Chapter 725, Granted Marriage (Two chapters in one)
Yan Mansion.
Daohua had just returned from Nancheng when she heard that Mrs. Han had arrived.
Thinking that the visitor was her sister-in-law's mother, Daohua went back to her room to wash and tidy herself up before going to the old lady's yard to meet the guest.
When I entered the old lady's room, I found that not only Mrs. Han came, but there was also another lady.
When Madam Li saw the rice flowers, she immediately smiled and said, "Come and meet your Aunt Han and Aunt Fang."
Daohua smiled and stepped forward to salute.
Madam Han smiled and said, "This is Yiyi. She is really beautiful."
Daohua frowned slightly. She meant to compliment someone, but now rumors about her and Xiao Yeyang were flying all over the capital, most of which said that she was seductive and charming. It sounded a bit uncomfortable to praise her for her good looks at this time.
Next, Mrs. Fang made Daohua even more unhappy.
Mrs. Fang didn't say anything inappropriate, but she looked at Daohua from head to toe unscrupulously. Not only that, after looking at her, she shook her head slightly.
Both of them were good at making a scene. Except for the person involved, Daohua, who was keenly unhappy, no one else noticed. Under Han Xinran's deliberate encouragement, everyone in the room was talking and laughing.
Afterwards, Daohua noticed that the lady looked at her several times with a critical eye, which made her very annoyed. She endured the discomfort and sat with her for a while, then found an excuse to leave.
Han Xinran saw this, looked at Madam Han and Madam Fang, said something to Madam Li, and left with them.
After leaving the room, Han Xinran smiled and said, "Sister, your brother just got some good tea. Would you like to come to my room and try it?"
Daohua couldn't refuse, and thinking that she had nothing else to do, she nodded in agreement.
When the two passed by the garden, they saw Yan Wenxiu and Fang Hao sitting in the pavilion chatting.
Han Xinran immediately smiled and said, "It's your elder brother and my cousin Fang Hao. They came back so early today. Let's go and see what they are talking about." As he said that, he pulled Daohua over.
Fang Hao is Han Xinran's cousin. Daohua couldn't avoid him, so she followed Han Xinran to the pavilion.
After entering the pavilion, Daohua first greeted Yan Wenxiu, and then bowed to Fang Hao: "Master Fang."
Fang Hao immediately responded: "Sister Yan."
Han Xinran smiled and pulled Daohua to sit down. "Big sister, you are too eccentric. We are all relatives. Why bother calling me Young Master or Young Master? Just follow me and call me cousin."
Daohua glanced at her eldest brother and saw him sitting aside with a smile. Thinking of the lady Fang in her grandmother's room, she had some vague guesses in her mind and felt annoyed for no reason.
"Why is Big Brother with Master Fang?"
Hearing that Daohua did not change her words, Fang Hao's eyes flashed, and the smile on Han Xinran's face froze.
Yan Wenxiu smiled and said, "Now my cousin Fang and I are both working in the Hanlin Academy." Because of his wife, they have been in frequent contact in the past two years.
Han Xinran took over the conversation: "My cousin Fang brought my aunt to the capital some time ago. She just finished her family affairs, and my mother brought her to visit us today."
Fang Hao looked at the rice flowers, then smiled and said to Yan Wenxiu, "I'll have to bother you more often in the future."
Yan Wenxiu smiled and said, "We are all relatives, so we should visit each other more often." Fang Hao was knowledgeable and well-educated, and he got along well with him, so he was willing to make friends with him.
Afterwards, Han Xinran kept leading Daohua to talk to Fang Hao, and Daohua only responded politely.
The eldest sister-in-law's purpose was too obvious. Daohua felt even more annoyed when she saw that her eldest brother did not stop her. However, she did not blame him. Only her grandmother and parents knew about her and Xiao Yeyang.
Now that she is caught up in rumors, it is understandable that he is worried about his own life.
I understand it, but I don't agree with it. Shouldn't I tell her about this kind of thing in advance?
Also, judging from the expressions of my grandmother and mother just now, I guess they don’t know.
Fang Hao saw that Daohua was not very warm to him, so he smiled and asked, "Sister Yan, don't you remember me?"
Daohua looked at him and said, "As far as I remember, you are not only my eldest sister-in-law's cousin, but also my cousin Zixuan's fifth uncle from her husband's family."
Fang Hao smiled and said, "Sister Yan may know me because of our relationship, but I met Sister Yan a few years ago when the plague broke out in Jiguang."
Hearing this, Yan Wenxiu and Han Xinran looked over at the same time.
Fang Hao continued with a smile, "I was also in Ji-Guang providing disaster relief at the time. Because I had contacts with Governor Guo, I knew about Sister Yan risking her life to go into the city to save her brother. I remember when I heard about this, I was particularly impressed by Sister Yan's courage."
Daohua was stunned for a moment, then smiled faintly and said, "That was all many years ago, I don't even remember it." Then she stood up and said, "Brother, sister-in-law, I have things to do. I won't delay your entertaining the guests. I'll be leaving first."
Seeing Daohua leave, Han Xinran glanced at Fang Hao and hurriedly followed.
"Big sister!"
After leaving the garden, Daohua stopped and looked at Han Xinran who called her.
Han Xinran noticed that Daohua looked a little strange, and thinking that Daohua was always smart, she should have guessed her intention, so she asked, "Big sister, what do you think of my cousin?"
Daohua frowned, her voice a little cold and hard: "Sister-in-law, have you told mother about this?"
Han Xinran shook her head: "My mother and Aunt Fang came today in a hurry, and I haven't told them yet."
Daohua exhaled, her tone somewhat harsh: "Sister-in-law, I know you mean well, but good intentions can often lead to bad consequences. You didn't tell my mother about my marriage. What do you think she would think? No mother-in-law would like her daughter-in-law to interfere in her daughter's marriage without permission."
Han Xinran was stunned for a moment. He hadn't expected Daohua to react so strongly, and he felt a little uncomfortable. "I didn't mean to make the decision on my own. I just wanted you to meet today. Before that, I also asked your eldest brother, and he didn't object."
"Fang Hao is my cousin, I know him well, his family background and character..."
Daohua really didn't want to hear this, so she raised her hand to interrupt Han Xinran: "Sister-in-law, no matter how good Mr. Fang is, it's impossible for him and me to be together. My marriage is decided by my grandmother and parents, so don't worry about it."
Seeing Daohua walk away, Han Xinran was really angry. After returning to her own courtyard, she couldn't help but complain to Han Ma, "Big sister really needs to change her temper. I was doing this for her out of kindness, and it's fine if she doesn't appreciate it, but why is she giving me the cold shoulder?"
Nanny Han quickly tried to persuade her, "Young lady, please don't be angry. I think the eldest lady is also upset by the rumors outside. Besides, young ladies are usually shy when talking about their marriage, so she showed her anger."
Han Xinran sighed, "As her sister-in-law, I naturally won't argue with her. I'm really worried about her. She's seventeen this year, and there aren't many girls of this age who haven't been engaged. And with all the rumors going around about her and the young prince, it makes it even harder for her to get married."
Nanny Han hesitated for a moment and said, "Miss, do you think there is any possibility for the eldest lady and the young prince?"
Han Xinran shook his head: "Given the Yan family's status, how could the royal family possibly agree?"
Nanny Han nodded and said no more.
Han Xinran: "Instead of thinking about things that are out of reach, it's better to be realistic. You and I both know what kind of person cousin Fang Hao is. He has a rich family background and is capable. The most rare thing is that he doesn't care about the rumors. Although he is a few years older than my sister, age has its advantages. He is steady and considerate. My sister will definitely enjoy a happy life if she marries him."
Nanny Han: "Miss, no matter how enthusiastic you are, it's useless. You have to discuss this with the Madam."
Han Xinran: "I know. It's because my mother and aunt came unexpectedly today, so I didn't find a chance to tell them. However, when my husband knew that my cousin was interested in my elder sister, he didn't object. Plus, my father-in-law also admires my cousin very much, so I thought of letting my elder sister and cousin get to know each other first."
At the same time, the old lady's yard.
As she chatted with Madam Han and Madam Fang, Madam Li gradually realized that something was wrong. No matter what topic they talked about, it always turned to her daughter.
Mrs. Fang, who was conversing with the mindset of examining her future daughter-in-law, suddenly asked, "Just now, I saw Miss Yan, and it seemed like she just came back from outside?"
Mrs. Li: "That girl went to see her little sister."
Madam Fang showed disapproval: "Madam Yan, please don't blame me for being nosy. This girl is grown up and should stay in the backyard. If she runs out all day long, people will gossip if they see her."
Hearing this, both Old Lady Yan and Madam Li's expressions turned unhappy.
Mrs. Han saw this and, considering that this was her youngest daughter's in-laws' family, she quickly smiled and tried to smooth things over: "It's because Yiyi is such a beloved girl that my sister-in-law couldn't help but rush to protect her when she saw her."
Thinking of her son who still hasn't married, Mrs. Fang sighed in her heart. To be honest, she really didn't like the eldest daughter of the Yan family. She was ugly and had a bad reputation. But this was the first time her son had asked to get married. Even if she didn't like it, she had to agree to her son's wish.
"I'm genuinely doing this for Yiyi's own good. We're all women, and we all know how important a girl's reputation is. Now that Yiyi is caught up in rumors, she should be even more careful about her words and actions. Otherwise, who would dare to propose marriage to her?"
Upon hearing this, Mrs. Li couldn't even maintain her politeness. Her family hadn't said a word about her daughter, so it was not right for outsiders to say anything.
"Madam, what you said is totally unreasonable. My daughter is perfectly fine and doesn't need outsiders to pity her. Also, my daughter was engaged two years ago. Please don't say anything that might ruin her marriage!"
Outside the house, Yan Wenxiu and Fang Hao were about to come in when they heard Mrs. Li's angry words.
Fang Hao was shocked and quickly turned to look at Yan Wenxiu: "Is Sister Yan engaged?"
Yan Wenxiu frowned, did not answer, but walked quickly into the house.
Madam Li was too lazy to receive Madam Han and Madam Fang. Seeing Yan Wenxiu, she said directly, "Your mother-in-law has finally come here. I think she has a lot of private things to say to Xinran. You should accompany her to see Xinran."
Seeing Mrs. Li who was obviously angry, Yan Wenxiu and Fang Hao were both very surprised.
Old Lady Yan, considering her eldest grandson's wife's face, said, "We've been talking in the house for so long, the two ladies must be bored. Wenxiu, please accompany your mother-in-law for a walk in the yard."
Even his grandmother had driven him away, so Yan Wenxiu no longer hesitated and said to Madam Han with a smile, "Mother-in-law, let me accompany you to stroll in the garden."
Fang Hao also hurriedly helped his mother up.
After everyone left the house, Madam Li snorted, "Who are these people? What right do they have to be picky about our daughter?"
When Han Xinran heard that her mother and aunt were invited out by her grandmother and mother-in-law, she hurried over.
When Yan Wenxiu saw Han Xinran coming, he was worried about his elder sister's marriage, so he took the opportunity to leave and go to the old lady's yard.
After Yan Wenxiu left, Han Xinran looked at Madam Han and Madam Fang, both of whom looked unhappy. "Mother, Aunt, what's going on?"
Seeing that everyone around was her family, Mrs. Han said bluntly, "Your mother-in-law's family background is really poor, how could she treat guests like this?" Although what her sister-in-law said was a bit inappropriate, Mrs. Li, as the host, should not have made the situation so awkward.
Their two families are relatives. Will they continue to have contact with each other in the future?
Han Xinran frowned. Although her mother-in-law came from a merchant family, she was still her mother-in-law. It was really embarrassing for her to hear her mother say that in front of so many people.
Before Han Xinran could say anything, Madam Fang spoke up: "Hao'er, you heard it too. The eldest daughter of the Yan family has already been engaged. Don't think about it anymore!"
Fang Hao frowned and said nothing. He didn't quite believe that Daohua was already engaged. He also saw Wenxiu's surprised look just now. How could a brother not know that his sister was engaged?
However, Aunt Yan was so angry just now. I wonder if it was my mother and aunt who made her angry?
Han Xinran was shocked: "What? My elder sister is engaged? How come I didn't know?"
Mrs. Han said, "Your mother-in-law said it herself." Then she frowned and said, "You don't know anything about this?"
Han Xinran did not answer. She suddenly thought of the rejection shown by her older sister when she was trying to match her cousin and her older sister. She thought it was because of shyness, but she never thought it might be due to other reasons.
"Kid, I'm asking you a question."
Mrs. Han was a little displeased when she saw that Han Xinran didn't answer her.
Han Xinran was feeling confused. She looked at Madam Han and Madam Fang and said, "Mother, Auntie, I have something to do here. You can go back first." Then she looked at Fang Hao and said, "Cousin, please send mother off."
Fang Hao looked at Han Xinran and said, "Cousin Xinran, if Sister Yan is really engaged, please let me know."
Mrs. Fang was very angry when she saw that her son still refused to give up.
Mrs. Han felt very uncomfortable when she saw her daughter send her away like this.
Han Xinran walked them to the door. When Madam Han got on the carriage, she thought for a moment and said, "Mother, if there is anything in the future, please send someone to let me know in advance. You and your aunt came unexpectedly today, and I was caught off guard."
Mrs. Han was stunned for a moment. Thinking that her cousin and his wife were right next to her, she felt embarrassed and said with a sneer, "You really have forgotten your parents' home now that you have a husband!" With that, she lowered the curtain of the carriage and told the driver to leave.
Looking at the carriage going away, Han Xinran felt very hurt. She raised her head and held back the tears in her eyes before turning around and returning home.
Prince Ping stayed in the farm for two days, personally supervising his servants to make a batch of rouge, and then slowly returned to the city.
As soon as Prince Ping returned home, Ma earnestly told him all the rumors about Xiao Yeyang and Daohua being seriously injured, adding fuel to the fire, which made Prince Ping's brows twitch.
Just when Prince Ping got angry and wanted to ask someone to bring Xiao Yeyang back, someone came from the palace.
Palace of Heavenly Purity.
"Brother, are you looking for me?"
Compared to the awkwardness of others, Prince Ping was very relaxed and at ease when facing the emperor.
The emperor looked up at him and asked, "Are you willing to go back home?"
Prince Ping smiled and handed several boxes of exquisitely packaged rouge to Eunuch An: "Royal brother, these are the rouge creams I have newly developed."
The emperor glanced at him and asked, "Have you heard about Ye Yang and the Yan family girl?"
Prince Ping snorted, "Rumors are all over the place, so of course I know about it. My royal brother, that Yan family girl is so unruly, you must not indulge that boy Ye Yang and let him marry that seductive woman."
The emperor put down the memorial and said, "I knew about Ye Yang and the Yan family girl's affair two years ago. The elders on both sides knew about their relationship. It's completely different from the rumors."
Upon hearing this, Prince Ping was immediately surprised.
The Emperor continued, "To be honest, it was your son who first provoked the girl. Now the Jiang family is spreading rumors everywhere, and the girl's reputation is ruined. As a father, what should we do?"
Prince Ping was stunned by the question. He thought for a long time before saying, "How about letting the Yan family girl be Ye Yang's concubine?"
The emperor looked at Prince Ping and thought to himself, if his uncle knew that Xiaojiu took his only apprentice as a concubine, he would probably rush over and teach him a lesson.
"The daughter of the Yan family was personally appointed as a county lord by me. When the northern border was unstable, the Yan family donated food and medicine. Now, you want to make their daughter a concubine?"
Prince Ping was silent: "Then what do you think, my brother?"
The emperor smiled and handed the imperial edict granting marriage that had been prepared long ago to Prince Ping.
Prince Ping took the imperial edict and read it. He looked a little reluctant and couldn't help but said, "My mother."
The emperor said calmly, "The rumors were spread by the Jiang family. As the prince and grandson of the emperor, Xiao Yeyang ruined the girl's reputation, so he should be held responsible."
Prince Ping was a man who was very good at reading the emperor's expressions. Although the emperor was discussing with him at this moment, he could see that the emperor had already made up his mind. He knew that it was useless for him to object, so he nodded.
"That boy wants to marry a girl who is not a good match for him. If he gets into trouble in the future, don't come to me and cry!"
The emperor looked at him and said, "Your current princess is also not a good match."
Prince Ping looked embarrassed: "How can Yeyang compare with me? I have a royal brother to rely on. What does he have? He has a brother, but he still fights like a black-eyed chicken."
The emperor shook his head and said nothing. As Ye Yang's younger brother, he should take full responsibility for the current situation between Ye Yang and Xiao Ye Chen.
Every family was very concerned about what happened in the palace. When the eunuch who delivered the imperial edict went straight to the Yan family with it, everyone who was well-informed knew about it.
"By the providence of Heaven, the Emperor proclaims:
"I have heard that Yan Yiyi, the eldest daughter of Yan Zhigao, the Minister of Revenue, is very skilled, generous, and of outstanding character and appearance. The Empress Dowager and I are very pleased to hear this. Now, Xiao Yeyang, the son of Prince Ping, is of marriageable age. We shall choose an auspicious date for the wedding. I decree this!"
When the Yan family knelt down to receive the imperial edict, the news that the emperor had granted marriage to Xiao Yeyang and Shengping County Lady spread like wildfire to the ears of every family.
(End of this chapter)
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