Chapter 597 Choosing a Son-in-Law
Li Sanqi also showed some worry, "Although Father Emperor favors Li Jingyue, it is said that Da'e's intention is to let Xia Linyuan decide on the marriage candidate after he arrives."
"So Xia Linyuan will probably stay in the capital for a while."
"If Xia Linyuan doesn't like Li Jingyue, the palace will hold a flower festival so that Xia Linyuan can choose one from among the noble ladies."
Qiao Qinghe nodded; this was perfectly normal. As long as Xia Linyuan took a liking to her, he could bestow upon her the title of princess and she could marry according to the rites of a princess.
***
As news of the cessation of border warfare reached the capital, the court finally shook off the gloomy atmosphere of the New Year period, and the people of the capital were also overjoyed.
Emperor Xiaozhao was overjoyed and, with a wave of his hand, rescheduled the imperial examination, which had been canceled due to the crown prince's rebellion, for two months later.
Furthermore, with a number of officials dismissed in both the capital and the Jiangnan region, the imperial court was in dire need of capable personnel. Therefore, the number of candidates selected for this year's imperial examination was significantly increased.
Upon hearing this news, scholars from all over the country rushed to the capital to take the imperial examinations.
For a time, a large number of candidates for the imperial examinations gathered in the capital.
To provide candidates with an opportunity to make a name for themselves, the Huajiaolou Theater was temporarily converted into a teahouse where they could engage in academic debates and speak freely.
The lobby downstairs, which used to be a stage for opera performances, has been slightly modified and transformed into a stage for students to engage in lively discussions and showcase themselves.
The private rooms upstairs for listening to opera remain unchanged.
However, the people receiving visitors changed from seasoned opera enthusiasts to those who wanted to learn about the candidates in this year's imperial examinations.
For example, government officials. For example, merchants who want to invest. And for example, Qiao Qinghe who wants to find a son-in-law for her grandniece.
Yes, after hearing about the imperial examinations and the candidates going to the capital, Qiao Qinghe proposed to Huajiaolou the idea of temporarily changing its business operations.
In this way, the money earned by the corner tower during this period will not decrease; on the contrary, it can become famous along with the candidates.
More importantly, the imperial court could keep track of everything the candidates thought and the plans of the onlookers.
Isn't this much easier than having undercover agents gathering information from all over the place?
Qiao Qinghe's suggestion was naturally adopted by Emperor Xiaozhao.
As a result, Qiao Qinghe became one of the distinguished guests who were given priority to be received by the Painting Corner Tower.
On this day, it is said that a debate will be held at the Painting Corner Tower regarding the future relationship between Dayan and Daxi.
Qiao Qinghe was also very curious, so she secretly took Qiao Ning to watch.
Just as he reached the entrance, he bumped into a young scholar who rushed out of the painted corner tower.
Qiao Qinghe walked ahead, and when the young scholar rushed out, he almost bumped into her.
However, before they could collide, Zhu Xi kicked the person away.
The young scholar fell to the ground and was stunned for a while before he got up, clutching his chest. He bowed to Qiao Qinghe and said apologetically, "I'm sorry, I was reckless and almost hurt the old lady. I apologize to the old lady."
As he spoke, he bowed deeply to Qiao Qinghe.
Qiao Qinghe carefully examined the young scholar. He was handsome, tall, dressed in ordinary Confucian scholar's attire, humble in attitude, and refined in temperament—a quintessential scholar.
"It's alright." Qiao Qinghe waved her hand with a smile. "Speaking of which, you didn't bump into me, but my maidservant injured you. Would you like to go to the clinic to have her checked out?"
"No need, no need." The young scholar quickly waved his hand. "This young lady kicked me out of concern for her master. It's all my fault for acting carelessly. Please, Madam, don't punish this young lady afterwards."
As the young scholar spoke, he bowed to Qiao Qinghe, and seeing that she truly did not blame him, he took his leave and quickly left the painted corner tower.
Qiao Qinghe glanced at the scholar's disappearing figure, then smiled and instructed A Shuang beside her, "Have someone investigate this person later."
He was gentle and refined, humble and polite. Although his clothes were simple, he didn't look like a young master from a wealthy family. But the man she found for Qiao Ning wasn't a young master from a wealthy family, nor was it about social status; it was about character.
If this person is not yet married and there are no messy or chaotic things going on in his family, he can be included in the shortlist.
Ah Shuang smiled and agreed.
Just then, Wenxiu greeted her with a smile, "Madam, Princess Huaiyang is in a private room on the second floor. Please come upstairs for a chat."
As he spoke, he glanced at the doorway, seemingly unintentionally.
Qiao Qinghe looked at Wen Xiu and asked, "The Seventh Princess is here too?"
"Yes." Wen Xiu nodded with a smile, but as she led Qiao Qinghe and her group upstairs, she gave Zhu Xi a meaningful look.
Upon arriving at the private room and meeting Li Sanqi, the two exchanged greetings and sat down.
Li Sanqi then glanced at Qiao Ning sitting to the side and asked Qiao Qinghe, "Is the old lady planning to choose a husband for Miss Qiao from among the candidates who have come to the capital?"
Li Sanqi's blunt words made even the usually aloof Qiao Ning blush.
Qiao Qinghe smiled and nodded, "Yes. We don't ask for a wealthy or powerful family. We just need someone with a respectable family background, good character, and who will love and respect Qiao Ning."
"The most genuine life is one that is simple and ordinary."
Li Sanqi smiled in agreement, but there was a hint of worry in his eyes.
Qiao Qinghe noticed this and immediately asked, "Seventh Princess, what unpleasant thing have you thought of?"
Li Sanqi hesitated for a moment, glanced at Qiao Ning, hesitated again, and then slowly said, "The old lady should know about my uncle faking his lameness, right?"
Qiao Qinghe nodded.
Not only her, but everyone in the entire capital knows about this.
After the Crown Prince forced the emperor to abdicate, Wen Jue officially took over the position of Commander of the Imperial Guards.
I saw him from afar the last time I went to the palace.
The two were far apart and didn't speak, but they nodded to each other as a greeting.
Upon hearing Li Sanqi mention Wen Jue, Qiao Qinghe almost instantly understood what Li Sanqi was worried about.
However, she wasn't very worried.
"Commander Wen no longer needs to pretend to be lame. He has been given important responsibilities by the Emperor and has a powerful official position. He is now a very popular figure in the capital."
"I'm afraid the threshold of the Yongchang Marquis's residence must be worn down by people trying to find out what's going on, acting as matchmakers, and proposing marriages."
"How could I possibly have any thoughts about my Qiao Ning?"
Li Sanqi looked at Qiao Qinghe with a strange smile and reminded her helplessly, "Madam, have you forgotten that it was never my uncle who had his eye on Qiao Ning?"
Qiao Qinghe was taken aback, and then she understood the real reason for Li Sanqi's worries.
"You mean your maternal grandmother, Madam Wen?"
Qiao Qinghe frowned and shook her head. "It shouldn't be that bad, right? The matter is all in the past, and what kind of noble lady can't Commander Wen marry now?"
Why are you still thinking about Qiao Ning?
Li Sanqi said with a wry smile, "Has the old lady forgotten that people can change?"
She didn't want to say much more, after all, she was her maternal grandmother. But Qiao Qinghe still understood the meaning behind Li Sanqi's words.
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