Marrying a beggar or something like that was, of course, just a joke from Pei Zhi.
If she were still the same pig-slaughtering woman, she could do whatever she wanted without any problem.
Now that she's the daughter of the Duke's mansion, let alone a beggar, even if she wanted to have something with a guard, it would be impossible.
Judging from Shang Huai's background, his family must have been military families for generations.
Their status shouldn't be considered particularly prestigious; otherwise, what family would be willing to let their child stay in the military from a young age?
Pei Zhi was afraid that she wouldn't be able to reach someone of such a high status.
Someone like Shang Huai had a lower social status; he was a military household member.
Even if the Duke's mansion disagrees, as long as she persists, coupled with their guilt towards her, there should be no problem in the end.
Shang Huai was also shocked by Pei Zhi's words. He was a beggar, yet Pei Zhi was willing to marry him?
Does Pei Zhi really want to be with him?
Pei Zhi continued, "So, you won't regret marrying me. I'll have a lot of dowry."
"Moreover, after we get married, we can go wherever we want without having to make excuses."
Shang Huai was really tempted. Finding a wife who could also be a playmate—how wonderful!
However, this matter is of great importance and cannot be decided by him alone.
"Let me think about it, and I'll give you an answer as soon as possible."
Pei Zhi understood that Shang Huai wanted to go home and discuss it with his parents.
"Okay, I'll wait for your reply."
After the two finished eating, Shang Huai tidied up and sent Pei Zhi back home.
Since they snuck out, they can't stay outside for long.
In the Eastern Palace, Xiao Chengci returned from the palace, and De Shun helped him change into a set of lighter clothes.
"Your Highness, Young Master Pei has arrived."
Xiao Chengci was taken aback. "Minxue is here?"
De Shun replied, "I've been here for a while."
Xiao Chengci changed his clothes and hurried to the main hall.
Upon seeing Pei Minxue, Xiao Chengci asked directly, "What brings you here today?"
Before Pei Minxue could even bow, he was stumped by a question posed by the Crown Prince.
Pei Minxue asked hesitantly, "Shouldn't I have come today?"
There's nothing important happening today, so why shouldn't he come to the East Palace?
Xiao Chengci frowned. "Is there anything wrong at home?"
Although he didn't understand why the Crown Prince asked such a question, Pei Minxue still honestly replied, "Nothing major has happened at home."
Xiao Chengci continued to press, "Shouldn't you be allowed to go out today if you don't have guests at home?"
Pei Minxue was taken aback: "There should be nothing important happening at home today. I wonder if there's something wrong with the Crown Prince's question?"
Pei Minxue was worried that perhaps the Crown Prince was well-informed and knew in advance what major event had happened in his family today.
Xiao Chengci shook his head, then sneered. So, he had been tricked by Pei Zhi.
"Nothing's wrong. Why are you here today?" Xiao Chengci asked, picking up his teacup.
Pei Minxue observed the Crown Prince's complexion for a while and only felt relieved after confirming that everything was alright.
"It's still about the Second Prince's marriage to my younger sister."
Pei Minxue was also somewhat anxious. "I heard that Consort Shu has some objections?"
Having heard some rumors, the Duke sent Pei Minxue to inquire with the Crown Prince.
The Duke's family naturally dared not deceive the Emperor about the fact that Pei Yin was not the Duke's biological daughter.
After Pei Zhi was found, the Duke went to the palace to meet the Emperor and explained the whole story.
Incidentally, the Duke also suggested that if His Majesty felt that Pei Yin's status was not good enough for the Second Prince, then the marriage should be called off.
Anyway, they're not engaged yet, it's just a hint of something.
His Majesty believed that whether Pei Yin was the Duke's biological daughter or not would not affect the marriage.
Pei Yin is not the descendant of a disgraced official. Moreover, she has been raised as the legitimate daughter of the Duke's mansion all these years.
Since the Emperor didn't care, the Duke didn't pretend to be magnanimous and bring up the matter of annuling the engagement.
Who would have thought that Consort Shu had probably heard rumors?
Consort Shu did not directly express her displeasure, but instead had her family hold a flower-viewing banquet and sent invitations to many eligible women.
But no, they didn't send an invitation to the Duke's mansion.
Xiao Chengci leisurely took a sip of tea, "I reckon things will be difficult for the principal wife."
Pei Minxue realized, "Is this making my younger sister a concubine?"
Xiao Chengci put down his teacup and said, "Concubine."
To put it nicely, she was a concubine, but in reality, she was still a concubine, not the principal wife. She would have to live at the mercy of others from now on.
Pei Minxue asked urgently, "Has this matter been decided?"
"His Majesty hasn't agreed yet; I guess it's too difficult for him to bring it up."
His Majesty just said that the marriage arrangements remain unchanged.
Now they say it's been changed to a concubine.
Wouldn't this be making the Emperor slap himself in the face? It's really hard to say.
Xiao Chengci tapped the table rhythmically with his index finger, but Pei Minxue couldn't sit still and stood up pacing back and forth.
"With Consort Shu like this, even if Ah Yin marries into her family, she won't have a good life."
Clearly, Consort Shu no longer thinks highly of Pei Yin.
However, because rumors of an engagement had spread, it was difficult to refuse. Changing the marriage to a concubine would be an insult to the Duke's mansion.
“That won’t happen,” Xiao Chengci replied. “After the marriage, Consort Shu will live in the palace and won’t be able to make things difficult for your sister.”
Pei Minxue shook his head again, "If the eldest sister becomes a concubine, it will be even more difficult for the younger sister to get married."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Chengci parted her lips slightly and said, "How could that be? You're overthinking it."
Pei Minxue sighed. He couldn't explain the family matters to the Crown Prince.
The second younger sister had only returned halfway through her journey, making it difficult for her to find a husband.
Originally, I was thinking that if I could have a princess as my older sister and the Duke's mansion as my backing, it would be easier to find a suitable partner.
"My concern is that if the first sister becomes a concubine, the other sisters won't have much luck getting married..."
Xiao Chengci scoffed, "Alright, stop worrying. If she really can't get married, I'll take her as a concubine in the future, how about that?"
Pei Minxue's lips stiffened. "I'm already in such a hurry, so don't joke with me."
Xiao Chengci picked up his teacup, took a small sip, and said, "I was trying to help you, how did it become a joke?"
Pei Minxue's expression stiffened slightly. "You know my sister; she came back halfway through her life. How could she possibly be the Crown Prince's concubine?"
Pei Minxue also felt sorry for his younger sister, and he was also aware of the family's plans.
They never thought of having Pei Zhi marry into a higher social class, and then finding someone from a lower social class to give her a larger dowry.
In this way, Pei Zhi's life won't be too difficult.
Xiao Chengci put down his teacup with a crisp sound, "So, your Duke's mansion looks down on the rank of the Crown Prince's concubine?"
Xiao Chengci lowered his voice and said, "Then why not make your sister the Crown Princess?"
Upon hearing this, Pei Minxue knelt down without hesitation, saying, "Your Highness, please forgive me. My family and I would never dare to have such a presumptuous thought."
Xiao Chengci leaned back in his chair, quietly watching Pei Minxue.
A moment passed, but for Pei Minxue, it seemed like a very long time had gone by.
Xiao Chengci said with a slight smile, "Get up, I was just joking with you."
Pei Minxue let out a deep breath and stood up, his forehead covered in cold sweat.
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