Chapter 133: Love is just a decoration
The moment Jiang Xun left General Dingguo's mansion, the people who had been waiting for him openly or secretly scattered in all directions.
When Prince Rui Zhao Huailang received the news, he was at Cui Mansion wishing New Year's greetings to his grandfather, the Minister of Personnel Cui Daoyuan.
Besides the two of them, there was only Cui Mingjue in the room.
Zhao Huailang waved his hand to let the messenger leave, then looked at Cui Mingjue standing aside.
The boy was born handsome, with slightly raised sword-like eyebrows, which made him look even more heroic.
Today he was wearing a navy blue brocade robe and black boots. As he sat quietly aside, he subtly suppressed the youthful vigor and showed a calmness beyond his age.
However, when he heard that Jiang Xun was most likely going to the Shen residence to propose marriage, his eyelids suddenly lifted, and after being surprised, he could not hide the disappointment on his face.
Zhao Huailang sighed lightly upon seeing this, "Mingjue, no wonder Miss Richen rejected you that day. Now it seems that she already had Jiang Xun in her heart."
Since Jiang Xun was able to stay in the Shen residence for two hours, it was clear that the marriage between the two families was settled.
Cui Mingjue opened his mouth when he heard this, but could not utter a word and could only hang his head dejectedly.
At this time, a deep voice came over: "I gave you a chance, Mingjue, but you didn't live up to it."
The person who spoke was Cui Daoyuan, who was sitting next to Zhao Huailang. He was in his sixties and had neatly combed white hair.
Although there were a few wrinkles on his forehead, they could not conceal the majesty between his brows, especially his eyes, which were deep and sharp, worthy of being a veteran who had been up and down in the court for decades.
"Grandpa, don't say that to Jue. This kind of thing is something we both want, and it can't be forced."
Zhao Huailang immediately said something good for Cui Mingjue.
Cui Daoyuan frowned when he heard this and looked at him meaningfully.
Zhao Huailang choked and had nothing to say.
He naturally knew what his grandfather meant in his eyes, but Ajin... he just couldn't let go.
"One or two——"
Cui Daoyuan shook his head, not wanting to dwell on this topic too much, and turned to talk about the Shen Mansion.
"Shen Zhengsheng... is a difficult person after all. Although Lu Yongzhu is the one carrying the banner now, he was a member of Shen Zhengsheng's team and he still calls Shen Zhengsheng "General."
"If Shen Zhengsheng goes there, it won't be a good thing anyway."
When talking about business, Zhao Huailang also looked serious.
"Yes, Jiang Xun made a good move without saying anything."
Cui Daoyuan sneered when he heard this: "This chess move has not yet been made. It's just verbal talk, and the three matchmakers and six ceremonies have not been performed yet."
"So what even if they're gone? This isn't the first time that an engagement has been rejected for the Shen family."
Cui Mingjue frowned when he heard this, and then he heard his grandfather say calmly:
"Huai Lang, what did Princess An Ning say? Why is there no news after the welcoming banquet?"
Zhao Huailang shook his head. "The princess still doesn't agree. The Anyang couple acted so ugly at the dinner that day. It was really inappropriate."
"Besides, the princess will be leaving for Yue soon. She wants to choose a husband for An Ning who has an impeccable family background and character. This is also human nature. Even the emperor no longer asks about it."
Cui Daoyuan's expression did not change when he heard this, he only said with a hint of meaning: "From what I saw that day, Princess An Ning seemed to be particularly fond of Jiang Xun."
"A girl can no longer control her mother. I think Princess An Ning has her own ideas about some things."
Zhao Huailang's eyes flickered as he responded, "That day in the Imperial Garden, An Ning seemed to admire Miss Shen very much and even regarded her as a close friend."
"If she knew that Jiang Xun had gone to the Shen residence to propose marriage in just a few days, she would definitely feel that she was being fooled."
"The emperor dotes on An Ning and values her very much. Even if An Ning did something out of the ordinary, she will not be blamed as long as the eldest princess is here."
When Cui Mingjue heard this, his heart ached. For some reason, he suddenly thought of what Shen Jiasui had said to him that night in the wax plum forest:
"Mr. Cui, you just can't see the difficulties women face..."
When today's incident happened, it was clearly Jiang Xun who came to propose marriage, and it was also Jiang Xun who wanted to pull the Shen family into the emperor's grandson's camp.
But the first thought of my grandfather and cousin to break the situation was to deal with Miss Shen as a matter of course.
Because Jiang Xun has always been cautious, it is extremely difficult to find loopholes in him. Moreover, when it comes to marriage, women are more restricted by etiquette and reputation, and are naturally at a disadvantage.
He had never thought about these things before, but once Miss Shen reminded him, the cruel facts were laid bare before him.
Turns out...it's true.
"Ming Jue?"
Zhao Huailang's voice suddenly rang out, bringing Cui Mingjue back to his senses. ×
"Why, are you feeling sad?"
There was still a teasing smile in Zhao Huailang's voice. Cui Mingjue was about to shake his head, but Zhao Huailang suddenly stopped smiling and said in a deep voice:
"Mingjue, my cousin has arranged everything. You will be making your debut in the imperial court soon. You should know that—"
"Love is just a decoration after all."
When Zhao Huailang said this, he suddenly sighed very softly, and it was unclear whether he was saying this to Cui Mingjue or to himself.
Cui Mingjue had already suppressed all his emotions at this time. He immediately stood up, bowed, and said solemnly: "Mingjue dare not disappoint my cousin's expectations, and will do his best."
Zhao Huailang nodded with satisfaction, and had no intention of pushing Cui Mingjue too hard, and said softly:
"If Miss Shen fails in her two attempts to marry, I think no one in the capital will dare to marry her again."
"If you are still determined, Mingjue, you can try again. With such sincerity, the ice should melt."
Cui Mingjue seemed to have just reacted after hearing what he said. A gleam of light suddenly flashed in his eyes, and he looked very happy.
Seeing him like this, Zhao Huailang couldn't help but chuckle and shook his head, then turned around and continued talking to Cui Daoyuan.
Cui Mingjue slowly sat back and lowered his eyes to look at the black boots on his feet. In an instant, all the joy and expectation disappeared from his eyes.
A woman as smart and stubborn as Miss Shen, once she has decided on someone, I'm afraid she won't change her mind.
Even if she and Jiang Xun could not get married, it was impossible for her to accept him anyway.
What's more, the ones who ruined this marriage were his grandfather and cousin.
"Adhere to integrity and be upright in appearance and shadow."
In the struggle for power, these eight words are so heavy and unrealistic. How did Jiang Xun...do it?
Under his sleeves, Cui Mingjue clenched his fists tightly, his emotions were in turmoil and he couldn't calm down for a long time.
At this time, Zhao Huailang's voice sounded again, bringing another important news:
"Grandpa, on the second day of the second lunar month, during the Flower Festival, my father intends to climb Mount Zhou to pray for blessings."
"Has it been decided?"
Even Cui Daoyuan couldn't help but look surprised when he heard this.
When Prince Xianhuai was still alive, he represented the emperor to climb Mount Zhou for three consecutive years to pray for good weather and good harvests for the prosperous country.
But after the death of Crown Prince Xianhuai, the Emperor was deeply saddened, and no one dared to mention praying on the Flower Festival anymore.
Zhao Huailang nodded, "During the family dinner on the first day of the new year, my father himself brought it up. Now that he has said it, it must be settled."
Cui Daoyuan stood up suddenly after hearing this, his eyes sparkling, and said in a deep voice: "Huai Lang, this trip - there is a lot to be achieved!"
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
