Qu Yang, as the envoy from Yun Qi, proposed in the morning court that a noble lady be selected as the Empress of Yun Qi. All the ministers were somewhat puzzled. They had expected an imperial princess to assume the esteemed position of Empress. However, Yun Qi surprisingly requested that one of the unmarried noble ladies of Yu Sheng be chosen as Empress, leaving everyone unsure of Yun Qi’s true intentions.
"May I ask how the envoy intends to choose the future Empress from among so many noble ladies?"
"Your Majesty Yu need not worry. We have our own methods to determine the most suitable candidate for Empress," Qu Yang said, presenting a memorial in his hand. The palace attendant quickly received it and offered it to the Emperor.
The Emperor opened it, his attention initially wandering. However, as he read the contents, he gasped in surprise. "This is..."
"This is a list of betrothal gifts for the Empress from my sovereign," Qu Yang stated unhurriedly. "If the chosen lady is exceptionally outstanding, my sovereign has promised even more generous gifts, all in the hope of forging an eternal alliance with Yu Sheng."
The Emperor immediately closed the memorial and said, "Prince Chu."
"Your son is here."
"This matter is entrusted to you to oversee in its entirety, with the Ministry of Rites assisting and the Court of State Ceremonial supervising. Ensure it is carried out flawlessly." Su Dan Novel Network.
"Your subjects accept this command."
"Whoever is chosen for this marriage alliance will be bestowed the title of Princess of the first rank. Any family member who holds an official post will have their rank elevated by one level."
Ministers who had initially been unwilling to let their daughters participate in the marriage alliance were now boiling with excitement. The prospect of their sons being promoted by one rank, potentially leading to wealth and prosperity, made them willing to sacrifice not just one daughter, but ten.
A flicker of doubt crossed Nangong Yu's mind. He was eager to know what conditions Yun Qi had offered to elicit such a generous reward from his father.
A sense of unease arose in Wen Mohan's heart. He felt that Yun Qi harbored ill intentions and followed Xiao Zhen out of the court.
"General."
Xiao Zhen was very pleased with Wen Mohan and treated him kindly. "Young Wen, is something amiss?"
"There is something I wish to discuss with the General," Mohan Wen said.
"What is it?"
"I wish to betroth Man'er first, so that she will not have to participate in this banquet," Wen Mohan explained gently. "It is merely an engagement, not a marriage. Once the marriage alliance matters are settled, whether it be marriage or the dissolution of the engagement, it will be entirely up to Man'er's decision."
Xiao Zhen smiled and patted Wen Mohan on the shoulder. "I truly did not misjudge you!"
"Regarding the engagement, I will personally explain to Man'er. Given the suddenness of this matter, a matchmaker will be sent to propose marriage shortly."
Madam Wen, the Prime Minister's wife, had invited a matchmaker to the General's mansion to propose marriage!
As soon as the news spread, a crowd gathered outside the General's mansion to witness the spectacle.
"Hahaha, we've profited, we've greatly profited! I knew young Master Wen would eventually win the beauty's hand!"
"What's the hurry? It's just a proposal. Perhaps Princess Yongning herself will refuse!"
"With how excellent a young man Master Wen is, if Princess Yongning refuses, wouldn't she be blind?"
"Who are you calling blind? Who says Princess Yongning must marry Master Wen?" someone immediately retorted. It was not surprising for Princess Yongning to choose any man as her husband, as she never acted according to convention.
Madam Wen sat in the reception hall, sipping tea and chatting with He Qingyi. Although He Qingyi was younger than Madam Wen, her bearing was no less impressive.
The matchmaker spoke eloquently, while Wen Mohan had gone to Shui Yue Xiaozhu to explain his hasty proposal to Xiao Man.
"Young Master Wen."
"Is Man'er here?"
"The young lady has already brewed tea and is waiting for you."
Wen Mohan chuckled wryly. "It seems if I don't explain myself clearly today, Man'er will likely be angry with me."
Yin Zhu lowered her head and giggled. "Young Master Wen, please."
Wen Mohan entered. Xiao Man had just poured the tea. "Sit."
Wen Mohan took a deep breath and sat down before Xiao Man. He picked up his teacup and drank it down in one gulp before speaking. "My hasty proposal today has its reasons."
Xiao Man refilled Wen Mohan's cup for him, while she sipped her tea with a relaxed posture. Wen Mohan couldn't quite gauge whether Xiao Man was angry or not.
"Yun Qi has proposed that all unmarried noble ladies must participate in the selection banquet for a queen, and one will be chosen from among them to be the Empress of Yun Qi. His Majesty has agreed," Wen Mohan said, casting an anxious glance at Xiao Man. "I... I don't want you to participate in the selection banquet."
Xiao Man nodded thoughtfully. All unmarried ladies had to attend the imperial palace for the selection banquet. Murong Sheng Rui might be hiding among the envoy team. If she appeared, she would not be able to escape.
Seeing Xiao Man remain silent, Wen Mohan continued, "I know you may not necessarily be fond of me, but you don't need to worry. I am not using this to coerce you. We are merely entering into a feigned engagement. Once the marriage alliance matters for Yun Qi are settled, you can break off the engagement with me at any time."
Wen Mohan nervously gripped the edge of the tea table, secretly observing Xiao Man's reaction from the corner of his eye. Seeing her expressionless face, his unease deepened. He feared Xiao Man would refuse.
"This matter might damage Man'er's reputation. Rest assured, it will be the General's mansion that proposes the annulment of the engagement, and I will do my utmost to ensure you are not harmed in any way."
Xiao Man let out a soft laugh. Nangong Yu looked up at Xiao Man. "Man'er, why are you... why are you laughing?"
"Mohan, you are always so kind," Xiao Man sighed. Every time she considered taking a risky path, he would carve out another for her.
Wen Mohan lowered his gaze. He was not kind. He would resort to any means to achieve his goals. He would also stain his hands with blood to protect those he loved. The word "kindness" did not suit him.
"Man'er, please, don't refuse," Wen Mohan pleaded, looking into Xiao Man's eyes. "I don't want you to attend the selection banquet. Even though I know the General would not let you go for a marriage alliance, I still do not wish for you to take even the slightest risk. Promise me, will you?"
Xiao Man was silent for a moment, then picked up the betrothal letter that was placed aside and handed it to Wen Mohan.
"This is..."
"My betrothal letter."
Joy erupted in Wen Mohan's eyes. "You agree?"
"This matter benefits me greatly and harms me not at all, but it might damage your future prospects," Xiao Man sighed softly. "You are willing to disregard your future and reputation to help me resolve this difficulty, so it would be hypocritical of me to refuse."
Wen Mohan was overjoyed. "This is all I willingly do."
"As for breaking off the engagement, you can do it then. My reputation has always been poor; I don't mind adding another mark to it."
"That won't do. A dignified man of substance should not damage your reputation," Wen Mohan took out his own betrothal letter and handed it to Xiao Man. "After exchanging betrothal letters, you and I will be betrothed."
Xiao Man took Wen Mohan's betrothal letter and opened it. It detailed Wen Mohan's birth date and his zodiac sign. "Our birth charts seem to match quite well."
"People whose birth charts don't match can't even talk to each other. Naturally, ours are very compatible," Wen Mohan said, carefully putting away Xiao Man's betrothal letter. "Mother is still waiting in the front hall, so I will go now."
"Alright."