Chapter 167 What About Prince Yu Becoming Your Son-in-Law

Chapter 167: Prince Yu as Your Son-in-Law, What Do You Think

The poor emperor, who was busy with state affairs day and night, had already been sleepless for the second consecutive night over this troublesome son of his.

Whenever he closed his eyes, he saw Xiao Yan before him begging him to grant a marriage decree, and then Liu Qingci's words in the imperial study.

The matter was so absurd it felt like a dream.

So after the morning court on the third day, Liu Wenyuan was also kept after court by the emperor.

The emperor still said the same thing: "Minister Liu, the day before yesterday, Prince Yu came to me and said he wanted to get married."

Liu Wenyuan's brows twitched almost imperceptibly, but he still lowered his eyes and responded respectfully: "His Highness Prince Yu is getting older, and considering marriage is only natural. May I ask which noble lady His Highness has taken a fancy to? This is a joyous occasion; I congratulate Your Majesty."

The emperor, seeing his unassailable demeanor, decided to test him in a different way.

"Ahem..." It was rare for a sovereign to feel so awkward. He asked indirectly: "I hear... that your only son, Minister Liu, is still unmarried?"

Liu Wenyuan: "..."

His expression remained calm, still lowering his eyes: "My son is still young; the matter of marriage is not urgent."

These steady words perfectly deflected the topic.

The hand holding his teacup paused, and the scales in his mind began to waver again.

Seeing Liu Wenyuan's calm, composed demeanor, he suddenly wondered if he was overthinking.

Perhaps... Liu Wenyuan was also kept in the dark?

After all, what father in the world would be willing for his promising son to be entangled with a man, especially when that man is the not-so-well-reputed Prince Yu?

He knew what kind of reputation his own son had.

Liu Wenyuan had always valued family reputation and education, a leading figure among the incorruptible officials. How could he allow his son to... with Prince Yu?

The emperor sat at the head, with dark circles under his eyes that couldn't be hidden. Looking at the respectfully standing Liu Wenyuan below, he felt a burning frustration and stifled anger with no outlet.

When he heard that reckless son say he wanted to get married, he was overjoyed!

When he learned that Xiao Yan's intended marriage partner was Liu Qingci, the emperor's first reaction was that he shouldn't ruin such a fine child.

But to be honest, he truly admired Liu Qingci—brilliant, upright, unflappable, a rare standout among the younger generation.

If he were a woman, having him as a daughter-in-law would make him laugh in his dreams.

Even if he were a man...

If he could actually rein in that untamable wild horse of a son, and lead him down the right path to live a stable life...

That would be for the best!

So after learning that Liu Qingci was willing and had openly admitted to mutual love with Prince Yu...

The emperor thought it over all night. This marriage, he agreed to it!

But his consent alone wasn't enough; he also had to ask the young man's elders.

After all, he couldn't just forcibly seize a minister's son, could he? That would truly make him a foolish emperor.

"Minister Liu is right. Marriage is a major event and requires caution." The emperor followed the conversation, softening his tone with a hint of sincerity. "Little Seven was a bit reckless before, and he gave me headaches. But recently, he has become much more restrained and mature. As you often attend court, Minister Liu, you must have noticed."

As he spoke, he carefully observed Liu Wenyuan's expression.

These words were ostensibly praising Xiao Yan's improvement, but in reality, they were testing Liu Wenyuan's view of Xiao Yan.

If Liu Wenyuan had a very poor impression of Xiao Yan, then the likelihood of his opposing the marriage would be greater.

Liu Wenyuan's eyes flickered slightly. Still lowering his eyes, his tone carried a bit more objectivity: "His Highness Prince Yu, after all that has happened, is indeed not what he used to be. He is steady and measured, decisive in action, and has made great contributions to the country and the people. Your Majesty having such a son is truly a blessing for the Great Qing."

These words sounded like pure courtier flattery, but the earnestness and recognition in his tone could not be faked.

Still unwilling to give up, he pressed further: "Minister Liu, do you think Prince Yu is now a suitable partner?"

This question was quite direct, almost implying "What do you think of Prince Yu as your son-in-law?"

Just as the emperor's mind was in turmoil, Liu Wenyuan finally slowly raised his head.

"Your Majesty, I believe that in matters of marriage, the most important thing is mutual understanding and respect. The opinions of outsiders and considerations of family status are all illusory."

He did not mention Prince Yu's name, nor Liu Qingci's, but the meaning of his words was already perfectly clear.

With a clatter, the teacup that the emperor had been holding finally fell onto the imperial desk from shock.

Liu Wenyuan not only knew, but had actually tacitly consented.

Even between the lines, there was a certain degree of... acceptance of this relationship?

Ridiculous, utterly ridiculous!

So it wasn't that his son was one-sided and taking it by force.

So even someone like Liu Wenyuan had given his tacit approval.

The emperor leaned back in his chair, let out a tired breath, and raised his hand to press his pounding temples.

What kind of mess is this!

When did his son become so capable?!

——

The Prime Minister's Mansion.

The afternoon sun was just right, casting dappled patches of light and shadow through the branches of the old locust trees in the Liu residence's courtyard.

Madam Liu stood beneath the eaves, watching the servants bustling in and out, clutching a handkerchief in her hand.

"Madam, should this bass be steamed

Ever since the Master got back from court three days ago and mentioned that His Highness Prince Yu would be dining at their residence tonight, her heart hasn't been at peace.

It was said to be "thanking His Highness Prince Yu for saving my son's life and for his care," but everyone knew well that this meal meant far more than that.

Madam Liu walked into the main hall and inspected the arrangements once more: the rosewood furniture was polished spotlessly, and the ornaments on the curio shelf were positioned just right.

"Mother, are you nervous again?" Liu Qingci's voice came from behind her.

Madam Liu turned around to see her son standing in the light and shadow, his features handsome and his complexion excellent.

Her heart softened, and she took his hand: "How could I not be nervous? This is His Highness's first time dining at our home—what if something isn't perfect..."

"It won't be," Liu Qingci said gently, a smile shining in his amber eyes. "He's not the type to fuss over such things."

"Even so..."

Madam Liu looked worried and was about to say more when her eyes fell on the jade ring her son was wearing.

She knew he had started wearing it a few days ago, and its meaning was clear enough.

She sighed: "You two... well, each generation has its own blessings."

As the mother and son were speaking, Liu Wenyuan came out of the study. He had also changed into a freshly pressed dark robe, his hair combed immaculately.

"Husband," Madam Liu stepped forward to adjust his collar, "There's still time. Why don't you take a seat?"

Liu Wenyuan gave a noncommittal "mm," sat down in the seat of honor in the main hall, picked up his teacup, then set it down again, his gaze drifting unconsciously toward the door.

In this slightly tense silence, the gatekeeper hurried in and announced: "Master, Madam, Young Master—His Highness Prince Yu has arrived!"