was dressed in casual clothes and looked normal. He walked in as if he was strolling in the garden.
No one informed her, and the queen was startled.
After paying her respects, the Queen said with a smile, "We were talking about the legitimate daughter of the Duke of Zhenguo. I'm just curious why the Queen Mother wants to see the niece of the Concubine's sister."
The Queen Mother took a sip of tea and said, "The Prince of Qi sent me a letter, asking me to arrange a marriage between him and Miss Wan."
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