Chapter 218: Su Hao Can Decide His Own Marriage
Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
Su Yurou didn’t utter a single word in her defense. Instead, she let out feeble cries. Su Dinghe and Chu Chengye wished they could envelop her in their arms.
Su Dinghe was particularly infuriated with Madam Wu. “Do you have any evidence to support such a slanderous claim against my daughter? If you don’t, then refrain from making baseless accusations!”
“What do you mean by no evidence?” Madam Wu retorted. “While she may not have directly interacted with Ruofei, she has frequented the Minister’s Estate numerous times. Ruofei’s maidservants can all vouch for this!”
Su Yurou clutched her handkerchief nervously. She had no immediate solution to this predicament, so she resorted to whimpering in front of Chu Chengye. “Your Highness, I’m truly terrified. Please, Your Highness, help me and spare me from further slander.”
She was staking her position in Chu Chengye’s heart.
Chu Chengye felt a sense of compassion towards her. Moreover, he noticed that when she cried, her pure eyes bore a resemblance to Su Yingxue’s.
He spoke up, “Father, today is Mother’s birthday celebration. The Wu family has disrupted the event. We should escort them out of the palace to prevent any disturbance to Mother’s mood.”
Chu Mingyuan stroked his beard, agreeing. “Ye’er is correct.”
Wu Ruofei and her mother were expelled from the palace. Chu Mingyuan, in particular, rewarded Su Hao generously. “Su Hao, you’ve endured undeserved hardship today. I hereby appoint you as the Fifth-Rank General of Ningyuan, in addition to your role as the instructor of the City Defense Army. You shall also receive the Silver Moon Spear as a reward.”
Su Hao knelt and expressed his gratitude. “Thank you for your benevolence, Your Majesty. However, 1 humbly request one more favor from Your Majesty.” “Is there something else that troubles you?” Chu Mingyuan asked, mildly surprised. Su Hao had always been composed, not one to seek favors.
Su Hao maintained his posture as he replied, “1 have no grievances, Your Majesty. I only seek your promise to allow me the autonomy to choose my marriage partner, free from parental arrangements. I wish to have the final say in my marital matters and not be coerced by others.”
Chu Mingyuan arched an eyebrow, finding the request intriguing.
He glanced at Su Dingheng with a meaningful look, causing Su Dingheng to blush with embarrassment.
Su Hao had openly delivered a resounding slap to his father.
Yet, Su Dingheng lacked talents in both scholarly pursuits and martial arts. Besides his noble title, he held only a ceremonial civil position. Now, with the family’s honor upheld by Su Hao, he had no power to oppose his “headstrong” son.
“Young General Su may have someone in his heart, but there seem to be certain obstacles he cannot overcome, such as today’s schemes,” Noble Consort Xiao cheerfully remarked.
Su Hao remained silent, neither confirming nor denying her statement.
“Emperor, you’ve granted my brother an official title and a spear. Would you mind bestowing one more reward?” Su Yingxue asked, capitalizing on the opportunity before Chu Mingyuan.
Chu Mingyuan felt Consort Xiang holding his hand in his sleeve.
He exchanged a smile with Consort Xiang and declared, “Very well, I grant your request. You may decide your marriage. When you are ready to wed, come and seek an imperial decree from me. No one shall coerce you.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty!” Su Hao exclaimed with excitement. A heavy burden was lifted from his heart.
Throughout the entire birthday banquet, Su Yingxue stole the limelight, while Su Hao reaped the benefits.
Others offered their congratulations to the siblings. Lin Sisi also approached and raised her glass to toast Su Hao. “Young General, you’re truly remarkable! Whether or not you have a lady in your heart, 1 wish you a bright future!”
Su Hao couldn’t help but smile. “So is Miss Lin.”
“Oh my, General Su is willing to converse with me. That’s splendid! Since I can’t become the Ninth Prince’s disciple, well…. General Su, how about I become your disciple first and practice with you?” Lin Sisi’s eyes sparkled!