Chapter 145 The Empress and Concubines Enter the House Together
Chaohua Hall in the East Palace.
Dou Wenyi followed the little eunuch and waited in the side hall. She was slightly surprised that the emperor had ordered someone to bring her here. Did he want to ask Pei Siyan's opinion later?
Separated by a single wall, the emperor was enraged with thunderous fury.
Dou Bochang lay prone on the white jade floor, large drops of sweat dripping onto the ground. His forehead was pressed to the ground, his eyes fixed on the floor, filled with a murderous intent towards Dou Mingyan. Eunuch Feng had warned him long ago that if he dared to utter a single word about this infamous scandal, he would face utter destruction!
In order to save the Dou family, he must take the initiative to propose a solution.
He pleaded tremblingly, "Your Majesty, my daughter Dou Mingyan has fallen ill with delusions and has gone missing from the Dou family. I fear this will delay the Crown Prince's wedding. I am a guilty subject who deserves to die a thousand deaths! I beg Your Majesty to have mercy!"
Emperor Muzong sat on the throne, his face expressionless, but a fierce killing intent flashed in his eyes.
That's outrageous.
How dare she scheme against him in the Cold Palace!
The crown prince is a matter of national importance, and even if the entire Dou family were to be buried alive, it would not be enough to quell his hatred.
Emperor Muzong gave a mocking smile, "He couldn't even keep an eye on a weak woman; he truly deserves to die!"
Dou Bochang spoke with difficulty, gritting his teeth, "Your Majesty, I have heard that since 'marrying for good luck' requires that the birth dates be compatible, perhaps the Imperial Observatory should be allowed to calculate the lucky person as soon as possible to marry the Crown Prince. As for the marriage between Mingyan and the Crown Prince, I hope Your Majesty will cancel it for now."
Emperor Muzong's mocking gaze swept over Dou Bochang, and he spoke loudly, "The Imperial Observatory has already selected several women who meet the criteria, including your fourth daughter, Dou."
Dou Bochang agreed without the slightest hesitation, "If my daughter Dou Wenyi can marry the Crown Prince, it will be the greatest blessing for her!"
Emperor Muzong's dark gaze fell on Pei Siyan, who was sitting on the chair. Since his fall from his horse, Pei Siyan's personality had become even more aloof, especially his lifeless eyes, which resembled those of Wen Wan when she attempted suicide.
That incident happened again last night, and Emperor Muzong was too ashamed to face him.
“Xuan Douwenyi”.
Dou Wenyi entered the hall and knelt down to pay her respects.
Emperor Muzong glanced at her casually and said, "No need for formalities."
She was stunningly beautiful, and every move she made was dignified and graceful. He couldn't help but recall the scene in the palace that day when she defended herself, which showed that she was calm and composed, much better than Dou Mingyan.
She and Pei Siyan look very well-matched.
"Fourth Miss Dou, I was deeply impressed by you in the palace last time. Therefore, I will bestow you upon my son as a concubine. Are you willing?"
Dou Wenyi immediately knelt down and declared, "This humble woman is willing."
Seeing her sincere attitude, the emperor nodded in satisfaction and then looked at Pei Siyan, who was standing to the side, to ask for his opinion.
Pei Siyan looked listless, his whole body exuding illness, and his dark eyes held a cold desolation. "Father, stop worrying about this matter... Besides, how can one believe in such a thing as a marriage to ward off bad luck? It is fate, and it cannot be forced!"
Emperor Muzong narrowed his eyes. "What, you still can't forget the third daughter of the Dou family?"
Pei Siyan shook his head, his expression indifferent. "She saved my life. To betray her like this is not the act of a gentleman!"
The emperor's expression changed slightly, feeling as if those words were a blatant mockery of him.
Pei Siyan was unaware of his affair with Dou Mingyan.
He spoke with a hint of disappointment, coldly rebuking, "Back then, your mother arranged a marriage for you. If you hadn't insisted, what life-saving grace could you have used to ask for her hand in marriage? How could Dou Mingyan have become the Crown Princess of my Great Zhou?"
Pei Siyan wanted to argue, but the emperor's eyes darkened. "Guards, Dou Mingyan suffers from hypochondria and cannot be the Crown Princess. Dissolve her engagement with the Crown Prince immediately!"
Pei Siyan pursed his thin lips into a thin line and remained silent.
Emperor Muzong seemed thoughtful, then said, "The fourth daughter of the Dou family has the most compatible birth chart with yours. Once you marry her, she will help you turn misfortune into good fortune. What exactly is it about the fourth daughter of the Dou family that you are dissatisfied with?"
Pei Siyan lowered his eyes and said in a deep voice, "Your Majesty, I do not have much time left and it is not advisable for me to marry. Even if I were to marry, one wife would be enough; more than that would be detrimental to my health. Besides, it would be a sin to delay someone else's life for no reason."
Emperor Muzong looked away, feeling increasingly uneasy. "You are the Crown Prince of my Great Zhou, blessed with great fortune. Do not mention such discouraging words again!"
"The birth chart of this Miss Dou is most compatible with yours; she will be your Crown Princess in the future."
Pei Siyan: "Thank you, Father Emperor!"
Emperor Muzong frowned slightly. "The Dou family girl's status is too low. This marriage to bring good luck is of great importance and cannot be taken lightly. Your mother has arranged a marriage for you with Sheng Xiyue from the Sheng family. I have watched her grow up, and she is extremely reliable."
"I trust your mother's judgment, so let her become your concubine."
Pei Siyan suddenly looked up, barely suppressing his anger, his voice urgent, "Father? No!"
When Dou Wenyi heard Sheng Xiyue's name, she breathed a sigh of relief, as if it had all been preordained.
Just like in his previous life, Pei Siyan's vast Eastern Palace, besides the Crown Princess, also had a highly favored Consort Sheng.
Emperor Muzong's attitude was unusually firm: "The Imperial Preceptor has carefully examined her birth chart. Although she is not as capable as the fourth daughter of the Dou family, she can still be of help to you. Crown Prince, you must prioritize the foundation of the nation and must not act recklessly!"
Pei Siyan instantly understood that Emperor Muzong was determined to give him another woman.
"Your Highness, it's settled then."
Emperor Muzong exuded an imposing aura, his eyes gleaming coldly.
"The Sheng family's daughter is deeply in love with you. Upon learning of your serious illness, she not only did not despise you, but also took the initiative to come to the palace. How could I not grant her wish, given such a person of such character?"
"Fourth Miss Dou, would you be willing to serve the Crown Prince alongside her?"
Dou Wenyi found it amusing and lowered her eyes, saying, "Your Majesty, I am willing."
"Then it's settled. Let the Ministry of Rites choose an auspicious day and the wedding be held as soon as possible. The principal wife and concubines will enter together." Emperor Muzong raised his lips, a smile finally appearing on his face, and made the final decision.
Pei Siyan glanced at Dou Wenyi with a resentful look, as if she really didn't care about him.
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