In the evening, after finishing his state affairs, the Fourth Prince went to Changchun Palace. Lanqin had already prepared dinner and was waiting for him. After the dishes were served, the Fourth Prince asked about the selection of a consort for the princess that day. "Was it successful today?"
Lanqin wasn't sure if things were going smoothly or not. The princesses had chosen talented men according to their own wishes, but it wasn't what Lanqin had expected. "Your Majesty, these are the talented men chosen by the princesses." Lanqin handed the slip of paper to the Fourth Prince. "The two talented men chosen are Ye Ci, the son of the General, and Li Jun, the son of the Minister."
Fourth Master asked in confusion, "Why are there only two names?"
Lanqin answered honestly, "Your Majesty, Qing'an is still young and has not yet developed feelings for anyone. Among these five men, there is no one she has taken a liking to."
"So how do you plan to resolve Qing'an's matter?" Fourth Prince wanted to hear Lanqin's opinion. Now that the people of the previous dynasty were pressuring them, and several princes were also very concerned about this matter, it was impossible for Qing'an not to marry.
"Today I went to the Jiaotai Palace with the princess and found that the talented young man named Gao Xiu is quite handsome and has a forthright personality. He seems to be a good match for Qing'an. Perhaps we should grant them a marriage first, let them get to know each other, and then have them get married in a year or two." Although Lanqin respects Qing'an's choice, many things are beyond her control, and she can only do her best to protect Qing'an.
The Fourth Prince thought this method was feasible; it could both silence the people of the previous dynasty and give Qing'an a two-year buffer period. "Then let's do it this way. What do you think of Ye Ci and Li Jun?" The Fourth Prince was quite fond of Ye Ci, but he didn't remember Li Jun.
"I mentioned Ye Ci to you before. Her personality and appearance are quite good, so you can rest assured. As for Li Jun, he is the son of the Vice Minister of Rites, and he is a good match for Qing Shun in every way."
"In that case, I will announce the betrothal to these princesses in a few days, and then examine their abilities to see if they are truly worthy of the princesses." Although the Fourth Prince did not see these princesses often, he could not neglect his responsibilities.
"Since it was the princess who chose it herself, if there are no problems, let's go along with their wishes!" Although Lanqin felt it was inappropriate, she still respected their decision.
"Alright, let's not talk about them anymore. You've been busy with the princesses' affairs these past few days. Are you tired?" Fourth Master knew that Lanqin had put a lot of thought into their marriage and was worried about her health.
Lanqin thought that the Fourth Prince was busy reviewing memorials and caring about national affairs every day. She was happy that he still remembered her, so she said, "I'm not tired, but I don't know if they like this arrangement. Your Majesty, you are busy every day, so you should take good care of your health." Lanqin knew that the Fourth Prince had been coughing again these past few days, so she specially cooked wolfberry soup for him.
"Your Majesty, please try the wolfberry soup I made and see if it suits your taste."
Lanqin picked up the soup and handed it to Fourth Master. He took it, tasted it, and found it to be quite good. However, he really didn't like goji berries, but he didn't want to spoil Lanqin's mood.
"Mmm, delicious! Lanqin's cooking is still as good as ever." He praised Lanqin's cooking, but had already put down the spoon.
Having served the Fourth Prince for so long, Lanqin knew his tastes perfectly well and knew he disliked goji berries. "Your Majesty, everyone says good medicine tastes bitter. You should drink more so your cough will get better sooner," Lanqin advised the Emperor in a doting tone, as if she were persuading a child who didn't want to eat.
Seeing Lanqin's painstaking efforts, Fourth Master poured the entire bowl of wolfberry soup into his mouth. Lanqin chuckled to herself, and the candlelight illuminated their faces, revealing happy smiles.
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