Chapter 133 Entering the Palace to Request an Official Title
Lou Jin stood up and said solemnly, "With the old general's words, Lou Jin is relieved. It's getting late, you see..."
As he spoke, Lou Jin looked at Ye Xunyang, blinked, and asked if he was still staying here.
Ye Xunyang instantly understood his meaning and quickly said, "Father, it's getting late, let's go back first."
The two walked out of the study side by side and left the Ye residence.
As soon as he stepped out of the mansion, Ye Xunyang couldn't help but lean closer to Lou Jin and whisper, "Your Highness, my father... didn't make things difficult for you, did he?"
Lou Jin, seeing the concern in his eyes, teased him deliberately, "If you're in a difficult situation, what will you do?"
Without thinking, Ye Xunyang blurted out, "Then I... I'll reason with him!"
After saying that, he felt that his words had no deterrent effect and was a little embarrassed.
Lou Jin finally couldn't help but chuckle softly, putting his arm around the man's shoulder and pulling him closer: "Don't worry, the old general is very understanding. As for you, have you finished your military affairs?"
Ye Xunyang knew his little trick had been seen through, so he chuckled and clung to Lou Jin, saying, "It's all done! Your Highness, let's go home. I'll look at those things with you."
Inside the study of the Ye family mansion, Ye Qing and his wife looked at the reply letter from the Northwest on the table, their expressions complex, which eventually turned into a sigh of relief.
After Lou Jin left that day, the couple discussed things for a long time.
The emperor's decree was difficult to disobey, but he was even more unwilling to let his eldest son's marriage become a political bargaining chip.
Finally, Madam Ye suggested, "Why don't we ask Jin'er what he thinks? He's been away from home for many years, so perhaps he already has a plan in mind, but he just hasn't said it yet."
Ye Qing agreed, and immediately wrote a letter, sending it along with the hot-buttoned list to the northwest border via carrier pigeon.
The letter simply stated the situation in the capital and the emperor's intentions frankly, and asked Ye Xunjin for his own wishes.
Five days later, in the evening, a reply arrived.
The letter was unfolded, and it was completely blank, without a single word on it.
The Ye couple were taken aback at first, then their gaze fell on the list of names that had been sent back with the letter.
One page of the roster had a corner folded up, and when it was opened, a name was circled.
"Lin Wanru".
The second daughter of Lin Wenyuan, the Vice Minister of War.
The Lin family was not a top noble family, but they had a clean family tradition and Lin Wenyuan was upright and had a good reputation in the court.
This Miss Lin is rumored to be gentle and quiet, but she is not weak; she is well-versed in poetry and literature and has her own opinions.
Without uttering a single word, this selection already reveals Ye Xunjin's attitude.
Madam Ye looked at the name, pondered for a moment, and nodded: "The Lin family... is indeed a reliable family. Jin'er must have her reasons for choosing her."
Ye Qing's tense expression also relaxed.
Although he still harbored resentment towards the emperor's actions, the eldest son made his own choice, and the family he chose did not seem to be seeking to curry favor with the powerful, which made him feel much better.
"Since he made the choice himself, then so be it."
The next day, Lou Jin was invited to the Ye residence.
Seeing the only circled name on the list and the Ye family's statement, Lou Jin understood.
He knew that this was the greatest concession and respect the Ye family could offer without crossing their bottom line.
At the same time, this also gave him an excellent opportunity to offer his advice.
He entered the palace again to meet the emperor.
"Father, the Ye family has responded."
Lou Jin presented the selected list.
"Lin Wanru, daughter of Lin Wenyuan, Vice Minister of War, is a suitable match. General Ye said that we leave it to the Emperor to decide."
The emperor glanced at the lone circle on the register, his eyes flickering slightly.
He naturally understood that behind this seemingly compliant behavior lay the Ye family's respectful distance.
He hesitated for a moment, but did not immediately express his opinion.
Lou Jin seized the opportunity and stepped forward. “Father, the Ye family is full of loyal and brave men who have served the country and defended the borders for generations, and their achievements are outstanding. Now, General Ye is getting old, Xun Jin and Xun Qin are both pillars of the country, and Xun Yang also serves the court. I believe that the Ye family’s achievements are beyond those of ordinary military families.”
He slightly raised his head to look at the Emperor: "The founding emperor of the previous dynasty bestowed the imperial edict with a cinnabar inscription, as a reward for the merits of that time and to protect the descendants of loyal and virtuous officials."
"However, times have changed. If we continue to treat the Ye family with the same old practices, it would not be the way to show the court's favor and inspire the soldiers. In my humble opinion, although the imperial edict and iron certificate show great honor, they also seem to be an invisible barrier."
"Why not have the Emperor bestow a title upon the Ye family, allowing them to serve the country legitimately as marquises, with responsibilities and powers more befitting their status? In this way, wouldn't the old regime be able to retire gracefully, showcasing the new spirit of our dynasty?"
His words were extremely clever.
The subtle suggestion that the imperial edict that had been troubling the emperor could be used as an opportunity to gracefully retire, thus eliminating the source of the emperor's apprehension, was a subtle way of saying that.
As the emperor listened, his eyes gradually brightened.
His fear of the Ye family stemmed largely from that iron certificate.
If this opportunity could be used to force the Ye family to relinquish their privilege, whether voluntarily or involuntarily, through a promotion in their title, it would undoubtedly be the best way to resolve his biggest worry!
Moreover, it also demonstrates his magnanimity in rewarding meritorious officials, achieving two goals at once!
"Jin'er's words... are very much to my liking!"
The emperor clapped his hands, a genuine smile appearing on his face, the one he hadn't shown in days.
"The Ye family's contributions certainly deserve a generous reward! By imperial decree, Ye Qing is hereby conferred the title of Marquis of Zhongyuan, a hereditary title! His sons Ye Xunjin, Ye Xunqin, and Ye Xunyang will also receive titles and rewards!"
"Choose an auspicious day to bestow a marriage upon Ye Xunjin and the Lin family daughter!"
"Father is wise!" Lou Jin bowed and accepted the order, finally feeling relieved.
Lou Jin emerged from the palace in good spirits, but he did not reveal it directly. Thinking of Ye Xunyang's worry when he escorted him into the palace earlier that day, he felt a mischievous urge to tease him.
Back at the Prince's residence, he deliberately frowned, his steps were slightly heavy, and he looked preoccupied.
Ye Xunyang was idly flipping through the wedding agenda in the study when he saw him return. He immediately dropped the agenda and rushed to greet him: "Your Highness, you're back! How... did things go?"
Seeing Lou Jin's displeased expression, his heart jumped.
Lou Jin sighed, walked to the edge of the couch and sat down, rubbing his temples. His tone was somewhat defeated: "Father's attitude is firm, I guess it won't work out."
Ye Xunyang's heart sank instantly. He sat down next to Lou Jin, held his hand, and although he himself felt a tightness in his chest, he still forced himself to comfort him.
"Your Highness, please don't put yourself in such a difficult position. I know you've already done your best. If... if there's really no other way, your family... I'm sure they'll understand."
He said this, but his brows were furrowed tightly, clearly showing that he was extremely unwilling.
Lou Jin looked at him, who was clearly disappointed but was still trying to comfort him. His heart melted, but he kept a worried expression on his face. He pulled him into his arms, rested his chin on the top of his head, and said in a muffled voice.
"Xunyang, this matter leaves me feeling quite helpless... You must comfort me properly."
Ye Xunyang was held in his arms, and hearing his tone, he felt heartbroken and quickly patted his back.
"Alright, alright, I'll comfort you. Your Highness, how would you like to comfort me? Should I have the kitchen make you your favorite snacks? Or should I accompany you to the training ground to stretch your muscles?"
Lou Jin shook his head, tightened his arms, and whispered in his ear, his warm breath brushing against his sensitive earlobe: "I don't want any of those... I just want you to promise me one thing."
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