Wang Jin insisted on waiting three years after the new emperor ascended the throne to get married, claiming publicly that he wanted to observe three years of mourning for Emperor Taihe.
No matter what you say, this reason is dignified and presentable.
Pri Minister Wang had already made plans in his heart and recently wrote a letter to the Cui Family Master of Boling.
Among the prominent families of Da Liang, the Cui Family of Boling was also notable. Unfortunately, in recent years, the family had declined with no high-ranking officials erging, gradually falling into the ranks of second-tier noble families.
Unexpectedly, within just a few years, Cui Du erged. The Cui Family of Boling aligned themselves with the Nanyang Prince Mansion. Now that the Commandery Princess sat on the Dragon Throne, the Cui Family of Boling rose to prominence once again.
Pri Minister Wang wrote to the Cui Family of Boling with a clear goal: the Wang Family wanted to form a marriage alliance with the Cui Family.
Marriages between noble families were common. The legitimate daughter of the Cui Family of Boling could barely be considered a match for the Wang Family’s fourth son. Considering future political changes, aligning with the Cui Family had many benefits and no disadvantages.
Pri Minister Wang didn’t hide this from Wang Jin. After Wang Jin learned about it, he remained silent.
He could delay marriage but couldn’t remain single forever.
Eventually, he had to marry and have children to continue the family line. It didn’t much matter whom he married. Let Pri Minister Wang handle it. Pri Minister Wang was never a good person, but he was beyond good to this son.
What would be the reaction of the Cui Family of Boling upon receiving Pri Minister Wang’s letter?
Considering Wang Jin was talented, handso, from a prominent family, and held an official position, with a mild and gentle temperant, he was the epito of an ideal son-in-law.
If the Wang Family wasn’t trying to indirectly establish ties with the Emperor, why would such a good marriage reach the Cui Family? Were there not enough outstanding young ladies in the Capital City?
The news of the Wang Family wanting to form a marriage alliance with the Cui Family of Boling quietly spread into the palace.
In Jingyang Palace, where Grand Empress Dowager Zheng had been recuperating for days, she could finally leave her bed today.
Cui Du supported Grand Empress Dowager Zheng diligently: "Grandmother, please take your ti."
Grand Empress Dowager Zheng snorted lightly, glancing at Cui Du: "I heard that Pri Minister Wang wrote to the Cui Family of Boling to arrange a marriage with your clan relative. Are you aware of this?"
As it turns out, Cui Du really didn’t know.
Cui Du shook his head cluelessly.
Seeing his expression, Grand Empress Dowager Zheng grew angry, snorting: "I really don’t know what Shao Hua saw in you, choosing you as a consort back then."
Cui Du reacted swiftly this ti, responding smoothly: "Of course, it was because of my handso looks, loyalty, modesty, simplicity, and good humor."
Grand Empress Dowager Zheng laughed in exasperation: "You’ve forgotten the most important one—shaless and thick-skinned."
Cui Du grinned: "You know best, Grandmother."
Grand Empress Dowager Zheng rolled her eyes at him: "Enough, stop using your silver tongue with . The Wang Family wants to form an alliance with the Cui Family because of you, Elder Changning. You need to think of the consequences carefully."
Cui Du thought seriously for a mont: "Wang Zhongshu Ling is an outstanding young talent. Having such a cousin-in-law is an honor for . Thank you, Grandmother, for the reminder. I will write a letter back, advising Granduncle to agree to the marriage soon."
Grand Empress Dowager Zheng: "..."
This Cui Du, appearing foolish on ordinary days, can render one speechless with just a few words.
She intended to provoke disdain in Cui Du towards Wang Jin and disrupt the marriage. Cui Du’s reaction, however, was entirely unexpected.
Suppressing her displeasure, Grand Empress Dowager Zheng feigned worry: "I watched Wang Jin grow up; there’s nothing he can hide from . As the Imperial Consort, you must keep a close watch."
Cui Du presented a virtuous deanor: "You previously taught , Grandmother, that as the legitimate partner, I need to be magnanimous, showing tolerance. As long as Wang Zhongshu Ling performs his duties diligently, easing the Emperor’s burdens, I’m content."
Grand Empress Dowager Zheng: "..."
...
"If only you’d seen it earlier today, the Grand Empress Dowager was so angry her nose almost twisted."
After returning to Zhaohai Palace, Cui Du animatedly recounted the dayti scene: "Every ti she ntioned Wang Jin, I praised him continuously. When she spoke of the alliance between the Wang and Cui Families, I agreed and praised it. In the end, she was so mad she ignored ."
Jiang Shaohua, temporarily freeing herself from the busy affairs of state, listened to Cui Du’s bragging for amusent, laughing lightly: "With such virtue, even the Grand Empress Dowager can’t find faults to criticize you harshly."
Feeling smug, Cui Du straightened his chest: "Of course."
Having Cui Du by her side always brought extra joy and ease.
Jiang Shaohua ate three bowls for her evening al.
Cui Du looked at Jiang Shaohua’s noticeably protruding belly with so worry: "These days, your belly has grown significantly."
Jiang Shaohua responded, "That’s how it is in late pregnancy. Doctor Sun calculated the due date; it should be in the first month."
That would be in about a month.
Cui Du said, "Being busy until the end of the year, the governnt office will always rest for a few days during the first month. You can also get so proper rest."
Jiang Shaohua gazed intently at Cui Du: "Cui Du, are you a little scared?"
Cui Du quickly denied: "No."
"You’re afraid I’m too engrossed in politics, fear I’ll overwork and stress the baby, afraid I’ll have a difficult labor."
"No..."
"Rest assured, I’m aware of my own body. When I can’t handle it anymore, I’ll stop and rest."
All of Cui Du’s words got stuck in his throat; his lips moved slightly, and unexpectedly, his eyes reddened.
Jiang Shaohua felt a warm flush in her heart and chuckled: "I’m the one who’s pregnant and giving birth; if I’m not afraid, what are you fearing?"
Turning his head away, Cui Du sighed heavily, "I wish it were instead. I’m insignificant to Da Liang, but you are the Emperor of Da Liang and must not suffer any harm."
"That’s not right." Jiang Shaohua said seriously, "Your new crops are feeding countless people; Da Liang cannot do without you. And I can’t do without you either."
Who can resist the sweet talk of Her Majesty the Empress?
Cui Du certainly couldn’t, and imdiately smiled broadly: "I need to eat well, sleep well, take care of my health, and live a long life to accompany you for many years."
Jiang Shaohua sighed lightly: "So you’ve been sleepless and restless lately, right?"
Cui Du had to honestly nod and confess: "I can eat, but I can’t sleep well. I wake up three to five tis a night, calming only after checking on you."
Such unexpressed anxiety is like being slowly simred over a low fla, unbearably taxing. He truly wished the pregnant person nearing labor were himself.
Jiang Shaohua tenderly brushed Cui Du’s face: "Don’t worry, I’m destined for future greatness and will safely carry to term."
Cui Du wrapped his arms around Jiang Shaohua, the couple huddled together, whispering to each other for a long ti.
"Your Majesty," Chen Sheren’s voice called softly from outside the door: "Commander Song has sent a letter back."
Cui Du quickly opened the door, took the letter, and handed it to Jiang Shaohua.
Jiang Shaohua smiled as she opened the letter.
Song Yuan had set off half a month ago; this was the first letter sent back.
...
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