Chapter 178 You brat! How dare you threaten me!
"What did you say? Say it again!"
The emperor's fingers, holding the vermilion brush, paused slightly, and a drop of ink splashed down, staining the memorial.
This is absolutely ridiculous!
If this were to be done, tomorrow's morning court session would likely descend into chaos. The emperor could almost foresee that noisy and troublesome scene.
Xiao Jingheng's strategic retreat finally cracked the mask on the emperor's face.
"You little rascal!"
He grabbed the teacup in his hand and threw it at Xiao Jingheng, but the other man caught it and held it in his hand.
Their stance remains firm.
The emperor was speechless. "I was merely testing you a few times, and you, in turn, accuse me of 'not tolerating meritorious officials'! I think you'd risk your life for that little girl!"
"Your subject dares not!"
"I see you dare to do this..."
Just as the situation was at a stalemate, a eunuch announced from outside the palace: "Your Majesty, His Highness the Crown Prince is outside requesting an audience."
The emperor's eyes flickered slightly. He put down the vermilion brush in his hand and sat back on the dragon throne: "Summon them!"
A moment later, Chu Yu walked in with steady steps and first bowed to the emperor: "Your subject greets Your Majesty."
"No need for formalities." The emperor's voice was unreadable. He pointed to Xiao Jingheng below him and said;
"Your Highness has arrived at the right time. Prince Xiao is requesting that I bestow upon him the title of County Princess for the sake of the girl in his household, even going so far as to sacrifice his military merits. What do you think of this matter?"
Chu Yu's gaze swept quickly over Xiao Jingheng, who was kneeling upright. After regaining his composure, he cupped his hands and said, "Father, this matter is indeed a bit of a dilemma."
"Oh? What do you mean?"
Chu Yu spoke calmly, “Su Xiaoyu did indeed save the emperor, and if we don’t reward her, it might discourage the people below and they might say the court is unfair. But if we directly confer the title of county princess, given her background, raising her too high at once will inevitably lead to gossip, saying it’s against the rules, and it won’t be good for Prince Xiao’s reputation.”
He feared outsiders would think he was bewitched by this maid and had even abandoned his future.
The emperor nodded. "Then, in your opinion, what should be done?"
Chu Yu pondered for a moment, then cupped his hands and said, "Your subject has a way that satisfies both sides."
"Oh? Tell me about it."
"Su Xiaoyu's merits are genuine and she deserves a reward. Why not follow Prince Xiao's request and confer the title of County Princess? The imperial edict should clearly state that she was promoted because she saved the emperor and her merits are for the benefit of the country."
"But just being a county princess probably won't stop some people from thinking she's climbed the social ladder."
"How about... Father Emperor grants him an extra favor? Since Prince Xiao has not yet married, why don't you just take charge and bestow a marriage upon him and this newly appointed county princess? Wouldn't that solve the problem?"
The emperor was taken aback, seemingly not expecting Chu Yu to say such a thing.
Chu Yu continued, "In this way, when Prince Xiao uses his military merits to seek a title for his future wife, it will no longer be seen as 'wasting his merits for a maid,' but rather as a beautiful story of 'being loyal, righteous, respectful, and protective of his wife.' Princess Su will be granted a title for her loyalty and bravery, and when she marries into the Marquis's mansion, her status will be perfectly legitimate. Even if the nobles in the capital have objections, they will not be able to find any fault with it. After all, it is a marriage bestowed by the Emperor himself, and it is a meritorious official marrying a loyal daughter. Who would dare to make any unwarranted comments?"
Upon hearing this, the emperor finally realized what was going on and couldn't help but laugh in exasperation.
He looked down at Xiao Jingheng, who was kneeling upright, and his lips twitched.
"You little rascal, you went through all this trouble, so this is what you were planning all along."
He placed the teacup on the imperial desk and said in an ambiguous tone, "Su Xiaoyu has rendered meritorious service in saving the emperor. I approve of bestowing upon her the title of county princess. Rewards and titles are due as they should be bestowed. I am not so stingy as to be petty."
Even if Xiao Jingheng hadn't said anything, the emperor was already planning to bestow a reward upon the Su family after they moved into the General's Mansion.
However, Xiao Jingheng came to 'blackmail' him ahead of time. This made the emperor very unhappy.
He stared at Xiao Jingheng with a sinister look, a meaningful smile curving his lips:
"However, a marriage decree? I never said I agreed."
Xiao Jingheng: "..."
"I have made my decision. I will bestow upon that girl the title of Princess Jiahe. Princess Jiahe is of noble character, loyal and courageous, and is a truly exceptional young lady in the capital."
Xiao Jingheng's eyelids twitched.
Hearing the emperor continue, "Such a fine girl should be seen by all the good young men in the capital. Why keep her hidden away? I think we should have the Grand Duke host a flower-viewing banquet another day, inviting all the eligible young men in the capital who are talented, handsome, and from good families. Let us take a good look at the newly crowned Princess Jiahe and choose the one who suits our taste best."
The emperor admired Xiao Jingheng's suddenly darkened face, and felt that the 'anger' he had felt from being threatened by this brat earlier had vanished instantly.
The more he talked about it, the better he felt about the idea. He glanced at Xiao Jingheng's tense face and felt extremely pleased.
"Oh dear, Prince Xiao, you've always prioritized official duties and avoided women. On the day of the flower viewing banquet, you can help the Princess maintain order for me... um, for the Crown Prince. Young people should broaden their horizons; perhaps they'll discover the good qualities of other young ladies. As for Princess Jiahe's marriage, I'll take care of it for her. I'll definitely find her a perfect husband."
These words are absolutely devastating.
This move was not only to publicly 'promote' Su Xiaoyu, but also to have Xiao Jingheng personally witness the event, and even under the guise of letting him see other beauties.
Xiao Jingheng knelt on the ground, his hands clenched into fists, but he couldn't find a reason to refute.
Despite all the careful planning, no one expected the emperor to pull such a 'cut off the fuel supply' move!
His Adam's apple bobbed, and it took a great deal of effort to forcefully suppress the urge to throw a punch.
"I... obey your order."
The Emperor nodded in satisfaction and waved his hand: "Alright, the decree for bestowing the title of County Princess will be issued shortly. You may all leave. Crown Prince, you shall also attend the flower viewing banquet. You are not young anymore, and it is time for you to marry the Crown Princess. Go."
Chu Yu, who was suddenly called out, paused and touched his nose.
"Your subject takes his leave." The two bowed and withdrew.
Stepping out of the imperial study, a gust of winter wind blew, and Xiao Jingheng realized that a thin layer of sweat had formed on his back.
Chu Yu stood beside him, patted his shoulder, and said with a mix of helplessness and amusement, "Jing Heng, I have done my best."
"However, the position of county magistrate has already been secured. The rest is up to us!" He gave Xiao Jingheng timely advice.
However, Xiao Jingheng had already regained his usual calm and composed demeanor, appearing quite indifferent.
"Your Highness, rest assured, Xiaoyu knows what to choose."
The implication was that he believed Su Xiaoyu also had feelings for him and would definitely not take a fancy to another man at the flower viewing banquet.
Chu Yu understood, and couldn't help but shake her head and chuckle, reminding him:
“Jingheng, don’t be too sure. Miss Su is now the Princess of Jiahe County. Even if she is as firm as a rock, she can’t resist the many people in the capital who are eager to get her.”
Those who have ulterior motives here include, but are not limited to, the Lu family, Lin Wan'er, and the Su Zhong couple. Do they also want to make plans for their daughter as soon as possible?
What Chu Yu didn't say was that rumors were circulating everywhere that Xiao Jingheng was about to marry Lin Wan'er. If Su Xiaoyu believed it and misunderstood, and if Xiao Jingheng remained inactive, then the final variables could become very large.
Chu Yu patted Xiao Jingheng on the shoulder, then turned and walked towards the East Palace: "That's all I have to say. You decide for yourself. I'll be waiting to drink your wedding wine."
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