The only Consort of the Prince of Imperial Order? Upon hearing Mo Qingchen’s words, everyone in the hall couldn’t help but show astonishment. Even ordinary nobles and officials in the Imperial Capital typically kept multiple wives and concubines, let alone members of the imperial family.
While others were surprised, Empress Dowager Xiao nodded with satisfaction. She then turned to Ye Yun and said gently, “Yun’er, you heard him. Although that boy usually appears cold and aloof, once he sets his mind on something, he will undoubtedly follow through. If he ever dares to bully you in the future, Yun’er, come and tell me. I will stand up for you and teach him a proper lesson.”
Mo Hongqi chimed in jokingly, “Mother is absolutely right. We all stand on Yun’er’s side. If he dares to mistreat you, I will have him beaten with bamboo rods and confined to reflect on his mistakes.”
Upon hearing this, Ye Heng and his wife exchanged a glance. Ye Heng immediately said, “Your Majesty and the Empress Dowager are too indulgent with this girl Yun’er. In the future…”
Empress Dowager Xiao promptly interrupted Ye Heng, “Yun’er is a delightful child. There is nothing inappropriate about the Emperor and me doting on her. The Protectorate Duke need not concern himself with such matters.”
Standing nearby, Mo Qingchen seized the moment to add, “Mother and Elder Brother, please rest assured. Since I have chosen to marry her, I will be wholeheartedly devoted to her. Protectorate Duke and Madam, you may also set your minds at ease. However cherished and esteemed she was in the Protectorate Duke’s Residence, in Prince Chen’s Mansion, she will be treated even more preciously. I will not allow her to suffer the slightest grievance.”
Seated beside Empress Dowager Xiao, Ye Yun glanced at Mo Qingchen. This man’s words today were quite heartfelt.
Ye Heng then remarked, “As long as Yun’er herself is content and the two of them share mutual affection, we as parents naturally rejoice to see it come to fruition.”
Empress Dowager Xiao beamed even more joyfully at this, “Excellent. Then it is settled today.”
Su Yuning, seated beside the Emperor, listened to the Empress Dowager’s delighted words, her grip on the wine cup in her hand tightening so forcefully it seemed on the verge of shattering. She had never expected this matter to progress so swiftly. It appeared they had underestimated Ye Yun by far more than a little.
Mo Hongqi spoke calmly, “Mother, since this concerns A’Chen’s marriage, I will instruct the Ministry of Rites…”
Before his elder brother could finish, Mo Qingchen interjected, “Elder Brother, all ceremonial matters will be handled by the staff of Prince Chen’s Mansion. There is no need for the Ministry of Rites to intervene. Your Majesty need only command the Imperial Astronomers to select an auspicious date for my wedding.”
The exclusion of the Ministry of Rites was understood by all present. The Minister of Rites was the Empress’s elder brother and the Crown Prince’s maternal uncle. Prince Chen’s intention clearly delineated the boundaries in this matter.
Empress Dowager Xiao remarked softly, “Very well. You have always been decisive. Since you wish to oversee it personally, proceed as you see fit.”
Mo Hongqi laughed, “Since Mother has spoken, we shall follow your wishes.”
For a time, the banquet in the hall continued harmoniously, filled with joy and warmth. Only Su Yuning and Mo Heng, mother and son, seated rigidly apart, seemed out of place in this family gathering.
The luncheon eventually concluded.
Mo Hongqi rose, “Mother, I must take my leave now as there are state affairs awaiting me in the Imperial Study.”
Empress Dowager Xiao glanced at the Empress beside her, then at the consorts and other princes, “In that case, all of you may withdraw as well.”
“Yes,” they responded in unison before departing.
Outside the Palace of Everlasting Joy.
After the Emperor’s dragon carriage had departed into the distance, Liu Li smiled and said to Su Yuning, “Your Majesty, at today’s family banquet, Prince Chen and Miss Ye truly make a perfect match. Who says Prince Chen is indifferent to matters of the heart? He simply hadn’t met the right person. But come to think of it, royal marriages are traditionally handled by the Ministry of Rites. Your Majesty, why do you think Prince Chen declined such arrangements?”
“If the Noble Consort enjoys speculating about these matters so much, you should ponder them yourself rather than asking me.”
“Your Majesty is right. This subject spoke out of turn.” Liu Li performed a slight curtsy before the woman. “There are matters awaiting in my palace, so I shall not detain Your Majesty with idle chatter. This subject takes her leave.”
Once Liu Li left, the others following behind also departed one after another.
Mo Heng stood nearby. “Mother, this matter…”
“It seems some matters must be dealt with promptly,” Su Yuning said coldly. “Very well, return to the Eastern Palace now.”
…
Meanwhile, in the Palace of Everlasting Joy, after those people had left, Empress Dowager Xiao addressed Mo Qingchen and Ye Yun again: “It’s been some time since I last saw the Duke of Zhenguo and his wife. We have much to discuss, so why don’t you take Yun’er for a stroll outside instead of remaining cooped up here?”
Ye Yun immediately rose and approached Mo Qingchen. “Let’s go for a walk.”
Mo Qingchen bowed respectfully before leading Ye Yun out.
“Are you satisfied with today’s outcome? If you have any other thoughts, feel free to share them with me,” Mo Qingchen gently asked the young girl beside him.
Ye Yun asked directly, “Can I say anything? Will you agree to everything?”
Mo Qingchen confirmed without hesitation, “Whatever you say, I will agree.”
Ye Yun broke into a smile. “For now, I’m completely satisfied. If I think of something else later, can I bring it up again?”
“Of course.”
“Then I’ll remember that. You can’t go back on your word.”
“I won’t.”
Chatting and laughing, the two emerged from the Palace of Everlasting Joy. The spring scenery was at its finest, with the imperial lakeside particularly enchanting.
Just as Ye Yun was about to comment on the beautiful scenery, she spotted Mo Heng appearing before them, instantly turning the lovely view into an eyesore.
Mo Heng stepped forward and bowed to Mo Qingchen. “I was just returning to the Eastern Palace when I happened to encounter Imperial Uncle here.”
Mo Qingchen’s voice turned exceptionally cold. “Indeed, most unfortunate.”
“Speaking of which, I didn’t find a suitable opportunity earlier in Grandmother’s palace to offer Imperial Uncle my congratulations. Though this outcome is rather surprising—I never imagined Imperial Uncle’s future Princess Consort would actually be…”
“Heh.” Mo Qingchen cut him off with a cold sneer. “The Crown Prince should carefully consider his next words before speaking. Since I am your Imperial Uncle, she as my Princess Consort becomes your elder. Even if you eventually ascend to your father’s position, elders remain elders. Moreover, you haven’t reached that stage yet. In my presence, you would do well to mind your manners.”
Mo Heng cast a disdainful glance at Ye Yun. “Elder”? The woman he had rejected actually thought she could rise above him.
Seeing Mo Heng’s obvious discomfort, Ye Yun found it amusing and deliberately pressed further, “Isn’t that right?”
Gritting his teeth, Mo Heng had no choice but to agree.
Mo Qingchen completely ignored Mo Heng and took Ye Yun’s hand. “Let’s go. The scenery here is offensive to the eyes. We’ll go elsewhere.”
Ye Yun nestled close to Mo Qingchen’s side. “I never realized you could be so merciless when putting someone in their place.”
“If the younger generation doesn’t understand propriety, the elders should properly teach them, understand?”
“Yes, that makes sense.” Ye Yun echoed Mo Qingchen’s words.
Watching the retreating figures of those two, Mo Heng thought: Ye Yun, just you wait. Thinking you can become this Crown Prince’s elder? Let’s see if you have the lifespan for that.