Yun Jinnian thought of this, turned around, and went back to his room. Sitting on the stool by the window, he watched the bright moon and stars in the night sky.
"What’s wrong, Miss?" Henuan whispered.
Hemei shook her head.
Everything was fine just before...
Chu Yu returned to his own courtyard and immediately sent Luo’er to summon City Lord Liao, the Lady of the City Lord, and Liao Shijie for questioning. Soon, the three of them arrived, respectfully saluting and greeting Chu Yu.
"May I know why Your Highness has summoned us?" City Lord Liao asked softly.
Chu Yu gestured for them to sit, and only after they were seated did he inquire, "Has the fourth son of the Liao family been betrothed yet?"
The expressions of City Lord Liao and the others conveyed mutual bewilderment, before City Lord Liao stood and responded, "Your Highness, we haven’t arranged a match!"
"?" Chu Yu was puzzled.
A gentleman like Liao Shijie had not been betrothed yet?
"To not conceal from Your Highness, Shijie is twenty this year. In earlier years, he was always studying and didn’t have the opportunity to be betrothed. Later, he went to the capital to take the imperial examinations. Then, with the passing of his father, he returned to observe mourning. Moreover, his mother fell ill some time ago, and thus, until today, he has not been betrothed!"
Chu Yu nodded slightly and looked toward Liao Shijie, "What do you say?!"
After saluting Chu Yu with a clasped fist, Liao Shijie then asked, "Is Prince Rui offering to arrange a match for me?"
"May I know the age and temperament of the other party?"
"Fourteen years of age, kind-hearted and considerate, a concubine-born daughter of her family!"
After pondering for a moment, Liao Shijie said, "Prince Rui, may I meet the lady first before giving an answer?!"
"That would be good!"
Whether or not the match would succeed, they should at least meet each other and express satisfaction on the surface before proceeding.
Not wanting to say more, Chu Yu found himself oddly uncomfortable in the role of matchmaker for the first time.
Had it not been for Yun Jinnian, he wouldn’t have interfered.
After City Lord Liao and his family excused themselves and returned to their courtyard, City Lord Liao said, "Shijie, what is your opinion on this matter?"
After some thought, Liao Shijie replied, "Father, I don’t have anyone I like, nor do I have a childhood sweetheart. Eventually, I am to marry, but I wish to marry someone I truly adore. If I don’t take a fancy to that girl upon meeting her, I will refuse!"
"You..." City Lord Liao was furious.
The Lady of the City Lord sighed and said, "My child, why are you still so obstinate? Prince Rui is arranging the match; do you think you have the right to refuse?"
"Shijie, whether you like her or not, you must marry that girl. Moreover, you must treat her well after the marriage. Listen to your mother. Even if you meet her later, approach the situation with a normal mindset. Don’t feel you are being forced and thus harbor resentment towards her!" the Lady of the City Lord earnestly advised.
Fearing Liao Shijie wouldn’t take her words to heart, she added, "Your mother cherishes you, and that’s why she hasn’t rushed you. If I were colder by a fraction and hastily arranged a marriage for you, would you marry or not? Prince Rui has royal connections, and he has his reasons for arranging this match. Perhaps the girl is not unworthy; it might simply be because she is a concubine-born daughter without control over her own marriage. Having sought Prince Rui’s mediation, he chose you because he saw some merits in you. You should be grateful. When you meet the girl eventually, you’ll have to consider all aspects!"
City Lord Liao nodded, "What your mother says is indeed true!"
"It’s just a concubine-born daughter; why the fuss? Haven’t several of the concubine-born sisters in our family also married very well?"
The Lady of the City Lord began to smile, "You, oh you, do not understand the hidden intrigues of the inner courtyard. If you don’t believe your mother, how about we make a bet?"
"Mother, if you have orders, I dare not disobey!" Liao Shijie said, subsequently kneeling in front of the Lady of the City Lord.
Instantly, the Lady of the City Lord’s eyes reddened, feeling that her years of heartfelt care for him had not been in vain!