As soon as the queen took action, the whole capital was in chaos.
No one else can match this method of flattery.
Emperor Kaiyao listened to Xu Xianzhi, the left guard of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, report on the situation in the capital.
"Your Majesty, all the major families in the capital are busy finding marriages for their children, so much so that the official media are in short supply."
Emperor Kaiyao exhaled through his nose and hummed.
"What else?"
"According to preliminary statistics from this humble servant, in just a few hours, ten families have already arranged marriages for their children."
"List!"
Xu Xianzhi did not dare to delay and hurriedly took out the list from his arms and handed it over with both hands.
Chen Dachang, the chief eunuch serving beside Emperor Kaiyao, took the list from Xu Xianzhi and placed it in front of Emperor Kaiyao.
"Your Majesty, please take a look."
Emperor Kaiyao narrowed his eyes slightly and glanced at the list. They were all familiar names.
Emperor Kaiyao snorted coldly, "The Emperor's grandson is choosing a wife, and these people are so eager to distance themselves from him? It's ridiculous that such a dignified Emperor's grandson is being despised by others."
In the hall, you can hear a pin drop.
The palace servants all lowered their heads, trying their best to reduce their presence.
Xu Xianzhi's forehead was covered with sweat, and he felt uneasy, fearing that His Majesty would vent his anger on him.
"Does His Majesty have any instructions?"
Others were afraid of Emperor Kaiyao's mighty power and dared not speak, but Chen Dachang had no such concerns.
He had served Emperor Kaiyao since he was young, and the master and servant had been together for forty years.
He was Emperor Kaiyao's servant, as well as his loyal warrior and counselor.
Emperor Kaiyao sneered, "Pass on my oral order. Have all the imperial grandchildren submit the list before sunset tomorrow. This absurd thing should end as soon as possible."
It was obvious from Emperor Kaiyao's words that he was dissatisfied with the idea proposed by the Empress.
The emperor's grandsons gathered together to choose wives and get married. Apart from anything else, the wedding expenses alone were a huge number.
By then, the National Treasury and the Ministry of Finance will be under increased pressure due to these expenses.
Even if the Shaofu has money, he can't afford to spend it like this.
The Shaofu was the private treasury of Emperor Kaiyao. Asking him to take out so much money at once to marry the emperor's grandchildren would be painful even if he was the emperor and rich.
Chen Dachang bowed and accepted the order, walked out of the hall quickly, called a few eunuchs, and went to the East Palace, the various royal palaces, and the princes' palaces to convey the emperor's oral instructions.
…
Prince Ning's Mansion.
After sending the eunuch away, Princess Pei of Prince Ning was worried and sent someone to call Liu Zhao to her side to talk.
"Someone just arrived from the palace, conveying His Majesty's order that the list of names must be submitted before sunset tomorrow. Do you have a suitable candidate for this wife selection?"
Liu Zhao bowed slightly and said expressionlessly, "Don't worry, mother. I have an idea for this matter."
Princess Pei of Prince Ning said "Oh" and was a little surprised.
"Have you made up your mind yet? Tell me who the girl is."
Liu Zhao said indifferently, "Tomorrow, mother will know."
Princess Pei of Prince Ning was speechless and very angry.
She frowned and said unhappily, "Whose daughter is this? She's so precious, yet she's still keeping it a secret at this moment. Don't I even have the right to know her name?"
Liu Zhao remained unmoved and said seriously, "To avoid unnecessary complications, it's better for Mother not to know about this for now."
Princess Pei of Prince Ning was so angry that she could hardly speak. "You've grown up and become independent. Do you dislike me because I'm holding you back? I've worked so hard to raise you, and all I get is your disdain."
Liu Zhao raised an eyebrow, his face devoid of any unnecessary expression. "Mother, you misunderstood. I have absolutely no such intention. Anyway, after sunset tomorrow, you will know the choice of your wife. It will only take a day. Could it be that Mother can't wait?"
Princess Pei of Prince Ning snorted coldly, "You know it's only one day, and you're making me wait for just one day. Do you really have me as your mother in your heart?"
Liu Zhao frowned. He didn't like this kind of argument that was doomed to be fruitless.
So he said directly, "If you have nothing else to do, mother, I will take my leave."
After saying that, Liu Zhao stood up and walked outside.
"Stop right there, Princess. I'm telling you to stop, do you hear me?"
Liu Zhao remained unmoved, as if he had heard nothing, and only stopped when he reached the door.
He turned around and looked at Princess Pei of Prince Ning. "Mother, do you have any other advice?"
Bang!
Princess Pei of Prince Ning slammed the table, extremely angry, "Am I no longer able to control you now?"
Liu Zhao suddenly smiled, "Mother, do you think this is just a simple wife selection?"
Princess Pei of Prince Ning frowned.
Liu Zhao simply walked back to the hall and said to Princess Pei, Princess Ning, "Mother, you should have heard that the Empress was deliberately targeting me in this wife selection. Mother, think about this. Under these circumstances, what kind of wife should my son choose to satisfy the Empress?"
"Why should we satisfy her? She doesn't have many days left to live." Princess Pei of Prince Ning looked dissatisfied.
Liu Zhao nodded. "Mother is right. The Empress does not have many days left to live. But if my son is even slightly careless in choosing a wife this time, believe it or not, the Empress will still find a way to bring unrest to the Ning Palace before she dies. Will my father lose the trust of my grandfather forever? He might even be stripped of his title!"
"How is that possible! If she really had the ability, she wouldn't have to wait until her deathbed to make our palace live in utter chaos."
Princess Pei of Prince Ning did not believe what Liu Zhao said, and thought that Liu Zhao was exaggerating and talking nonsense.
Liu Zhao shook his head slightly, "Mother underestimated the Empress. She really does have this ability.
She didn't do this before because our Ning Wang Mansion has always been low-key and never takes the initiative to cause trouble.
Moreover, the Empress Dowager's energy is all focused on the court and the Eastern Palace. Seeing that we are law-abiding, she naturally won't deliberately target our Ning Wang Mansion.
But this time was different. This time, my son was the first to provoke the dispute and expose himself. The Queen will keep a close eye on me until she dies, making sure that I can't harm the East Palace. Only then will she rest in peace.
If I don't cooperate with her, she will definitely think that our Ning Wang Mansion is more dangerous than Zhao Wang Mansion, and she will try her best to deal with our Ning Wang Mansion first.
Therefore, this wife selection is not just a simple one. It is a game, a war without gun smoke.
Princess Pei's expression changed, "Are you going to sacrifice your marriage just to dispel the Queen's suspicion?
Are you planning to choose any girl as your wife? What can I say about you?
Life is good, and the Queen is about to end. Why did you choose to provoke the Queen at this critical moment and expose yourself? Don't you think you are smart? Why did you do such a stupid thing?
Now even your marriage is implicated, what do you say you should do? I tell you, if you really choose any girl as your wife, I will never agree."
Liu Zhao smiled, his smile light and innocent. "I have already made up my mind about my marriage. When the wedding comes, mother will just wait for me to drink tea with her daughter-in-law. That's all I have to say. I'll take my leave."
"Come back here!"
Princess Pei of Prince Ning roared.
This time Liu Zhao did not stop and left directly.
Princess Pei of Prince Ning smashed a set of blue and white porcelain tea sets in anger.
Liu Zhao left Chunhe Hall and went to the outer courtyard to meet Prince Ning.
When father and son met, Liu Zhao said straight to the point: "Father, please take good care of my mother!"
"What's wrong with her?" Prince Ning said cheerfully, not caring at all. He seemed to enjoy seeing Liu Zhao being humiliated.
Liu Zhao frowned and said with some dissatisfaction: "My mother wants to interfere in my son's marriage. You have to control her."
"You have the ability to solve it yourself, why do you need me to step in?" King Ning ignored Liu Zhao and had no sense of being a father at all.
Liu Zhao had a stern face and looked dissatisfied.
Prince Ning pretended not to notice and instead asked, "Submit the list by sunset tomorrow. Have you decided which girl to marry? Tell me and I'll give you some advice."
Liu Zhao didn't give him face, "Don't bother your father to worry about it."
Prince Ning stepped forward, patted Liu Zhao on the shoulder, and said earnestly, "As my eldest son, you should marry a woman of worthy status. If you insist on marrying a girl from a humble family, your brothers will soon surpass you. Have you considered the consequences?"
Liu Zhao smiled and asked, "Father, have you never believed in your son?"
Prince Ning laughed heartily, "Of course I believe you, but the prerequisite is that you have to produce something."
Liu Zhao was silent.
Prince Ning continued, "As a member of the royal family, your own interests are paramount. You should understand this principle without my reminding you. You are not yet a crown prince, nor do you hold any title. You are merely the eldest son of the royal family, the grandson of the emperor. The title of the royal family will not necessarily fall upon you. Do you understand this?"
Liu Zhao lowered his head and smiled contemptuously, "Thank you for your reminder, father. I understand."
Prince Ning patted Liu Zhao's shoulder again and said, "Your Majesty is always reluctant to grant titles to members of the royal family. If you want to be granted a title in advance, you must have a capable wife and family. Otherwise, you will not be able to accomplish anything by fighting alone."
Liu Zhao looked at Prince Ning, "Just like father?"
"Ha ha……"
Prince Ning laughed heartily. "Anyway, you'll do as you please."
Liu Zhao said expressionlessly, "Father is busy, so I won't bother you. Goodbye!"
Liu Zhao left without looking back.
Prince Ning snorted, a little annoyed, but quickly smiled and passed it off.
The eunuch entered the room to serve and asked quietly, "Does the prince not care at all about the eldest son's choice of a wife?"
Prince Ning looked out the window and said, "If I can't ascend to that position, it doesn't matter who he marries. After a hundred years, whether the palace prospers or declines, I won't care.
If this king ever ascends to that position, he will reap the consequences. I have already explained everything that needs to be said. Whether he listens or not, this king does not care.
"The prince is thinking about the eldest son wholeheartedly, but it's a pity that the eldest son doesn't appreciate it."
"He has been stubborn and unpopular since he was a child. Humph, I want to see what he wants to do by causing so many troubles."
Prince Ning's face twisted instantly, but in the blink of an eye, he smiled again, cheerful and looking extremely kind.
…
Gu Mansion.
In front of Mr. Gu, Gu Ting kicked the matchmaker out, shouting that he should choose his own wife.
Lord Gu was so angry that he beat Gu Ting on the spot.
If the eldest master Gu Zhiming had not stopped him, Gu Ting’s legs would have been broken.
Gu Ting was beaten, but he didn't learn any lesson.
He was still cheerful, rubbing his buttocks and said to Gu Jiu: "It doesn't hurt."
Gu Jiu gritted his teeth in anger, blaming Master Gu for not hitting him harder. His leg injury hadn't healed yet, yet he dared to make trouble. He really couldn't sit still for a day.
Lord Gu was so angry that he was out of breath. He sat on the chair, pointed at Gu Ting and cursed, "Get out! Get out of here, you bastard."
After saying that, he picked up the teacup and threw it at Gu Ting's head.
Gu Ting was a nimble wounded soldier. He dodged the flying teacup by turning his head.
Lord Gu's anger grew stronger and stronger. How could he have given birth to such a debt-collecting son?
The master waved his hand, signaling Gu Ting to leave quickly.
Gu Jiu also pulled him, "Brother, hurry up and leave. Be careful, father will beat you again."
Gu Ting obeyed, grabbed Gu Jiu's wrist and ran away.
Gu Ting ran away, but Lord Gu was still angry.
"That brat runs really fast. If he doesn't run, I'll break his legs."
The eldest master, Gu Zhiming, laughed heartily. "Second brother, calm down first. I actually like Sanlang's personality. Why don't you just go along with his wishes and let him follow me into the army?"
Lord Gu sighed, "Brother, you misunderstood. It's not that I don't want this kid to join the army. Do you know what he said? He said he wanted to join the army and go to the northwest to serve as a border soldier. I raised him to this age, and now he wants to go to the northwest to die. Do you think he is a debt collector?"
The eldest master frowned upon hearing this. "Why would Sanlang want to go to the northwest to serve as a frontier soldier? That's risking his life. Wouldn't it be better to serve in the capital?"
Lord Gu gritted his teeth, "That's right! I told him that too. But what did he say? He said a real man shouldn't be greedy for wealth and pleasure, and that he should go to the northwest to earn military merit, get a title, and have a wife and children. That's ridiculous. Does he think fighting is like playing house?"
The eldest master laughed heartily. "I didn't expect Sanlang to be so ambitious. But joining the army isn't as simple as he thought. Don't worry about this, second brother. I'll take care of it."
Tomorrow, when I'm done with my vacation, I'll take Sanlang with me and let him see what a real military camp looks like.
Once he realizes that war is no joke, he won't be clamoring to join the army in the northwest."
Lord Gu was overjoyed. He stood up and thanked him personally, "Thank you very much, brother. I'll leave Sanlang in your care."
Old Master Gu waved his hand and said with a smile, "We are one family, so let's keep our distance. Sanlang is very promising, and as your uncle, I am proud of him."
Gu Ting didn't want to get married, but Gu Cheng was somewhat tempted.
At night, he found an opportunity to meet Lord Gu in the study.
"Father, my son is not young anymore, and I want to arrange the marriage as soon as possible."
Lord Gu was a little surprised, "Have you thought it through?"
Gu Cheng nodded, "The eldest daughter of the Minister of Rites, my son thinks she is very good."
Lord Gu frowned slightly.
The Minister of Rites was a rank of the fourth rank, while Lord Gu was a rank of the third rank. Furthermore, Lord Gu had the support of the Marquisate, so if the Minister of Rites' daughter married Gu Cheng, it would be considered marrying up.
Lord Gu said, "Let's wait and see about your marriage."
Gu Cheng opened his mouth and said, "Father, in three years, I will also take the exam. I think it is very suitable for me to marry the eldest daughter of the Minister of Rites."
Lord Gu hesitated for a moment and said, "Your marriage has been considered by your father. I want to marry you to a daughter of a noble family.
Sanlang is a naive person, obsessed with joining the army. He will probably be away from home for a long time. As a result, this family can only be handed over to you.
Your wife will be the mistress of the house in the future and will be responsible for managing the entire household.
The daughter of a civil official is still too delicate, while the daughter of a noble is more vigorous and bold, and more suitable for you."
Gu Cheng bowed slightly and said firmly, "My son prefers quietness and doesn't like girls with bold and aggressive personalities. I wish to marry the daughter of a civil servant. I beg your approval, father."
Lord Gu frowned, "Why are you so stubborn?"
"Please grant me your blessing, Father."
Lord Gu was furious. "I can help you, but there are so many daughters of civil officials. You don't have to marry the daughter of the Minister of Rites."
"So, who does the father think his son should marry?"
Lord Gu snorted coldly, "Just marry the granddaughter of the Minister of Rites. His family has several legitimate granddaughters, and none of them are married yet."
"Father, do you think marrying the granddaughter of the Minister of Rites is better than marrying the eldest daughter of the Vice Minister of Rites?"
"Of course."
Gu Cheng shook his head slightly, "But my son doesn't think so. The Minister of Rites, as far as I know, is seventy-one this year. No one can say for sure whether this gentleman can survive for three years. Besides, how can a granddaughter be as close as a biological daughter? There is always a layer of distance between them."
On the contrary, my son has paid special attention to the resume of the current Minister of Rites. This gentleman is from the same hometown as Shen Changshi, who serves as Your Majesty's attendant, and they probably have some private interactions.
Minister Shen is currently one of the youngest and most useful men around His Majesty. If nothing unexpected happens, he will soon be promoted to Junior Supervisor of the Imperial Household.
With him around, if anything happens to the Minister of Rites, the Vice Minister will definitely take his place, becoming the youngest Minister of Rites."
Lord Gu stared at Gu Cheng with some doubt, "Who told you all this?"
Gu Cheng bowed slightly and said, "These are all things my son gradually learned after returning to Beijing."
Lord Gu let out a sigh, feeling mixed emotions.
"Please let your father think about this matter again."
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