Chapter 422: A Proposal Is Made

Chapter 422: A Proposal Is Made

The race between Qi Er and Dai Lan concluded with Dai Lan's victory. In a low voice, Yan Wu teased Qi Er, "You're quite the gentleman, intentionally letting her win."

Qi Er was silent...

He had truly lost.

Xiao Yuzhu, however, did not question Dai Lan. Given the Prince of Yong's unique status, Dai Lan's marital arrangements were complex. Dai Lan asking for her advice was one thing; Xiao Yuzhu interfering on her own was another. After the race, Dai Lan returned home in high spirits without inquiring further.

Back at her own home, Xiao Yuzhu recounted the day's events at the racecourse to Tang Shuyi and Xiao Huai, focusing particularly on the matter between Dai Lan and Qi Er.

Upon hearing this, Tang Shuyi commented, "Dai Lan seems forthright, yet she's quite calculating. She and Qi Er could be a good match, but it ultimately depends on the elder Qi's decision."

Xiao Huai hummed in agreement, "A marital alliance with the Qi family is preferable to one with the imperial family for the Prince of Yong."

The Prince of Yong seeks a certain stature in the court. Most of the imperial clan are idle and lack significant power. But Qi Liangsheng is already in the cabinet; his influence is naturally incomparable to those idle clan members. Most importantly, Qi Liangsheng shares their camp and is absolutely loyal to the Emperor.

An alliance under such circumstances would be a win-win for both the Prince of Yong and them.

Thus, it's clear that while Dai Lan is straightforward, her mind is far from simple. She knows well what she should and shouldn't do.

Upon returning to the Prince of Yong's residence, Dai Lan said to her father, "Father, I've taken a liking to a young master from the Qi family. Please go and propose on my behalf."

The Prince of Yong was taken aback, "Which Qi family?"

Dai Lan pondered for a moment, "Xiao Yuzhu mentioned that his father is some great official in the cabinet."

The Prince of Yong was startled again, then asked, "Qi Liangsheng?"

Dai Lan shook her head, "I don't know the name of the Qi official, but the young master is on good terms with Xiao Yuming."

The Prince of Yong mulled over the information he had collected, eventually deducing that the young master his daughter referred to must be the son of Qi Liangsheng. He paced back and forth in the room, reviewed what he knew about Qi Liangsheng, and then said with a smile, "Very well, excellent!"

Xiadailan also broke into laughter, "If you think it's suitable, then hurry and propose."

King Yong remarked, "A girl must be reserved; since when do women take the initiative to propose to a man?"

Xiadailan grew anxious, "Then what should we do?"

She genuinely found Young Master Qi to be quite admirable.

"You don't need to worry about it. I will look into the Qi family's situation and have someone send them a message," King Yong said.

Marriage is about joining two families in harmony. They must feel it's a good match, and so should the other party. Otherwise, it could spell disaster.

………

Li Jingyi was also promptly informed of today's events at the horse grounds. Hearing that Qi Er and Xiadailan got along well, he said, "If the two of them were to be wed, it would indeed be a fine match."

King Yong was once a prince of the Rouli Kingdom. Now that Rouli has been annexed by the Great Qian, he has become an official of the Great Qian. It's natural for him to lack a sense of security and want to establish a firm foothold. As long as King Yong harbors no ill will, there is no need for deliberate vigilance against him.

"The servants also report that the eldest son of the Fan family seems to have... peculiar intentions towards Princess Kang Le."

Ye Deb carefully recounted the day's events at the horse grounds, only to feel the room grow significantly colder. Looking up, he saw the young monarch's face overcast, his hand gripping the pen tightly, veins bulging.

After a long while, he heard him say, "I've heard that Lord Fan has come to the capital. Send a decree, I wish to see him."

Ye Deb's face showed his conflict; he wanted to offer some advice. These heads of the great family clans were no ordinary people; dealing with them required utmost caution.

The Emperor, though intelligent, was still young. How could he outmaneuver those old sages in their sixties and seventies? But with the Emperor in a fit of anger, advising him would likely be in vain.

"Hurry up!" Li Jingyi, seeing him standing there motionless, urged him on. Ye Deb promptly responded with respect and then arranged for the decree to be sent.

But Li Jingyi was still restless. He stood up and said, "Change clothes, we're going to Duke Dingguo's residence."

Ye Deb immediately followed him to the sleeping quarters to change into common attire, then they discreetly left the imperial palace. Arriving at Duke Dingguo's residence, the guards did not recognize them. Ye Deb whispered, "We are from the palace."

Upon hearing this, the guard hurried to fetch Steward Zhao. When Steward Zhao arrived and saw that it was the reigning Emperor, he immediately knelt to pay his respects. Li Jingyi looked at him and said, "Rise, I am merely out for a walk. There's no need to announce my arrival; just lead me directly to Duke Dingguo and my teacher."

Steward Zhao dared not refuse and quickly led the way to Shi An Garden, carefully mentioning along the way, "The Duke has no engagements today and has been in the madam's courtyard."

Li Jingyi smiled, "I am aware."

He had witnessed the affection between his master and his wife; he always envied and aspired to such a life, which is why he had no desire to participate in the selection of consorts and wished only for Yu Zhu.

Soon they arrived at Shi An Garden. The guards outside, recognizing the Emperor’s arrival, quickly went inside to report. Tang Shuyi and Xiao Huai were painting together when they heard of the Emperor's visit. They were initially taken aback, then hurried out to greet him, only to find Emperor Li Jingyi already waiting in the courtyard. Just as they were about to bow, the Emperor had already paid his respects to them.

Tang Shuyi said with a helpless smile, "There are differences in rank that should be observed; this must not happen again in the future."

Emperor Li Jingyi just smiled and did not respond. Dressed in his imperial robe, he could receive their salutations, but as a disciple to his master, he felt it proper to bow first.

"It's cold outside, please come in."

Tang Shuyi led Emperor Li Jingyi into the study, signaling Cuiyun to call for Xiao Yuzhu. Without any significant issues in court, it was obvious why the Emperor had suddenly come. Inside the study, Emperor Li Jingyi saw a landscape painting, half-completed, spread across the wide desk.

He approached and pointed to a spot, "This part must be Master’s work."

Tang Shuyi chuckled, "Quite the discerning eye you have."

Emperor Li Jingyi beamed as if he had received high praise and then examined the painting closely, commenting after a while, "Duke Dingguo’s style resembles that of my royal father."

The Carefree King had not been posthumously honored, so he referred to his father as 'royal father'.

"I've always admired the Lord's paintings and have copied many; it has probably become a habit," Xiao Huai spoke calmly.

Emperor Li Jingyi nodded, "In the realm of painting and calligraphy, my father truly deserves his reputation."

Both Tang Shuyi and Xiao Huai nodded in agreement, praising the Carefree King's artistic skills, without showing any sign of flattery. Just then, Xiao Yuzhu hurried over. Tang Shuyi and Xiao Huai continued painting, while Emperor Li Jingyi and Xiao Yuzhu sat on a brocade couch by the window, playing chess and chatting.