Chapter 55 Imperial Decree of Marriage

Chapter 55: Imperial Edict Bestowing Marriage

The flickering lights outside Haiyan Hall made it difficult to discern who was approaching.

But it was obvious—only Qin Xiao and Chu Jiubian would appear at this moment.

In the hushed silence, the two stepped over the high threshold and entered the hall.

Warm-toned light cast a soft glow around them, illuminating their figures and features clearly.

Prince Ning, clad in black and gold python-patterned robes, wore a calm expression and moved with measured steps. His imposing authority and dignity made it hard for anyone to meet his gaze directly, and the family members instinctively averted their eyes, not daring to stare.

In contrast, the young man walking beside him stood tall and graceful. His long silver hair cascaded over his shoulders and back, complementing the bright, delicate pink silk robe he wore, creating a breathtaking sight.

As he moved, both his clothing and hair seemed to shimmer with a jade-like glow. Even the crane embroidered on his chest appeared so lifelike it might take flight at any moment.

The young man’s flawless beauty seemed almost otherworldly.

Everyone’s gaze lingered on him uncontrollably; many were mesmerized. Even the ministers who saw Chu Jiubian almost daily couldn’t hide a hint of admiration in their eyes.

Some even recalled the day of the coronation ceremony when the young man, dressed in magnificent robes, had descended like a fallen immortal—disheveled yet aloof and untouchable.

With such grace and appearance, he truly embodied the demeanor of an immortal.

With Chu Jiubian as a real celestial being, anyone trying to praise another young person as having "immortal grace" in the future would find it impossible to utter those words.

Chu Jiubian’s expression was cool and detached. His light, almost inorganic eyes swept over the attendees—from the ministers to the female relatives.

The ministers concealed their emotions well; after that momentary awe, only surface-level respect remained.

But as Chu Jiubian had anticipated, the women’s attention, once drawn away from his face, became fixated on his clothing.

After being accustomed to somber hues, no woman could resist such a beautiful light pink.

Especially since the silk had been improved, its luster and drape were a grade above previous fabrics. As it caught the light with each movement, it seemed as if flowing radiance shimmered across the surface.

Moreover, Chu Jiubian’s former work included shooting advertisements and magazines, so showcasing the advantages of clothing and accessories came naturally to him.

Seeing the undisguised admiration in the eyes of the ladies and madams, Chu Jiubian felt that if he were to offer a batch of the same silk he was wearing, it would surely be snapped up.

Naturally, even among the ministers, a few known for their love of beauty glanced several times at his attire.

The most obvious was Vice Minister of Revenue Wang Pengyi, whose gaze seemed almost fixated.

Chu Jiubian withdrew his gaze and walked with Qin Xiao toward the highest platform.

The family members on the lowest platform remained silent, standing on either side of the hall not daring to offer greetings. As the two approached, they lowered their eyes and stood solemnly, not even raising their gaze. Chu Jiubian was reminded of students afraid of being called on by their teacher.

Only when they reached the second level did the officials bow in greeting.

"Greetings, Prince Ning, greetings, Grand Tutor Sir."

Chu Jiubian glanced around—all familiar faces.

Though today’s banquet had dress regulations—for example, first-rank officials wore robes embroidered with cranes, second and third-rank officials with pheasants, and military officials from the Ministry of War with qilins or lions—none wore official robes. The colors and styles were more varied and vibrant than usual, making these seasoned officials appear younger.

Chu Jiubian’s gaze lingered a moment longer on Minister of Personnel Xiao Huaiguan.

This old man loved to flaunt his seniority and had previously seemed in poor health, but lately he’d grown more energetic; even his slightly hunched back straightened.

It couldn’t be a final flash of vitality.

A faint smile touched Chu Jiubian’s lips, but his eyes turned colder.

If he insisted on digging his own grave, so be it.

The two passed by the ministers, nodding slightly in acknowledgment.

By rank, Chu Jiubian was equivalent to the Ministers of the Six Ministries, but the position of Grand Tutor stood above the six ministries. Moreover, Chu Jiubian’s "immortal" status gave him confidence surpassing all others.

So even if he carried himself more nobly than Qin Xiao, no one would find it amiss.

They ascended to the highest platform.

Only five seating arrangements were placed here, each with a low table, soft cushion, and an armrest pillow.

Two sets each were placed on the eastern and western sides, corresponding to one another. The two seats on the western side were for the Grand Empress Dowager and Prince Jiannan, while the two on the eastern side were for Qin Xiao and Chu Jiubian.

As a female member, the Grand Empress Dowager couldn’t sit cross-legged, so her seat included a footrest.

On the slightly higher central platform was the emperor’s seat. The cushion, overseen by Eunuch Hong himself, was tall and soft, allowing the child to reach the items on the table easily.

Chu Jiubian turned to look down at the crowd below, easily taking in everyone’s expressions.

Since their entrance, the hall had fallen silent. Even now, as they reached their positions, no one spoke.

Before long, eunuchs began announcing layer by layer—the emperor and the Grand Empress Dowager had arrived together, with Prince Jiannan following behind.

Immediately, everyone adjusted their robes, lowered their eyes, and composed their expressions.

Even the Ministers of the Six Ministries were reverent, showing no hint of disrespect in such a setting.

Naturally, Chu Jiubian and Qin Xiao wouldn’t stand out in such trivial matters—the child’s dignity had to be upheld.

Baili Hong had encountered the Grand Empress Dowager and Prince Jiannan outside the hall. The two had been waiting for him to enter together, offering greetings and showing closeness.

Baili Hong’s clear, bright eyes stared at them for a moment before he flashed a smile with his small white teeth and bid them rise. Then he led the way into the hall, with Hong Fu following closely beside him.

Xiao Ruohan’s gaze swept thoughtfully over the child’s retreating figure, though her face still wore a kindly smile.

Such a small child, yet his eyes moments ago seemed to see through everything, almost making her feel as if she’d encountered that woman Qin Feng.

She suddenly realized Baili Hong was no simple-minded fool.

This young emperor must not be allowed to grow further!

Baili Hong hurried into Haiyan Hall on his short legs, first looking up toward the highest platform. Only when he saw his uncle and his teacher did the tension in his small body ease.

He then had the mind to notice the others around him.

But since he didn’t know any of the family members, it held little interest.

Remembering his teacher’s instructions, though eager to join them, he didn’t break into a run but maintained his composure.

As he reached the highest platform, the child’s steps slowed.

Chu Jiubian, with downcast eyes, watched the child pass by and unconsciously smiled, a trace of fondness in his gaze that even he wasn’t aware of.

The little emperor took his seat at the highest position directly facing the palace gate.

"Present your respects!" Eunuch Hong announced loudly.

Qin Xiao led the crowd to form several orderly rows in the center of the hall, arranged meticulously by rank.

"Wishing Your Majesty eternal reign," Qin Xiao began, and everyone repeated in unison.

Baili Hong stayed seated, looking up at Qin Xiao.

Beside his uncle stood the Grand Empress Dowager; behind them were his tutor and Prince Jiannan, and further back, the court officials.

As the chorus of "eternal reign" faded, Qin Xiao led everyone to kneel down together, bowing their heads in reverence.

Even the Grand Empress Dowager was no exception. Though nominally Baili Hong's elder, by the laws of Great Ning, only his true parents—Emperor Yingzong and Qin Feng—were exempt from kneeling to him. All others, whether uncles, aunts, or grandparents, were "subjects."

Chu Jiubian, however, did not kneel. Instead, he offered a deep, respectful bow with hands clasped.

Yet no one in the entire court found this amiss; some even felt that if Chu Jiubian were to kneel to anyone, that person’s days might be numbered. Not even an emperor could withstand the reverence of a deity, let alone others.

"You may rise," the little emperor said.

"We thank Your Majesty," Qin Xiao replied, rising to his feet, and the others followed suit.

Hong Fu called out, "Please be seated."

Though the hall held over a hundred guests and hundreds of servants, the movement was nearly silent, with only the faint rustle of fabric, showing how carefully everyone maintained their decorum.

Qin Xiao turned and walked to his seat, glancing sideways.

He noticed the young man had already gracefully taken his seat, his wide sleeves sweeping through the air in a beautiful arc, his long hair swaying gently with the motion.

As he sat, his flowing robes spread out behind him, his silver-white hair spilling over light pink silk, each complementing the other in softness and luminosity.

Chu Jiubian looked up at him and quirked an eyebrow slightly.

Qin Xiao gave a slight smile and also sat down, his back straight and poised.

Prince Jiannan Baili Hai, dressed in the brilliant golden python robe reserved for princes of the same clan, sat across the wide central aisle, facing Chu Jiubian.

He had noticed Chu Jiubian the moment he entered the hall.

This was his second time seeing the Immortal, yet he found him even more captivating than before.

The first time was during a morning court session, where the other wore a dark purple official robe, exuding an aura of authority and solemnity.

Today, in a light pink robe, he appeared gentler and more elegant, his exquisite features and fair skin even more striking.

And more… enticing.

Chu Jiubian felt the gaze upon him and looked over.

Baili Hai met his eyes, then quickly lowered his own, his long eyelashes fluttering slightly, a shy blush spreading across his cheeks.

He looked like an innocent, inexperienced youth, genuinely embarrassed.

Chu Jiubian smirked.

Such clumsy acting.

Qin Xiao shot a cold look at Baili Hai.

On the little emperor’s table sat a small bronze wine cup. Eunuch Hong positioned himself slightly behind him and poured a cup of fruit juice.

The juice, freshly squeezed by Chu Jiubian that afternoon, was made with crisp apples and white sugar obtained from the System—a favorite of the little emperor.

As Baili Hong raised his small cup, Hong Fu called out, "Let the banquet begin!"

The announcement echoed through the layers of attendants, and outside the hall, two Imperial Guards struck the massive ancient bronze bell.

The deep resonance filled the air.

At the first chime, almost everyone in the hall raised their cups simultaneously. As Baili Hong drank his juice, the others joined him with a toast.

As the fine wine touched their lips, many couldn’t help but marvel.

Rich and aromatic, with a spicy yet smooth warmth that flowed down the throat and warmed the stomach.

Great Ning’s brewing techniques were still primitive, producing low-alcohol, cloudy wine, a far cry from the clear, refined liquor in their cups.

Those who loved wine had caught the strong, savory aroma as soon as it was poured. After tasting it, they almost blurted out "Excellent wine!" but managed to restrain themselves.

Yet they couldn’t resist indulging again. As the attendants refilled their cups, they eagerly raised them again, sipping slowly and savoring the flavor with closed eyes.

It was like tasting a delicacy from the immortal realm!

With this thought, their gazes subtly shifted toward the elevated seats, lingering on the striking figure in pink.

This wine must truly have been brought from the immortal realm by him.

They were, in a way, partaking in a drink fit for a deity!

Among the first-rank officials seated closest to the upper platform, Minister of War Lu Youwei and Minister of Justice Qiu Heng were the most devoted wine enthusiasts.

Chu Jiubian glanced at them, noticing how they eagerly drank another cup with evident delight, and smiled to himself.

This was aged fifteen-year Maotai, costing him twenty System points for ten bottles—quite a bargain for them.

Minister of Personnel Wang Zhiyuan usually preferred tea, finding wine too sweet and tart, hardly enjoyable.

But this wine was entirely different.

Initially spicy, the heat soon faded, leaving a lingering, rich aftertaste.

The more he savored it, the more he grew fond of it. He couldn’t help but look toward Chu Jiubian and ask, "Did you make this wine, Lord Chu?"

Chu Jiubian responded, "Do you find it to your taste?"

"This wine is truly exquisite," Lu Youwei added. "Will it be offered for sale in the future?"

Hearing this, Qiu Heng’s interest was piqued. "The Qiu family has already transported refined salt to the border. We expect profits soon. If this wine could also be sold, our trade caravan could take it beyond the frontier on the next trip, surely enriching the national treasury further."

Chu Jiubian couldn’t brew Maotai himself, but the Qiu family certainly embodied the saying "merchants prioritize profit."

After the fine salt agreement was signed, the other three families promptly paid their deposits upfront, but Qiu Heng's family were dilatory.

If it weren't for the flood in Hexi County and the Ministry of Revenue pressing Qiu Heng's family for payment, that deposit would have been delayed even longer.

Later, the deposit was finally paid, but during the Hexi County flood disaster, Qiu Heng's family tried every means to embezzle from the relief funds, forcing Director of the Ministry of Revenue Chao Shun to feign illness to avoid responsibility.

Even the deposit was paid grudgingly by Qiu Heng's family, let alone the huge dividends.

So Chu Jiubian's willingness to bring out Maotai today was not only to support Baili Hong but also to whet the appetite of Qiu Heng's family.

Using this highly profitable liquor as bait, Qiu Heng's family would surely hand over the fine salt profits obediently to secure the distribution rights.

Chu Jiubian couldn't brew liquor, nor would it be appropriate to spend Faith Points on buying it.

With those Faith Points, he might as well buy a cannon and blast anyone who displeased him.

"The Minister makes a good point," Chu Jiubian said lightly. "If the conditions are right, this liquor could indeed be a business."

He didn't give a definite answer, only saying "if conditions allow," leaving it open to interpretation later.

But to Qiu Heng and the others, it sounded like he would sell if the price was right.

The profit from this liquor was almost as good as that from tea.

So everyone was tempted, and Qiu Heng naturally had his own plans.

However, the palace banquet was not the right occasion for business discussions, so everyone tacitly refrained from saying more.

Not only were they amazed, but even the women were curiously tasting the wine in their cups.

Sweet and mild, with a faint liquor taste accompanied by a rich fruity aroma.

It was better than any liquor they had ever tasted before!

Su Xier's eyes lit up after taking a sip.

She instinctively wanted to share it with someone, but looking around, she could no longer see that lively figure who used to banter with her.

The smile on her lips gradually faded.

Her throat felt dry, so she raised her cup and downed the liquor in one gulp.

Mrs. Su, seeing this, quickly covered her mouth and coughed lightly. When Su Xier looked over, she shook her head slightly and whispered, "Don't drink too much."

Su Xier, her eyes red, gave a reassuring smile and didn't touch the cup again.

With the banquet beginning, it was time to serve the dishes.

From start to finish, the bell rang nine times.

As the bell toll faded, palace servants streamed in.

They brought dish after dish of never-before-seen food to the tables, from stir-fried vegetables and meat to braised meat and vegetables, and even a rich chicken broth brewed with various seasonings.

Each dish emitted a rich aroma, appealing in color, smell, and taste.

In previous years, no one ever really ate their fill at palace banquets. The dishes were always cold and the same few things they were already used to eating at home.

So everyone just took a few symbolic bites, spending most of the time sitting idle or admiring the performances of the young ladies from various families.

But today, not only were the dishes served piping hot, but they were also things none of them had ever seen before.

So everyone couldn't help but take a bite.

And with that one taste, they discovered something delightful.

Their taste buds, starved like a desert, finally encountered "nourishing rain," and everyone abandoned their restraint, taking bite after bite.

Moreover, Chu Jiubian didn't serve dry buns or flatbreads but instead prepared fragrant steamed rice.

Rice was already available, but northerners still preferred wheat-based foods, which were easier to eat with soups.

Yet, paired with stir-fries and braised meat, the soft, fluffy steamed rice was a perfect match.

Heavenly delicacies!

With immortal liquor and immortal food, everyone felt they could live a couple of years longer.

And thinking that Qin Xiao and Baili Hong might eat like this every day, many felt both envy and jealousy.

Why did Chu Jiubian fixate on these two and remain unmoved by offers from other factions?

Was it because of some so-called romantic destiny?

Couldn't that be swapped out for someone else?

Or was it just because Qin Xiao was the one who caught him when he descended to the mortal world, so he decided to stick with her?

But they could have caught him too—caught him firmly without letting him fall!

Their thoughts were chaotic, but it didn't stop them from enjoying the immortal food.

They ate bite after bite, and by the time they realized it, more than half the food on the table was gone.

Su Xier touched her slightly bulging belly and nearly gaped in surprise. She instinctively looked around and saw that everyone else had eaten just as much, with some still eating, so she relaxed.

The other women, who rarely ate so much, also felt reassured seeing others in the same boat—even the officials had nearly cleaned their plates.

Then they all restrainedly set down their chopsticks but picked up their cups to savor the sweet fruit liquor, feeling utterly content.

However, fearing they might lose decorum if they drank too much, they only sipped lightly to settle their stomachs before stopping.

But to their surprise, a short while later, palace servants came in again with trays.

This time, they brought desserts—a small slice of cream cake.

The servants thoughtfully informed the nobles that the cake contained milk and advised those who couldn't drink milk to avoid it.

Lactose intolerance has always existed, and ancient people's stomachs were indeed more delicate than those of modern humans.

So, even though aside from white sugar, all ingredients were locally sourced from Great Ning and the cake was baked in an iron pot, Chu Jiubian still had warnings given about dietary restrictions.

Baili Hong's eyes curved into smiles when he finally saw the cake being served.

Chu Jiubian couldn't possibly make cake for so many people himself. Only the first one was made by him, with Qin Xiao whipping the cream. After that, the imperial kitchen staff learned to make it by following Chu Jiubian's methods.

The first cake made ended up largely in Baili Hong's little mouth. The child loved it so much he wanted more after finishing.

But Chu Jiubian, worried about his teeth, didn't let him have any more until today, which was only the second time the little one got to taste it.

The cake smelled amazing!

Baili Hong had been waiting for this moment for a long time!

But the little one remembered his teacher and uncle's words, sitting properly without moving around, though he pressed his lips together and secretly swallowed his saliva several times.

Cakes were served at everyone's table, including the little one's. While others got a small piece, his was a complete round cake—twice as big as anyone else's!

Wow!

The child was easily pleased and immediately flashed a sweet, toothy smile at Chu Jiubian.

His teacher was very good to him; though worried too many sweets would damage his teeth, he still occasionally gave him candy or small cakes.

Chu Jiubian winked at him slightly, and the child, as if receiving an instruction, happily picked up his chopsticks and started eating it eagerly.

Chu Jiubian couldn’t help laughing and instinctively glanced at Qin Xiao.

Qin Xiao was looking back at him.

"What are you staring at?" Chu Jiubian asked.

Qin Xiao simply smiled.

If this were a previous palace banquet, where people hardly ate, they would have relied on performances for entertainment.

The noble ladies below would have long started showcasing their talents, but today everyone was focused on their food, and no one paid much attention to the performances.

Xiao Ruohan gazed at the half-eaten dishes and cake on her table, her expression gentle, but beneath her lowered eyelashes, a fierce intensity she could barely conceal.

So this was the source of the daily aroma from Yangxin Hall—so this was immortal realm cuisine!

She had always considered herself worldly and supremely noble, but now it all seemed ridiculous.

She had never even heard of these things, let alone eaten them.

Suppressing her resentment and anger, she lifted her gaze to glance at Baili Hai next to her, and paused in surprise.

Following his gaze, she saw Chu Jiubian turning his head to talk with Qin Xiao. Whatever he said, even the fierce Qin Xiao smiled.

Chu Jiubian truly looked immortal—even his profile was flawless, like a painting, more beautiful than the prettiest woman in the Xiao family.

The Xiao family loved beautiful people, and many of the men preferred men. Xiao Ruohan had long known that her grandson Baili Hai preferred men, but he could like anyone except Chu Jiubian!

That one was not a simple person; any situation could be exploited by him and turned into a blade against his enemies.

If Baili Hai were to be controlled by Chu Jiubian, the Xiao family would face their biggest crisis.

In Xiao Ruohan’s eyes, Baili Hai was naive and easily tricked, which deepened her worries.

It seemed she really had to arrange his marriage sooner.

The day before yesterday, the Xiao family had sent a letter urging her to arrange Baili Hai’s marriage, even suggesting candidates. But she felt the current situation was uncertain, and Prince Jiannan might offer better choices, so she hadn’t decided whether to issue a marriage decree.

But now, it seemed she must.

Actually, as a prince and subject, Prince Jiannan’s marriage should be arranged by the emperor. But if Grand Empress Dowager Xiao Ruohan preemptively issued the decree and spread the news widely, the emperor would have to honor her decision.

Otherwise, rumors of conflict within the royal family would harm its interests.

Xiao Ruohan’s eyes remained calm as she discreetly glanced at Minister of Personnel Xiao Huaiguan, who seemed to sense it.

Their eyes met, and Minister of Personnel Xiao Huaiguan put down his wine cup, turning toward Baili Hong’s direction. "Your Majesty, today is the Mid-Autumn Festival, a rare day of reunion. My young granddaughter has some skill in music. May she perform a festive tune for Your Majesty?"

Baili Hong knew this was customary. Seeing no objection from his uncle or teacher, he nodded. "Granted."

The servant attending Minister of Personnel Xiao Huaiguan stood up, quickly walked to Old Lady Xiao’s side, and relayed the message in a low voice.

Old Lady Xiao immediately looked toward a young girl seated behind her—a gentle and delicate girl of just thirteen or fourteen.

Upon receiving her grandmother’s signal, the girl gracefully stood up.

Her maid helped her up and handed her the pipa that had been resting on a wooden stand behind them.

Though young, the Xiao girl showed no stage fright. Holding the pipa, she walked to a spot near the second-level platform, performed a curtsy, and delivered a series of auspicious words.

A servant brought a stool, and she sat down to begin playing.

Chu Jiubian had seen many child stars and was no stranger to talented children.

But knowing their performances were meant to help them choose spouses from such a young age made him somewhat helpless.

Children of thirteen or fourteen were already discussing marriage arrangements, and by sixteen or seventeen, they would be engaged. Some loving families might keep their daughters a bit longer, but commoners’ children often married at fifteen or sixteen.

Many would become pregnant and give birth within a year or two—still children themselves raising children, which took a significant toll on their health.

No wonder people didn’t live long in these times—limited nutrition was one factor, but exhaustion and physical strain were major contributors.

But Chu Jiubian couldn’t simply decree that no one should marry before eighteen. He could only take it slowly, starting with establishing the National Academy first.

After the Xiao girl’s performance, the hall erupted in applause.

Then, one after another, young ladies came forward to perform—music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. Except for "chess," which couldn’t be performed, the others were all showcased.

Everyone wanted to present their best, and indeed, the performances were brilliant.

Before long, Chu Jiubian saw a somewhat familiar girl step forward.

He remembered her—Su Xier, daughter of Minister of Revenue Su Sheng.

Previously, at the auction, she had been tricked and kidnapped by Zhao Xi, the third daughter of Vice Minister of Personnel Zhao Qianhe. Qin Zhaoyang had followed and rescued her.

The third Miss Zhao had hanged herself the day after the incident, and Chu Jiubian hadn’t heard anything about Su Xier since.

It wasn’t until a few days ago, when the list of candidates for the imperial examinations arrived in the capital, that he saw her name again.

Su Sheng undoubtedly had backing from some faction, likely one of the seven vassal princes, so Chu Jiubian initially didn’t want any Su family members taking the exams.

But on the surface, Su Sheng presented himself as a loyal minister, unaffiliated with noble families, and only this daughter had signed up.

Few women registered for the exams, so having one more could help broaden the path for women in the future. Thus, Chu Jiubian had Qin Xiao turn a blind eye and allowed her registration.

Su Xier performed a long-sleeve dance, accompanied by her maid playing the flute.

The flute melody was soothing and melodious, and Su Xier swung her long sleeves, dancing gracefully.

Her hair was half tied up and half draped, adorned with white jade hairpins, from which pearls dangled beneath gold hairpins. She wore a long dress in white and blue, predominantly white, with navy blue for the sleeves and hem.

The layered skirt fluttered with her dance movements, like a swaying multi-layered flower.

The flute music switched between urgent and gentle, finally fading softly away.

Su Xier finished the dance right as the music ended.

"Excellent!"

"So beautiful."

"Truly worthy of being renowned as a talented woman in the capital—it’s well-deserved!"

Great Ning had no custom of applauding in appreciation, so everyone called out their praise and admiration, heaping on the compliments.

Su Xier had initially worried that eating too much would weigh her down while dancing, but instead, the food had given her strength, allowing her to dance with even more grace.

She lowered her eyes slightly, took a few steps forward, and curtsied slightly to the dignitaries seated at the head of the room, saying, "This humble girl is ashamed of her poor performance."

Minister Su doted on his daughter, and now felt both relieved and proud.

Although the officials around were at each other's throats, they usually kept up appearances of harmony in many situations. Thus, for a moment, everyone praised Su Xier for her talent.

Minister Su repeatedly humbled himself, saying his daughter was still young and could not compare to the young ladies of other families, and so on.

Then, he intended to have his daughter return to her seat, but Grand Empress Dowager Xiao Ruohan suddenly spoke up: "What everyone says is true. This young lady catches my eye and brings me joy."

She smiled kindly, removed a fine jadeite bracelet from her wrist, and handed it to the matron beside her: "Give this to the child to play with."

The matron took the bracelet, descended to where Su Xier stood, and presented it to her with both hands.

A gift from an elder cannot be refused, and in such a setting, it was impossible not to honor Grand Empress Dowager’s wishes.

So Su Xier had no choice but to accept it, thanking her nervously.

"Good child," Xiao Ruohan said with a smile. "I know you have not yet been betrothed, and it so happens that I have an excellent prospect for marriage."

She looked toward Minister Su’s direction, seemingly ignoring his darkening expression, and continued: "Prince Jiannan is no longer young. His birth mother passed away early, and as his grandmother, I must make decisions for him..."

"This subject is overcome with fear!" Minister Su interrupted her abruptly, disregarding etiquette, rising to his feet, and stepping to the center to bow deeply. "My daughter is unruly. It is already an honor for her to earn Grand Empress Dowager’s favor. She must not aspire to anything beyond her station."

Below, Su Xier understood Grand Empress Dowager’s intention, her face instantly turning pale. Her hand clutching the jade bracelet trembled slightly, her knuckles turning white.

Minister Su’s refusal was unmistakable—it was almost a direct "I do not agree"!

Yet, Xiao Ruohan’s smile remained unchanged, as if she did not comprehend his words, and she continued: "Minister Su, do not be overly modest. I see your daughter as gentle, virtuous, and worthy to be Prince Jiannan's princess."

As her words fell, the entire hall fell into a deathly silence.