Chapter 425: The first time a match-making was so serious yet casual

Chapter 425: The first time a match-making was so serious yet casual

The following day, Master Fan went to visit Master Xie. The Xie family had ties with Duke Ding Guo's household and would know things others might not. Additionally, he sought to understand the true relationship between Duke Ding Guo and the Emperor through this.

After exchanging pleasantries, Master Fan got straight to the point. Master Xie responded, "You and I have been friends for many years, and I will not hide this from you—barring unforeseen events, Duke Ding Guo's legitimate daughter is to become the Empress, and she will be the only one in the Emperor's harem."

Master Fan was momentarily startled. Reflecting on Duke Ding Guo's lack of concubines and the fact that he had supported the current Emperor’s ascent, he understood. It was then that he heard Master Xie inquire, "You have met with the Emperor, haven’t you?"

Master Fan nodded: "I have seen him."

Master Xie asked: "What do you think?"

Master Fan replied: "Barring any surprises, he is likely to be an enlightened ruler for his generation."

Master Xie nodded and then added, "The Emperor, during his youth, was left without guidance in the Cold Palace. By a twist of fate, he became acquainted with the Duchess of Dingguo, who was essentially his first teacher. Have you ever heard of the Duchess's deeds?"

Master Fan said: "I've heard a thing or two."

Even though the Fan family was not previously in the capital, there are always people in the capital. The Fan family was generally aware of most things that transpired there, big or small.

"Setting aside her erudition," Master Xie spoke earnestly, "the Duchess may be a woman, but she is decisive and not without a touch of ruthlessness in her actions. How could an emperor taught by her be anything but strong? And that's not even considering the Duke of Dingguo."

Master Fan was silent for a moment before saying: "Tomorrow, I shall send Fan Li back to Anjin."

Master Xie clapped Master Fan on the back, "An enlightened Emperor is a blessing for us and the people. What does it matter to us how many are in His Majesty's harem? Our families do not need to rely on daughters to ensure our prosperity."

Master Fan nodded, but thought to himself, "Well said, yet didn't your own family secure an early marriage with the Dingguo household? Yet indeed, I have no intention of sending a daughter to the palace, though missing out on the Dingguo Duke's legitimate daughter is truly a pity."

After chatting for a while longer, Master Fan returned home and ordered his eldest son to set out for Anjin on the morrow, not to return to the capital for two years. The eldest son was naturally discontented, but there was no remedy for his dissatisfaction.

The day after the eldest son of the Fan family left the capital, Li Jingyi received the news. He responded with a nonchalant hum, then continued to read through the memorials. After all, he would eliminate any factor that could affect his relationship with Yuzhu.

Tang Shuyi was also quickly informed of this news, including the fact that Li Jingyi had summoned Master Fan to the palace. The connection between these two events was clear at a thought.

She said to Xiao Huai with a laugh: "The Emperor's methods are becoming more systematic. He's now adept at engaging directly with influential figures like Master Fan."

"It's all thanks to the lady's fine teaching," Xiao Huai said.

Tang Shuyi gave him a playful glare, then continued to pore over the ledger in her hands. After a while, she said, "This year, you'll handle the accounts for the Lake Pavilion."

Why should she exhaust herself with such labor? She could look forward to truly retiring and living a life of leisure soon.

Xiao Huai naturally wouldn't refuse, but he wrapped his arms around Tang Shuyi's waist, whispering in her ear: "I want a reward."

Tang Shuyi chuckled, "What kind of reward do you want?"

Xiao Huai whispered in her ear again, provoking a light slap from her.

Outside, Butler Zhao said to Cuicloud and Cuibamboo, “Prince Yong has arrived. Inform the Duke, if you would.”

Cuicloud and Cuibamboo hesitated, glancing towards the study. Through the shadows, they could see their Duke and his wife close together in an intimate embrace. Who would dare to interrupt?

But as Cuicloud's father-in-law, Butler Zhao's word was law, so she steeled herself and went. She paused outside the study and said softly, “Your Grace, my lady, Prince Yong has arrived.”

Tang Shuyi pushed Xiao Huai away, “Hurry up. Who knows, they might even want you to play matchmaker.”

Xiao Huai snorted. He was reluctant—every time he saw Qi Liangsheng, the man wore such a grim face that Xiao Huai hardly wished to deal with him. Tang Shuyi read his mind and said, “You're not allowed to refuse. If you won't go, I'll speak to Old Lady Qi myself.”

Without another word, Xiao Huai stood and made his way to the front hall. As much as he disliked seeing Qi Liangsheng’s sour expression, he had to take on the role of matchmaker. Upon reaching the front hall, he found Prince Yong sipping tea in the parlor. Old acquaintances as they were, they dispensed with most formalities, and Prince Yong got straight to the point.

“How is Qi Da-ren’s second son?” inquired Prince Yong.

Xiao Huai didn’t conceal anything, giving a full account of Qi Er’s situation and concluded, “Though the boy may not excel in letters or arms, he is kind-hearted and responsible.”

Prince Yong grunted in acknowledgment, his information matched what he had gathered. His daughter’s temperament was quite suited to this kind of privileged but idle young master—destined for a life of luxury without worrying about the burdens of family or politics. Moreover, as long as Qi Liangsheng’s position was secure, the marriage would be advantageous.

“Then I’ll trouble you to facilitate this match,” Prince Yong said, bowing slightly.

“Certainly,” Xiao Huai agreed without hesitation, “I will visit the Qi residence tomorrow.”

Pleased, Prince Yong laughed heartily, “I've heard the Lake Pavilion is quite the sight, yet you haven't invited me to enjoy it.”

“The day after tomorrow,” Xiao Huai suggested, “after the morning court, we shall go together.”

With the matter settled, Prince Yong took his leave. Xiao Huai returned to Worldpeace Park to meet Tang Shuyi and said, “Just as expected, he wants me to act as matchmaker.”

Tang Shuyi, looking down at her ledger, replied, “Then you should play your part well. Don’t let any past grievances interfere with the young ones’ marital prospects.”

Xiao Huai felt slightly aggrieved, “It’s him who turns up his nose at me.”

Tang Shuyi looked up with a smile, “Hmm, my grand Duke is magnanimous and won’t stoop to such pettiness.”

Xiao Huai: “………”

Alright, I’ll be magnanimous.

The next day, after breakfast, Xiao Huai went to the Qi residence. Having sent a card ahead, Qi Liangsheng was waiting for him in the hall, his expression impassive. Xiao Huai, recognizing the atmosphere, mirrored the indifference. With neither party inclined to pleasantries, they sat down to a silent, awkward conference.

"He Guang is of marriageable age now, isn't he?" Xiao Huai remarked.

Qi Liangsheng replied, "Indeed, it's time for him to marry."

He was aware of the situation between Qi Er and Xia Dailan, and having asked Qi Er, there were no objections from him.

Xiao Huai inquired, "What do you think of Prince Yong's legitimate daughter?"

Qi Liangsheng: "Quite suitable."

Xiao Huai: "If that's the case, we should compare their birth charts and formally propose marriage."

Qi Liangsheng: "Agreed."

Xiao Huai: "Well then, I'll take my leave."

Qi Liangsheng signaled to the butler to show the guest out. The butler, standing by with a dark expression, had never seen such a serious yet casual marriage negotiation—neither the matchmaker nor the head of the household cracked a smile, yet the match was agreed upon in just a few words.