Yao Shiyu's lips curled into a sneer. Xie Yizhi had actually gone to such lengths for Jiang Luoluo. She wondered where Xie Yizhi had found a famous doctor to cure Xie Zhichen's lips, yet he was attributing the credit to Jiang Luoluo.
Xie Zhichen's lips cannot be cured by taking medicine unless surgery is performed, and Yao Shiyu knows better than anyone that Jiang Luoluo is afraid of blood.
The crowd began to whisper amongst themselves, their voices rising and falling. Xie Yizhi, however, remained seated, his gaze sweeping over the astonished crowd before finally settling on Jiang Luoluo.
A faint smile played on his lips, his eyes revealing deep appreciation and certainty, as if everything was under his control.
Jiang Luoluo felt the gazes of everyone, but she remained calm and smiled slightly. She curtsied to Xie Qiyu and said, "Your Majesty is too kind. I have only done my best."
This humble and appropriate remark made many noble ladies feel inferior, and they all re-examined the eldest daughter of the Jiang family, who was once called a good-for-nothing.
Xie Qiyu nodded repeatedly upon hearing this, praising, "Miss Jiang's medical skills are superb, making her a model physician for all. I hereby grant her permission to serve in the Imperial Medical Academy, so that she may benefit more people!"
"No!" Before Jiang Luoluo could speak, Empress Dowager Du interrupted her sharply, her voice filled with urgency and intensity, "Your Majesty, do not be confused!"
Whether Zhi Chen's lip ailment was truly treated by Jiang Luoluo is currently unconfirmed. Your arbitrary judgment is surely disheartening to those medical students who have studied diligently for years.
Xie Qiyu was slightly taken aback, turned to look at Empress Dowager Du, a hint of inquiry in his eyes, and raised an eyebrow, saying, "Then what should be done according to Your Majesty's wishes?"
Empress Dowager Du pressed her temples, seemingly pondering for a moment, before speaking calmly: "It is common knowledge that Jiang Luoluo was previously rejected by General Gu."
Now that she is past the age of marriage, it is already extremely difficult for a woman to remarry after being jilted.
If the emperor truly wanted to express his gratitude, he would bestow upon her a good marriage; that would be the real way to bring her happiness.
Upon hearing Empress Dowager Du's words, the expressions of those in the hall varied. Some nodded secretly, finding a reason in her words;
Some people also keenly realized that she clearly wanted to take this opportunity to manipulate Jiang Luoluo's marriage.
Xie Qiyu still wore a gentle smile on her face, her tone soft but with a hint of profound meaning: "What Mother said is absolutely right, this is indeed a good method."
What does Miss Jiang think?
Jiang Luoluo slowly rose from the women's section, her posture composed and her steps steady. She walked to the center of the stage, knelt down, and bowed respectfully, her tone dignified: "This humble woman will leave it to Her Majesty the Empress Dowager and His Majesty to decide."
These words were so appropriate and impeccable that even the Empress Dowager couldn't find fault with them.
Empress Dowager Du's lips curled up slightly, and a hint of smugness appeared in her eyes: "Jiang Luoluo, no matter how clever you are, under absolute imperial power, you will eventually have to bow your head."
Lu Anrou was secretly overjoyed, already making plans in her mind. If the emperor arranged a marriage for Jiang Luoluo, it would be a royal decree, and even if Jiang Luoluo had Jiang Chengfeng, who had fought on the battlefield, behind her, she would not be able to disobey the imperial edict.
Just as everyone on stage was lost in their own thoughts, a tall, dark-clad figure slowly emerged from the audience. With firm steps and piercing eyes, he walked straight to the center of the stage and stood beside Jiang Luoluo.
Without hesitation, Xie Yizhi lifted his robes, knelt on one knee, and spoke in a clear and solemn voice, his tone revealing an unwavering determination: "Your Majesty, I have long admired Miss Jiang and humbly request that Your Majesty issue a decree to grant us marriage!"
These words caused an uproar in the hall, with everyone showing expressions of shock.
Lu Anrou's eyes widened, her mind reeling, and she was momentarily unable to breathe.
Empress Dowager Du was so angry that her face turned ashen, her fingertips trembled slightly, and she almost couldn't catch her breath. It was just as she feared.
Jiang Luoluo stood there stunned, her heart also filled with a storm of emotions.
She never expected that Xie Yizhi would go to such lengths for her, even in front of the entire court, just to obtain an imperial decree to marry her.
"This guy's acting is a bit too convincing!" Jiang Luoluo thought to herself, but her eyes couldn't help but steal glances at the man beside her.
Xie Yizhi stood upright, with handsome features, as tall and straight as a pine tree, without the slightest hesitation or retreat.
His steadfastness and composure seemed to radiate a reassuring warmth, quietly melting away the slight wariness in her heart.
Jiang Luoluo lowered her head slightly, her eyes filled with complex emotions, yet a warm feeling welled up in her heart.
Xie Qiyu smiled slightly, her tone relaxed yet teasing: "Mother, you're not going to say no again, are you?"
Empress Dowager Du's face darkened, and she was about to speak in rebuttal when Xie Qiyu spoke first.
He raised his glass and announced loudly, his tone carrying an unquestionable authority: "Since my brother is so sincere, how can I refuse his wishes?"
Moreover, the position of mistress of my brother's household has been vacant for a long time; it's time for him to have a virtuous and capable wife.
He paused, his gaze sweeping over the crowd before finally settling on Jiang Luoluo, his smile widening: "In my opinion, Jiang Luoluo, the eldest daughter of the Jiang family, is gentle, virtuous, talented, and beautiful; she is the perfect candidate."
These words immediately caused an uproar in the room.
Everyone was both shocked and envious. Lu Anrou's face turned pale, and the handkerchief in her hand was almost torn to shreds.
Empress Dowager Du's face turned pale and then red, clearly furious, but since Xie Qiyu had already made his decision, she couldn't find any reason to refute it.
Xie Yizhi lowered his gaze slightly, but a faint smile appeared on his lips.
Jiang Luoluo and Xie Yizhi said in unison, "Your Majesty, we thank you for your great kindness."
Xie Qiyu nodded in satisfaction, a meaningful smile hidden in his eyes: "Alright, then it's settled!"
Xie Zhichen nestled in Xie Qiyu's arms like a spoiled child and said softly, "Thank you, Uncle Emperor, for finding me such a wonderful mother."
Xie Qiyu gently flicked his nose, but her eyes couldn't help but warm slightly.
As everyone knows, the late Empress died in childbirth several years ago, leaving Xie Qiyu with an indelible shadow, which has resulted in the harem remaining empty to this day, with no heirs.
Xie Yizhi and Xie Qiyu were brothers. After Xie Yizhi returned from the northern desert, he often brought Xie Zhichen to the palace for small gatherings. Xie Qiyu especially doted on this clever and quick-witted nephew.
However, since Xie Yizhi returned to the capital from Yunchuan, the relationship between the brothers seems to have undergone some subtle changes.
Just a few days ago, the two even had a heated argument in the Imperial Study. After that, Xie Yizhi rarely brought Xie Zhichen into the palace anymore.
Xie Qiyu looked at his little nephew nestled in his arms, a complex look flashing across his eyes, but he quickly concealed it, leaving only a faint smile.
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