Chapter 111 Please invite Lord Lu to my daughter's wedding banquet.
Lu Yuan? Why would he come to deliver an imperial edict at this time?
Those present were puzzled, but they immediately knelt down in worship.
"Jiang Zhi, receive the imperial decree." Lu Yuan looked down at the eunuch, took the imperial decree from him, and unfolded it. His voice was not loud, but it was like ice beads falling on a jade plate, making people dare not move rashly.
"By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: Jiang Zhi, daughter of the Jiang family, is intelligent, quick-witted, and exceptionally courageous. She has rendered meritorious service to the state and possesses virtuous and prudent character. Therefore, she is hereby granted the title of Princess of Qinghe County, bestowed with a golden book and golden seal, and further rewarded with a thousand acres of fertile land, a hundred bolts of silk, and a pair of jade ruyi scepters. This decree is hereby proclaimed throughout the land, so that all may know of it. This is the imperial decree."
"This humble woman receives the imperial decree." Jiang Zhi raised both hands above her head, and the light imperial decree landed in her palms.
Once everyone had stood up, Lu Yuan's gaze swept across the room, his expression unreadable. "Congratulations, Lord Jiang, congratulations, Princess Qinghe. But it seems I've come at an inopportune time. What are you all doing here?"
Jiang Zhengting never expected that his rebellious daughter would be personally bestowed the title of county princess by the emperor.
He wiped the cold sweat from his brow and said, "Just now at the family banquet, my son, on a whim, challenged the guards to a martial arts contest, but accidentally chopped the table in half with his sword, making a fool of himself in front of Lord Lu. These rewards are—"
Lu Yuan naturally didn't believe his explanation, but he didn't care either.
He merely raised his chin slightly behind him and said, "Everyone in the capital knows that Miss Jiang is no longer living at the Jiang residence. I will have these rewards sent to the Qinghe County Princess's residence, so there's no need for Lord Jiang to trouble himself."
Jiang Zhengting was somewhat embarrassed. "Then thank you very much, Lord Lu."
Lu Yuan glanced at Jiang Zhi without showing any emotion.
But she had her head down, looking like she didn't know him. She was dressed simply, with a high neckline that completely covered the bruises on her neck, but there was still a hint of agitation on her face.
There must have been a dispute with Minister Jiang.
"Does Princess Qinghe wish to return to her residence? Perhaps I, Lu, could escort you on your way?"
Jiang Zhi curtsied and said, "No need to trouble Lord Lu, I can go back by myself."
"Lord Lu kindly gave you a ride, how can you be so ignorant of etiquette?" Jiang Zhengting was truly helpless with his daughter.
It appears docile and obedient, but inside it's a stubborn, stinking rock.
"Now that you've been granted the title of County Princess, stop causing trouble. I won't take what you just said to heart. You are still my proud daughter."
He ordered his servants to prepare red envelopes and present them to each of them. Lu Yuan avoided them, but the other eunuchs eventually accepted them after several attempts to back down.
"It is really inconvenient at home today, otherwise I would have insisted on having Lord Lu and all the eunuchs stay for dinner."
"You're too kind, Lord Jiang," Lu Yuan said coldly.
Jiang Zhengting added, "My daughter's wedding day is coming up soon. If Lord Lu and all the other eunuchs have time, please come and have a drink at the wedding."
Lu Yuan's eyes, usually shrouded in frost, flickered slightly. "Get married?"
“Yes, not only has Zhi’er been granted the title of Princess Qinghe County, but she is also about to get married. It’s a double blessing,” Jiang Zhengting said, oblivious to his suddenly cold expression. “My daughter is a bit stubborn, so someone should teach her a lesson.”
"Oh? May I ask which worthy son-in-law Lord Jiang has chosen?"
Jiang Zhengting's eyes were full of satisfaction. "It is indeed the newly appointed top scholar, Shen Ci'an."
"Lord Lu, you may not know this, but my future son-in-law is a man of exceptional literary talent, well-versed in both ancient and modern literature, and he and Zhi'er are deeply in love, childhood sweethearts..."
The atmosphere in the hall suddenly became tense. Lu Yuan's usually indifferent eyes narrowed abruptly, the light in his pupils gradually dimmed, leaving only an icy sharpness.
Jiang Zhengting frowned, puzzled. "This is..."
"Oh dear, then I really must congratulate Lord Jiang," the eunuch behind him quickly stepped in to smooth things over when he saw the atmosphere was tense. "This is simply a match made in heaven. I wish Princess Qinghe and Lord Shen a harmonious marriage, many children, and a long and happy life together!"
"Thank you," Jiang Zhengting said politely.
Lu Yuan sneered, staring at the eunuch as if he wanted to torture him to death.
"May you have a son soon and grow old together. You, a eunuch, know all this?"
“Lord Lu…” The eunuch was stunned for a moment, a look of confusion on his face. Soon his face turned red, his lips trembled, but he could not say anything.
What have I done to offend this ancestor today? There's no need to launch a personal attack on him!
This is like stabbing him in the heart!
Jiang Zhengting didn't know what was wrong with Lu Yuan either. Just a moment ago, his face was bright and cheerful, but in the blink of an eye, it became gloomy.
The Embroidered Uniform Guard is indeed not someone to be trifled with.
Lu Yuan held the knife, his fingertips unconsciously rubbing the cold, hard hilt, but he couldn't suppress the fire in his heart.
So while Jiang Zhi was acting affectionately in front of him, she had actually already arranged a marriage with Shen Ci'an.
He had never met a woman with such a cold heart.
Is reputation, love, and marriage all bargaining chips that she can use at will?
So what does she intend to get from Shen Ci'an by marrying him this time?
Does Shen Ci'an know about what she has done?
Jiang Zhi lowered her head further and further.
She felt as if the gaze above her head was tangible, pressing down on her so much that she could hardly breathe.
“If something happens to the things bestowed by His Majesty on the way, I will not be able to explain myself,” Lu Yuan’s voice was low above his head, each word cold and hard. “I will escort Princess Qinghe on this trip.”
Jiang Zhi had no excuse to refuse, so she had no choice but to leave the Jiang residence with Lu Yuan.
Before leaving, she reminded Jiang Zhengting, "I hope you will consider the matter that I just mentioned to you. I will come back to inquire about it again tomorrow."
Jiang Zhengting was left with a tightness in his chest, unable to exhale or swallow, his face turning a deep liver color.
Lu Yuan remained silent throughout the journey, and after escorting Jiang Zhi back to her residence, he did not linger, as if he were merely fulfilling his duty.
Just before leaving, Lu Yuan suddenly chuckled, "I wonder if Lord Shen is aware of the deal made between Princess Qinghe and Yan Wenhong?"
Jiang Zhi had already stepped one foot over the threshold when she heard this. She turned around and stared at him in astonishment. What did he want to do?
Lu Yuan could tell from her expression that Shen Ci'an was completely unaware of this matter.
Thinking about this, his mood inexplicably improved.
It turns out he wasn't the only one who was deceived.
If Shen Ci'an knew about this, would he still happily marry her?
Just thinking about it is exciting.
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