If Han Zhongyu knew that the Fifth Prince had spoken ill of him like that, he would probably be furious!
It was clearly the Third Princess who shamelessly begged him to teach her to paint and also asked him to correct her messy poems. Xuan Yuanche was already driving him crazy, and now this clueless Third Princess was on top of that. He was going to go mad!
He had told the Third Princess more than once that men and women should not touch each other, and that she should find a female teacher to teach her. He even tried to avoid her, but she would still occasionally block his way.
It makes me very irritable just thinking about it.
However, Han Zhongyu was currently enjoying his newfound happiness and had no idea that someone was spreading rumors about him behind his back.
When Emperor Qingyuan heard that the person mentioned by the Fifth Prince was the Third Princess, he couldn't help but look up and glance at the Third Princess, who was shyly lowering her head, waiting for the result.
Emperor Qingyuan was well aware of the Third Princess's thoughts, but he was not keen on betrothing her to Han Zhongyu. The Han family were loyal subjects, and there was no need to use a princess to win them over. It might even alienate Han Wuyong, which would be a losing proposition.
Moreover, in this peaceful and prosperous era, there is no need for marriage alliances. His idea is that the Third Princess should just find a husband who is not ambitious and can live a quiet life with her.
But the child didn't seem to appreciate his feelings and was always looking for romantic love.
There aren't that many couples who end up together!
As a royal daughter, she was born into wealth and could live a peaceful and safe life, which would be a great blessing. However, this daughter of his did not seem to understand this principle.
Not only did she refuse my arranged marriage several times, but she also dragged her fifth brother to plead on her behalf. Sigh!
Emperor Qingyuan was clearly displeased, and the Fifth Prince and the Third Princess were both somewhat uneasy.
Seeing that Emperor Qingyuan did not immediately nod in agreement, Han Wuyong quickly spoke up.
"Your Majesty, this old minister has something to say."
This old minister thanks Your Majesty for your kindness towards Han Zhongyu, and also thanks the Fifth Prince for your concern. However, Han Zhongyu is already engaged; the Third Princess is of noble birth, and my son is not fortunate enough to be with her.
Han Wuyong's words were like throwing a pebble into a calm lake, surprising many people.
Emperor Qingyuan couldn't help but ask
"Oh? Minister Han is already engaged? Which family's daughter is she?"
The Third Princess was furious, clutching her handkerchief tightly, unable to believe that Han Zhongyu was engaged.
After Emperor Qingyuan finished asking his question, everyone held their breath and pricked up their ears to hear which family's daughter Han Wuyong had arranged for Han Zhongyu.
He still acted as if he was in front of Xie Yushu.
Han Wuyong, who once said, "I have no face to see anyone because my grandson married into the family," now stood tall and spoke with a firm voice.
"Your Majesty, Han Zhongyu's arranged marriage is with Princess Jingde, Xie Yushu."
A few days ago, our whole family went to Yuquan Mountain Villa to finalize the marriage arrangements for our two children.
We originally planned for them to get married this year, but both children said that the resort is still promoting this electric light this year, and other businesses are just starting out, so there's no time for a wedding. They exchanged tokens of love first, and will choose an auspicious day next January to hold the wedding banquet.
"It's actually Xie Yushu!"
"Didn't she have a past with General Xiao?"
The Han family has a very upright family tradition; how could they marry such a woman?
"Exactly! Although she's good at tinkering with new gadgets, she spends all her time surrounded by men. She's not a good choice as a wife!"
After Han Wuyong finished speaking, a buzz of discussion immediately broke out below.
The sound wasn't loud, but it was like the buzzing of flies, annoying and bothersome.
Emperor Qingyuan was also somewhat puzzled.
Unfortunately, in this patriarchal society, women are always bound by layers of shackles.
Regardless of whether a woman is at fault or not, being jilted or divorced will still be ridiculed. Not allowing her husband to take a concubine will also be ridiculed. Remarrying after her husband's death will still be ridiculed, with people saying she is not a virtuous woman. Not marrying will also be ridiculed, with people saying she is a jinx to her husband. In short, there are all kinds of humiliation.
Although Xie Yushu broke through layers of shackles and rose to prominence with unstoppable momentum, her abilities and contributions even surpassing those of many men, her marriage still drew criticism.
Although Han Wuyong couldn't quite make out what they were buzzing about, he could guess that these gossipy old women were definitely talking about Xie Yushu's identity. No one knew how capable they were, but they were all incredibly good at gossiping and arguing.
He's so indecisive, he can't even be with a decent old woman!
Seeing that Emperor Qingyuan was also looking at him with a puzzled expression, Han Wuyong spoke frankly.
"Your Majesty, it is because this old minister has great respect for the princess's character."
A simple country woman led a group of people to survive during a famine, endured all kinds of hardships, and even after becoming successful, she never forgot her roots. She used all the money she earned to benefit the people.
She once told my grandson...
"The rise and fall of a nation is the responsibility of every citizen."
When one is in a high position at court, one should worry about one's ruler; when one is in a remote place in the countryside, one should worry about one's people.
Such magnanimity and such noble character are beyond my comprehension!
Unfortunately, my foolish grandson shared the same ideals as her and was in love with her.
The old minister originally wanted his grandson to bring the princess into the Han family with a grand wedding procession, but unfortunately, he hadn't accumulated much wealth over the years. His mentally challenged son was obsessed with the rare ancient books and paintings by famous artists in his possession, but he refused to give them up.
The old minister was afraid of neglecting the princess.
So, they made the decision to send Han Zhongyu to Yuquan Manor to marry into the family!
The last sentence was truly earth-shattering, causing an uproar in the audience.
Even Emperor Qingyuan reflected on whether he hadn't rewarded the Han family in a long time, and how they had ended up marrying into the Han family!
The third princess broke down completely and screamed.
"What! Han Zhongyu is such a handsome and talented man, and you actually want him to marry into the family!"
"Lord Han, you've lost your mind!"
After saying this, without waiting for Han Wuyong's reply, he knelt down and begged.
“Father, you yourself said that Han Zhongyu is your right-hand man. How can such a talented person be allowed to marry into your family and become a live-in son-in-law!”
You wouldn't even let him become a prince consort, so what merit does Xie Yushu, a mere princess, have to allow Han Zhongyu to marry into her family?
Father, as a princess, I wish to share your burdens. I am willing to give up my princess residence and marry Han Zhongyu, becoming a member of the Han family and managing the household affairs for him, thus relieving him of any worries.
He was told to focus on handling official business and relieve his father's burdens.
As a man, Emperor Qingyuan was not very accepting of marrying into another family. Under normal circumstances, he would definitely not have agreed to Princess Jinghe's request.
However, if his right-hand men could be spared from marrying into the Han family and could get married normally, and if Jinghe were willing to marry into the Han family and become a Han family daughter-in-law, then that wouldn't be impossible.
Emperor Qingyuan began to waver, frowning as he spoke.
"Although Xie Yushu is indeed quite capable, Minister Han is no less so. It would be inappropriate for her to marry into the family. My Princess Jinghe is virtuous and kind, and is a good match for Minister Han. I think you can consider it."
Although he wavered, Emperor Qingyuan did not completely rule out the possibility of a conflict. The Han family had made considerable contributions to him, and he still had to give them some face.
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