Seeing the situation, Mada An grew even more convinced that Mo Yan was not entirely pleased with the marriage proposal. She continued, "The Cui family has been a prestigious World Family for hundreds of years. Without boasting about their prominence, the descendants from the family are quite accomplished and carry a certain degree of dignity in society. Moreover, n of the Cui household are known for their gentle nature and their agreeableness, at least they are not those uncouth sorts who don’t know how to be tender..."
At this point, Mada An felt her comnts might not be entirely appropriate and abruptly stopped, but the implication in her words was quite obvious.
Now, Mo Yan finally understood Mada An’s intentions and couldn’t help but feel sowhat exasperated. To speak so frankly, did she really think she could poach soone in broad daylight? What happened to the elegance and composure expected of everyone?
It turned out she had been overthinking; this was an illness in need of a cure!
Witnessing the changing expressions on Mo Yan’s face, Mada An mistook it for a sign of interest and felt sowhat smug. She thought to herself, who could resist a marriage proposal from the Cui family? Even if the family had its share of dirty laundry, Seventh Master Cui was still decent. At least he had a grandmother who genuinely cared for him. As long as the bride could lead a quiet life, the old lady would surely protect her. How aggrieved could she be?
Thinking this, Mada An felt quite pleased with herself. Her family relied on the Cui household; though the n in that family didn’t hold high official ranks, their connections were widespread, and building a relationship with them had its benefits.
Just when Mada An thought she was on the verge of success (a complete illusion), a young girl ca running in and, panting, said, "Sister Yan, the Imperial Edict has arrived, quick, prepare to receive it."
Mo Yan stood up at once, looked at Shengsheng, and asked, "Shengsheng, are you certain the Imperial Edict has arrived?"
Shengsheng nodded her little head and, with wide eyes, said, "It’s true, Shengsheng is not mistaken."
While talking, a series of footsteps could be heard in the courtyard, followed by a shrill shout: "The Imperial Edict is here, Princess Hejia, prepare to receive the Edict!"
Mo Yan finally believed it and, without lingering on why such an Edict would arrive, she quickly sent Shengsheng to the back to call for Lixiu and the others to receive the Edict. After Shengsheng left, she said to the already stunned Mada An, "Mada An, I must prepare to receive the Edict. Please, make yourself at ho."
Though the Imperial Edict was for Mo Yan, the others present were also required to kneel, so naturally, Mada An could not excuse herself.
Coming back to her senses, Mada An quickly responded, "County Lord, please go ahead with your duties. Do not concern yourself with ."
Mo Yan did not say much and turned to go outside to greet the Eunuch with the Duty of Announcing Edicts. After inviting him into the room, she tactfully asked a few questions. Once she learned that it wasn’t bad news, she went to prepare the incense table with peace of mind.
After she had arranged the incense table, Mo Yan knelt at the very front, with Mada An and the others kneeling behind her, bowing their heads to listen to the reading of the Edict. Mada An, in particular, listened very carefully, but the more she heard, the uglier her expression beca, to the point where she didn’t even know how to get up at the end.
"By the mandate of heaven, the Emperor decrees: Hearing of Princess Hejia’s respectful and virtuous deanor, exceptional in both character and appearance...the linchpin of the nation, General Xiao possesses profound virtue and decency, fully in accordance with propriety. A celestial match, I here confer marriage upon you both. Accept this honor with joy; may it forever illuminate your household. This I command—"
The Eunuch read the Imperial Edict with rising and falling intonation, looking at the baffled countenance of Princess Hejia, obviously not having snapped back to reality, and could not help but remind her, "Princess Hejia, be quick to receive the Edict!" Internally, he regretted that such a delicate and graceful lady was to be betrothed to such a fearso god of death.
Mo Yan was indeed stunned by this sudden marriage Edict and didn’t quite understand why Emperor Huian had suddenly changed his approach. Nevertheless, this was ultimately a good thing. With this Imperial marry order, no one could interfere with her and Bro Xiao’s marriage again.
After the Eunuch’s reminder, Mo Yan quickly kowtowed to accept the Edict, and conveniently stuffed a well-prepared purse into the Eunuch’s hand.
Felling the contents of the purse with his hand, the Eunuch’s smile beca even more genuine, and he bowed deeply, saying, "This one offers congratulations to the County Lord here in advance."
"Thank you, Gonggong!" Mo Yan replied with a smile, her heartfelt joy obvious. She seed more than satisfied with the marriage she’d been granted.
Suddenly unsure of what had just unfolded, the Eunuch nonetheless knew it was none of his business. After exchanging a few pleasantries, he left the Mo Family with the Little Eunuchs.
Having received a gift from Mo Yan, the Eunuch returned to the Imperial palace and went out of his way to vividly relay to Liang Gonggong how ecstatic Princess Hejia appeared, hoping Liang Gonggong would ntion it to The Emperor. In doing so, he paid an indirect complint to The Emperor’s discernnt for facilitating such a favorable marriage. Thus, he also spoke well of Princess Hejia, leaving a good impression of her with The Emperor.
Liang Gonggong rely smiled and did not join in the conversation. Having served The Emperor for many years, he understood The Emperor’s intentions quite well. He knew The Emperor did not wish to grant Princess Hejia to General Xiao. The Emperor had been far from cheerful after issuing the marry Edict; if he dared to speak such words in The Emperor’s presence, wasn’t that simply asking for trouble?
Mo Yan secured the Imperial Edict and turned to see that Mada An’s complexion was not looking good. She knew Mada An had given up entirely, and she felt relieved that she wouldn’t have to bother sending her away.
Mada An observed the undisguised smile in Mo Yan’s eyes and assud she was reveling in the prospect of a high-status betrothal and a promising husband, which led Mada An to think less of her.
Mada An had initially thought she could remain true to her heart, undisturbed by external temptations, but apparently, the temptations hadn’t been alluring enough. Look, the mont the marry Edict arrived, the previously determined in-law family had been cast aside into the clouds. She was just another woman after all, vain and covetous!
Putting aside how the emotionless killing god of the Wei Yuan House might be, just the myriad of scandals there was more than enough to show it was far from an ideal destination.
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