Chapter 298: An Auspicious Match

Chapter 298: An Auspicious Match

Both Tang Shuyi and the Lady of Li Kingdom knew of the gifts prepared by Xiao Yuchen and Princess Jianing. Seeing now that each wore the other's gift, their smiles broadened.

Marriages among the great families, though often entangled in various interests, would be perfect if the couple were genuinely fond of each other.

After sharing the midday meal, Princess Jianing and the Lady of Li Kingdom took their leave. Once they were gone, Tang Shuyi turned to Xiao Yuchen with a smile, "Are you satisfied?"

Xiao Yuchen blushed at her question, but replied, "Jianing is wonderful."

"Oh, the formalities have changed, I see," Tang Shuyi couldn't help but laugh again. "Tomorrow, I will ask the abbot of Chongguang Temple to compare your birth charts. If there's no issue, we shall finalize your engagement."

She sighed as she continued, "I had planned to discuss your marriage after the spring imperial examination, but plans can't keep up with changes. We'll try to settle your engagement before the year ends, to avoid any unforeseen complications."

Her expression grew serious as she added, "We can't keep reacting passively to the emperor's constant scheming."

Xiao Yuchen shared her sentiment, "Mother, we mustn't always be on the defensive. It's time we took the initiative."

Tang Shuyi nodded, "We need an opportunity."

Dethroning or assassinating the emperor was no easy task, and even if successful, one must be prepared for the aftermath. Nothing was ripe for action yet!

"However, your father has already started causing him trouble," Tang Shuyi informed him about Xiao Huai's moves to propose a Crown Prince, adding, "This will likely keep him preoccupied for a while."

Xiao Yuchen acknowledged, "You're suggesting Jingyi take up that position?"

Tang Shuyi took a sip of tea, "Yes, but it ultimately depends on Jingyi's wishes. We cannot force him if he's unwilling."

Xiao Yuchen frowned in thought, "I believe it's better to discuss this with Jingyi sooner. This way, he'd know what he needs to learn and prepare for. You and father can then openly cultivate him to be a true wise ruler."

He referred to a 'true wise ruler' because the current emperor, despite proclaiming himself as such, acted in ways that were both dark and ruthless.

Tang Shuyi listened to his words, nodded thoughtfully, and felt a surge of relief. Her eldest son had truly grown up. She smiled and said, "It seems that your journey has broadened your horizons considerably."

"Yes, my son has met many people and experienced many things during his travels. I've come to understand a lot of truths," said Xiao Yuchen, his eyes shining with clarity as he spoke.

Seeing this, Tang Shuyi's happiness grew. She said, "One gains an understanding of human relationships and clarity about the world through experience. You're doing very well now."

Flushed with modesty from the praise, Xiao Yuchen said, "I've learned the most from my mother."

Tang Shuyi burst into laughter, "Well, your sweet talk has certainly improved a lot."

Xiao Yuchen joined in the laughter. Just then, the curtain was drawn, and Xiao Huai walked in. "I heard your laughter from outside. What's the happy occasion?"

"A happy occasion indeed," Tang Shuyi replied. "Our family's heir is about to be betrothed."

Xiao Huai sat down, looked at Tang Shuyi, and inquired, "Have you settled things with the Lady of Old Ritual Marquis?"

Tang Shuyi nodded, "Yes, I'll visit Chongguang Temple tomorrow to have the abbot match the betrothal horoscopes."

"The weather is cold; let me go instead," offered Xiao Huai.

"Alright."

Seeing his parents conversing joyfully, Xiao Yuchen stood up and said, "I'll return to my studies."

Tang Shuyi nodded, "Don't overwork yourself."

"I know, Mother."

As Xiao Yuchen left, Xiao Huai coughed slightly and pulled out an exquisitely small box, placing it before Tang Shuyi, "A gift for my wife."

Tang Shuyi hadn't expected a gift and was momentarily startled. Then she opened the box and found a set of emerald jewelry inside. A necklace, earrings, and a hairpin lay there, emitting a soft green glow, exceedingly beautiful.

No woman could resist the allure of jewels, and Tang Shuyi was no exception. An involuntary smile spread across her face, "Marquis, you have exquisite taste."

Seeing her delight, Xiao Huai was also pleased, "I'm glad you like it."

"I like it very much," Tang Shuyi admired the jewelry for a moment longer before closing the lid. Then she looked at Xiao Huai and said, "Thank you, Marquis."

Xiao Huai waved his hand dismissively, "There's no need for such formalities between us."

Tang Shuyi chuckled again; some things were understood without needing to be spelled out.

Early the next morning, Xiao Huai rode to Chongguang Temple. Upon arrival, he met with the abbot and presented the birth charts of Xiao Yuchen and Princess Jianing. After some calculations, the abbot declared, "A match blessed with prosperity, fortune, and double happiness. An excellent matrimonial union."

Xiao Huai, elated by the news, laughed heartily, thanked the abbot, and then proceeded to the Changming Hall to replenish the oil in the everlasting lamp he had lit before departing. Upon his return, Tang Shuyi was informed that the couple's birth charts were highly compatible, and she immediately sent word to the Lady of Old Ritual Marquis. Naturally, the Lady had the birth charts matched on her side as well, yielding the same excellent result.

With the birth charts aligned, the next step was to formally propose marriage. A matchmaker was required for the proposal, and as Tang Shuyi pondered over a suitable candidate, the Imperial Consort arrived at her doorstep. Tang Shuyi hurried to greet her, and they entered the house together.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, the Imperial Consort said, "I hear you've decided on a match between Yuchen and Jianing?"

Tang Shuyi inwardly noted Xiao Huai's swift communication but replied with a smile, "Yes, the two children are fated for each other."

She recounted the incident where Xiao Yuchen and Princess Jianing had encountered bandits together. The Imperial Consort responded, "Indeed, they are fated. Jianing is a good girl. How about I serve as their matchmaker?"

Tang Shuyi's eyes lit up at the suggestion, "That would be wonderful."

Indeed, it was wonderful. Having the Imperial Consort as the matchmaker would undoubtedly signify their high regard for Princess Jianing. Moreover, regardless of his private thoughts, the Emperor outwardly respected the Imperial Consort. With her as the matchmaker, the Emperor would need a solid reason should he wish to interfere.

"Very well, it's settled then. Let me know once you've chosen an auspicious day."

The Imperial Consort's current involvement with the Dingguo Duke's mansion was an enigma. Just yesterday, Xiao Huai had stealthily visited the royal mansion and rummaged through the storeroom, eventually taking a set of jewelry. She knew at a glance that it was meant for Tang Shuyi.

She wasn't displeased; her son had become Xiao Huai and could no longer marry anyone else. If he and Tang Shuyi were to live harmoniously together, the Imperial Consort thought it would be quite satisfactory.

With the matchmaker decided, Tang Shuyi immediately sought an auspicious day for the formal proposal. Fortunately, a suitable day was just two days away, so she began to prepare the betrothal gifts.

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