Chapter 39: Betrothed Once More

Hardly had Yin Sumuo departed when Yin Ling entered the palace.

Upon learning that the Emperor had already issued a decree for the marriage and that Yin Sumuo himself had delivered it, Yin Ling, who had intended to intercept the matter, had no choice but to drop it.

When she met the Emperor, her expression was visibly sour. Nianzhao’s marriage had changed twice now, a situation that left her extremely displeased.

"Imperial Brother, why didn't you stop Little Six from acting so recklessly? You actually humored him and issued the decree!"

The Emperor frowned, set down his brush, and gestured for Yin Ling to sit. The palace attendants tactfully withdrew.

"Is this the only reason you came to see me?"

Yin Ling made no effort to hide her irritation. "Yes. Unfortunately, I arrived a step too late. The imperial decree has been issued; it would hardly be appropriate for you to retract it now!"

"Why? Do you have objections to this marriage, Imperial Sister? Earlier, when you learned that Xu Guodong intended to send his daughter into the palace, didn't you say... that it was quite suitable?" The Emperor looked at her with some confusion.

So, it turned out that it wasn't Xu Guodong’s money that made the ghost push the mill, but rather a stroke of blind luck that made it fit.

"Times change. At the time, I intended to marry Nianzhao to Changli... It seems I was too presumptuous; plans never keep pace with changes," Yin Ling mocked herself with a sharp tone.

The Emperor’s eyes flickered. He probed, "Could it be that you intended for Nianzhao to marry Little Six? If that was the case, why didn't you say so earlier?" He gestured helplessly and continued, "Look at the mess this has become. Very well, perhaps you should look for someone else for Nianzhao..."

Yin Ling’s expression darkened. She lowered her head to smooth her sleeves. "Then let her be a secondary consort to Changli. The Empress Mother trusts the Luo family, but I have never truly trusted them. Imperial Brother, do not forget that during our most difficult times, the Luo family mostly stood by and watched. From the very beginning, the Luo family looked down upon the Empress Mother and us siblings. If not for you proving yourself and becoming Emperor..."

"How could I forget? As you said, times change. Do you think I truly wanted a woman from the Luo family to be the future Crown Princess? It was merely an expedient measure. Added to the Empress Mother's wishes... Sigh, I know you are unhappy about this... A secondary consort it is, then. She is not Zhaozhao, after all. If she is obedient, it doesn't matter how we treat her, but if she is not..."

Upon hearing the name "Zhaozhao," Yin Ling’s face sank, and her voice dropped. "Why bring her up for no reason? Must you twist the knife in my heart, Imperial Brother? I did not want to give birth to her back then, but you forced me... And after she was born, you forced me to... kill her with my own hands..."

"Do you think I wanted to? She was your flesh and blood, my own niece. If you hadn't neglected her since she was small, allowing her to grow close to Feng Shijiu... And that girl was as clever as you, Imperial Sister. With her temperament, she would never have rested until she uncovered the truth. Once she learned the reality, the outcome would have been the same... Better a short pain than a long suffering. It was a move I was forced to make!"

The Emperor let out a long, desolate sigh and shook his head.

"Say no more, Imperial Brother. I do not blame you. Two years have passed; I simply do not wish to speak of it again. Everyone has their own fate, and that was hers!"

Yin Ling stood up to leave, looking even more troubled than when she arrived. "For the sake of your throne, Imperial Brother, I have never regretted anything I have done. I only hope you do not forget what you once promised me. When you issue the decree for the primary consort, you may as well include the arrangements for Nianzhao’s marriage. Once Little Six marries, according to our agreement, the Jiang family must hand over the Star-Plucking Tower. I wish you success in achieving your desires, Imperial Brother. It is also time for you to name a Crown Prince. I shall take my leave now."

The Emperor wanted to say something but stopped. Finally, he gave a slight nod and watched as Yin Ling departed.

After she left, the Emperor sighed to himself, "My sister... she is becoming increasingly overbearing. Well, no matter. It truly is time to name a Crown Prince."

***

"By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: Whereas the Xu daughter, Jiaojiao, is gentle, virtuous, and refined in character and appearance... she is hereby betrothed to the Sixth Prince, Yin Sumuo. Choose an auspicious date for the wedding..."

When Yin Sumuo returned to the Qiu residence and read this decree, everyone was caught off guard.

Zhao Jiao knelt on the bluestone, listening to Yin Sumuo’s slightly deep voice. Her face was as calm as an ancient well, as if she were not surprised at all.

"Jiaojiao, accept the decree."

Yin Sumuo urged her with affectionate eyes, his starry gaze curved in delight, as if fearing others might not see his joy.

Zhao Jiao looked up and saw his smiling face, yet she felt the expression was more about triumph, as if he were saying, "See, I got it for you!" She reached out and took the bright yellow scroll; the coldness of the silk against her fingertips felt as if she had been scalded.

"Your subject... accepts the decree and thanks the Emperor for his grace."

When she stood up, she almost stumbled, caught off guard. Yinkou rushed to support her, but someone was faster.

"Careful, Jiaojiao!"

That "Jiaojiao" was spoken with such honeyed sweetness.

"Congratulations to the Prince, congratulations... to the Fifth Miss! Congratulations to the Madam..."

Lingdang offered fawning congratulations, which made Xu Guodong feel incredibly awkward, as he was the only father left out.

The Old Madam had scurried over to hear the decree as soon as it arrived, though no one cared if she was there or not.

Concubine Qiu and Xu Qianying were green with envy, forcing themselves to maintain a smile. Concubine Meng was already teary-eyed with joy.

"Someone, reward them..."

Qiu finally regained her composure and assumed the posture of the lady of the house. As the servants cheered, the atmosphere suddenly turned lively.

"Your Highness, please, come inside!"

Qiu was even more enthusiastic than before, her face beaming. She had always said the fifth girl was blessed, and now she was truly to be a Princess Consort—who would have thought?

"No, I have urgent matters to attend to. I will come another day to discuss the wedding date. Thank you both for taking care of Jiaojiao; there will be much to trouble you with regarding the wedding..."

Yin Sumuo spoke very politely to Qiu and Concubine Meng, acting like a future son-in-law without a shred of princely arrogance.

"It is our duty, our duty... Please, Your Highness, attend to your business and come visit again another day."

With the decree issued, the matter was settled. Qiu was no longer as cautious as before. Concubine Meng, however, was flustered by being called "mother" and simply followed behind Qiu, nodding in agreement.

After dealing with his future mothers-in-law, Yin Sumuo’s gaze fell back on Zhao Jiao. "Jiaojiao, won't you see me out?"

My goodness, he was already acting spoiled!

"This subject will see you out, Your Highness!" Zhao Jiao replied, clutching the decree, though her smile was somewhat stiff.

He had truly secured the decree. She had no choice but to enter this game now.

Xu Guodong watched as Zhao Jiao and Yin Sumuo walked past him as if he didn't exist. His mood was predictably dark—not just embarrassed, but furious!

Was this not a slap in his face in front of everyone?

"Master Xu, you have seen for yourself; our house must prepare for the wedding. I fear it will be inconvenient for you to stay. You had best find a place to move out as soon as possible!"

Qiu wasn't trying to kick a man when he was down; it was just a coincidence.

"Hmph! What are you so proud of? Do you really think you're something? The fifth girl didn't crawl out of your belly, so what does it have to do with you? I am her father! Rest assured, I will move out as soon as I find a place; you don't need to push me!" Xu Guodong, having lost all face, put on a brave front. He turned and snapped, "Mother, let's go back to our room!"

He told himself secretly to endure—just endure a little longer. That wretched woman, Qiu, wouldn't live much longer!

At the gate, Zhao Jiao stopped. "I look forward to your care in the future, Your Highness!"

Alas, she had been betrothed again! She was destined to be entangled with the imperial family.

"That goes without saying. His Majesty wishes for us to marry soon, so the date will not be far off. Jiaojiao, you should hurry and... embroider your bridal veil. You needn't see me further. It's windy and cold outside; don't catch a chill!"

Zhao Jiao gave a hollow smile. "Your Highness is truly thoughtful." How many "Jiaojiaos" had he practiced this on to make it sound so effortless?

It was clearly cloying, honeyed talk, so why did it not feel greasy when he said it?