Asking for marriage
After leaving Xuanzheng Hall, the Empress Dowager summoned her personal maid and said, "Go and tell Lord Liu about this. He needs to know who he should hate."
The palace maid nodded upon hearing this and hurriedly left.
Inside the general's mansion, white candles burned constantly. Zhao Youyi, dressed in white mourning clothes, knelt in the main hall, numbly burning joss paper. His tears had long since dried up. His gaze fell on the ministers and their families who kept arriving after the morning court session. Perhaps it was a case of "a rabbit mourning a fox's death," but despite the so-called charge of treason, as soon as the rumors spread, many people came to offer their condolences.
Zhao Youyi politely bowed and thanked the elders in her family. Under their comfort, she pretended to be at a loss and shed tears, then took out a handkerchief to cover her face and cried and coughed.
"Awan, now that your brother has passed away, what will become of you?" The lady of the family friend surrounded her and hugged her, sobbing.
Zhao Youyi also nestled into her arms, tears falling like broken pearls.
“Nianwan, you must take good care of yourself! Otherwise, your brother in heaven will not be at peace,” another lady from a prominent family said earnestly.
Zhao Youyi nodded with tears in her eyes, but in her heart she was calculating how useful these people were.
Nianwan is her courtesy name, but those who call her by her courtesy name are not usually close to the General's Mansion. However, since the imperial decree came suddenly, they had to go to the General's Mansion to find out something. Zhao Youyi, on the other hand, cooperated by pretending to be a helpless and helpless woman.
After a series of moves, everyone in the hall felt pity for Zhao's daughter. She was only sixteen years old, her brother had died, and there was no one to take care of her. Her maternal grandfather was far away in Jiangzhou doing business. The emperor wanted to force her to marry him, and the empress dowager wanted her to marry a barbarian in place of the princess. She was truly pitiful. The general went to the battlefield at a young age and risked his life to earn military merit just to provide protection for his younger sister. He never expected that once the birds were gone, the bow would be put away. When the emperor wanted his subject to die, the subject had no choice but to die.
The people in the hall gradually dispersed. They could do little more than offer a few words of comfort. No one dared to marry the woman the emperor wanted, unless Zhao Shi was determined to cut off her hair and become a nun, or simply disfigure herself. The emperor was lustful and would likely not want an orphaned girl whose face was already disfigured.
Zhao Youyi naturally understood the hidden meaning in their pitying eyes. She had also considered these two methods, but how could she clear her brother's name? This morning, she sent Uncle Zhao to secretly contact trustworthy people in the army. Although the Zhao family army was loyal to the emperor, they were not blindly loyal. The generals in the army would not ignore such a matter. However, her brother had always been cautious. His death this time was probably due to a traitor in the army. Therefore, she did not dare to openly contact them for help.
If she could fake her death and escape, she could take revenge even after ten years. She could use the Zhao family's influence in the army to incite public opinion and alienate the soldiers from the king. This would be a case of the king wanting his subjects to rebel, and the subjects would have no choice but to rebel.
However, as a woman, she may find it difficult to gain the trust of others. But although it is difficult, she has always faced challenges head-on. In her early years, she secretly followed her brother to the battlefield. She is not a weak woman who cannot even kill a chicken. Her brother once said that her wisdom and martial arts skills are no less than his, so why should she underestimate herself?
After much deliberation, all she could do now was to play the innocent, sickly, orphaned girl to buy time. As for the person her brother mentioned in his letter... others were ultimately unreliable. If she could use him, that would be good; if not, she wasn't without options.
Another group of people came to pay their respects. Zhao Youyi took out a new handkerchief and began to cover her face and weep, coughing occasionally. She was young and had been frail since childhood, so she looked particularly thin and pitiful.
"Sister Zhao." Seeing her crying so bitterly, the woman quickly went over to support her. "Don't be too sad. The dead cannot be brought back to life. Your brother wouldn't want to see you like this!"
This person is Zhao Youyi's close friend. Her name is Gu Qiyu, and she is the daughter of the Minister of War. The two families have been friends for generations.
Upon seeing her, Zhao Youyi's guard suddenly lowered, and tears welled up in her eyes. "Sister Gu..."
Gu Qiyu patted Zhao Youyi's back and stroked her head. She was just a daughter of an official and couldn't do anything for Zhao Youyi. In this situation... She had begged her father, hoping that he would do something to protect Zhao Youyi out of consideration for the generations-long friendship between the two families. But her father just sighed and shook his head. The only way to protect Zhao Youyi was to have a member of the Gu family marry her. The best candidate would be Gu Qiyu's brother, Gu Zeyu. But if he married a Zhao girl, what would become of Gu Zeyu's future career?
Gu Zeyu stood not far away, watching the girl nestled in his younger sister's arms. He naturally harbored feelings for the Zhao family's younger sister; after all, they were childhood sweethearts. He had long planned to propose marriage to his brother Zhao once he passed the imperial examinations, but...
Gu Zeyu's gaze fell on the funeral banners in the mourning hall; fate had not been kind to him.
One wave after another came to pay their respects, offering a few words of comfort before leaving. Zhao Youyi felt like she was almost dehydrated from crying, and gestured to Xiao Qing with her eyes to get some tea.
After drinking tea and having lunch, there were not many people left. Zhao Youyi leaned against a pillar, watching the snow falling all around him, his eyes seemingly bright yet dim.
The sound of horses' hooves echoed in my ears once again.
Zhao Youyi's gaze involuntarily turned to the gate of the mansion, wondering who was rushing through the capital in such a hurry.
The funeral banners fluttered in the wind and snow at the gate of the general's mansion. A lone rider arrived on horseback, his snow-white cloak blending into the snowy sky. His dark horse neighed loudly, and the young man dismounted and galloped towards them.
His tall, dark hair was stained with snow from the long journey. The snow melted, and his temples were wet. He walked with a dashing and heroic air. The young man's face was handsome, like the moon hanging high in the sky. He had sword-like eyebrows and starry eyes. His eyebrows flew into his temples, as if he were a god descending from heaven.
The capital city is perpetually covered in ice and snow, and sunshine is a rare sight. But on the day Chu Chanyin appeared like a divine warrior descending from the heavens, the sky over the capital city cleared up for a moment.
Zhao Youyi's gaze fell on his anxious expression. He didn't know if he was his brother's friend or someone in the army, but judging from his attire, the former was more likely.
The young man stepped into the general's mansion with hurried steps, heading straight for her, but stopped three steps away. His gaze lingered on her face, but he looked away after a quick glance.
Zhao Youyi was puzzled and straightened up to bow and ask.
The young man spoke, his voice clear and melodious, striking straight to the heart, "Cousin Zhao, I am Chu Huai Cong, your brother's close friend."
Chu Chanyin, courtesy name Huai Cong, was eighteen years old. He was the second son of the late King of Chu. From a young age, he followed his father to defend the border against the Liang Kingdom. He became famous at a young age and made great military achievements. When he was fifteen, his father and brother died one after another. Because of his military achievements, he inherited the throne and was known as the Little King of Chu.
Chu Chanyin was born into nobility, possessing an exceptionally handsome appearance, with a radiant and graceful beauty, and a dignified and imposing presence. Just standing there was enough to make people yearn for him.
Zhao Youyi had met him a few times when she was young, but after so many years, her memory of him was already vague. She remembered what her brother had said in his letter, so she curtsied and, after some thought, decided to replace "Prince" with "cousin" which seemed closer to her, and said, "Greetings, Cousin Cong."
Chu Chan had little experience with women, and seeing his cousin Zhao's red-rimmed eyes and frail appearance, even his voice unconsciously softened, "Cousin, there's no need for such formality. Brother Nianling and I are like brothers, and you will be my own sister from now on. I rushed here day and night after receiving Brother Nianling's letter, but..."
Zhao Youyi naturally understood what he had left unsaid, but Fuzhou was too far from the capital. Even if they traveled non-stop, it would take four or five days to reach it. His brother probably wrote to Chu Chanyin on the day before the attack, and it would probably take one or two days for the letter to reach Chu Chanyin.
Zhao Youyi, fighting back tears, bowed again and said, "Thank you, Cousin Cong."
“No need, I’ll go in first to offer incense to Brother Nianling, you…” Before Chu Chanyin could finish speaking, Zhao Youyi immediately said, “I’ll go get some food for Cousin Cong.”
He didn't dare to stop along the way, fearing that his best friend and younger sister would be bullied. He hadn't eaten a proper meal for several days and had been eating dry rations the whole way.
Chu Chanyin entered the mourning hall and couldn't help but place his hand on the coffin placed there. "Brother Nianling, I'm here. I will protect your sister and avenge you. Rest in peace."
He took a stick of incense and lit it. According to etiquette, he did not have to kneel, but this was his close friend of many years. He knelt in the hall to offer a stick of incense to Zhao Youli, and sighed in his heart. He had fought for the country and the emperor for many years, but in the end he died at the hands of the emperor. He wondered if Zhao Youli regretted it.
After an unknown amount of time, Chu Chanyin knelt on the cushion, planning how to bring Zhao Youyi out of the capital. He could barely use the excuse that the emperor's memorial day was approaching, since he held military power and the emperor did not want to go to war with Fuzhou, at least on the surface.
"Cousin Cong, please move to the main hall for your meal," Zhao Youyi said softly as he approached. Seeing him kneeling in the hall, he was greatly alarmed. "Your Highness! My brother cannot accept such a gesture!"
Chu Chan stopped her from helping him up. “Cousin Zhao, I am kneeling to the General as a citizen of Jin. How can I not accept this? Brother Nianling has fought for the country on the battlefield for many years, but now he has been poisoned by the Emperor. Not only should I kneel, but one day I will make the Emperor kneel down before Brother Nianling’s grave to atone for his sins.”
He rose and bowed to the coffin again, saying, "Brother Nianling, I, Chu Chanyin, hereby swear that I will bless Cousin Zhao with a lifetime of peace and happiness and clear your name of injustice."
After a day filled with superficial words of comfort, hearing such straightforward words, Zhao Youyi couldn't help but feel a little moved, regardless of their truthfulness.
"Thank you, cousin." Zhao Youyi lowered her eyes, trying to hold back her tears. Chu Chanyin sighed softly, unsure how to comfort her.
Zhao Youyi quickly composed himself and led Chu Chanyin to the main hall for a meal. After all, men and women should not sit together, but since Zhao Youyi was the only host in the General's Mansion, it was not appropriate to let Chu Chanyin dine alone.
Chu Chanyin noticed her hesitation. "Cousin, don't worry about it. You will be my sister from now on. Please sit down."
Zhao Youyi didn't bother to refuse, after all, the other party had come from afar, it was just a meal at the same table, and there were maids serving them.
Most of the dishes on the table were light and simple. Considering that Chu Chanyin was tired from his journey and couldn't eat anything too greasy, he even asked the kitchen to cook millet porridge.
Zhao Youyi had just eaten a meal not long ago, and only ate a few bites with him hastily, while constantly observing his cousin out of the corner of his eye.
Although she knew that the person Zhao Youli had entrusted was trustworthy, she wondered why the King of Chu had come, since everyone in the world was driven by profit.
Chu Chanyin had studied poetry, literature, and etiquette since childhood. Even when he was hungry, he ate slowly and gracefully. Seeing that Zhao Youyi had only eaten a little before stopping, he assumed that she had lost her appetite because she was too saddened by her brother's death. He couldn't help but comfort her, saying, "Cousin Zhao, although Brother Nianling is gone, those who are alive must live well. Otherwise, how can they have the strength to avenge him?"
Upon hearing this, Zhao Youyi knew that he had misunderstood. "Cousin, you have misunderstood. I just had lunch not long ago. Although I am a little hungry now, I can't eat that much."
Chu Chanyin remained silent, assuming she was feigning strength. Looking at her reddened eyes and haggard face, and recalling the childhood friendship of the three of them, he made up his mind not to let Zhao Youyi be bullied by anyone. His cousin was so sickly and pitiful, and all he could do was protect her for the rest of her life.
"I have already had the steward of the manor clean the side rooms, please don't find them offensive, cousin." Chu Chanyin will definitely not go to the Chu Prince's mansion this time he enters the capital. A prince entering the capital without an imperial edict is no different from treason. Although they all want to rebel, it is best to avoid such troubles before everything is ready.
Chu Chanyin hesitated for a moment and then nodded, "I'm sorry to bother you, cousin."
As long as the people in the manor don't spread the word, no one will know about this. Moreover, in this urgent situation, one should act expediently. If he goes out and stays at an inn and gets discovered, it will be troublesome.
"Did you come alone, cousin?" Zhao Youyi thought of his appearance covered in snow and felt that his brother and the King of Chu were indeed very close.
Although he entered the capital secretly, Chu Chanyin was not foolish enough to come alone. "Three hundred cavalrymen are a day behind me, and twelve guards are with me. They have now infiltrated the capital. Cousin, don't worry."
After Chu Chanyin finished his meal, Zhao Youyi had the food cleared away and turned to him, saying, "Cousin, did you hear any rumors along the way?"
"Are you referring to the matter of Brother Nianling being wrongly accused of treason? I believe most people don't believe that; it's just the emperor discarding the donkey after it has served its purpose." Chu Chanyin sighed inwardly as he saw her frown.
Zhao Youyi looked down at her embroidered handkerchief, on which the bamboo was embroidered with lifelike detail. “Not only that, after the imperial edict sentencing my brother for treason was issued, the emperor sent a eunuch to deliver a message that he wanted to bring me into the palace. Before I received the news of my brother’s death, the Empress Dowager summoned me to the palace and asked me to replace the princess in a marriage alliance with the Southern Barbarians.”
Chu Chanyin couldn't help but want to crush the teacup. "How dare they! Brother Nianling has just passed away, and the Emperor is already so eager to force him to marry. How could the Empress Dowager say such a thing? Are the soldiers supposed to go to battle and watch their own families be married off to someone else?!"
“Cousin, don’t be angry. I’ve already spread rumors to buy time. I’m sure the Empress Dowager’s plan won’t succeed. But as for the Emperor…” Zhao Youyi couldn’t help but worry. They could only delay for a while, not forever.
Chu Chanyin lowered his eyes and pondered for a moment. "Cousin, I have a plan. Please listen to me."
"Cousin, please speak." Zhao Youyi snapped out of her reverie and looked at him eagerly.
Chu Chanyin looked into her eyes. Her almond-shaped eyes were watery, clearly indicating that she had been crying for a long time during the day. In the vast general's mansion, she was the only orphan left. Whether out of childhood affection or Zhao Youli's entrustment, he should cherish her, protect her, and shield her from the wind and rain.
Thinking of this, he looked directly at her and solemnly said, "We are engaged, and I will take you away from the capital."
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