Xiao Man watched Wen Mohan depart, her gaze falling upon Xi Yue, who stood beside her, pale as if the sky were falling, looking at Xiao Man with a hesitant expression.
"Xi Yue, are you worried about the Prince of Qin?"
"Miss, aren't you?"
"I'm not," Xiao Man said softly. "It's just a pretense of engagement, to avoid Yun Qi's imperial selection banquet. He surely understands that this is the safest course of action. It's just that he feels indebted to Mo Han, as even a fake engagement with me would come at a significant cost to the Prime Minister's estate."
Xiao Man had been somewhat hesitant, but seeing Wen Mohan's pleading eyes, she couldn't refuse.
"His Highness will go mad."
Hearing this, Xiao Man smiled. "Xi Yue, never place too much importance on love. No one dies without the other. He cannot, and neither can I."
Xi Yue didn't understand. She could tell Xiao Man had some feelings for the Prince of Qin, but she couldn't fathom Xiao Man's true feelings for Wen Mohan, especially after Wen Mohan's bold move. She was even more perplexed.
However, she understood that Wen Mohan was infatuated with Miss. He had used every means and scheme to get close to her, all for her sake. Meanwhile, the Prince of Qin was solely focused on power struggles. If things continued like this, Wen Mohan might indeed seize the opportunity.
Wen Mohan returned to the main hall with Xiao Man's birth charts. Madam Wen, the Prime Minister's wife, was beaming with joy. After a series of twists and turns, the weight on her heart had finally lifted. Once Yun Qi's envoy departed, she would visit the Xiao family again to discuss the wedding arrangements, marrying this daughter-in-law into their family as soon as possible to put her mind at ease, and also her son's.
Xiao Zhen was not surprised that Wen Mohan had obtained Xiao Man's birth charts. Wen Mohan was cunning, and his daughter might not be able to escape his schemes. Furthermore, this matter was genuinely beneficial to his daughter, so he naturally wouldn't object.
"From now on, visit us often," Madam Wen said, holding He Qingyi's hand. "We are practically family. We must interact more."
"Madam speaks wisely. I will certainly come to bother you often," He Qingyi replied with a smile. Her gaze fell upon Wen Mohan, who today looked radiant and cheerful, truly possessing an air of triumphant success.
He Qingyi was genuinely happy for him. Like Xiao Zhen, she was very pleased with Wen Mohan, yet she also felt a hint of unease. The Prince of Qin was not someone to be trifled with. If their families were to become allied now, she feared the Prince of Qin would not let the matter rest.
He Qingyi saw Madam Wen off to her carriage, then called out to Wen Mohan. "Young Master Wen, I am delighted to see lovers unite. However, I implore you to be cautious. Some people, some matters, may not unfold as we wish. But I do not want my eldest daughter to be harmed in any way."
"This junior understands."
The Protector of the Nation General's Mansion and the Prime Minister's Mansion were to become in-laws, having exchanged birth charts and set a wedding date. When the news spread, the Emperor was displeased. After all, the Prime Minister's Mansion and the General's Mansion, one civil and one military, were his left and right arms. Now, these two families were to intermarry, which was akin to having a slumbering tiger lying beside his pillow.
This tiger, who knew when it would bare its fangs and sever the master's throat.
"Your Majesty, Prime Minister Wen has arrived."
The Emperor retracted his thoughts and ordered Prime Minister Wen to be invited in.
"Your subject pays respects to Your Majesty."
The Emperor glanced at Prime Minister Wen indifferently. "I hear your family has taken a wife from the Protector of the Nation General's Mansion?"
"My son has long admired Princess Yongning. As I have only this one son, I shamelessly sought their hand in marriage." Prime Minister Wen understood why the Emperor had summoned him. With the marriage alliance between the Prime Minister's Mansion and the General's Mansion, one of them would have to step down, otherwise, the Emperor would lose sleep.
"Must he marry Yongning?"
"I beg Your Majesty's indulgence!" Prime Minister Wen prostrated himself in supplication. "Once the peace talks with Yun Qi are concluded, I intend to retire."
Prime Minister Wen took out a memorial from his robes and respectfully presented it. "This is my resignation."
Eunuch Hu tiptoed forward, received the memorial, and presented it to the Emperor. After reading it, the Emperor's stern expression softened slightly. "My dear minister, you should know that I do not favor alliances between powerful officials."
"This subject is deeply ashamed for failing Your Majesty's trust." Prime Minister Wen had finally realized that his son was willing to die for Xiao Man. If he were to prevent him from marrying her, their son might be lost. And what was the point of his years of ambition and schemes if his son were gone?
It was better to give up his position and power to give his son a chance to pursue his love. He didn't know if they would last, but he couldn't deny his son the opportunity to seek happiness. If, one day, their relationship ended, with the Wen family's wealth, they could start anew.
At that time, his son would also understand that love could be deeply hurtful, and he would become more indifferent to romance. Once indifferent, he would no longer be hurt.
"Very well, you may return."
"This subject takes his leave."
Prime Minister Wen cautiously backed out of the imperial study and, after closing the door, turned to leave. He used to cherish his high position and generous salary, but now that he had come to terms with it, it was nothing.
In these years, he had been so busy with state affairs that he had neglected his family. After resigning, he could take his wife on tours of mountains and rivers, enjoying himself to the fullest.
Xiao Zhen encountered Prime Minister Wen at the palace gates. Prime Minister Wen greeted him with a smile. Xiao Zhen managed a smile that was uglier than a cry. "Did His Majesty make things difficult for you?"
"Not at all." After submitting his resignation, Prime Minister Wen's state of mind had become much more peaceful. "Xiao Zhen, manage your daughter well. If she dares to let my son down, don't blame me for turning ruthless."
Xiao Zhen replied, "Let the younger generation handle their own affairs. Where they go is their destiny."
"Indeed. Shall we have a drink?" Prime Minister Wen suggested. "We have served in the same court for many years, yet we seem to have never had a drink alone together."
"All right, I'll treat," Xiao Zhen said immediately. "In daily debates, I am no match for you, but when it comes to drinking, you are no match for me!"
"That remains to be seen!"
The atmosphere in the Prince of Qin's manor was rather somber.
Wen Ruyu stood by the door, ready to flee at any moment. Xiao Man had actually agreed to Wen Mohan's proposal. That heartless woman, what did she take their Prince for!
Ye Qing also felt a sense of danger and quietly crept to the door. If the situation turned unfavorable, she would also run. Third Sister, Third Sister, are you rushing to your doom!
"Is His Highness within?" Dan Yuyan's voice was heard from outside. Wen Ruyu, as if seeing a savior, hurried out to welcome Dan Yuyan in.
"His Highness is within. Miss Dan, please quickly persuade His Highness."
Dan Yuyan's gaze swept over the two individuals, who seemed to be facing a great enemy, and couldn't help but smile. "Your Highness."
"What is it?"
"I heard that Princess Yongning has betrothed to Minister Wen?"
Wen Ruyu wished she could cover Dan Yuyan's mouth. You truly are asking about a sensitive topic! Can't you see His Highness is already displeased about this very matter?