"Excellent! Today, we will drink to our hearts' content, and not return until we are drunk!"
"Then it's decided! Come, let's toast to the alliance of our two families, cheers!"
A banquet lasted for nearly two hours, and only when the sun went down was it announced to be over.
"Congratulations, young masters, and congratulations!"
"Young Master Zhao, your wedding with the young lady is drawing closer!"
A group of officials rose one after another to offer their felicitations.
Zhao Yuzhen smiled even more broadly, "Esteemed young masters, I will not keep you any longer. My little daughter is newly engaged today, you should all hurry back and prepare yourselves!"
"Haha! Then we shall take our leave first!"
These officials departed from the Zhao residence one by one.
In the rear garden of the Zhao residence.
Zhao Yuzhen stood side-by-side with Murong Haoyue and Zhao Wenjun.
"Miss, congratulations!"
"Brother Haoyue, I am also very happy."
Zhao Wenjun smiled sweetly.
"Brother Haoyue, shall we go back!"
"Alright, then let's go back!"
The three exchanged smiles and walked hand in hand.
"Wait!"
Suddenly, Zhao Yuzhen stopped them, "Haoyue, when is the wedding for you and Wenjun set?"
"The sixth day of next month, what do you think?"
Murong Haoyue smiled faintly, "Just follow the customs of your Zhao family."
"Good! It shall be as Haoyue says!"
"Miss, you two chat, I'll be going now."
"Mm!"
Zhao Wenjun watched Murong Haoyue depart, a happy smile appearing on her face.
"Young Lady Zhao, congratulations!"
"Thank you, everyone!"
Zhao Yuzhen replied with a smile.
After Murong Haoyue left the Zhao residence, he went straight to the Prime Minister's mansion.
In the Prime Minister's mansion.
"My lord, what do you think of this marriage we have found for the young lady? Although this is a marriage of convenience, it is the best choice!"
A man stood beside an elder, smiling.
"Hmm, not bad! I have investigated this child from the Zhao family thoroughly. The Zhao family's entire fortune will be donated to the national treasury, and with that, their industries will fall into our hands!"
"That is indeed your brilliance, my lord! However, my lord, this time, we must make good use of their family's wealth!"
"Of course! I know what to do!"
"Brother Haoyue! Brother Haoyue!"
Just then, a sweet voice called out from behind Murong Haoyue.
He stopped and turned slowly, seeing Zhao Wenjun standing behind him.
"Brother Haoyue!"
"Is something wrong, Wenjun?"
Murong Haoyue asked.
"I... Brother Haoyue, shall we go home!"
"Oh? Where are Wenjun's parents?"
"I sent them back to the capital first. They had urgent matters requiring their return to the capital!"
"Then, alright! I'll accompany you back."
"Great! Then let's hurry!"
A luxurious carriage was parked outside the Zhao residence.
Zhao Wenjun helped Zhao Wenjun into the carriage.
The carriage stopped steadily outside the Zhao residence.
Murong Haoyue alighted from the carriage, holding Zhao Wenjun's small hand as they walked into the mansion.
The two ascended the steps together and arrived at a courtyard.
At this moment, a middle-aged man was walking out of a room, "Haoyue, Wenjun, why have you only just returned?"
"Father! We were delayed by something!"
"Father!"
Zhao Wenjun also quickly called out.
"Alas! Where did you two go? Why are you returning so late?"
"We went out shopping."
Zhao Wenjun explained with a smile.
"You child, why are you returning so late from shopping?"
"We..."
"Wenjun, don't be afraid. Your Zhao family in the capital is not as weak as outsiders say. There are some things you must tell your father, otherwise, father will worry for you."
Murong Haoyue smiled gently.
"Brother Haoyue is right, Wenjun understands."
Zhao Wenjun nodded obediently.
"Alright! Since you're both back, let's all go inside!"
Zhao Wenjun and Murong Haoyue followed Zhao Wenzhong into the study.
The next day.
"Brother Haoyue, you're amazing!"
Dressed in white, a figure-hugging outfit that accentuated her graceful physique, Zhao Wenjun rested her chin on her hands, gazing at Murong Haoyue, who was sitting beside her, with adoration.
"Hehe! Wenjun flatters me, but I did this to leave myself some room for maneuver. If I truly angered the Zhao family, they would undoubtedly spare no effort to retaliate against us."
"Brother Haoyue, I heard the Emperor sent people to propose marriage last night?"
"Yes!"
Murong Haoyue nodded with a smile.
"It's truly enviable!"
"Wenjun, when you come of age, I will marry you too, alright?"
"Ah?"
Zhao Wenjun was stunned by his words.
She never expected Murong Haoyue to say such a thing to her, and her cheeks instantly flushed red.
"Wenjun, you don't want to?"
"How could I not! It's just that, I... Brother Haoyue, we are both students, and I still have many things to do. Let's talk about it when we're adults!"
"Alright!"
Murong Haoyue nodded.
They chatted for a while longer, then Zhao Wenjun left the study for her boudoir. She planned to strike while the iron was hot and expedite this good matter, so she could then follow Brother Haoyue with peace of mind.
Another five days passed in the blink of an eye.
During this period, Murong Haoyue was diligently reviewing memorials in the Hall of Diligent Governance, while Zhao Wenjun was out early and returned late every day. Their relationship grew closer, and Zhao Wenjun became increasingly reliant on Murong Haoyue.
One evening, before Murong Haoyue had finished reviewing the memorials in his hands, an eunuch arrived to announce that the Emperor wished to see him.
"Greetings, Your Majesty!"
Murong Haoyue immediately put down his vermilion brush and stood up.
"My dear minister, you are dismissed!"
The Emperor slightly raised his hand, gesturing for Murong Haoyue to sit.
"Your Majesty, I have a matter I wish to request of Your Majesty."
"Speak!"
"I have a cousin who has just come of age this year and wishes to find a good match. Therefore, I specifically come to request Your Majesty to grant her a marriage."
"Oh? Do you know who this cousin is?"
"Replying to Your Majesty, that cousin is Princess Wanning! Princess Wanning is eighteen years old this year."
"Oh? Have you met her?"
"Replying to Your Majesty, no."
"Then I shall grant her a marriage!"
"Yes!"
A wave of turmoil passed.
Five years later.
"Brother Crown Prince, Brother Crown Prince! Wake up quickly! The imperial physician said that Brother Crown Prince's wound has scabbed over, and he doesn't need to soak in medicinal baths every day."
Zhao Wenjun nudged Murong Haoyue, who lay on the bed unconscious.
"Wenjun, don't fuss! Let me rest for a while."
Murong Haoyue rolled over and continued to sleep.
Zhao Wenjun sighed helplessly, "Alas! Brother Crown Prince! Stop pretending!"
"Wenjun! I... I wasn't pretending! How was I pretending?"
Murong Haoyue opened his eyes, feigning just having woken up.
"Brother Crown Prince, last night, we were ambushed on the street. Fortunately, Brother Crown Prince is skilled in martial arts and took me away. Otherwise, the consequences would have been unthinkable!"