Chapter 300: Truly Twisted

Chapter 300: Truly Twisted

The Emperor's objection to the marriage between Xiao Yuxchen and Princess Jianing stemmed from the fact that Princess Jianing was a legitimate princess of the royal lineage, and a full sibling of the Duke's heir.

Even though the Duke's estate was far in the feudal lands and held little power in the capital, their wealth and status remained substantial. The Emperor did not wish to give the Duke of Dingguo's household any additional leverage at this time.

Therefore, upon hearing of Xiao Yuxchen's intended betrothal to Princess Jianing, he promptly summoned the Duke, hoping the Duke would reject the proposal. As a wise ruler, he naturally could not ruin a marital alliance himself. And since the Duke was a shameless rake and Jianing's father, it seemed only fitting for him to be the one to refuse.

However, to his surprise, the Duke declined, even mentioning that the matchmaker was the Imperial Dowager. Under such circumstances, the marriage was impossible to annul. Thus, he might as well play the benevolent ruler and bestow the marriage upon Princess Jianing and Xiao Yuxchen.

Now without options, nor wishing to fall out with Xiao Huai,

After sending the Duke away, the Emperor ordered the drafting of the imperial edict, then sent Jiao Kangsheng to the Duke of Dingguo's estate and the Duke's estate to announce the decree. Clutching the two edicts, Jiao Kangsheng exited the imperial palace, sighing to himself about the Emperor's twisted ways.

If he didn't want the Duke of Dingguo's household to be allied with the Duke's household, a direct imperial edict would have sufficed. Instead, he insisted on having the Duke come and do the refusal himself. Seeing the matter fall through, he twistedly issued the marital edict. Just thinking about it gave him a headache.

Xiao Huai and Xiao Yuxchen had just returned to their estate from the Duke's and were about to discuss the proposal with Tang Shuyi. But before they could begin, Steward Zhao hurried over, saying, "Lord, Madam, there is an imperial edict."

Tang Shuyi and Xiao Huai both frowned upon hearing this, and Xiao Yuxchen gripped his hands tightly, while Xiao Yuming and Xiao Yuzhu's faces were clouded with gloom. An imperial edict at this time—surely the Emperor wasn't planning to obstruct the marriage.

Tang Shuyi and Xiao Huai exchanged glances and stood up; if the Emperor truly intended to obstruct the marriage, they would have to fight it with all their might. With this thought, the two of them walked out, followed quickly by their three children.

Upon reaching the front courtyard hall, they saw Jiao Kangsheng seated inside, sipping tea. Upon their arrival, he quickly stood up and greeted with a smile, “My respects to the Duke and Duchess.”

Tang Shuyi and Xiao Huai noticed his demeanor and felt somewhat reassured. Xiao Huai gestured, "No need for formalities, sir."

Jiao Kangsheng straightened up and then said with a smile, "Congratulations to the Duke, Duchess, and Young Master Xiao. His Majesty has sent me to deliver the imperial decree."

Hearing this, Tang Shuyi and Xiao Huai, though puzzled, were relieved. Xiao Yuxin, who had been anxious, also relaxed. The family knelt down as Jiao Kangsheng began to read the imperial decree and continued with his congratulations. The hearts of Tang Shuyi and the others were finally at ease.

Jiao Kangsheng had another decree to announce at the Duke's residence and after exchanging a few pleasantries with Xiao Huai, he departed, leaving the family exchanging glances. Xiao Yuming wondered, "Has the Emperor changed his ways?"

Tang Shuyi pondered and replied, “Perhaps he realized he couldn't stop the marriage, so he decided to go with the flow and play the good guy.”

The siblings exchanged glances at her words, their expressions indescribable. This Emperor truly had a complicated way of handling things.

"Regardless, this is a joyous occasion. Let's celebrate," Tang Shuyi said with a smile.

Xiao Yuzhu sidled up to Tang Shuyi, grinning, “Mother, I want to eat hot pot.”

Tang Shuyi readily agreed, “Alright, we’ll have hot pot for dinner.”

Xiao Yuzhu then turned to Xiao Huai and said, “Father, Mother has been craving venison for a long time.”

Xiao Huai looked at Tang Shuyi with a smile, “If my wife wishes it, I shall hunt a couple of deer for her.”

Tang Shuyi was torn between laughter and tears, yet she replied, “Thank you, my lord.”

“My lady need not be so formal with me,” Xiao Huai said.

The three siblings watched their parents, wondering if they had reconciled or not with such courteous yet harmonious interaction.

At that moment, Xiao Huai turned to leave, asking his sons, “Will you join me?”

Xiao Yuxin and Xiao Yuming hurriedly followed him out, with Xiao Yuzhu shouting from behind, “Second brother, bring back a leopard!”

Xiao Yuming: “…” You sure have high expectations of me.

Without pausing, he strode forward while Tang Shuyi and Xiao Yuzhu laughed heartily behind him.

Back at the Duke's residence, upon returning home, the Duke immediately had the house physician treat the wound on his forehead. He thought to himself that he must show that wretched girl the ordeal he endured for her sake.

But just as his wound was being dressed, the steward came in to report, “My lord, there’s an imperial decree from the palace.”

Prince Duan huffed heavily before rising and walking out. In the front hall, he saw that Princess Jianing and Li Jinghao had already arrived. He stood before the princess, pointing at his forehead, "Look at this! This is the hardship I've endured for you."

Princess Jianing was at a loss for words. She said, "Father, Eunuch Jiao is still waiting for the imperial edict. Can we discuss your injury later?"

Prince Duan huffed again and then turned to Jiao Kangsheng, "Proceed with the decree."

Jiao Kangsheng was equally speechless, having heard of Prince Duan's recklessness and now witnessing it firsthand. Thankfully, the two children seemed well.

After Prince Duan and the siblings knelt down, Jiao Kangsheng began reading the imperial edict and then departed. Prince Duan stood up, turned to Princess Jianing, and said, "Come to the study with me; I have words for you."

With an air of accusation, Li Jinghao hurriedly stepped in front of his sister, "Whatever you wish to say, Father, say it here."

Prince Duan, treated as though he were a thief by his own son, was so enraged he wanted to strangle him. But remembering this son was all he had left, he restrained himself, retorting, "As if I would devour her."

Li Jinghao looked as if he truly believed his father might 'devour' his sister, which nearly made Prince Duan burst into laughter.

"Jinghao, I'm fine. You go back to your courtyard," said the Princess Jianing, offering him a reassuring look, then followed Prince Duan to his study.

No sooner had they sat down than Prince Duan rattled off the events that had transpired in the imperial study, then said, "For your marriage's sake, I've suffered greatly. You must never speak of... of cuckoldry again."

Princess Jianing couldn't help but find humor in the situation; her father and the emperor truly were brothers, both lacking in decorum. But she had benefited from the situation and decided to console her father.

She rose and curtsied, "Thank you, Father, for your protection. I remember all your kindness. As long as you refrain from harming my brother and me, I shall not speak of what you ask."

Prince Duan pointed at her, "Aside from your mother, there aren't many wise heads in the Li household. I know I'm not the cleverest, but whom do you take after, I wonder?"

Princess Jianing replied, "Perhaps I take after our grandfather."

Prince Duan huffed heavily once more, then left the study to tend to his injuries.