Chapter 3

Chapter 3

Without a second thought, Empress Dowager Zhaoyu snapped, "What nonsense are you spouting!"

"If you want to marry, there are countless good men in the world for you to choose from. But what kind of suitable match is Xie Qingya? A frivolous playboy who spends his days chasing after women. If it weren't for my momentary lapse of judgment back then, I wouldn't have agreed to this marriage. Even Bao Zhu, I wouldn't have been willing to let her marry him."

She really didn't want to say more.

Empress Dowager Zhaoyu held Xu Duanyi's hand and spoke softly to her, "I know what's on your mind. You don't need to worry about this matter. I will handle it myself."

"How does Aunt intend to handle it?" Xu Duanyi asked calmly.

Empress Dowager Zhaoyu fell silent. She hadn't figured it out yet.

Bao Zhu was foolish to have done such a reckless thing. Although the matter hasn't spread far, rumors are already swirling.

The old ministers from the previous emperor's reign and the court officials who have always been dissatisfied with her rule are now submitting memorials daily, asking how the marriage between the Xiao family and Prince Nan'an's mansion will be handled. Why are there rumors outside that the Xiao family wants to cancel this marriage?

She had initially planned to select a few suitable women to bestow upon Xie Qingya and grant his younger sister the title of Princess Shuyi to gloss over the matter, but it still didn't feel right.

If Bao Zhu's entanglement with Liu Xun were exposed, where would the face of the Xiao family be?

And where would her own face be?

Although Cao Da is a scoundrel, he was right about one thing.

The only way to turn things around and salvage the situation now is to arrange a better marriage for Xie Qingya.

But looking across the Great Xia Dynasty, how many people can surpass Bao Zhu?

Only a few daughters left by the imperial relatives from the previous emperor's reign.

But these people, how could they easily replace Bao Zhu in marriage?

If she were to do this, those censors would likely submit more memorials, spitting venom or kneeling in front of the Huangji Gate.

No matter how inappropriate it might be, she couldn't bear to send Zhaozhao off to Prince Nan'an's mansion and had never even considered it.

"No matter how it's handled, this matter has nothing to do with you. You don't need to worry about it."

Xu Duanyi asked gently, "Why doesn't Aunt want me to marry?"

Empress Dowager Zhaoyu glared at her, "Why do you think?"

She thought Zhaozhao must be confused today to not understand such a simple matter.

Xu Duanyi, however, smiled and wrapped her arm around Empress Dowager Zhaoyu's, even resting her head on her shoulder.

Such an intimate gesture, only Xu Duanyi had done in all these years.

Empress Dowager Zhaoyu's heart softened instantly, as if she saw the image of her younger sister from her youth.

She couldn't help but gently stroke Xu Duanyi's head.

Xu Duanyi whispered, "I know Aunt has my best interests at heart, but in this world, there is no one I wish to marry. If I must marry someday, why not marry Prince Nan'an now?"

"Although Prince Nan'an may sometimes act foolishly, the Prince Nan'an's mansion has a simple household. If I go there, I won't have to deal with in-laws or sister-in-law drama."

Xu Duanyi's voice softened as she spoke the latter part.

If possible, she only wished that the Prince Nan'an's mansion had more people. If Uncle Xie and the others were still around, how could Xie Qingya have turned out like this?

In her heart, he was always the dazzling sun from their youth.

He should have been brilliant and smooth all his life.

She didn't let anyone notice her distress, still lowering her eyelids, and softly said, "There's already enough gossip from the previous dynasty. If I marry Prince Nan'an, the issue with Bao Zhu can be settled."

"You can't really let her die."

Empress Dowager Zhaoyu naturally couldn't stand it.

Although Bao Zhu wasn't as pleasing or delightful as Zhaozhao, she still had the blood of the Xiao family. She couldn't let her seek death over such a matter.

"But how am I supposed to explain this to your mother? If she knew, she would surely blame me." Empress Dowager Zhaoyu always felt guilty when mentioning Xu Duanyi's mother.

Xu Duanyi looked a lot like her mother.

With willow-like eyebrows and almond-shaped eyes.

But compared to that ill-fated woman, compared to the timidity hidden beneath her gentle kindness, Xu Duanyi was more composed and calm.

At that moment, she still smiled warmly and reassured Empress Dowager Zhaoyu, "Mother wouldn't blame you. This is the path I chose. If mother were alive, she would agree."

Empress Dowager Zhaoyu silently stroked Xu Duanyi's head and didn't speak for a while.

After a long while, she finally said, "Let me think about it."

Xu Duanyi said okay.

After that, they didn't talk about it anymore.

But this matter couldn't wait for Empress Dowager Zhaoyu to think for too long.

The next morning, many people submitted memorials, directly stating that they had seen the Xiao family's daughter being very close with the top scholar, and even directly stating that they wanted to break off the engagement with Prince Nan'an, asking Empress Dowager Zhaoyu if this was true?

Now, Empress Dowager Zhaoyu was no longer behind the curtain listening to politics as before, but the young emperor was still inexperienced, and all matters were still arranged and handled by her first.

Early in the morning, Cao Da had people send many memorials.

Empress Dowager Zhaoyu read one and got angry with each, finally throwing all the memorials to the ground in a fit of rage, causing all the palace servants in Shoukang Palace to kneel on the ground in fear, not daring to make a sound.

It was Xu Duanyi who bent down to pick up those memorials, then sorted them one by one and placed them in front of Empress Dowager Zhaoyu.

"Aunt."

Xu Duanyi squatted in front of Empress Dowager Zhaoyu, gently holding her hand, looking up at her.

Empress Dowager Zhaoyu was still angry, hearing this, she lowered her eyes to look at her.

After a long silence.

Empress Dowager Zhaoyu finally placed her hand on Xu Duanyi's head, gently rubbed it, then twisted the string of dark green jade beads in her hand, twisted it all the way around, and then closed her eyes and shouted, "Go call the emperor over!"

Someone immediately went to carry out the order.

Xu Duanyi knew that her aunt had agreed, but for a moment, she felt at a loss.

She was so infatuated; if he knew about this, what would he think? Would he despise her?

He...

Did he still remember her?

Even if he didn’t remember her, it didn’t matter—she wouldn’t bother him anyway.

*

The morning audience had already ended.

The young emperor, Liu Xie, only kept this year's top scholar, Mei Xuezheng, now an editor in the Hanlin Academy, by his side to serve.

The Hanlin Academy editor held a rank of sixth grade, primarily responsible for compiling records, daily documentation of the emperor's words and deeds, lecturing on classics and history to the emperor, and drafting ceremonial documents.

So, Mei Xuezheng’s presence by the emperor’s side naturally didn’t raise any eyebrows.

Liu Xie was sixteen this year.

But years of constant fear and anxiety since childhood had left him frail and sickly.

His complexion was far paler than most, and his frame was much slimmer.

But today, he was truly happy.

With no one else around and Mei Xuezheng as his trusted confidant, Liu Xie didn’t hold back his joy, letting it show plainly on his face: "The ministers are furious; it seems the marriage between the Xiao family and my cousin is surely off!"

"This is good, very good. My cousin has been undercover for years; I was only afraid he might be exposed, and all our years of planning would be ruined."

Mei Xuezheng was also happy.

However, being older, he had anticipated such an outcome.

Though he was happy, he wasn’t as overjoyed as the young emperor, and a hint of doubt lingered in his mind.

The number of ministers who were furious this time was indeed too many, exceeding what he and Qingya had originally expected.

He wondered what other forces might be pulling strings behind the scenes, stirring the pot.

But the emperor was too young and couldn't handle such matters, so he couldn't discuss these things with him, lest he become anxious and lose sleep.

Just as he was about to comfort him a few more words, suddenly someone outside announced: "Your Majesty, the Empress Dowager summons you."

Upon hearing this, the previously smiling young emperor immediately became nervous, his face turning pale.

"Lord Mei, what... what should I do?" He was terrified, fearing that Empress Dowager Zhaoyu knew this was related to him, and even more afraid that she knew about his secret plans with his cousin.

He was so scared that he began to tremble.

Mei Xuezheng also didn't expect that at this time, Empress Dowager Zhaoyu would send someone to summon them.

He quickly ran through everything in his mind.

Ensuring that no one knew about his and Qingya's actions, Empress Dowager Zhaoyu couldn't possibly know anything.

"Your Majesty, don't be afraid. You know nothing, and the Empress Dowager knows nothing either. You just need to go as usual, be obedient, and speak less."

Seeing the young emperor still trembling with fear.

Mei Xuezheng felt helpless, but he also knew what the young emperor had endured over the years under the control of Empress Dowager Zhaoyu and Cao Da.

He could only keep soothing him gently: "With me and Qingya here, no one can harm you. You just need to act as you always have, just play dumb."

Finally, he succeeded in calming the young emperor.

The Palace of Longevity and Health was where Empress Dowager Zhaoyu resided. As an outsider, Mei Xuezheng naturally couldn't enter. Fortunately, the young emperor's attendant, Xiao Guizi, was the son of Xie Qingya's mother, who had once served under Your Highness. He was loyal, intelligent, and quick-witted.

Xiao Guizi, being clever, immediately stepped forward with a bow when he exchanged glances with Mei Xuezheng.

"Your Majesty, allow me to help you out."

Before Liu Xie stood up, he glanced at Mei Xuezheng beside him.

Seeing Mei Xuezheng smile and nod at him, he took a deep breath and, stiffly, let himself be helped out.

Not knowing why Empress Dowager Zhaoyu had suddenly summoned the emperor, Mei Xuezheng felt it inappropriate to leave and thus remained in the hall to wait.

...

Half an hour later.

The young emperor entered the Palace of Longevity and Health.

Except for Danfeng, who attended to the Empress Dowager, the others served tea to the emperor and then left.

The young emperor still sat with his head bowed.

From Empress Dowager Zhaoyu's perspective, she could only see his pale face, tightly pursed lips, tense posture, and his hands clasped tightly together.

Just one glance made Empress Dowager Zhaoyu feel irritated.

If only her Qi'er were still around, she wouldn't have to support such an incompetent figure.

"Did you hear what the censors said during this morning's court session?" she asked coldly.

Liu Xie knew what she was referring to and dared not claim ignorance. He quickly nodded and said he had heard.

"What do you think?" Empress Dowager Zhaoyu asked him.

Liu Xie stammered, "...Your son, your son doesn't know."

This response sparked Empress Dowager Zhaoyu's anger again: "You don't know, you don't know! Is this how you rule as an emperor? How can I trust you with the Great Xia Dynasty!"

Seeing her anger, Liu Xie became even more fearful.

Helpless, he stood up and said, "Mother, Mother, please don't be angry."

Danfeng also hurriedly comforted her.

Empress Dowager Zhaoyu was persuaded to take a sip of tea to calm her anger before speaking in a deep voice: "I have already drafted the decree. You will have it delivered to Prince Nan'an's mansion later."

Danfeng handed the decree over.

Liu Xie opened it and, upon seeing its contents,

his eyes widened in shock. Unable to steady his emotions, he exclaimed in surprise, "Mother, are you marrying Sister Yi to Prince Nan'an?!"

Empress Dowager Zhaoyu narrowed her eyes at him: "Do you have any objections?"

Liu Xie didn't dare say anything.

After all the planning he and his cousin had done to sever the marriage ties with the Xiao family, only to have it all fall apart in an instant, what else could he say? His mind was in a daze, unable to think of anything, so he could only mumble, "No."

Empress Dowager Zhaoyu was dissatisfied with his attitude and was about to speak when Danfeng, having received Xu Duanyi's instructions beforehand, spoke up first.

"Your Majesty must be utterly shocked, after all, the one Prince Nan'an is marrying this time is Your Highness's most cherished sister."

"Not just Your Majesty, if this news spreads, which court official would dare to utter a single word? They would all be dumbfounded and then praise Your Highness's wisdom."

Liu Xie also came to his senses and hurriedly bowed his head, saying, "Aunt Danfeng is correct, I, your son, am indeed shocked. I never thought Mother would be willing to marry Sister Yi to Prince Nan'an..."

His heart was in turmoil, but he didn't dare show it.

Fortunately, Empress Dowager Zhaoyu didn't feel like saying much more to him. After giving her orders, she dismissed him.

Liu Xie hurriedly took the edict, bid farewell to Empress Dowager Zhaoyu, and left. Just outside, he ran into Xu Duanyi, who had just returned from the kitchen.

"Your Majesty."

Xu Duanyi stopped and called out to him softly.

"Sister Yi?"

Seeing Xu Duanyi, Liu Xie quickly stopped as well.

He still held the imperial edict in his hand, wanting to ask Xu Duanyi if she knew about the marriage. But considering their current situation, he forced a smile and changed his words: "...Congratulations, Sister."

Xu Duanyi knew what he was congratulating her on, but she could also see the anxiety in his brow.

She sighed silently to herself.

The little brother who used to follow her and Xie Qingya, always calling her "Sister," had finally grown distant from her.

Xu Duanyi knew the reason, but there was nothing she could say.

"Knowing that Your Majesty was coming, I specially had someone prepare snow pear bird's nest soup and the plum blossom cakes you love. Since Your Majesty is about to leave, please take them back with you."

After saying this, Xu Duanyi had Bixi hand the food box to Xiao Guizi, who was by Liu Xie's side.

"Thank you, Sister Yi..."

Liu Xie forced a smile, not looking at the food box, and just had Xiao Guizi take it before leaving with his entourage.

Xu Duanyi turned back under her umbrella, watching the young emperor walk away before continuing forward.

"Your Majesty's expression just now seemed a bit off," Bixi whispered beside her.

Xu Duanyi walked forward through the snow, only replying, "No need to say more."

Bixi responded, "Yes."

Xu Duanyi slowly walked along the path.

The sound of her shoes crunching on the snow was faint.

She knew that over the years, her aunt and Cao Da had always been worried, fearing that Xie Qingya's current playboy demeanor was just an act.

After thinking carefully these past few days...

She figured they might try to plant someone close to Xie Qingya.

Even though Prince Nan'an's mansion has seen better days,

after all, it was once the residence of Prince Nan'an and the Grand Princess, Your Highness, and those who remain are still loyal. It’s not easy to just slip someone in.

So, using marriage to plant someone is the best way.

She isn’t sure if Xie Qingya is faking it or has really changed, but if someone has to be by his side, she’d rather it be her.

But she also doesn’t know... if Xie Qingya is really faking it, and one day he and her aunt end up as enemies.

What would she do then?

Who should she side with?