Chapter 132 Excessive Power
"Jin'er has arrived." The emperor put down his vermilion brush, his face bearing an expression that seemed easygoing but was actually one of deep thought.
"I've heard that Ye Xunqin, the second son of the Ye family, is getting married? And the bride is that girl from the southwestern village?"
Lou Jin's heart stirred slightly, but his face remained calm: "Your Majesty, that's right. General Ye and Miss Anar have gone through life and death together in the southwest and are deeply in love. General Ye and his wife have also agreed. We are just waiting for the girl's parents to arrive in the capital so we can discuss the wedding date."
"Yes, a perfect match, very good."
The emperor nodded, his tone quite approving, but then changed the subject, asking seemingly casually.
"Speaking of which, is the only one left in the Ye family who is still unmarried? Xun Jin is currently stationed in the Northwest, and he is a promising young man. Does General Ye have any plans for his marriage?"
Lou Jin vaguely sensed something unusual and cautiously replied, "Ye Xunjin is devoted to serving the country and has been stationed at the border for many years. As for marriage... it seems that General Ye has not mentioned it yet."
"It is good for a man to have ambitions in all directions, but establishing a family and career is also fundamental."
The emperor stroked his beard, his gaze falling on Lou Jin with the concern of an emperor and a father.
"I think the Ye family is full of loyal and righteous men, and now they have a close relationship with you. I should also pay attention to the marriage of the eldest son of the Ye family. I have a few good candidates among the eligible noble ladies in the capital. Take a look and see which ones are more suitable for Xun Jin?"
As he spoke, he gestured to the eunuch beside him to hand over a list of names.
Lou Jin took the list and glanced at it. It listed the legitimate daughters of several important officials or noble families, whose family backgrounds and appearances were all excellent.
He immediately understood, and a sense of helplessness welled up within him.
Now, Xunyang and he have a stable relationship, and the Ye family itself holds military power. The eldest son, Ye Xunjin, is a general in the Northwest, and the second son has made meritorious contributions in the Southwest.
In the Emperor's eyes, the Ye family's power and influence were already too great.
The reason for rushing to arrange a marriage for Ye Xunjin is simply to bind the Ye family more closely to the imperial power through marriage, or to balance the Ye family's relationship with other powerful figures.
Instead of using this marriage alliance to bind the Ye family and show off the so-called imperial favor, it would be better to actually grant the Ye family a title, both to reward their merits and to fulfill their loyalty. Wouldn't that be more open and honest?
But he knew all too well that the imperial edict was a thorn in his father's side, even though it was just a relic of the previous dynasty.
What I just said, though it seemed like a discussion, was actually an order.
If he were to refuse outright, it might only intensify his father's suspicions about the Ye family.
Lou Jin quickly weighed the pros and cons and knew that resisting head-on at this moment was definitely not the best strategy.
He lowered his eyes, concealing the helplessness within, and respectfully replied, "Your Majesty's concern is appreciated on behalf of the Ye family. Since Your Majesty has such a kind intention, I... will inquire with General Ye about his opinion and see if the Ye family has any suitable candidates before reporting back to Your Majesty."
The emperor seemed somewhat satisfied with his tact, his expression softening slightly, but his tone still carried a hint of admonition: "Hmm, go and ask them. Tell them that I meant well and hope the Ye family can understand. Alright, you may leave."
"Your subject takes his leave." Lou Jin, holding the register, bowed and left the imperial study.
Stepping out of the palace, the afternoon sun shone on him, but Lou Jin felt little warmth.
He looked down at the hot list in his hand, his brows furrowed. His father's attitude was so firm that this matter would probably not be easily glossed over.
After leaving the palace, Lou Jin did not return to his residence, but went straight to the General's Mansion.
Ye Qing was practicing his boxing in the courtyard when he heard that His Highness Prince Jin had come alone, and he was somewhat surprised.
Lou Jinruo usually comes with Ye Xunyang, so his coming alone at this hour must mean he has something important to discuss.
He stopped his movements, took the cloth offered by the servant to wipe his sweat, and stepped forward to greet him: "Your Highness, is there something you need for your sudden visit?"
As his gaze swept over Lou Jin's slightly solemn expression, the surprise in his heart deepened.
Lou Jin bowed respectfully: "Old General."
He paused, momentarily at a loss for words.
This matter concerns the Ye family, and even more so the Emperor's unspoken suspicions, making it rather difficult to discuss.
Seeing that he seemed to have something difficult to say, Ye Qing stepped aside and said, "Let's go inside and sit down first."
The two entered the study, where a maid served hot tea before quietly leaving and closing the door.
Only the two of them remained in the study, the aroma of tea wafting through the air, yet the atmosphere was somewhat somber.
Lou Jin stroked the warm teacup, pondered for a moment, and finally took the list out of his sleeve and gently placed it on the tea table in front of Ye Qingcang.
Lou Jin's voice carried a barely perceptible hint of difficulty, "Today, my father summoned me to the palace and mentioned Xun Jin's marriage. When he spoke of the Ye family's loyalty and integrity, my father... showed great concern."
Ye Qing's gaze fell on the roster, and he guessed about 70-80% of it.
His expression calmed down. He picked up his teacup, took a slow sip, and instead of immediately looking at the register, he looked up at Lou Jin with piercing eyes: "Your Majesty... what is your meaning?"
Lou Jin met his gaze, knowing that beating around the bush in front of Ye Qing was pointless, so he said directly, "My father has drawn up a list of noble ladies in the capital, hoping that... the Ye family can choose from it to arrange a marriage for General Ye."
He didn't use the term "arranged marriage," but the meaning was clear.
Ye Qing paused, his knuckles turning slightly white as he held the teacup.
A brief silence fell over the study, with only the aroma of tea still silently lingering in the air.
Just then, a series of slightly hurried footsteps came from outside the study, accompanied by Ye Xunyang's anxious voice: "Father! Is the Prince here with you?"
Before he could finish speaking, the study door creaked open.
Ye Xunyang burst in, clearly having rushed back in a hurry.
Hearing that the prince had come directly to the Ye residence instead of returning to his palace, his heart skipped a beat.
This was unprecedented! He was afraid something terrible had happened, so he rushed back immediately.
As soon as he entered, Ye Xunyang saw his father and Lou Jin sitting opposite each other, the atmosphere seemingly heavy. His heart tightened, and he quickly went to Lou Jin's side, instinctively grabbing his arm: "Your Highness, are you alright? Why did you suddenly come to the manor? Is it because of the palace...?"
Seeing his anxious expression, Lou Jin felt a warmth in his heart. He gently patted the back of his hand and comforted him, "I'm fine, don't worry. I just have some things to discuss with the old general."
Ye Xunyang breathed a slight sigh of relief, but when his gaze swept over the roster on the tea table that was clearly from the palace, his heart tightened again. He looked suspiciously at Lou Jin, then at his father: "This is...?"
Looking at his youngest son's appearance, Ye Qing was both amused and annoyed. He snorted and said, "I don't even want to talk to you if you haven't asked your father before coming in."
Upon hearing this, Ye Xunyang quickly bowed to his father, saying, "I was just worried something might have happened... Your son greets you, Father."
"Alright, the Emperor is concerned about your elder brother's marriage. He specially prepared a list and had your prince send it over so that our Ye family can take a look."
Upon hearing this, and seeing the expressions on his father's and Lou Jin's faces, Ye Xunyang immediately understood the key point.
"What kind of concern is this? It's clearly..."
He wanted to say "suspicion," but he swallowed the words back, after all, it would be presumptuous to speak ill of the emperor's will.
She then grabbed Lou Jin's arm, "Your Highness, is this what you came for? You didn't promise anything, did you?"
Seeing him like this, Lou Jin felt much of the resentment he felt due to his father's suspicion dissipate, and said gently, "Of course not. It's just that my father's attitude is firm, and I need to come and discuss it with the old general. The decision is up to the Ye family and my elder brother."
Ye Xunyang was finally relieved, but then felt a little embarrassed, realizing he had been too excited.
He released Lou Jin's arm. "That's good... I thought something terrible had happened."
Ye Qing waved his hand and said to Ye Xunyang, "Alright, what's with all this fuss? I have my own plans for this, so don't worry about it."
He then looked at Lou Jin, "I understand Your Highness's meaning. I will handle this matter myself and will not cause Your Highness any trouble."
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