Chapter 130: Choosing a Wife for Prince Guo
Chapter 130: Choosing a Wife for Prince Guo
When I heard the news, I was inevitably a little surprised. After all, the emperor had been suspicious of Prince Guo for a long time, and now he suddenly summoned Prince Guo back to the capital, I guess he must be worried.
After arriving in Beijing, Prince Guo did not return home directly, but went to the palace to meet the emperor.
"Old Seventeen, the border is bitterly cold. Are you used to it at Yanming Pass? Is the wind at the border different from that in the capital?" the emperor asked with concern.
"My dear brother, I am doing fine. Although Yanming Pass is bitterly cold, I should be loyal to you and serve the court. The wind from the frontier will still blow to the capital." Prince Guo answered in a seemingly casual but cautious manner.
"Did you miss home during these past six months, Old Seventeen?" the emperor asked again.
"I am away from home and often miss you, my brother, and my mother. I hope you will understand and allow me to go back to visit my mother!" Prince Guo made a request to the emperor.
"Of course. You and your son haven't seen each other for many days. It's only natural for you to go back to visit Concubine Shu. How could I not agree? You can go with peace of mind." The emperor agreed generously.
"Thank you very much, Your Majesty! I will not bother you again after I have seen my mother!" Prince Guo bowed politely.
"Go quickly, I know you can't wait!" The emperor urged, and Prince Guo left in a hurry.
"Su Peisheng, was he happy when Prince Guo left just now?" The emperor asked Su Peisheng how he reacted when Prince Guo left just now.
"Oh, Your Majesty, the prince is so happy, his face is full of smiles, he almost laughs out loud." Su Peisheng said at the right time.
"Hmm...I understand."
Afterwards, time seemed to freeze. The emperor sat silently on the dragon throne, his deep eyes gazing into the distance, as if he was lost in thought.
Su Peisheng stood there respectfully, with his head slightly lowered, not daring to make a sound, and quietly accompanied the emperor.
Just like that, the entire palace was shrouded in a kind of silence, with only the occasional sound of the breeze and the footsteps of palace servants in the distance breaking the tranquility.
A full half hour had passed, and the long wait made people almost feel that time had stopped.
At this moment, the emperor, who had not spoken a word, suddenly moved. He slowly turned his head, his eyes fell on Su Peisheng, and then he said in a low and majestic voice: "Su Peisheng!"
This shout instantly broke the long silence.
Su Peisheng quickly raised his head, walked quickly to the emperor, bowed and said, "Your servant is here. What are your instructions, Your Majesty?"
The Emperor narrowed his eyes slightly, pondered for a moment, and then said, "Pass on my decree. Tomorrow, Prince Guo will be summoned to the palace. I will personally select a wife for him. All women of marriageable age from noble families are welcome to attend. The banquet will be held at Jiuzhou Qingyan. Old Seventeen is not young anymore, and it's time for him to get married."
After saying this, the emperor waved his hand, signaling Su Peisheng to convey his order.
Su Peisheng took the order and hurried out of the palace.
At this moment, the golden sunlight was like sharp swords, penetrating the carved and hollow windows and pouring onto the ground without reservation.
This news spread like a thunderbolt across the sky, instantly spreading throughout the capital. Instantly, people in the streets, alleys, teahouses, and restaurants were buzzing with discussion, all focused on Prince Guo's affairs, and wondering which young lady would be lucky enough to become his wife.
It is particularly worth mentioning that the Peiguo Mansion in the capital was turned upside down by this sudden news.
It turns out that Miss Meng Jingxian, the beautiful and graceful daughter of the Duke of Pei, had made a vow many years ago: she would not marry anyone other than Prince Guo!
This firm determination was like a rock, never wavering. Now that she heard of such a rare opportunity, how could she miss it?
So, this beautiful lady decided to participate without hesitation, vowing to win Prince Guo's heart with her talent and beauty.
"Father, please let me go. I have been in love with the prince for many years. Now the emperor has ordered to choose a wife for the prince. I want to give it a try. Even if I am not chosen, at least I can see the prince again. I have nothing else to ask for." Meng Jingxian pleaded with the Duke of Pei.
"Jingxian, do you really want to go? Mother can't understand what's so good about Prince Guo. Even if a royal child is selected, how can he live a peaceful life? There are so many good men in the world. Why do you insist on marrying Prince Guo?" The Duke's wife looked helpless.
"Mother, ever since I met the prince once when I was young, my heart has been filled with no room for anyone else. I don't know where this love came from, but it's so deep and lasting. I know I've caused you, father and mother so much worry. I have only this one wish, and I beg you to fulfill it."
As she spoke, Meng Jingxian knelt down in front of the Duke of Pei and his wife.
"Forget it, sir, just write a letter to the emperor to ask for Jingxian's wish to be fulfilled." The Duke's wife finally softened her heart.
"Jingxian, good girl, get up quickly. Don't worry, your father will do his best. You have always been weak, so get up quickly!" Duke Pei was helpless with his daughter.
So, he had no choice but to say to Shuyue, the maidservant beside Meng Jingxian: "You take good care of the young lady and don't let her get tired."
"Yes, sir, I know!" Shu Yue said.
The Duke of Pei turned and left, heading for his study. He muttered to himself as he walked, "This child is so infatuated. I don't know if this is good for her or if it will harm her..."
At this moment, Meng Jingxian was only immersed in this joy.
Zhen Mansion in the capital.
When Yuyu heard the news, she was also very happy. When she was in the palace, Yuyu had already had a good impression of Prince Guo and was attracted to him.
But at that time, she was just a maidservant accompanying her elder sister. Due to her status, she could only keep this love in her heart for many years.
The last time the Zhen family was in trouble, it was thanks to Prince Guo's help that Yu Xuan felt even more grateful. Now that the prince was choosing a wife, she was no longer the humble servant in the dust. She could raise her head and look at him.
"Yun'er, are the master and the mistress here now?" Yu Yun turned around and asked the maid beside her.
"Miss, the master and the mistress are in the hall. Is there anything you need?" Yin'er asked in confusion.
"Yun'er, tell me, if I go to choose the prince's wife, do I have a chance of being chosen?" Yu Yu asked casually.
"Young lady is so smart and capable. She now manages the mansion in perfect order. Everyone in the capital knows this. But in the past, so many people came to propose marriage, but Young lady refused. It turns out that Young lady already has a lover in her heart, and that person is Prince Guo." Ying'er seemed to have discovered a secret.
"Silly girl, don't talk nonsense. All the noble ladies in the capital can participate in the selection. I just want to go and see the excitement. Besides, I can go to the palace to see my elder sister." Yu Yun made up an excuse and hurried to the hall.
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