Chapter 162: Marriage Arrangements.

Chapter 162: Imperial Matrimony.

The Empress Dowager and His Majesty, this imperial mother and son, had an age gap of twenty years. The Empress Dowager had just celebrated her thirty-sixth birthday, and less than a month later, His Majesty turned sixteen.

Commoners usually began discussing marriage at seventeen or eighteen, but those of imperial blood often started earlier.

Especially for an emperor’s imperial wedding, the preparations and arrangements required were extensive, necessitating an early start.

After His Majesty’s sixteenth birthday, everyone’s gaze instinctively turned toward the palace, focusing on the position of the empress.

Some privately speculated that the Empress Dowager might delay His Majesty’s marriage discussions and wedding.

After all, the late emperor’s will was no secret.

Countless eyes were fixed on the line: "Before the new emperor’s wedding, military and state affairs shall be jointly decided by the Empress Dowager."

Others believed that directly delaying marriage discussions and the wedding would be too crude a tactic.

Given the Empress Dowager’s domineering nature, she might interfere with the selection of the empress, possibly choosing a woman from the Empress Dowager Faction.

Meddling in the emperor’s harem and having the empress act as a mediator between the Empress Dowager and the emperor was also a common strategy.

At this critical moment, Grand Princess Ningxin fell gravely ill.

Grand Princess Ningxin was the late emperor’s full sister. Over the years, she had rarely involved herself in court affairs, but whether among the imperial clan or in front of Huo Ling, Grand Princess Ningxin commanded great respect.

Upon hearing that Grand Princess Ningxin had fallen gravely ill, Huo Ling immediately dispatched two imperial physicians and ordered them to visit the grand princess’s residence.

When the physicians returned to the palace, Huo Ling personally inquired about the illness and bestowed numerous restorative gifts.

A few days later, Xu Shidu entered the palace on her mother’s behalf to offer thanks.

Huo Ling held Xu Shidu’s cold hands: "You look quite worn."

Xu Shidu replied, "I should have come earlier to thank you, but I’ve been busy caring for my mother and was delayed."

Huo Ling said, "Between us, there’s no need for such formalities. Has Ning Xin recovered?"

Xu Shidu’s eyes reddened slightly: "She survived this crisis, but she still needs extended convalescence before she can get out of bed."

"That relieves my mind," Huo Ling said. "Why didn’t you bring A Zuo into the palace? It’s been days since I last saw her."

Mentioning her daughter, Xu Shidu’s sorrow turned to joy: "Ah, that child? These days, she’s been staying at the grand princess’s residence, tending to my mother more diligently than any of us children.

"Today, my mother complained of boredom from lying in bed, so A Zuo found newly published tales and insisted on reading them aloud to her. She made my mother laugh so much that she couldn’t bear to let her leave."

Huo Ling praised, "You’ve reared A Zuo excellently."

"My A Zuo is merely average. You’re the one who truly knows how to raise children. Nowadays, who wouldn’t praise His Majesty for his noble bearing and refined manners?"

"Sons can never match daughters in thoughtfulness. I don’t have your blessing to have a sweet girl like A Zuo."

Xu Shidu’s heart felt a flicker of inspiration, and she delicately ventured along Huo Ling’s words: "His Majesty has reached the age for marriage. Without a sweet daughter, gaining a good daughter-in-law would be just as fine."

Huo Ling smiled. "You’ve spoken my very thoughts."

In the past few days, to better attend to her mother, Xu Shidu had stayed at the grand princess’s residence. But today, after leaving the palace, she ordered the carriage driver to take her directly back to the Lu residence.

Lu Huai was surprised to see her upon returning from his official duties: "Has your mother’s condition improved? I was planning to bring you and A Zuo home in a few days."

Xu Shidu pulled her husband to sit down: "I went to the palace today, and Her Majesty brought up A Zuo with me."

Xu Shidu repeated the words Huo Ling had said when mentioning Lu Zuo.

Lu Huai asked, "Did Her Majesty really say that?"

Xu Shidu nodded. "From how Her Majesty spoke, it seems she intends to make A Zuo the Empress."

Lu Huai felt a mix of emotions—both joy and worry.

The Emperor was a child raised by the Empress Dowager, and his talent, appearance, and character were all universally acknowledged as exceptional.

Moreover, even with the Lu family's status, they couldn't exactly turn up their noses at the position of Empress.

For their daughter to be favored by the Empress Dowager was also a recognition of the Lu family's upbringing.

However, the Lu family had always preferred to play it safe in court politics.

From the various policies and actions of the Empress Dowager in recent years, it was clear she had no intention of voluntarily giving up the reins of power.

Ensuring the Empress Dowager's return of authority and the Emperor's personal rule would be no easy task.

The Lu family was already in a precarious position. If their daughter were to become Empress, they'd be even more deeply involved.

Compared to Lu Huai, Xu Shidu's thoughts were simpler: "A Zuo is picky. When making friends, she doesn’t care much about family background but values appearance more.

"The Emperor is the most handsome among his peers. She’s always liked following him around since childhood. Every time I went to the palace, she would beg to tag along to play with him—only in recent years has she started acting more proper.

"The two children have that childhood sweetheart thing going. I never dreamed of angling for the position of Empress, but if Her Majesty intends it, I’d be happy to see them paired together."

Lu Huai didn't know whether to laugh or sigh, momentarily at a loss for words: "...I’m just worried that A Zuo, caught between the Emperor and Her Majesty, will be stuck between a rock and a hard place in the future."

The imperial family’s situation was a whole different ballgame than that of ordinary households.

A Zuo had grown up with the Emperor, sharing a childhood friendship. She was also close to the Empress Dowager, having adored her since childhood and looking up to her like a favorite aunt.

If conflicts arose between the Empress Dowager and the Emperor in the future, A Zuo, caught in the middle, would inevitably be torn both ways.

"Ah, forget it." Lu Huai patted Xu Shidu’s hand. "I’ll go see Grandfather and get his take on this. Don’t wait for me for dinner."

As the eldest grandson of the main branch, Lu Huai still lived in the Lu residence after marriage, making it easy for him to visit Lu Hang.

When he arrived at Lu Hang’s courtyard, Lu Hang and his wife were sitting down to eat.

Lu Hang took one look and knew that he had serious matters to discuss: "Have you eaten?"

"Not yet."

"Alright, then we'll talk over tea after the meal."

After dinner, Lu Hang asked Lu Huai to accompany him for a walk in the courtyard to walk off dinner: "Speak."

Lu Huai laid out the whole situation: "Grandfather, you know Her Majesty best. What do you think she means by this?"

Lu Hang sighed. "Her Majesty’s thoughts—even I can't always read her mind."

Lu Huai said, "I thought Her Majesty would prefer to pick out an Empress from among her inner circle."

For example, the third branch of the Sang family and the Duke of Jingguo's residence both have eligible young ladies, outstanding in both talent and appearance.

Of course, Lu Hang became the Minister of Personnel and a political stalwart, which indicates his relationship with the Empress Dowager must have been carefully cultivated.

However, the Lu family has established standing and does not need to rely on the Empress Dowager, so they cannot be considered purely part of the Empress Dowager Faction.

Lu Hang pondered for a moment and said, "Actually, this matter isn’t as complicated as you think."

Lu Huai listened attentively.

Lu Hang put his hands behind his back and slowly paced ahead: "If we were to choose a bride for His Majesty from among the families aligned with the Empress Dowager, someone he doesn’t like, His Majesty might not be pleased. It would only result in an unhappy marriage.

"A Zuo is a candidate both the Empress Dowager and His Majesty can accept. If A Zuo enters the palace, she could help reconcile the Empress Dowager and His Majesty should conflicts arise."

Lu Hang’s understanding of the Empress Dowager’s psychology was undoubtedly far more precise than that of his eldest grandson, Lu Huai.

Seeing Lu Huai’s remaining doubts, he reassured him, "The Empress Dowager has made up her mind, so there’s no need for you to dwell on it. Your wife has a friendship with the Empress Dowager spanning over twenty years, and A Zuo is a child the Empress Dowager has watched grow up. A Zuo’s life in the palace will certainly not be difficult."

***

Since the Empress Dowager ended her regency during the grand court assembly two years ago, Ji Xianshan had devoted more time to calligraphy and painting.

Seated by the window, he had just finished copying a calligraphy practice when he noticed Xiao Fuzi tiptoeing in from the corner of his eye: "What is it?"

"Her Majesty requests your presence."

Ji Xianshan set down his brush and washed his hands with warm water from a nearby basin: "Let’s go."

When Ji Xianshan arrived at Shouning Palace, Huo Ling was having a bowl of lotus seed soup.

"Mother Empress." Ji Xianshan greeted Huo Ling.

Huo Ling gestured to the lotus seed soup beside her: "Knowing you were coming, I had a bowl prepared for you in advance. It should be just right to eat now—try it."

Ji Xianshan took a seat to Huo Ling’s left and took a sip, smiling. "This must be Wu Mo’s handiwork."

After finishing the soup, Huo Ling finally brought up the subject: "I called you here this time to discuss your marriage. Once your marriage is settled, the Ministry of Rites and the Imperial Household Department can begin drafting the necessary arrangements."

Ji Xianshan paused, slightly embarrassed. "My marriage is naturally up to you, Mother."

Huo Ling smiled. "Your marriage plans are something you should at least be informed about. The candidate I’ve chosen as your empress is someone you’re familiar with. Want to guess?"

Ji Xianshan had a thought—he already had an answer. "Is it A Zuo?"

Among the young ladies he knew of similar age, apart from Lu Zuo, there were only a few from the imperial clan. Moreover, Xu Shidu had recently visited the palace.

Huo Ling nodded. "It’s A Zuo."

Ji Xianshan said, "A Zuo is wonderful, but isn’t there a slight issue of seniority?"

Lu Zuo was two years younger than Ji Xianshan, so he naturally wasn't romantically interested in her yet.

However, having grown up together, this familiarity made the idea far more acceptable to him than marrying a young lady he had barely met.

Huo Ling replied, "Seniority isn’t an issue—the imperial family has never placed much importance on such things. There’s just one thing: A Zuo is younger than you, so your wedding must take place after her coming-of-age."

Ji Xianshan naturally had no objections.

He had never expected that his grand wedding would immediately lead to his direct rule.

Preparations for the imperial wedding would take time, and Fengyi Palace, empty for over ten years, needed major renovations.

No matter how much they rush, the wedding will have to be postponed until early next year.

Lu Zuo's hair-pinning ceremony is also next year, though at the end of the year.

A few months sooner or later hardly matters—it might as well be later, allowing time to choose a queen who truly pleases him.

Ji Xianshan chatted with Huo Ling for a while longer before speaking up, "Mother, I heard Aunt has recovered from her illness. I’d like to bring some gifts to the Grand Princess’s residence to visit her. Do you have anything you’d like me to take along?"

Huo Ling, having been through such things herself, could tell at a glance what Ji Xianshan was really up to. Her eyes curved slightly, "Go on, then."

Only after Ji Xianshan had taken a few steps away did Huo Ling tease casually, "By the way, the Imperial Household Department recently crafted several new hairpins with rather unique designs—just right for a young lady."

Ji Xianshan almost tripped but, upon leaving Shouning Palace, still made a detour to the Imperial Household Department first.

Since neither family had objections, the imperial edict naming the empress was swiftly delivered to the Lu family and into Lu Zuo’s hands.

After the edict was issued, the Ministry of Rites began preparations for the grand wedding, while the Imperial Household Department started renovating Fengyi Palace.

Meanwhile, the Imperial Astrologers calculated three auspicious dates for the Empress Dowager and the Emperor to choose from. Since the wedding had to wait until after Lu Zuo’s hair-pinning ceremony, there was little choice—it was directly set for the end of the year.

If the court had any objections about this marriage, it was that the wedding date was slightly late. But beyond that, there was nothing else to criticize.

And even this objection soon dissipated.

Because the Empress Dowager declared openly before the court that although the Emperor had not yet married, now that the engagement was settled, he was already considered an adult—capable of standing on his own and no longer needing to follow her every morning as before to learn how to handle state affairs.

Ji Xianshan quickly rose to decline, "Your son is undeserving. There is still much I lack and must continue learning diligently by Your Majesty’s side."

Huo Ling held Ji Xianshan’s hand warmly and said, "The Emperor has grown up and can begin shouldering responsibilities himself. Starting tomorrow, I will have you review some memorials for independent review and handling. The next day, after the morning court session, bring them to Shouning Palace, and I will help you point out anything you missed."