Chapter 335: Chapter 335: Arranged Marriage by Zate
After the Mid-Autumn Festival, the entire capital was abuzz with discussion about the royal marriage decrees at the palace banquet during the Autumn Festival, focusing particularly on the continuous betrothals of the Song Family’s children.
However, this time, there wasn’t much envy; instead, it felt like the Song Family was being forced into action, as the marriage decree appeared to have been pushed by Prime Minister Fan.
Although it was a royal decree, everyone knew that this marriage alliance between the two families meant the Song Family would be marrying into Prince Dingbei’s Mansion, so it was said that the young hedonist, Song Si, was to join the Prince Dingbei’s household.
Although the families in the capital seemed to treat this as entertainment, privately there was some envy—the thought that even in such a marriage, there would be a lifetime of wealth and comfort.
That Song Si was indeed born under a lucky star.
Everyone was abuzz about this royal marriage, including the Shen Family, who had almost formed a match with Song Zhiyu previously.
However, Madam Shen did not look pleased; she was wearing a headband and coldly watching her sister-in-law.
"Elder sister-in-law, there’s no need to look at me like that; it’s all for the sake of the Shen Family’s reputation. Even though the match didn’t happen, who doesn’t know that Fu Qing was intended for Song Si of the Song Family?" Second Madam Shen covered her mouth with a handkerchief as she spoke, "Now there’s a royal decree, keeping her in our mansion isn’t proper, is it? Otherwise, people will gossip."
"Aren’t you the one gossiping, sister-in-law? How does driving the young lady out of the mansion preserve the Shen Family’s face?" Madam Shen was furious.
Second Madam Shen widened her eyes, feigning innocence, "It’s not about driving her out, it’s about sending her back to Guangling. Isn’t that better than staying here and causing embarrassment?"
Madam Shen replied coldly, "I don’t know what my niece did to make you feel embarrassed."
"Elder sister-in-law, there’s no need to be upset with me; it’s not my idea. It’s mother’s. It’s all for the girl’s good." Second Madam Shen pouted.
Madam Shen was about to speak again when Fu Qing, standing at the doorway, coughed lightly and entered, performing a courtesy salute to the two.
"Aunt, I’ve been thinking of my parents. Now that the Mid-Autumn Festival has passed, I should return to Guangling to reunite with them." Fu Qing said with a bright smile.
Madam Shen looked at her visibly thinner cheeks, and her heart ached. Her eyes turned red as she said, "Stay with your aunt a few more days."
Fu Qing responded, "The weather will get colder soon. I’m not sure if it will be easy to travel then."
Madam Shen almost shed tears and was about to say something, but a servant girl rushed in quickly and reported, "Madam, put on your outer garment quickly, ah, the young lady is here too, you should both change clothes immediately."
"What’s going on?" Madam Shen sat up straight in her seat.
"A royal decree, a royal decree has arrived, and it specifically asks for the young lady to receive it."
Madam Shen’s heart skipped a beat and she stood up immediately, "Quick, have someone assist us in changing clothes."
The main room was in chaos, and even Second Madam Shen seemed surprised, discreetly leaving to inquire further.
An hour later.
Fu Qing held the bright yellow royal decree, completely stunned, feeling the heat radiating from it, staring fixedly at the bright yellow.
Was she dreaming?
"Aunt, this?" Fu Qing, somewhat flustered, sought Madam Shen.
Madam Shen, smiling broadly, helped her up, touched the decree, and said, "Good child, from now on, I may have to bow to you and call you Princess Consort."
As she spoke, she deliberately glanced at Second Madam Shen, whose face had turned ashen, and at the others present.
Ah, this royal decree was indeed a miraculous cure; as soon as it arrived, all her ailments vanished, and she felt completely revitalized!
Fu Qing blankly looked at the people gathering to congratulate her, her mind buzzing. She had been betrothed to the Commandery Prince Qing?
Though it was a second marriage, she would still be a consort of the royal family!