Chapter 030

Emperor Zhanghe looked towards Ruyang. His eyes were quiet. After a pause, Emperor Zhanghe said, "He doesn't match Jiashan's age."

"Yanqing is older than Jiashan," Ruyang couldn't find any reason to refute this, so he said lightly, "Back then, Duke Zheng was six years older than Sister Dening. But Your Majesty, you can see that they have been a perfect match for each other over the years, and have become an enviable couple."

Ruyang curled his lips and continued, "Even my father and my mother are ten years apart in age."

The "empress dowager" that Ruyang was referring to was not the empress of the previous emperor, but the mother of Emperor Zhanghe and Dening. She wanted to praise Emperor Zhanghe, so she naturally said something nice.

Of course, this example is not appropriate. The emperor had many beauties in his harem, and not all of them were of the same age. Even Emperor Zhanghe himself had his moments when he was outshined by his younger sisters.

Emperor Zhanghe looked at Ruyang and said amiably, "My sister and Zhan Yanqing are blood relatives. I understand that you feel bad that he has not married yet."

"It's just that..." Zhang Hedi's expression faded, and his tone became a little heavier, "It's really not appropriate for him to be with Jiashan."

Emperor Zhang He's frown relaxed a little, and he softened his tone and said, "I can find someone else for him."

Ruyang's face was as gloomy as water. After a moment, she smiled calmly and said softly, "Your Majesty feels that Zhan Yanqing's background is not worthy of Jiashan."

Emperor Zhang He did not answer, but just rubbed the ring on his hand, which was tantamount to tacit agreement.

Ruyang pursed her lips bitterly, and she lowered her eyes: "I don't know because I haven't tasted it yet."

Seeing her like this, Emperor Zhanghe felt a little reluctant, but this reluctance soon disappeared. No matter how good Zhan Yue was, no matter how high his position was, he was born a bastard after all.

Just from this point of view, it is like a gap between heaven and earth. It is really too unfair for Jiashan to marry him.

"The merits and demerits of the Yongding Marquisate have been reduced to ashes and smoke," Ruyang sighed slightly, and her tone became softer and more lonely, "In terms of background, Zhan Yanqing is indeed not worthy of the eldest princess."

Ruyang exhaled calmly, and said as if to himself: "But in my heart, I also feel sorry for this child, seeing him lonely and helpless for so many years. I still hold on to a glimmer of hope, and want to speak to His Majesty on his behalf and ask for mercy."

Emperor Zhang He heard some clues from this. He narrowed his eyes and asked, "Was it Zhan Yanqing who invited the imperial sister to the palace?"

"Yes." Ruyang smiled gently, "At that time in the academy, he told me that he had something to ask me, and I only have him as my nephew, so how could I refuse him? That's why I agreed to let him come to the palace."

Ruyang shook his head, as if he was sad and regretful: "I don't want to, but I still can't help."

Emperor Zhang He said: "My sister is thoughtful."

"I will give him the daughter of Duke Dingguo as his wife." Emperor Zhanghe opened his mouth, intending to make a random suggestion, and at the same time to completely put an end to the intentions of Zhan Yue and Princess Ruyang.

Ruyang immediately said, "That's not necessary."

"Your Majesty, I accept your kindness on his behalf." Ruyang stood up to thank him. Thinking of Zhan Yue's personality, her lips twitched slightly, "I'm afraid that child will not be able to enjoy it."

Emperor Zhanghe's brows were not relaxed, but wrinkled again. Thinking of Ruyang as Jiashan's aunt, he took the initiative to say, "I am optimistic about the eldest son of Duke Zheng. What do you think of Yunchi, my sister?"

"Equally matched, Yunchi is indeed a proper choice." Ruyang smiled, lowered her head and sipped her tea, her face showing a normal expression. She said, "Yunchi is a loyal person. If Jiashan marries him, at least she won't be bullied."

Emperor Zhanghe smiled, and his expression seemed to have improved. He turned around and slowly looked at Ruyang: "I think so too."

Ruyang took a sip of tea and said, "Yes," without refutation.

"If I had a daughter, I would probably worry about her getting married and my hair would turn white." Ruyang has a fair face, her eyes are crooked, and a faint crow's feet appear at the corners of her eyes.

The wrinkles seemed like a long ditch in time, instantly leading people back to many years ago.

Ruyang whispered, "If she marries too well, I'm afraid that the rich will bully her. If she marries too poorly, I'm also afraid that the poor will wrong her."

She said gently, as if she really had a daughter: "Your Majesty's thoughts are probably the same as mine."

Ruyang's eyes were clear, without even a trace of tears in them, but her tone was clearly filled with sadness and helplessness.

Ruyang's few words finally allowed Emperor Zhanghe to see the vague shadow of the Yongding Marquis Mansion through her.

Emperor Zhanghe's emotions seemed to be strangled by a hand. He thought of some old events and the promise he had made to Prince Xiaohuai before he passed away - "treat the descendants of the Fu family well."

His eyelashes trembled slightly, and when Ruyang stood up to say goodbye, Emperor Zhang He's mouth suddenly paused.

He said: "Zhan Yanqing and Jiashan, let me consider it."

Ruyang's face remained calm, but she couldn't help but clasping her hands tightly together. She bowed and smiled, "Yes."

After Ruyang left, Emperor Zhanghe placed the marriage decree that was originally prepared to be issued next to him and touched it carefully.

He closed his eyes and thought for a long time, then suddenly turned his head and looked at Chen Gong: "What do you think of Zhan Yanqing?"

Chen Gong was silent for a while, then thought for a while and said, "As a minister, Lord Zhan can't be faulted."

"Actually..." Chen Gong said, "I heard that Lord Zhan was also recorded as the legitimate son of Duke Anguo, but he could not be named the crown prince."

Hearing this, Emperor Zhanghe glanced at him with a half-smile, and said jokingly, "I forgot that he and you both served in front of the emperor. It seems that you two have a good personal relationship."

Chen Gong knelt down hurriedly and replied politely, "I am terrified. I just think that the Fu family's education should not be that bad."

"I remember that your majesty also thought that Mr. Zhan had the demeanor of the Marquis of Yongding, so he promoted him to the position of the commander-in-chief." Chen Gong said, "I hope your majesty will understand."

After a while, Chen Gong heard Emperor Zhang He say, "Stand up."

Chen Gong let out a sigh of relief, wiped the slight sweat from his forehead, and carefully poured more tea for Emperor Zhang He.

At this time, a eunuch came to report: "Your Majesty, Duke Anguo wants to see you."

Duke Anguo? Emperor Zhanghe looked sullen and said, "Announce."

Duke Anguo was Zhan Yue's father. He was now over 50 years old and retired a few years ago. He was born into a scholar family and had served as the Tongzhengshi of the Tongzhengsi in his early years. Later, because the son of Duke Anguo, Zhan Tai, became the Shaoqing of Guanglu Temple, Zhan Yue became the Duzhishi.

In order to avoid attracting attention to the Duke Anguo's mansion, Princess Anguo resigned from her position. In her spare time, she raised birds and flowers at home and seldom came to the palace.

Duke Anguo did not look like Zhan Yue, but Zhan Shaoying was more like him. As he got older, his face became thinner and the wrinkles on his eyelids were particularly obvious, making him look a bit shrewd.

Duke Anguo paid his respects to Emperor Zhanghe, who gave him a seat.

After the two chatted for a while, Duke Anguo slowly said, "Your Majesty is wise. Some time ago, Your Majesty summoned me to the palace and asked about Ying'er's birth date. After I returned, I told Jiamiao about it."

"My wife said that His Majesty is trying to promote Ying-ge'er and perhaps wants to arrange a marriage for him."

When Duke Anguo spoke to this point, he glanced at Emperor Zhang He without noticing. Seeing that Emperor Zhang He's expression remained unchanged, Duke Anguo had to maintain his composure and continued with a smile: "My mother said that your majesty can see that our family has been loyal ministers for generations."

At this time, Emperor Zhanghe hummed in an unfathomable way, and said, "The old lady is a discerning person."

"I heard that your fourth child was raised by the old lady since he was young?" Emperor Zhanghe raised his eyes to Duke Anguo and asked in a low voice.

Duke Anguo's face was a little stiff, but he also knew that Zhan Yue had won the emperor's heart over the years, so he said, "Yes."

He explained, "Mr. Fu passed away early, and his family took pity on him because he was lonely and poor, so they kept him by their side."

"Should it be considered as a legitimate child?" Emperor Zhang He looked slowly and asked again.

Duke Anguo had no choice but to say, "Yes."

This was the condition that Fu Shiyu negotiated with him when he entered the mansion. At that time, Duke Anguo was blinded by lust and thought that since Fu Shiyu came in, she would be his and there would be no big trouble, so he quickly agreed.

But as the years passed, he finally realized how stupid this condition was.

Emperor Zhanghe said: "I do intend to arrange a marriage for Zhan Shaoying."

Duke Anguo's face lit up with joy, he really couldn't win over Zhan Tai today, he came to the palace just now to test the emperor's attitude, to know whether his eldest grandson still had the possibility of marrying the princess.

Hearing what Emperor Zhang He said, he was ready to thank him, but Emperor Zhang He said, "I have seen Marquis Qi Le's second daughter, and she is a good match for your son Ying."

Duke Anguo was shocked, and Emperor Zhanghe asked, "What do you think?"

Duke Anguo lowered his eyes, sweat on his forehead: "Yes."

"It's a perfect match between two well-matched families." Duke Anguo already regretted entering the palace today, but thunder, lightning and rain are all grace from the emperor, and His Majesty has made it clear that he is not willing to marry the eldest princess to him.

He stood up and saluted: "I, an old official, would like to thank you on behalf of my children and grandchildren."

"Get up." said Zhang Hedi.

Duke Anguo stood up with a sad heart.

When Emperor Zhang He saw this, he glanced at him without any extra comfort. When Jia Shan made it clear that she did not want to marry Zhan Shaoying, the candidate of Zhan Shaoying was completely eliminated from Emperor Zhang He's mind.

If everyone in the Anguo Mansion still intends to marry the princess, it would be better to let him see it clearly as soon as possible. What's more... there is also Zhan Yue who Ruyang just mentioned.

Emperor Zhanghe drank a sip of tea and went to Chengqian Palace again in the evening.

Shuxian has been a little absent-minded since she went to the Qianqing Palace to see Zhan Yue. Concubine Zhuang found it strange and summoned Li Yang to ask about it, and also summoned the little palace maid beside Shuxian.

After a lot of interrogation, they finally found out that Jiashan and Zhan Yue had a secret meeting behind the rockery that night.

Concubine Zhuang immediately called Shuxian over. She tapped her forehead and said angrily, "How could you keep such an important matter in your heart?"

"I didn't even make use of such a good handle!" Concubine Zhuang sighed.

Seeing that her mother was determined to expose this matter, Shuxian hurriedly said, "Please don't tell my father, okay!"

Concubine Zhuang looked at her and asked meaningfully, "What's the matter?"

"I am also fourteen, mother." Shuxian's usually arrogant face showed a rare moment of redness. She bit her lip and said, "Please go and ask the emperor to give Commander Zhan to me as my consort, okay?"

Concubine Zhuang was stunned. She stood up, her face immediately changed, and she whispered: "Shuxian, my good child, he is just a concubine's son, and he has no title."

"I know!" Shuxian couldn't help but feel anxious when she saw Concubine Zhuang like this. She pulled Concubine Zhuang's sleeve and bit her lips again and again, "I don't care."

"After all, I am just a concubine's daughter," said Shuxian.

There was a flash of coldness in Concubine Zhuang's eyes, and she asked sharply, "What did you say?"

Shuxian shrank her hand in fear.

Although Concubine Zhuang was in charge of the six harems, her position as a concubine was limited to a certain limit. The emperor left the position of empress vacant for many years, and even though she gave birth to the emperor's eldest son, and even though the ministers of the previous dynasty had submitted memorials for many years saying that "the harem cannot be without a master", Emperor Zhanghe never changed his mind.

This emperor, who was usually gentle in state affairs, was surprisingly persistent on this point.

Unless Zhao Youcheng ascends the throne in the future, she will be just a concubine in front of the emperor.

Concubine Zhuang always hated people mentioning this matter. Now her beloved daughter frankly admitted that she was born out of wedlock. Concubine Zhuang's eyes were almost bloodshot. She said, "You'd better give up as soon as possible. I will never do this for you."

"Mother!" Because she and Zhao Youcheng were twins, Shuxian was raised in the palm of her mother's and brother's hands. She must get what she wants!

She forced a smile: "Although Lord Zhan is a concubine's son, he is the commander. Don't you and your brother both want to pull the person in front of you?"

"He controls the Jinwu Guard. If he could stand by my brother's side, that would be a huge bargaining chip." After falling in love with the Master, Shuxian also used her brain and learned a lot about the Jinwu Guard from Li Yang.

Her eyes sparkled as she said, "A title is nothing but an empty name. If he becomes famous in the future and can make a great contribution to the country, it would be great if my brother could confer a title on him then!"

Shuxian thought simply, but one of her words hit the nail on the head. Concubine Zhuang's mother's family was a civil official family, and they had no foundation among the military generals.

Although Zhan Yue came from the Anguo Mansion, his reputation has gradually risen in recent years, perhaps because of the influence of the Yongding Marquis Mansion in the past.

Concubine Zhuang still remembers vividly how high the Fu family's reputation was in the army back then.

Concubine Zhuang hesitated for a moment, and Shuxian quickly said, "Mother, you can ask my brother. I think he will agree."

Concubine Zhuang pursed her lips. Thinking of her son's current unstable position, she really hesitated.

That night, when Emperor Zhanghe came over, Concubine Zhuang helped him take off his dragon robe while she asked with a smile, "I have made arrangements for Zhongxiu Palace. I have invited Sister Ruyang to live there."

Emperor Zhang He was still confident in her ability to handle the matter, and only asked, "Is the maid we sent over all right?"

"Yes, they are all carefully selected. There will be no mistakes." Concubine Zhuang replied.

She carefully looked at Emperor Zhang He's expression and said cautiously, "After all, Lord Zhan Yanqing is a relative of the Imperial Sister of Ruyang. In recent years, the Imperial Sister has lived alone in the palace. Do you want me to arrange a meeting between them?"

When Emperor Zhanghe heard her say this, he knew that she was deeply concerned and felt very relieved. He said, "I mentioned it before, but my sister declined. She will stay in the palace until my birthday. We will have a chance to meet each other."

Since Concubine Zhuang had taken the initiative to bring up Zhan Yue, Emperor Zhanghe took the opportunity to ask about the matter that had been weighing on his mind for the past day.

"What do you think of Zhan Yanqing?"