Chapter 634: Chapter 621: Granting Marriage
Only after seeing Princess An Le sleeping soundly did she feel relieved enough to leave.
The queen was terribly tired by now, rubbing her temples with a weary hand.
“Your Highness, have the sedative and rest earlier.” A maid handed her the medicine soup.
The queen took the medicine and took a sip.
The sedative was very bitter, much like her feelings at the moment.
“The Princess is sure to be upset for the next few days, someone must watch over her carefully, and bring some new distractions to cheer her up.”
The queen had a good understanding of her daughter. Even though Princess An Le had agreed to it, her heart was not resigned, and she would likely throw tantrums in the palace for a few days to come.
“Yes.” The maid agreed, before letting out a sigh, “The Princess has really been wronged.”
“Is it not the same for me?” The queen lowered her gaze, sighing heavily.
“Yes, your servant spoke thoughtlessly.” The maid hastily corrected, “Her Majesty the Queen also has no other alternatives.”
Yes, she truly had no other options now.
If there were any chance or opportunity, she would not be arranging for her daughter to marry someone with the character and social standing of Liang Xuelin.
For the stability of the royal harem, for Chu Yunhe’s future, she also could only sacrifice her daughter’s marriage.
The queen felt an increasing sense of fatigue and headache, rubbing the sides of her forehead, “Select a colored dress for me. Tomorrow morning, let’s invite the Emperor over.”
“Yes.”
—-
The next day, Chu Shengrui arrived only at midday to have lunch with the queen.
The queen brought up the matter of Liang Xuelin and Princess An Le during the meal, requesting Chu Shengrui to grant the couple a marriage.
Upon hearing this, Chu Shengrui put down his chopsticks, “An Le is the legitimate princess. And as the elder princess, there should be an extensive selection process for her marriage to show the importance of this matter to the royal family. This random assignment of marriage might be a bit…”
Inappropriate.
Furthermore, considering Liang Xuelin’s background, conduct, and physical appearance, in Chu Shengrui’s opinion, he was far from a suitable candidate for An Le.
Moreover, Mrs. Liang was Chu Yunhe’s concubine, and if her brother was to marry to the legitimate princess, it would in effect tie the Liang family firmly to Chu Yunhe.
The queen previously over-favored Mrs. Liang because of her astrologically well-matched birth chart and auspicious signs, implying a future filled with fortune and blessings. Was she so greedy to keep this so-called “good fortune” that she was willing to make a joke of her own daughter’s marriage?
This queen was being too short-sighted.
Chu Shengrui’s expression turned slightly colder.
The queen quickly explained, “I used to think that way too, that this matter was too hasty. But An Le insisted that she was in love with Liang Xuelin, and was determined not to marry anyone else. She also stressed that she would not be at ease until this matter was settled.”
“I really have no other alternatives but to consult with you.”
“It is said that when a child grows up he obeys his mother, but for a daughter, it seems that once she’s grown up, she has her own mind. I have been thinking, if we arrange a marriage with a man whom An Le dislikes, she might not be happy afterward. In that case, why not find someone she does like, so that they could lead a harmonious life, which would also relieve us of our worries.”
Chu Shengrui thought for a moment before nodding slightly, “The queen’s words make some sense, indeed if there is no affection, life would indeed be hard.”
“So, does this mean you would agree?”
Upon seeing Chu Shengrui’s consent, the queen breathed a sigh of relief and said in delight, “Then, when do you plan to grant the marriage?”
“Although you say this, it is, after all, An Le’s lifelong commitment. Let me ask An Le for her opinion and then we can decide.” Chu Shengrui replied, “If An Le really insists on this, then I’ll grant their marriage, and we can select an auspicious day for the wedding.”
“Understood.”
Though Chu Shengrui did not immediately agree, this was progress nonetheless. The queen didn’t push too hard and instead added some grilled lamb to Chu Shengrui’s plate.
At this point, Chu Shengrui had something on his mind, and no matter how tantalizing the dishes were, they tasted like wax to him.
The news of the queen wishing to grant Princess An Le a marriage with Liang Xuelin spread like wildfire and soon covered the entire palace.
“Why on earth would the queen want to marry An Le to Liang Xuelin?” Chu Yunzhao was somewhat puzzled, “If the queen is rewarding Mrs. Liang and her family, this reward seems a bit too much.”
“Mrs. Liang is arrogant because of her contributions and is a person who would do anything to climb up in society. Now that she knows so many secrets, she would not just keep them to herself, but use them to seek benefits for herself.” Chu Jinnian replied.
“Mrs. Liang sure is bold, even daring to covet An Le.” Chu Yunzhao couldn’t help shaking his head, “The queen is being reckless, pushing An Le into the fire pit.”
“Liang Xuelin is an incompetent drunk, and if he respects Princess An Le, that would be one thing. But I’ve heard that An Le once punished him for disrespect, making him kneel publicly. Liang Xuelin would probably hold a grudge and who knows how he will torment An Le after they’re married.”
Although Chu Yunzhao had always disliked the queen and the First Prince, and Princess An Le had always been arrogant, he found it bitter to think that a mother would sacrifice one child’s marriage for the sake of the other child’s future.
Chu Jinnian patted Chu Yunzhao on the shoulder.
Queen has always been a person who didn’t deserve to be a mother, just like the King of Qi.
Chu Yunzhao knew of Chu Jinnian’s suffering from his early days. He patted him on the shoulder as well, “Since the queen and Mrs. Liang are trying to replace the legitimate by the illegitimate, shouldn’t we spread some rumors to expose their true faces?”
“It’s not necessary.” Chu Jinnian denied, “Although it is our responsibility to investigate this matter, it might lead to others’ suspicion that we are targeting the First Prince, making us appear treacherous.”
“What should we do then?” Chu Yunzhao asked.
“Nothing at all.” Chu Jinnian replied with a smile.
“Nothing at all?” Chu Yunzhao was very surprised.
If they just did nothing, it would be unbearable for them to see the queen and others running amok.
“Yes, do nothing.” Chu Jinnian explained, “However, just because we do nothing doesn’t mean other people do nothing.”
“The queen suddenly brought up the matter of granting marriage. Given the emperor’s personality, he will certainly become suspicious of this marriage and conduct an in-depth investigation into its underlying motives.”
“Truth cannot be hidden forever. Considering that the queen and the First Prince have acted carelessly many times, with Emperor’s investigation, everything they went to great lengths to hide will likely be uncovered.”
“At that point, the queen and First Prince will be completely abandoned by the emperor.”
“Then all we have to do is sit back and enjoy the show.” Chu Yunzhao smiled.