USWHC -Chapter 530 The Rivers and Mountains of Daliang (Part 10)

“Mother, have you heard? The Empress actually wants to marry Fifteenth Sister to Scholar Ji! What is she thinking? How old is Fifteenth Sister even!” Lanyi said, fuming.

“That can’t be, right? Little Fifteenth is still just a child. Talking about marriage now is far too early,” Consort Duan said, disbelief written all over her face.

“Mother, it’s true! Many people in the Kunning Palace have heard it. Not only that, Consort Li also wants to marry that shameless Ping’an woman to him. How do these people always want to claim the best for themselves?” Lanyi pouted, rolling her eyes one after another.

Consort Duan let out a long, soft sigh and said, “Your father really does like this boy. It’s clear he intends to use him well. I’ve also heard whispers that your father might even want to make him a prince consort!”

“Really? Really? Mother, I heard it right, I really did!” Lanyi continued excitedly.

Consort Duan shook her head slowly and said, “It’s a pity his background is too lowly—he’s just a country bumpkin. Why can’t someone like him have a proper family background?”

“What’s good about a noble background? Big family, great wealth, but they might not respect the princess or you, Mother. If he’s really just from a humble family, he’ll surely obey the princess and treat you with utmost respect!” murmured Liu Rong softly.

Lanyi immediately gave her an encouraging glance, then exclaimed loudly, “Liu Rong is right! If I were married off to the Duke’s residence, who knows how much I’d have to endure from the Duke!”

“You are the emperor’s most beloved princess. Who would dare trouble you?” Consort Duan immediately said, not willing to hear it.

Lanyi spoke quietly, “But Fourth Sister is also the emperor’s most beloved princess, and yet she has to endure the Duke of Wei’s temper—and that Duke is even crippled!”

Consort Duan fell silent. Indeed, it was true—no matter how noble a princess is, once married out, she must live her own life. The emperor cannot meddle in every petty quarrel or dispute in her household.

“Enough, stop making up stories about others. I can tell you’re truly moved,” said Consort Duan, though inwardly she agreed. Outwardly, she kept up a show of maternal concern. “If you truly like him, I’ll go speak to your father!”

“Mother, you’re the best! I love you the most, I really do!” Lanqin immediately leapt forward happily, hugging Consort Duan tightly, rubbing against her like a little kitten, giving kisses and nuzzles.

“Empress, don’t wait. The emperor has been called by Consort Duan!” Xin Rong whispered.

The Empress replied softly, “Perhaps he will come soon?”

At that moment, a voice outside the door called out, “Princess Lanqin has arrived!”

Hearing this, the Empress excitedly shouted, “Summon her in!”

The palace doors opened quietly. Zhu Jie stood at the entrance with dignity. Even before entering, she smiled and said, “Congratulations, Mother, in advance!”

The Empress didn’t respond immediately but waved her hand at those nearby, saying, “Everyone, leave.”

The palace maids streamed out. Once the hall was empty, the Empress quietly asked, “What is there for me to celebrate?”

“Congratulations on Sixteenth Brother advancing another step toward the throne!” Zhu Jie said with a smile.

The Empress sighed helplessly. “It’s not that easy. The emperor didn’t come today!”

Then, widening her eyes, she gazed at Zhu Jie with a dreamy expression. “You said the emperor would come, and he really would. Tell me, do you think he’ll come today?”

Seeing her so hopeful, Zhu Jie couldn’t help but wonder why her nearly seventy-year-old father still had such charisma, making these young girls fawn over him. That look in the Empress’s eyes—undeniably genuine!

“On that day, did Mother really do everything I asked?” Zhu Jie asked, turning the question back to her.

“I cooked the dishes, said the words—everything as you arranged. The effect was good; the emperor was very gentle toward me. So why didn’t he come again today?” the Empress asked anxiously.