"But what?" Emperor Zhaowu was also taken aback, and even Consort Shu, who was standing to the side, stopped eating.
"Zhixuan is too young. I believe he is not yet capable of shouldering such a great responsibility. I urge Your Majesty to reconsider."
When Prime Minister Shen uttered these words, all the civil and military officials present were astonished.
There are actually people who don't allow their sons-in-law to get promoted or become rich.
The hushed whispers around him made Pei Zhixuan feel somewhat embarrassed.
After making Pei Zhixuan uncomfortable for a while, Shen Xiang calmly said, "Why doesn't Your Majesty bestow upon Zhixuan the position of Vice Censor-in-Chief, a third-rank official?"
Emperor Zhaowu was initially surprised, then looked at his imperial concubine. Seeing her approving smile, he pondered for a moment and said, "Then let's listen to Prime Minister Shen's opinion."
"Thank you, Your Majesty," Pei Zhixuan and Shen Zhizhang said in unison.
Shen Zhizhang glanced at Pei Zhixuan slowly and deliberately before taking his seat.
But when Pei Zhixuan returned to his seat, he heard Consort Shu, who was sitting above him, speak up, "Is the young lady beside the young master the physician who went alone to the plague-stricken area to save people three months ago?"
Upon hearing this, Fang Ziyu hurriedly stood up and replied, "Your Majesty, it is indeed your humble servant."
Consort Shu nodded in satisfaction, then smiled sweetly at Emperor Zhaowu, "I think this Miss Fang is brave and resourceful, selfless, and she and the Crown Prince are of one mind. Why don't you do me a favor and bestow a marriage upon them, Your Majesty?"
Upon hearing this, Shen Zhizhang's eyes narrowed slightly. He looked up at the beautiful woman not far from him, a hint of displeasure flashing across his face.
Emperor Zhaowu looked at Shen Zhizhang, then at Consort Shu, and after weighing the options carefully, he finally spoke up, “Consort Shu is right. Both Miss Fang and Prince Pei are meritorious individuals. So today I will grant this marriage, and bestow upon Fang Ziyu the title of Princess Kangjia. The wedding will take place soon.”
Fang Ziyu was visibly excited and hurriedly kowtowed to express her gratitude, saying, "Thank you, Your Majesty and Your Majesty, for your grace."
Pei Zhixuan's eyes flickered slightly upon hearing this.
He wasn't as happy as he had imagined.
But he was determined to marry Fang Ziyu.
Pei Zhixuan took a deep breath, took Fang Ziyu's hand, who had a shy expression, and knelt before the emperor once more.
Xiao Huaijin happened to enter the hall at that moment and saw Pei Zhixuan holding hands with another woman. He smiled indifferently and said:
"Your Majesty treats those who have made meritorious contributions very well, and I admire you greatly. Prince Pei has done a great job in managing the river disasters, so why don't you allow me to officiate his wedding?"
Shen Zhizhang's heart was in turmoil when he heard Xiao Huaijin's words and a look of surprise suddenly arose.
Could it be that the Crown Prince and his son-in-law have already started a secret relationship?
This is not a good solution.
Shen Zhizhang tightened his grip on the wine glass slightly, his heart filled with even more worry.
After a moment of contemplation, Emperor Zhaowu narrowed his eyes slightly and said, "Alright, Jin'er, then I'll leave this matter to you."
The fact that the Crown Prince is arranging the marriage for Prince Pei will surely displease Prime Minister Shen.
Emperor Zhaowu was initially worried that the prime minister would become too close to the crown prince, but this arrangement has solved two problems at once, so he no longer needs to worry.
Pei Zhixuan knew that His Highness the Crown Prince's move was to tell the world that he, Pei Zhixuan, was one of the Crown Prince's subordinates.
He solemnly kowtowed to the Crown Prince and said, "Thank you, Your Highness."
—
Shen Yunjiao was having a great time outside, flying kites and swinging on swings.
When Shen Qinghuai ran over to find her, she was still thinking about playing polo like a wild child.
"Chen! Yun! Jiao!"
Shen Qinghuai's expression at this moment was just like when he was caught playing around by the teacher in junior or senior high school.
Shen Yunjiao guiltily hid the polo mallet behind her back. "Brother, what brings you here?"
Jiang Rong and Xiao Anle also realized that they seemed to have gone a bit too far, so they winked at Shen Yunjiao and left first.
"You still have the mind to play! Do you know that His Majesty just bestowed a marriage upon Pei Zhixuan?"
Seeing that Shen Yunjiao didn't care at all after hearing this, Shen Qinghuai tapped her forehead slightly.
"Ugh." Shen Yunjiao winced in pain and said with dissatisfaction, "Brother, violence cannot solve problems."
“Pei Zhixuan was originally going to marry Fang Ziyu, and this has nothing to do with whether His Majesty has granted the marriage.”
Shen Qinghuai's expression was solemn. "But do you know that His Highness the Crown Prince is going to officiate at this wedding?"
"The Crown Prince officiates the wedding?" Shen Yunjiao's emotions finally began to fluctuate.
"Yes, and His Majesty not only bestowed a marriage upon him and promoted him, but also conferred upon that woman from Jiangnan the title of Princess. Pei Zhixuan must be the most pleased person in Liang Garden today." Shen Qinghuai snorted coldly and flicked his sleeves fiercely.
Seeing that Shen Yunjiao's face was all dirty from playing, she became even angrier. "You, why can't you pay a little more attention!"
"Brother, don't forget what I told you. Whether Pei Zhixuan is good or bad, it has nothing to do with me, Shen Yunjiao." Shen Yunjiao remained calm, brushed the dust off her hands, and smiled at Shen Qinghuai. "Brother, let's go home!"
Shen Qinghuai then remembered that the guests had left one after another, and his father had asked him to take his two younger sisters back to the mansion because he had something to do. Now he had found Yun Jiao.
But what about Yunmo?
"Yun Jiao, have you seen Yun Mo?"
"Shen Yunmo? Hasn't she been staying inside the palace the whole time?" Shen Yunjiao asked, puzzled.
"She was at the banquet at first, then she disappeared. I thought she was looking for you," Shen Qinghuai said, frowning.
Shen Yunjiao suddenly guessed where Shen Yunmo might be right now.
A faint trace of irritation crept up his brow.
Ugh, I should have just stayed away from this ridiculous banquet.
At this time, the entrance to Liang Garden was filled with carriages of court officials waiting for their turn.
After settling Fang Ziyu into the Pei family carriage, Pei Zhixuan said to her, "Ziyu, I have something to attend to. Please wait for me here."
Fang Ziyu already knew that Pei Zhixuan was going to find Shen Yunjiao.
He remained absent-minded throughout the night, and even the emperor's bestowal of marriage did not make him seem particularly happy.
Fang Ziyu felt bitter inside, but she smiled gently and said, "Your Highness, please go ahead. Ziyu will wait here obediently."
Upon hearing these words, a hint of guilt flashed across Pei Zhixuan's face.
But after shaking Fang Ziyu's hand, he still chose to jump off the carriage.
Shen Yunjiao.
Pei Zhixuan's heart sank at the thought of her.
He was indeed the one who rushed back to the Shen residence, and the words came from his mouth.
But when he looked back on it later, he realized that he had indeed wronged her during those two years of being sent to work away from home.
Now that he has returned to the capital, he intends to marry someone else. She is so fond of him, so naturally she is angry.
Thinking of this, Pei Zhixuan sighed inwardly. If he hadn't been saved by Fang Ziyu back then, perhaps none of this mess would have happened.
Whether he marries Fang Ziyu or not, Shen Yunjiao will remain the matriarch of the Pei family.
Why is she targeting Ziyu?
We should take her back to the manor first, otherwise it will be difficult to explain to the Shen family and His Majesty.
All three carriages of the Shen family were still there, so Shen Yunjiao must not have returned home yet.
With that thought in mind, Pei Zhixuan turned around and walked into the red-lacquered gate of the East Garden. He walked quickly, taking a shortcut, afraid of missing Shen Yunjiao's figure.
"Brother-in-law." A shy voice sounded from behind.
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