By holding a grand banquet, they exposed his scandalous affair with Fang Shi to the public, completely extinguishing his hopes of vying for the position of family head.
He had originally planned to have Shen Jiming preside over the provincial examination next year.
Now there's no need to even think about it.
The Empress observed his expression and guessed that he was troubled by state affairs. Having been married for many years, she knew her husband well. He certainly respected her, but he also disliked interference in politics within the inner palace.
So she never asked about it.
The imperial couple is inherently different from ordinary couples.
So she pretended not to know and continued the previous topic, "Although the fault lies with the Second Young Master Lu, breaking off an engagement is still a blow to a woman's dignity. Fortunately, the Princess is broad-minded and doesn't care about these things, but as a mother, Princess Huyang must be worried."
Emperor Hongde nodded. He had watched Jiang Shuman grow up, and if it were anyone else, he would definitely stand up for her.
Unfortunately, that was Huaiyang's son.
The two sisters had no animosity towards each other, so he couldn't very well interfere.
The Empress pressed his head down and said gently, "Actually, I do have someone in mind."
Emperor Hongde asked, "Who?"
The Empress said, "My nephew is Gu Jinchuan."
Emperor Hongde was taken aback.
The Empress smiled and explained, "Your Majesty should remember that Jinchuan was raised by my side for a few years when he was a child. In a way, he and the Princess grew up together. Moreover, he is currently serving under the Duke of Anguo. My father told me that he has repeatedly distinguished himself on the battlefield. This child has a good background and appearance, and I can vouch for his character. I believe he is worthy of the Princess."
Given Jiang Shuman's status, she is definitely destined to be paired with a scion of a prominent family.
Emperor Hongde now wants to weaken the powerful families, so he certainly wouldn't want her to marry the son of a prominent family. The Gu family's foundation is not as strong as that of the major clans, but they have the status of being related to the emperor through marriage.
The son of the Gu family and the daughter of the Jiang family were not someone that Emperor Hongde would be wary of, and they were also a good match in terms of social standing.
A match made in heaven.
Emperor Hongde thought for a moment and then smiled and said, "The Gu family and the Jiang family have a grudge, it's rare to see you being so magnanimous."
The Empress said calmly, "I am not a saint. To be honest, I was indeed angry that the Empress Dowager had favored Princess Qingping in the past, after all, I almost lost my life. But many years have passed, and the culprit has been brought to justice. I have no reason to hold a grudge against others. If we can use this marriage to resolve the past grievances, it would be a good thing."
Emperor Hongde knew that what she meant was that both the Jiang and Gu families were loyal and righteous families, and if they could resolve their hatred, they could work together to serve him in the future.
Therefore, this marriage is indeed an excellent one.
Emperor Hongde had an idea in mind, and the next day he went to see the Empress Dowager.
Jiang Shumiao, who was listening nearby, immediately perked up.
[Gu Jinchuan, he's had a crush on my sister for years. Unfortunately, she had her childhood sweetheart and fiancé before, and the regent prince keeping her hidden away. Their argument in the back alley of the Duke of E's mansion became their final farewell.]
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