Hearing Su Fu’s calm reply, Su Zhe finally exhaled in relief.
He looked at her and spoke slowly, “A few days ago, Duke Wu came to see me. From what he implied, the fifth son of the Wu family intends to marry you. You know the Wu household—it would already be considered an advantage for you to marry there. Moreover, the fifth son is young, talented, and handsome. You would not be wronged marrying him.”
Young, talented, and handsome? Su Fu sneered silently.
Su Zhe must think she was naïve and confined to the residence, knowing nothing of the world, to speak so openly as if to fool her.
If Wu Yuan were truly such a good match, why would the Wu family even consider her at all?
“Fu’er will follow whatever Grandmother and Father arrange,” she replied calmly.
Hearing this, Qiu Shuang and Qiu Xue were anxious on Su Fu’s behalf.
Su Zhe stroked his beard with satisfaction, laughing, “Ha! Fu’er, as the eldest daughter of the Su family, you truly are obedient and sensible. Then it’s settled. I will handle the rest; you just need to prepare for marriage peacefully.”
..
Back at Lanxiang Pavilion, Qiu Shuang could hardly contain her worry. “Miss, how could you agree to what Grandmother and Father decided? I’ve met that Wu Yuan—he’s not a suitable match at all!”
Qiu Xue hastened to echo, “Yes, Miss! You absolutely cannot marry him. Your father is overstepping—he’s your biological father, yet he wants you to marry someone like Wu Yuan? What family in the capital would willingly marry their daughter to him?!”
The more she spoke, the angrier she became.
Seeing their distress, Su Fu gave them a reassuring glance. “Don’t worry. I will not marry Wu Yuan. I have other plans.”
For some reason, Su Fu’s calm, unwavering demeanor instantly eased their anxiety. They didn’t know what her plan was, but they trusted she would never really marry Wu Yuan.
..
Xiao Junhe had always kept an eye on Su residence affairs. That day, he was at the Xuanjia army camp watching soldiers train.
His aide, Cang Nan, reported quickly, bowing respectfully.
“Young Master, those assigned to monitor the Su household report that Su Zhe has been getting close to Duke Wu lately. Yesterday it was heard that Su Zhe intends for his eldest daughter to marry Duke Wu’s fifth son.”
A shadow passed over Xiao Junhe’s dark eyes.
Having been away from the capital for years, he was not deeply familiar with its affairs. “What’s the fifth son’s name?” he asked in a low, serious tone.
“Wu Yuan,” Cang Nan replied.
Xiao Junhe paused, realizing—Wu Yuan? That was the man in the teahouse who had spoken with Su Fu.
He wondered if she might have been willing to marry Wu Yuan, and a knot of unease twisted in his chest, frustration rising.
“You investigate Wu Yuan—his character, habits, everything you can find. Give me a full report,” Xiao Junhe ordered sharply, then picked up his sword and moved toward the training field.
Cang Nan silently feared for the soldiers.
Soon, Cang Yu emerged from the camp and saw the soldiers groaning on the ground after the drills. He touched Cang Nan’s shoulder. “Young Master, what’s going on today?”
Cang Nan’s expression remained cold. “Troubled by love,” he said flatly.
Cang Yu scratched his head, puzzled. “Troubled by love? Could it be… because of Miss Su?”
Within a single day, Cang Nan had gathered almost all information about Wu Yuan.
“Wu Yuan is notorious in the capital for his indulgent ways. Brothels, pleasure boats, teahouses—he frequents them all. Rumor has it, he once fancied a girl from a common family and forcibly took her into his residence. Now he already has several concubines in his house,” Cang Nan reported expressionlessly.
Xiao Junhe clenched his fists in his sleeves. His mind was torn, but finally, he made up his mind. No. I cannot let Su Fu marry such a man.
..
The next day, after court, Xiao Junhe stayed behind.
He knelt, his expression solemn. “Your Majesty, I have a request.”
Emperor Jingwen, seeing his serious demeanor, lowered his brows. “What is it? Speak freely.”
Xiao Junhe carefully considered his words before speaking, “Previously, Your Majesty promised to bestow a reward upon me. At that time, I had not decided. Now I have, and I come to request it.”
Jingwen chuckled. “Well then, tell me—what reward do you seek?”
“I wish to request an imperial decree granting me the marriage to Miss Su, eldest daughter of Su Zhe,” he said firmly.
The emperor was momentarily stunned. “Miss Su? The young lady who painted at the palace banquet?”
“The very same,” Xiao Junhe confirmed.
“Have you discussed this with your parents? If I issue a decree without their knowledge, they may resent me later,” Jingwen said thoughtfully. He recalled the scene when Princess Yongping stormed into the palace to question him, shivering at the memory. That princess had been trained in martial arts since childhood and had even fought alongside General Xiao Yinghuai on the battlefield!
“I will marry no one but Miss Su, Your Majesty. I will follow her and only her. I will speak to my parents afterward. I ask Your Majesty to grant this,” Xiao Junhe said, then bowed his head to the ground.
Seeing his unwavering resolve, the emperor sighed helplessly. “Fine. Since you insist, I shall draft the decree to grant your marriage.”
Xiao Junhe exhaled in relief, a mixture of joy and nervousness swelling in him. He wondered if Su Fu might dislike him for taking the initiative, or even resent him…
“Thank you, Your Majesty, for your support!”
“Your statuses differ greatly. Be sure you do not regret this decision in the future.”
..
That day, Su Zhe had a day off and was walking toward the residence gate, intending to visit Duke Wu to discuss the marriage alliance.
Just as he reached the gate, he saw the imperial eunuch Liang approaching Su residence.
Su Zhe quickened his pace, smiling and bowing. “Ah! Eunuch Liang, what brings you here today?”
Liang, holding a whisk, waved it in his hand, more respectful than usual, his voice sharp and high-pitched. “Su Zhe, I am here by imperial order, to deliver a decree. It is a matter of good fortune!”
Su Zhe’s face lit up; he assumed he had been promoted, his grin almost stretching to his ears.