Chapter 344: Imperial Edict for Marriage

Chapter 344: Imperial Edict for Marriage

Mo Jiuye continued to walk ahead of Fei Nanyu and his entourage, maintaining a respectful distance while pondering the conversation they had just had.

Logically, preparing gifts could be easily delegated to the steward of the mansion.

Yet, Nan Qi had personally instructed Fei Nanyu to prepare them. Anyone with a bit of sense would find this suspicious.

Mo Jiuye knew Nan Qi well. He was not a man of integrity; back when Mo Jiuye served as his companion in studies, Nan Qi barely wanted to read if it meant being outshone by him.

Mo Jiuye had always adhered to his duties as a minister, even deliberately underperforming in exams to give Nan Qi a sense of superiority.

Now that Fei Nanyu was by his side, if he did not keep a low profile, it would be hard for Nan Qi not to feel threatened.

It seemed Fei Nanyu's days were filled with trepidation.

However, Mo Jiuye wondered why, with Fei Mama as a witness, Fei Nanyu had not revealed his true identity as a prince.

Of course, these were merely thoughts in Mo Jiuye's mind; he had no intention of getting involved in such struggles.

Moreover, although Fei Nanyu seemed capable now, who knew what he might become once he ascended to power?

While Mo Jiuye did not wish to interact much with Fei Nanyu, he had heard that the Ninth Prince was celebrating his birthday soon.

If he could use Fei Nanyu to gain entry into the Nine Princes' Mansion, wouldn't it be safer than risking their lives to deliver Xiao Bai?

After much deliberation, Mo Jiuye decided to visit the Fei Mansion at night to meet Fei Nanyu.

For now, finding Mr. Si Meng was more important than worrying about future changes.

With this decision made, Mo Jiuye quickened his pace towards the Nine Princes' Mansion.

Despite not being favored by Emperor Shunwu, the Ninth Prince was still a prince, and his mansion was luxurious and not far from the palace.

Mo Jiuye's family used to pass by there on their way to court.

He intended to head straight to the Nine Princes' Mansion, but unexpectedly, another incident occurred along the way.

A group of people approached from the direction of the palace, led by an eunuch holding a bright yellow imperial edict, galloping towards them.

From the eunuch's smiling lips, it was clear someone was receiving good news.

Behind the group, countless citizens followed at a distance, as the eunuch rode while the commoners walked, quickly falling behind.

Despite this, the curious crowd persisted, moving towards the eunuch, whispering among themselves.

"I heard the Emperor granted marriage between Lady Yu and the eldest son of Minister He. That group must be heading to Minister He's residence to deliver the edict."

Upon hearing "Minister He," Mo Jiuye stopped abruptly.

This Minister He was his father-in-law.

The eldest son of Minister He was his beloved brother-in-law.

Although his wife rarely mentioned her family, their actions during their exile—when his parents-in-law risked everything to catch up and provide financial support—proved they cared deeply for Ranran.

Since it involved his father-in-law, Mo Jiuye felt compelled to investigate.

Speaking of Lady Yu, Mo Jiuye was not unfamiliar with her.

She was the youngest daughter of the Ninth Prince, pampered since birth.

However, Lady Yu was known for her arrogance and tyranny. Everyone in the Imperial City knew she was domineering, only refraining from provoking the children of Emperor Shunwu.

The Ninth Prince, though low-key, indulged his daughter. He never stopped her misdeeds and always helped resolve any trouble she caused.

Indeed, the Ninth Prince's most public appearances were often to settle his daughter's affairs.

Such a haughty woman marrying his brother-in-law would likely bring no peace to the He Mansion.

Mo Jiuye wondered why Emperor Shunwu would grant marriage between two individuals of such different statuses.

To understand the situation better, he mingled with the crowd and asked someone nearby:

"Brother, do you know how the marriage between Lady Yu and the eldest son of Minister He came about?"

Fortunately, Mo Jiuye had asked the right person.

The man was full of gossip and knew something about the matter.

Seeing someone inquire, he felt a surge of superiority and explained in a hushed tone while walking:

"The eldest son of Minister He recently passed the imperial examinations and became a third-place laureate. Lady Yu saw him during the parade.

Everyone in the Imperial City knows Lady Yu likes handsome men, and the eldest son of Minister He is incredibly attractive. She took a liking to him immediately.

The Ninth Prince dotes on Lady Yu. If she wants the stars, he won't give her the moon.

Lady Yu set her sights on the eldest son of Minister He, so the Ninth Prince will surely find a way to make it happen."

As he spoke, the man shook his head and sighed:

"Pity. Such an excellent young man will likely have a difficult life ahead..."

Mo Jiuye understood the situation and felt worried for his brother-in-law.

Marrying Lady Yu was like inviting a tyrant into the family. The He Mansion would likely face turbulent times.

At the same time, he also thought of He Zhiran.

If she were in the Imperial City, how would she handle such an incident happening to her family?

From his understanding of his wife, He Zhiran would definitely find a way to stop this marriage, even if it were decreed by the Emperor.

Since he had encountered this situation, he could not just stand idly by.

Of course, he was well aware that he could not prevent today’s imperial decree from being carried out.

After all, it was only a decree for engagement; Princess Yu would not be moving in immediately. He still had time to resolve this matter.

Lost in thought, Mo Jiuye arrived at the residence of Minister He before the crowd of commoners did.

At this moment, the gates of the Minister’s residence were wide open, with horses parked to one side.

Two servants knelt respectfully toward the courtyard.

Mo Jiuye knew that at this moment, the official delivering the decree had already begun reading it aloud.

He had arrived relatively quickly, so there weren’t many onlookers gathered yet at the Minister’s residence. It was easy for him to find a spot with a good view.

The stone walls at the entrance of the Minister’s residence blocked the view from outside, but they did not hinder Mo Jiuye’s hearing.

He could hear the eunuch inside saying, “Congratulations to the eldest son of the He family. Please receive the decree!”

Logically, an imperial decree for marriage should be a joyous occasion for a minister, but Mo Jiuye did not detect any hint of joy in his brother-in-law’s voice.

“The humble servant thanks His Majesty for his grace.”

This tone made one feel as if someone had died, filled with sorrow and suppression, indicating how disappointed the He family was with this marriage.

The official delivering the decree understood very well that this was not a good match, but as a representative of the Emperor, he had to stand on the Emperor’s side. Even if he sympathized with the He family, he could not show it.