When the Empress Dowager returned to the palace, the entourage was small, just like an ordinary old lady going out for a trip and returning home.
Someone had already informed the emperor and Empress Dowager Jiang of the news.
As her daughter-in-law, Empress Dowager Jiang was already waiting outside Renshou Palace, along with Empress Xue and a group of concubines.
The Empress Dowager only summoned Empress Dowager Jiang to stay; she refused to see anyone else.
After washing her face and hands, the Empress Dowager sat down and looked intently at Empress Dowager Jiang: "I heard that the Duke of Rongguo has acknowledged his daughter and grandson as his return?"
Empress Dowager Jiang replied, "Your Majesty, my brother only brought his grandson back. My niece is going to manage her business in Qingzhou."
The Empress Dowager nodded: "Yes. Find some time to talk to the Emperor and tell him not to mistreat his uncle. Now that the child has been found, approve the memorial to confer the title of heir apparent. Also, have the Emperor arrange a good marriage for the heir apparent of the Duke of Rong. Isn't the Emperor most willing to arrange marriages for children?"
Empress Dowager Jiang paused for a moment, hesitated, and said, "Grand Empress Dowager, Mu Yan has just arrived in the capital and still needs time to adjust. Moreover, Mu Yan's heart..."
"Hmm?" The Empress Dowager interrupted Empress Dowager Jiang. "Your Majesty, are you implying that he has found someone he loves in Qingzhou? Ha, the girls of Qingzhou are probably not good enough for the heir of the Duke of Rong!"
Empress Dowager Jiang's heart skipped a beat.
The Empress Dowager continued, "The daughter of the Duke of Rong's heir should be of equal social standing. I worry that your brother might not be interested in someone from a humble family. I've even chosen a suitable match for him: Princess Jinghe from the Kang Prince's residence. The Duke of Rong's family is your maternal family, Your Majesty. My decree is not as honorable as an imperial edict. Therefore, let the Emperor issue the decree!"
Empress Dowager Jiang's forehead throbbed. Everyone knew about Empress Kanghe, the most domineering woman in the capital. An imperial decree for marriage meant it was a lifelong commitment, a done deal. Even though Mu Yan and Niannian were clearly in love, if the marriage was granted, given the Gu family's personality, they would never allow their daughter to become a concubine.
She was unaware that Li Muyan and Gu Nian had broken up completely, and was still thinking about the two children.
She wasn't sure if the Empress Dowager had sent anyone to investigate the Gu family, and she worried that things might be beyond repair by then, so she cautiously advised, "Empress Dowager, I don't know about what I told you last time..."
The Empress Dowager smiled at Empress Dowager Jiang: "None of that matters anymore. Just ask your brother if he's willing. I've already found a princess for him, the Duke of Rong, to be his heir, and he'll definitely be very satisfied. As for Jinghe, that child is always so irresponsible; it's time for her to get married. With you, the Empress Dowager, as her aunt, you can keep her in check!"
"I am also doing this to fulfill your brother's wishes. The Princess of the Kang Prince's Mansion is absolutely a good match for the Rong State Duke's Mansion. It would also be perfect if the Kang Prince and your brother became in-laws, which would not be a disgrace to your brother. The Kang Prince's Mansion has a large number of wives and concubines in the inner quarters, and Jinghe will not stop the heir from taking concubines. Then your Jiang family will have a string of heirs. This is exactly what your brother wants. Alright, you may leave! Tell the Emperor not to come today. He can come to see me again after this matter is settled."
After the Empress Dowager finished speaking, she picked up her teacup and drank some water.
Empress Dowager Jiang had no choice but to take her leave. She returned to her Ning'an Palace with a heavy heart and sent someone to summon Lady Xie, the wife of the Duke of Rong, to the palace.
She had a bad feeling that her brother and sister-in-law had definitely offended the Empress Dowager, and not just any Empress Dowager. Otherwise, why would the Empress Dowager, who had never cared about the marriages of the royal family, suddenly come out and arrange a marriage for the young princess of the Kang Prince's mansion, and with such an unquestionable attitude?
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