And this proposal not only aimed to improve the welfare of the army’s soldiers, but also included the resettlement of veterans, as well as the introduction of conscription and military academies. Once implemented according to the plan, it would surely stir the soldiers’ morale, enhance their abilities, and Dong Chu’s military strength would gradually become formidable. I believe Father Emperor will definitely approve. ƒreewebɳovel.com
Understanding Long Xuanmo’s painstaking efforts, Yang Mengchen had no objections.
The next day, after saying goodbye to Long Xuanmo who had left for the early morning court session, Yang Mengchen was planning to leave the house when He Junyuan suddenly came to ask for a favor, hoping to betroth Mu Jin to be his eldest son’s bride.
He Changli was one year older than Mu Jin and was responsible for managing the affairs of the Jade Store of Prince Mansion. He was shrewd yet unassuming and polite in his dealings with others, and he was utterly loyal to Long Xuanmo. He had taken a liking to Mu Jin long ago, but since Yang Mengchen had never brought up the matter of the maids’ marriages, he had not disclosed his feelings.
Last night, when Long Xuanmo was asking Mo Yun for her opinion on several matters, He Junyuan happened to be present.
He Junyuan had long been aware of his eldest son’s sentiments, and that night when he returned home, he discussed the matter with his family, prompting He Changli to immediately urge his father to seek the princess’s grace.
"You and your son truly have good taste," said Yang Mengchen with a smile. "Mu Jin is steady, virtuous, diligent, and capable; whatever tasks I assign, she handles them perfectly. To tell you the truth, I really would hate to marry off Mu Jin."
He Junyuan chuckled, pleased not only because his eldest son liked Mu Jin, but because their entire family was satisfied with her. Upon hearing Yang Mengchen’s last sentence, he became nervous at once, "Princess..."
"Don’t be so tense, I was just saying." Seeing He Junyuan relax a bit, Yang Mengchen continued, "However, I still have to ask Mu Jin what she wants. If she’s unwilling, I won’t force her."
He Junyuan nodded respectfully, "That’s only right." His heart settled down somewhat.
After inspecting the workshop affairs, Yang Mengchen called Mu Jin aside and told her truthfully about He Changli’s intention to marry her, "Don’t say that I should decide for you. This concerns your lifelong happiness. Think it over carefully before you reply to me, understand?"
"Thank you for your grace, Princess. This servant is willing," Mu Jin said with her head bowed, then after a moment, she lifted her head to look at Yang Mengchen, her face flushed with a firm expression.
She was reluctant to leave the princess, and it just so happened that He Changli was a child born in the Prince Mansion, and they both had feelings for each other. Marrying He Changli meant that she could stay by the princess’s side as a Steward Mother.
"Don’t worry, I’ll ensure you have a grand wedding," Yang Mengchen said with a smile. "Since you have no parents, I’ll take care of the dowry."
Mu Jin was startled, then her eyes welled up with tears, and her voice choked with emotion, "Princess, I am so fortunate... How fortunate am I to have met you, to serve you?"
Looking at Mu Jin with tears brimming in her eyes, Yang Mengchen smiled softly, "As long as you are happy and content, I’ll be at peace. However, in order for He Changli to always remember that marrying you was not an easy feat, and to cherish and protect you doubly, it’s necessary to make things a little difficult for him. Of course, rest assured, the challenge I set won’t be too hard."
Moved by the princess’s thoughtfulness, Mu Jin was touched, but after hearing these words, she felt uneasy all night long.
Returning to the mansion that day, Yang Mengchen summoned He Junyuan and told him she wanted to meet He Changli the next morning. He Junyuan happily went back to inform his eldest son.
"He Changli is not bad," Long Xuanmo commented, nodding upon hearing about this happy event from his beloved wife. Then, with curiosity, he asked, "What challenge has Ah Jiu set?"
Yang Mengchen’s face wore a mysterious smile, "You’ll find out tomorrow!"
Gazing at his wife, who smiled like a sly fox, Long Xuanmo gave a doting smile and kissed her on the forehead, "Mo Yun has left it up to you to decide, but Qing Qing has taken a liking to Shao Yao and wishes to ask for your grace."
"I’ll ask Shao Yao first, as well as Uncle Heng and Qiao Niangzi." Even though Shao Yao’s parents were both alive, and Yang Mengchen had full authority to decide, she still wanted to seek Uncle Heng and Qiao Niangzi’s opinions, "Moreover, anyone who wants to marry them must pass my test. If they can’t pass, there will be no further discussion."
Long Xuanmo felt a silent empathy for his subordinates, but outwardly he expressed his full agreement, "Of course. The people around Ah Jiu are all excellent, and only through rigorous tests will they learn to cherish them."
After all, as their master, he himself had gone through numerous difficulties to marry Ah Jiu. Naturally, his subordinates should be no exception.
"We really are of one mind," Yang Mengchen said, rewarding Long Xuanmo with a sweet, deep kiss.
The night was deep, the passion was fiery.
The next day, after breakfast and a day off for Long Xuanmo, he sat with his wife in the hall, leisurely sipping tea, waiting for He Changli to arrive.
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