The time goes back to two hours before the banquet.

In Ganlu Palace, Empress Zhou looked at Pei Changzhou with a calm expression, "Don't be so superficial, you have to look at the long-term. If you can marry into the Dingbei Marquis's Mansion, it will be a hundred benefits to you and no harm at all!"

Pei Changzhou clenched his fists, unwillingly, "Mother, you also saw Xu Wenchan during the last autumn hunt. She is so dark, her waist is thicker than mine, her voice is loud, her behavior is vulgar, and she is not gentle at all... How can such a woman be my imperial concubine! To put it bluntly, I feel uncomfortable sleeping in the same bed with her!"

Queen Zhou frowned, "How can it be so exaggerated? I think the girl is pretty, with regular features, but her skin is a little dark. If she takes more care of herself, it will become whiter."

Pei Changzhou saw that Queen Zhou was referring to Xu Wenchan in her words, and his face turned even greener. He gritted his teeth and said, "I don't want to marry her! There are so many beautiful ladies in Chang'an City, why did my mother choose her for me!"

Queen Zhou snorted coldly, "There are so many beautiful young ladies in Chang'an City, which one is as powerful as Marquis Dingbei? He holds the military tokens of 500,000 imperial guards and has a high reputation in the northwest. Now that he has returned to Chang'an City, his influence in the court is also extraordinary. Your father values ​​and trusts him very much..."

She took a sip from the teacup and analyzed, "Let's not talk about Dingbei Marquis for now, let's just talk about the seven sons of the Xu family. None of them are cowards. They are all brave and resourceful generals. If a war breaks out in the future, the generals of their Xu family can hold up most of the sky! What are you dissatisfied with about such a capable Yue family?"

Pei Changzhou frowned, "Mother, I know what you said, but..."

"What are you talking about? This Miss Xu is the apple of Marquis Dingbei's eye. If she becomes your imperial concubine, won't Marquis Dingbei's mansion fully support you?"

At this point, Queen Zhou glanced at him and said, "As the old saying goes, marry a virtuous wife. Don't just look at her appearance and figure, but also whether her family can help you. When you get to that position smoothly, you can take concubines according to your own wishes, and I won't care. But you have to listen to me when it comes to marrying a wife."

Queen Zhou's words were well-reasoned and she used both soft and hard tactics, which really made Pei Changzhou's mind waver.

He thought about it in his heart, raised his eyes and asked, "Mother, are you sure this marriage can be successful? That Xu Wenchan has frequent contacts with the Crown Princess, and the Crown Princess has probably said bad things about us in front of her."

Queen Zhou said calmly, "A woman should obey her father at home and her husband after marriage. As long as she marries you and you coax her gently and thoughtfully, won't her heart be on your side? Besides, marriage is a big deal, and it's decided by parents and matchmakers. As long as your father has given the marriage, it doesn't matter to a little girl like her whether she is happy to marry or not."

Pei Changzhou was startled, then suddenly realized, "Mother, are you planning tonight..."

Queen Zhou pursed her red lips and narrowed her beautiful eyes. "First, test the waters in front of your father and see how he reacts. Then, act accordingly."

She looked at Pei Changzhou deeply, her expression gentle, "Changzhou, you have to trust your mother. Everything she arranges is for your consideration."

Pei Changzhou was silent, then nodded solemnly, "Son understands."

But he secretly thought, if Xu Wenchan behaved well, he could still keep her as empress when he sat on the throne. If she didn't behave well, it wouldn't be difficult to depose her.

………

Back to the banquet, Xu Wenchan was completely stunned, holding a piece of honeydew melon in his hand, not knowing how to react.

The seven brothers and six sisters-in-law of the Xu family were also stunned. Yesterday, their mother was still complaining about the marriage of their seventh brother and youngest sister, but they didn't expect that today, the Empress actually fell in love with their youngest sister. Was their mother's mouth blessed?

Dingbei Marquis and his wife were stunned for a moment, but soon came to their senses. After the couple exchanged glances, the Marquis' wife smiled and said, "Your Majesty, my daughter is stupid and unworthy of such praise from you. As a mother, I feel ashamed just listening to this."

"Madam Hou, please don't be so humble." Queen Zhou smiled kindly and waved to Xu Wenchan, "Come, Wenchan, come to me and let me take a closer look."

Xu Wenchan: "..."

It happened very suddenly.

But since the Queen had spoken, she had no choice but to step forward and respectfully bow to the Emperor, Queen, and Princess Jingyang.

Queen Zhou took her hand with a smile, showing a very satisfied smile, and praised her a few words, then turned to look at Emperor Zhao Kang, "Your Majesty, this child is a blessed one, honest and well-behaved, not arrogant or impatient. What do you think?"

Xu Wenchan was very panicked and her hands were shaking.

Fortunately, Tao Ti and Qing He were sitting on her left and right, which gave her some strength. Otherwise, she really wanted to roll her eyes and turn away.

When Tao Ti saw Xu Wenchan's trembling shoulders, she couldn't help but bite her lips and clutched her skirt tightly with her hands.

She had to think of a way. She couldn't bear to see Ah Chan jumping into the fire pit.

But what should she do? She couldn't just jump out and shout: I object to this marriage, right?

Just as she was racking her brains, a warm hand held hers.

Tao Ti slowly raised her eyes and met Pei Yan's dark eyes that were as calm as a deep pool. He told her with his eyes: Don't panic.

Tao Ti frowned, still nervous: I have to panic, if I don't think about it anymore, there is no other way. If His Majesty really grants me a marriage, then Ah Chan's life will be ruined!

Pei Yan pretended to help her adjust her pearl hairpins, then leaned close to her ear and whispered, "Just wait and see."

His warm breath felt on her neck, like a spring breeze, itchy.

Inexplicably, Tao Ti calmed down a little, nodded at him, and continued to stare upwards.

Emperor Zhaokang looked at Xu Wenchan calmly, a hint of deep thought flashed across his indifferent eyes. He murmured, "Well, a tiger father will have a dog daughter. She has some of the style of Marquis Dingbei."

Xu Wenchan, "..." I feel like you are implying that I am ugly, and you have evidence.

Suddenly, there was a burst of laughter from the audience, as if someone couldn't hold it back and burst out.

Who is so presumptuous?

When everyone looked, they saw Young Master Xie standing beside the Lord of Qinghe County.

Seeing that everyone's attention was drawn to him, Young Master Xie suppressed his smile and said to Emperor Zhaokang, "Uncle, please forgive me."

Emperor Zhaokang glanced at his nephew calmly, not bothering with him. He only focused his eyes on Marquis Dingbei and asked solemnly, "Lord Xu, I want to become your in-law. What do you think?"

Dingbei Marquis was about to stand up to reply, but was stopped by Emperor Zhaokang. He sat down, his burly figure straight as steel, and his voice like a bell, "Your Majesty's love is so great that I should not refuse. However, my daughter is stupid, stubborn, and arrogant, and is not a good match for the Second Prince. Please ask Your Majesty and the Queen to find another good wife for the Second Prince."

The seven brothers of the Xu family also straightened their bodies and looked at Emperor Zhaokang in unison, their attitude consistent with that of Marquis Dingbei.

Emperor Zhaokang looked at the reaction of the Dingbei Marquis's mansion and thought inappropriately that the Dingbei Marquis looked like a rough and unruly man, but he had taught his sons very well. It is said that a harmonious family is the root of all prosperity. The brothers in his mansion are harmonious and they love their sisters, which is rare in a large family with a large population. On the other hand, his own descendants...

Being in the royal family, with all the intrigues and scheming, how much brotherhood can there be?

He remained silent, and everyone was worried.

Empress Zhou was unsure, fearing that Emperor Zhaokang would not agree, so she hurriedly added, "Marquis Dingbei's words are really polite. I think your Wen Chan is good. Are you saying this because you look down on my son?"

Marquis Dingbei choked.

Empress Zhou continued, "Your Majesty, I heard that Wen Chan has always been on good terms with the Crown Princess, and the two are as close as sisters. If she can marry Changzhou, they can become sisters-in-law in the future, wouldn't it be even more harmonious?"

At this time, the wife of the Left Prime Minister, Liu, also came out to help, her speech was eloquent, and she really praised Xu Wenchan several times.

Xu Wenchan was dumbfounded: She doesn't even know how talented she is!

The situation on the field is now very clear. Empress Zhou likes Xu Wenchan as her daughter-in-law very much, but the Dingbei Marquis's family is not willing to marry her. Emperor Zhaokang's attitude is ambiguous and no conclusion has been reached yet.

At this time, Princess Jingyang spoke lazily, "Your Majesty, although the marriage of children is mainly arranged by parents, the two children must like each other and be willing. No matter how much you like Miss Xu, you are not going to live with her. In my opinion, you should also ask the two children's wishes."

Queen Zhou's eyelids twitched, and she smiled awkwardly, "Yes, that's true."

She winked at Pei Changzhou, who immediately understood. He stood up leisurely and expressed his admiration for Xu Wenchan in a very earnest manner.

Tao Ti couldn't help sneering in her heart when she heard this: when the scumbag talks about love, he still uses the same old tricks as before, so disgusting.

Pei Changzhou made it clear here. Queen Zhou looked at Xu Wenchan eagerly, "Wenchan, what do you say?"

Of course Xu Wenchan was unwilling, but Queen Zhou's aura was too strong. She stared at her straight, which made her feel scared.

She had never achieved much, and seeing such a big scene, she stammered, "Your servant, your servant thinks that the Second Prince is a rare talent, and your servant... is illiterate and of average character..."

Seeing that she was struggling to speak, another person stood up and bowed to Emperor Zhaokang and Empress Zhou, "Uncle, aunt, I have something to report."

Seeing Young Master Xie suddenly appear, Queen Zhou had a subtle expression. Emperor Zhaokang raised his eyebrows and said, "You go ahead."

Young Master Xie looked at Xu Wenchan deeply, then bowed solemnly and said, "In fact, my nephew also likes Miss Xu, but he is timid and has never found a suitable opportunity to express his feelings."

Xu Wenchan's heart skipped a beat: Still coming? When will this end? !

She looked at Young Master Xie, who was as cold and bright as the moon, in disbelief, her eyes wide open, and asked silently: "Big brother, we don't have much friendship, so there's no need to sacrifice yourself for him."

Princess Jingyang was also shocked. She had a good impression of the Xu siblings, so she spoke up to defend the chubby girl. But protecting her didn't mean sacrificing her own son!

She looked at Young Master Xie in a reproachful manner, "Chen Shi, stop messing around."

Young Master Xie said, "Mother, I am not kidding."

Princess Jingyang frowned.

On the other hand, Tao Ti was also shocked by this sudden reversal.

When she came to her senses, she moved to Pei Yan's side and whispered, "I have never heard that Young Master Xie had such thoughts about Ah Chan? Your Highness, do you think he is helpful or what?"

Pei Yan glanced at her sideways and smiled faintly, "Who can explain the matter of feelings clearly?"

Seeing him smile, Tao Ti narrowed her eyes suspiciously, "Your Highness, do you know something?"

Pei Yan opened his thin lips and said, "Qian Shi mentioned Miss Xu to me once by chance, saying that she was very interesting and different from other women."

Tao Ti clicked her tongue. If Qinghe and Xu Qige, and A Chan and Young Master Xie were all together, then it would be ridiculous that the Zhou family had spent so much effort planning the trip to Zhuyuan Villa, but ended up helping others.

While she was thinking about it, Emperor Zhaokang, who had been silent for a long time, spoke, "I will not make any random comments. Let's put this matter aside for now and talk about it later. Today is the Mid-Autumn Palace Banquet. Everyone should have a good time, eat and drink well, and have a good holiday."

Queen Zhou was startled and wanted to say something else, but Emperor Zhaokang gave her a look and she shut up tactfully.

Emperor Zhaokang asked Xu Wenchan to go back to his seat first. Xu Wenchan responded tremblingly, but as soon as he turned around, his legs went weak and he staggered, almost falling.

At this moment——

Young Master Xie leaned forward subconsciously, his brows furrowed with a look of worry.

Pei Changzhou had a stern face, and although his brows were furrowed, his expression was full of contempt.

Emperor Zhaokang noticed the reactions of the two and came to a conclusion in his mind.