Shangguan Xu, who was sitting at the same table with the two of them, yawned sleepily. He was so bored that he counted the rice grains left in his bowl several times.
Shangguan Xu saw Shangguan Ran and Ling Shumo exchanging pleasantries, seemingly endlessly. He finally couldn't help but interrupt the harmonious atmosphere between the two, "Sister, I'm full. When are we leaving?"
Ling Shumo turned her head to look at Shangguan Xu, who looked impatient. Shangguan Ran was smooth and sophisticated, but her brother, who was born to the same mother, was outspoken, had no idea how to read people's expressions, and had no intention of considering the overall situation.
The fake but perfect smile on Shangguan Ran's face completely broke at this moment. She said unhappily, "Sister Shumo and I have some serious matters to discuss. You can play here. I'll take you back as soon as I finish my business."
Ling Shumo stood up, intending to lead Shangguan Ran to the study. After taking two steps, she suddenly thought of something and instructed Shi Qi, "Go to Chenyou Palace and call over the virtuous monarch (Lu Jinshu). Have him chat with the Seventh Prince. Don't neglect this distinguished guest who has come from afar."
…
In the study.
Ling Shumo and Shangguan Ran sat opposite each other.
Shangguan Ran stood up, clasped his fists and bowed to Ling Shumo, saying, "My brother is truly a mischievous child, always looking for trouble. What I just said in the palace hall was true, not an exaggeration."
Ling Shumo also quickly stood up.
Shangguan Ran suddenly stopped speaking in official language, which made her unable to accept it and she felt uncomfortable.
Shangguan Ran said, "What I'm about to tell you is no secret. The Xuanyou Empire is very unstable right now, and my sisters are all eyeing the throne. I had no choice but to propose that Shangguan Xu marry me. Although I call it a marriage, my real purpose is to get him to seek refuge here."
Ling Shumo observed Shangguan Ran calmly, "Sister, you're suddenly telling me all this. Isn't it a bit too much for us to talk about this?"
Shangguan Ran smiled, "Sister Shumo, don't be so nervous. I guarantee on my honor that I didn't collude with your mother to tell you this in private to help her test you. I'm being so open and honest because I have something to ask of you."
Ling Shumo didn't respond.
Shangguan Ran didn't mind and continued, "No woman can accept Shangguan Xu in this state. I came to visit today with only one request. I hope you can take care of him for me for a while. When the turmoil in Xuanyou has settled, I will definitely bring a generous gift to thank my sister for her kindness. If you think he is a nuisance, I will send someone to bring him back to Xuanyou."
The "turmoil within Xuanyou" that Shangguan Ran mentioned was the struggle for the throne, and the "valuable gifts" she mentioned were definitely not ordinary gold, silver and jade, but some unspeakable help.
Just now in the imperial study, Ling Shumo was confused by the sudden arranged marriage, but after some time to digest it, she had guessed what the emperor was thinking.
The benefits brought by Shangguan Xu, the prince who came to marry, were a much-needed help to any princess.
As an emperor, her mother, the Queen, is practicing the art of balance.
Her several older sisters are all capable. In comparison, she is a complete fool and a waste, except for her father, the Queen, who sits firmly in the imperial palace.
Therefore, marrying Shangguan Xu to her was the emperor's most reassuring choice.
Ling Shumo asked, "If it was one of my sisters who married your brother today, would you also go to their mansions and make such a solemn promise to ask them to help you take care of Shangguan Xu?"
Shangguan Ran had no reason to deny this, so she nodded with certainty, "Yes. No matter who my brother marries, I will take care of everything for him."
Ling Shumo walked around the screen and brought a pot of wine from the table outside. She poured a glass for herself and Shangguan Ran respectively, "This glass of wine is my wish for your success."
Shangguan Ran drank the wine in his glass again, "That's inevitable."
She has no way out, so she has to win.
Only when she ascends to the supreme position can the relatives she cares about most live freely and unrestrainedly in the world.
Even if Shangguan Xu was rude and impolite, even if he had no temperament of a noble family, even if he caused a huge disaster, as long as her sister was strong enough, no one would do anything to him no matter how outrageous Shangguan Xu was.
She never asked her younger brother to learn to be virtuous and flattering like other young masters. She only asked herself to work harder and strive to protect Shangguan Xu for the rest of her life.
…
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