"Furthermore, we the Yang family are very protective of our own. If Yingtong becomes a member of our family, every one of us will guard her, never allowing anyone to bully her," Yang Mengchen declared with conviction, "If Eighth Brother marries Yingtong and dares to bully her, I, as a daughter-in-law, will never let Eighth Brother off the hook. If Eighth Brother dares to be fickle-hearted in the future, I will break his legs! However, I believe that Eighth Brother deeply cherishes Yingtong and would not bear to see her suffer any grievances."
Yang Chengbin immediately professed his intentions, "I cherish Ah Ying like a precious pearl. Not only will I not fail her, but I also will not tolerate anyone bullying Ah Ying!"
The Empress Dowager had stayed with the Yang family for a while and had noticed the affection between the two children. Since the Yang family hadn’t brought it up, she didn’t either. After returning to the palace, she held off the Empress from arranging a betrothal for Tongtong too early. Now that Yang Chengbin had topped the imperial examination, it saved her from certain people gossiping.
Looking at the refined and handsome Yang Chengbin, the Empress’s satisfaction with him grew, and naturally, so did her peace of mind.
The only one who remained unchanging in expression was the Emperor, with a profound gaze.
Thinking of his beloved daughter, who had suffered so much at such a young age, and had only recently recovered and was often away from his side, he was now annoyed by this insufferable young man who was going to take his treasure away from him. No matter how he looked at him, the boy just didn’t appeal to him.
Seeing the Emperor’s shifting gaze, Yang Mengchen could somewhat guess his thoughts. After all, when Wende had sought her hand in marriage, her elders and brothers had similarly made things difficult, only now the scenario had shifted to Eighth Brother.
"Father Emperor, I know that Yingtong is the apple of your eye, and it’s hard for you to part with her," Yang Mengchen said meaningfully, "I was also the treasure of my family members. When Wende proposed to me, they were equally reluctant to let go. But for my happiness, they agreed to my marriage with Wende. Empathizing with their feelings, I believe Father Emperor also wishes for Yingtong to be blissfully happy, Father Emperor, am I right?"
Her words implied that the Yang family had given their treasure to the Royal family, and the Emperor had to be generous lest he be seen as the executioner of his daughter’s happiness.
The Emperor clearly understood the subtext in Yang Mengchen’s words and couldn’t help but raise his eyebrows slightly, his lips twitching almost imperceptibly.
This daughter-in-law was truly too clever, expertly hitting the nail on the head, leaving him with no way to fight back. And to make things worse, there was his son beside him, who was completely whipped by his wife, eyeing him like a tiger stalking its prey, leaving the Emperor helpless. ƒгeewёbnovel.com
In truth, the Emperor was extremely pleased with Yang Chengbin and knew that Tongtong would be happy marrying him. Tongtong was the child he and his beloved Empress had together, and with Yang Chengbin set to take over the academy at Yangliu village and planning to travel around later, he would rarely get to see Tongtong after their marriage, which inevitably made him feel a loss and a reluctance to let go.
Well, it seemed that Tongtong and Yang Chengbin had long been promised to each other. As long as Tongtong lived a happy and healthy life, why should he stand in the way?
"I will grant your marriage to Tongtong," the Emperor said sternly, cautioning him, "But you must treat Tongtong well. If you dare to bully her, I will never forgive you!"
Aside from his high hopes for Long Xuanmo, toward the children born to the Empress, the Emperor could be considered an affectionate father, having at least not considered trading them for profit.
Yang Chengbin was overjoyed, "This subject thanks Emperor for his grace!" he said, kowtowing in gratitude.
The Empress glanced at Sister Liang, who immediately left the room.
Soon after, Long Yingtong, her face flushed with emotion, followed Sister Liang out from behind the screen, knelt beside Yang Chengbin, and moved by gratitude, kowtowed three times to the Emperor. Then, she and Yang Chengbin exchanged a deep gaze. Her eyes shimmering like brilliant stars, her face blushed with rouge, her complexion outshining even the rainbowed afterglow, while Yang Chengbin wore a joyful expression, his eyes filled with fervent resolve.
"Rise," the Emperor said, smiling slightly at the sincere young couple before him, feeling very gratified, "I still appoint you as Inspector General. Return and cultivate more skilled and virtuous individuals for the Imperial Court. As for Tongtong, she will stay in The Capital to assist Jiujiu. After reaching the proper age for marriage, we will pick another day for a grand wedding!"
Having waited nearly six years, Yang Chengbin did not mind waiting another year or two. Besides, Ah Ying was also helping to alleviate her sister’s burden. Moreover, it would be convenient for him when visiting Ah Ying in The Capital: "Your servant obeys the decree!" he said, then helped Long Yingtong stand up.
Seeing how tenderly Yang Chengbin treated Tongtong, both the Empress Dowager and the Empress looked at them with affectionate and utmost satisfaction.
Not long after returning to the Princess Mansion, Sun Chuanmao personally came to deliver the imperial decree. Yang Chengbin received the marriage edict with a beaming smile, so elated that he was all teeth and no eyes.
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