"This... this is not appropriate, is it?" King Chu was hesitant. Who among good men would willingly become a son-in-law, unless their family was completely wiped out... Wait, it seemed Xiao Qin's family was not particularly large.
"What is inappropriate about it? Does marrying into the Duke of Lu's mansion somehow disgrace him?"
King Chu smiled awkwardly. The Duke of Lu's mansion would certainly not disgrace him, but entering as a son-in-law was rather humiliating!
"Isn't becoming a son-in-law not a good thing?"
"Even His Highness Prince Qin was willing to marry into the General's mansion. Is he more noble than Prince Qin?" the Duke of Lu asked slowly. Who was Prince Qin? A royal of the highest caliber, and he was willing to become a son-in-law. What about an ordinary person?
"This must be discussed with Mr. Xiao first. After all, this concerns him." King Chu immediately passed the ball to Xiao Qin. It was Xiao Qin who wanted to marry Xiang Huan'er, and it was also Xiao Qin who would become a son-in-law. As long as Xiao Qin himself agreed, then he would not object.
The Duke of Lu looked at Xiao Qin, "Xiao Qin, do you have any objections to marrying into the Duke of Lu's mansion?"
"May I refuse?" Xiao Qin asked tentatively.
"It is best not to. After all, I have only this one daughter. Anyone who dares to mistreat my daughter, I will surely make them regret it."
"Father, you mustn't bully Mr. Xiao." Xiang Huan'er protectively shielded Xiao Qin behind her. Seeing this, Xiao Qin couldn't help but sigh and tugged at Xiang Huan'er.
"Miss, please do not cause trouble with the Duke because of my affairs. This matter is my fault. In any case, I am alone. Fortunately, I was appreciated by Your Highness, and given a chance to earn a living. Miss fancies me, which is my honor. However, I am a retainer of His Highness Prince Chu and must repay His Highness's kindness. If I were to marry into the Duke of Lu's mansion, I would no longer be able to serve Your Highness."
"Who you choose to serve is your business and does not conflict with marrying into the Duke's mansion," the Duke of Lu said slowly. "How about this? I heard you were invited into the Prince of Chu's mansion as a retainer because of your excellent medical skills, specifically to ensure the safety of the Princess Consort. Then let's set the wedding date for after the New Year. By then, the Princess Consort will have already given birth, and you will have completed your task. What do you say?"
"This... is very good." Xiao Qin bowed to the Duke of Lu, "Thank you, Your Grace, for your understanding."
"What are Your Highness Prince Chu's thoughts on this?"
"Since Mr. Xiao has agreed, then I have no objections," King Chu said slowly. "Now, may I take him away?"
"Of course." The Duke of Lu moved aside and held his daughter's hand. "Regarding the specific wedding arrangements, I will send someone to discuss them with Mr. Xiao."
"Very well, I bid you farewell."
Leaving the Duke of Lu's mansion, the two boarded a carriage.
"Sir, you have been wronged," King Chu said quickly. "I was out on business and only returned this morning. Upon hearing that Mr. had been taken away by Miss Xiang, I hurried over."
"It's not quite wronged, I'm just afraid I won't be able to help Your Highness and will only cause trouble." Xiao Qin rubbed his temples. "I distinctly remember sleeping alone last night, but I don't know how I woke up this morning lying in Miss Xiang's bed."
"I presume Xiang Huan'er used some means. This Xiang Huan'er is the Duke of Lu's cherished daughter. By marrying into the Duke of Lu's mansion, you will soar to great heights." King Chu said slowly. "However, Xiang Huan'er is rather rough and brawny, truly not someone one would find appealing. Sir, please bear with it. I need the Duke of Lu's support. Once I achieve my ambitions, I will surely grant you your freedom."
"Thank you, Your Highness."
"For now, please win over Xiang Huan'er."
"I will not fail this mission."
King Chu patted Xiao Qin's shoulder, a satisfied smile on his face.
At the same time, in Yunqi Shengjing, Murong Sheng Rui was reviewing memorials and asked, "Have you found any trace of Xiao Ling?"
"No trace has been found." Wei Wuji was somewhat helpless. He never would have imagined that despite their best efforts, they could not locate a young girl. This showed how capable she was, and the power behind her was not to be underestimated.
"It is to be expected that no trace can be found." Murong Sheng Rui's lips curved into a smile. "Were the memorials sent to Yusheng for a marriage alliance intercepted? Have you found out who did it?"
"No." Wei Wuji lowered his head. It seemed his subordinates had been slacking off recently. They couldn't find a person, and now they couldn't even figure out who was causing trouble behind the scenes.
"It doesn't matter if you can't find out. I can roughly guess who is behind this mischief." Murong Sheng Rui's lips curved into a smile, his gaze falling on a list. Two names were crossed out with a red line: one was Prince Qin, Nangong Yu, and the other was Prince Qi, Nangong Yi.
Nangong Yu had encountered Dugu Man on the battlefield. It was said that Prince Qin had almost died at Dugu Man's hands but had miraculously survived. Based on his understanding of Dugu Man, if she truly intended to kill, no one could escape her. Therefore, Prince Qin did not escape death but was spared by Dugu Man.
As for Nangong Yi, Nangong Yi and Xiao Ling were entangled in a complicated relationship. Moreover, when they investigated Nangong Yi, they discovered that he was much more profound than he appeared on the surface.
"After I have handled matters here, it will be time to go to Yusheng's imperial capital," Murong Sheng Rui said slowly. "My people, no one can take them from me."
A hint of confusion flickered in Wei Wuji's eyes. His Majesty's people? Was His Majesty referring to the Scarlet Feather Iron Cavalry?
"The Scarlet Feather Iron Cavalry is united as one. It may not be easy to control."
"What is the Scarlet Feather Iron Cavalry? I do not need to concern myself with them," Murong Sheng Rui said slowly. Although the Scarlet Feather Iron Cavalry was powerful, an unruly force was useless to him. Moreover, he did not need the Scarlet Feather Iron Cavalry; all he wanted was that person!
Wei Wuji's confusion deepened. If not the Scarlet Feather Iron Cavalry, then who did His Majesty want?
"Your Majesty, your humble servant dares to ask, with this ceasefire and the proposed marriage alliance, which princess of Yusheng does Your Majesty intend to offer for marriage?"
"Princess?" Murong Sheng Rui sneered. He was not interested in princesses; he was only interested in his people. This person, no one could take.
"If not a princess, who else would be qualified to enter Your Majesty's harem?"
Murong Sheng Rui looked at Wei Wuji, then his smile vanished. "Wei Wuji, you are becoming more talkative these days."
Wei Wuji's expression changed, and he quickly lowered his head. "Your humble servant has overstepped. Please forgive me, Your Majesty."
"You may leave," Murong Sheng Rui ordered.
"Your humble servant takes his leave."
Wei Wuji walked out of the imperial study, unable to suppress a sigh of relief. The emperor's thoughts were becoming increasingly unfathomable, and his temper was becoming unpredictable, making people uneasy. He had a feeling this was not a good sign.
"Eunuch, Lord Qu is waiting outside to see His Majesty."
Wei Wuji turned to look at the closed door, shook his head, and immediately walked out. Indeed, he saw Qu Yang waiting outside.