“Tell me, if she heard a story—a story about a woman who, to avenge her husband, humbled herself before her enemy’s husband—would she not be somewhat inspired?”
Qin Shuying was stunned for a moment.
“Since returning to the capital, I arranged for people to stage a play at the theater she frequently visits, telling exactly such a story. I wrote the story myself—Shuying could go listen to it someday. I humbly believe it’s quite spectacular. It’s been constantly performed at the Desheng Troupe with packed audiences every show. Hearing it once, twice, three times, Princess Qin’an inevitably developed some ideas. It just so happened that Father returned to the capital, and with someone providing hints from the side, this idea could be put into practice.”
Qin Shuying thought for a moment. “Ziyu, how did you hint at this to Princess Qin’an?”
Liang Zhe smiled. “Princess Qin’an has no grievances or enmity with me after all. I only made suggestions—I wouldn’t threaten her. Just the day before yesterday, when Princess Qin’an was drinking tea at a teahouse, I was in the adjacent room. I disguised my voice as a woman’s and discussed the matter of Concubine Yue. Father currently has only one wife and one concubine, plus two elderly concubines—his chambers are rather empty. That he could bring Concubine Yue back from the frontier shows that Father values relationships and loyalty—he’s a good man worth entrusting oneself to.”
Qin Shuying was at a loss for words and laughed. “Ziyu, you’re quite scheming.”
Liang Zhe picked up a celadon-glazed teacup and took a sip of tea. “Shuying misunderstands me. Such matters require mutual willingness—how could coercion work? Moreover, if Princess Qin’an could become the managing mistress of the Marquis’s residence in the future, how would she be inferior to the current Marquis’s wife? A gentleman helps others achieve their aspirations—this matter would be beneficial for both Father and Princess Qin’an.”
Only not so good for Old Madam Liang and Luo Meixiang.
Qin Shuying smiled and asked again, “How would Princess Qin’an achieve this?”
“Imperial marriage decree.”
“If it’s an imperial marriage decree, she would have to be at least an equal wife. The Marquis’s wife is merely a concubine-born daughter after all—for the princess to be an equal wife would be entirely appropriate.”
“Naturally. However, His Majesty has only summoned Father for questioning now—he hasn’t issued the marriage decree yet.”
Qin Shuying thought for a moment and said, “Prince Huai’an contributed greatly to His Majesty’s ascension to the throne. For Princess Qin’an to be granted as an equal wife should be without suspense.”
Liang Zhe nodded.
After thinking, Qin Shuying said, “Old Madam won’t be willing.”
A mocking flash passed through Liang Zhe’s eyes. “Having abandoned her mother to marry Luo Meixiang, a concubine-born daughter, already broke propriety. Now, what position does she have to speak from?”
If Old Madam Liang had conducted herself properly and uprightly, she could have made a fuss and Emperor Delong would have had no recourse.
But now, it seemed that since Emperor Delong had summoned Liang Yunshan for questioning, Liang Yunshan would naturally have to tell Old Madam Liang about it. If it were any other family’s old dowager, she basically wouldn’t agree.
Even if Luo Meixiang’s status was somewhat lower, she hadn’t committed any great wrongs. To bring in a princess as equal wife—this was the appearance of family chaos. Any old dowager with a few ounces of clarity would definitely try to prevent such a thing.
Now, judging by the situation, Emperor Delong simply wasn’t afraid of Old Madam Liang knowing about this matter, wasn’t afraid of her making advance preparations.
This was somewhat suspicious.
Qin Shuying asked again, “The Marquis probably wouldn’t be willing either, would he?”
“Of course not.”
Although the Marquis of Pingxi fancied himself somewhat of a romantic, he wasn’t truly so romantic as to be unaware of his own limitations. How could he agree to such a marriage?
However, since Prince Huai’an had petitioned the imperial court, Emperor Delong wouldn’t refuse Prince Huai’an.
Whether Liang Yunshan agreed or not really didn’t matter.
Besides, with Princess Qin’an entering the residence, Liang Yunshan wouldn’t lose anything.
“With an imperial marriage decree, what business is it of his? Speaking of it, all the civil and military officials in the capital would envy the Marquis. Only one’s own son would think so thoughtfully for his father.”
Qin Shuying burst out laughing with a “pfft.” “That’s true—the Marquis has you as such a good son.”
At this moment, Liang Yunshan, who had such a thoughtful son, was frowning with worry.
Today Emperor Delong had summoned him to discuss granting him marriage to Princess Qin’an.
He didn’t even know whether Princess Qin’an was round or flat—how had he gotten involved with her?
He had never paid attention to these princesses and county princesses, and since Princess Qin’an had no particular distinction, he truly knew nothing about her.
At the time, he had foolishly asked, “Your Majesty, who is Princess Qin’an?”
“The only daughter of Prince Huai’an.”
Emperor Delong spoke with casual indifference, but Liang Yunshan shuddered.
Prince Huai’an—he was a great contributor to Emperor Delong’s ascension to the throne. How could he refuse his only daughter?
Moreover, who knew if Emperor Delong’s intention to bring Princess Qin’an into the Marquis of Pingxi’s residence wasn’t actually to monitor him?
After all, he had commanded troops for many years. Although it wasn’t to the extent of “achievements threatening the master,” he did hold great power independently. Which emperor would be completely at ease with generals like Liang Yunshan?
After deliberating for a long time, he decided to tell Luo Meixiang about this matter.
At Qianxi Garden.
When Luo Meixiang heard that Princess Qin’an was to enter the residence, her jaw nearly dropped. Her beautiful eyes widened slightly. “Marquis, what did you say? Are my ears malfunctioning?”
Liang Yunshan smiled bitterly. “Meixiang, you heard correctly. His Majesty wants to grant Princess Qin’an to me. Although His Majesty hasn’t said so explicitly now and told me to return home to consider it, do I have room to refuse? His Majesty is forcing me to request Princess Qin’an as an equal wife. Thinking deeper, Princess Qin’an would be the spy he’s placing in the Marquis’s residence.”
Only by connecting this matter to court affairs would Meixiang be able to accept it better, right?
Liang Yunshan observed Luo Meixiang’s expression.
Luo Meixiang was stunned and lost in thought.
For her, this was nothing short of a bolt from the blue.
With Princess Qin’an as equal wife, although she, Luo Meixiang, was the legitimate wife, the other was a princess—what could she use to compete with a princess?
Even though she had sons and daughters, but…
Luo Meixiang, who had lived smoothly for over thirty years, was instantly bewildered.
But she knew Liang Yunshan spoke reasonably—His Majesty was indirectly forcing Liang Yunshan to marry Princess Qin’an, which wasn’t something a family like theirs could refuse.
Moreover…
“Marquis, congratulations!”
Liang Yunshan looked at Luo Meixiang in surprise, seeing nothing but sincerity in her expression. “Marquis, all these years, I’ve had limited time accompanying you, and my service hasn’t been thorough. If there’s a princess here, I won’t worry about no one serving the Marquis properly.”
“Meixiang, you…”
Luo Meixiang grasped his hand, her flawless white face appearing gentle and charming. “Marquis, this is our residence’s good fortune. We have no ulterior motives. After the princess marries in, as long as she truthfully reports the residence’s affairs to His Majesty, His Majesty will only trust the Marquis more. Marquis, this is a good thing.”
Liang Yunshan’s previous worries vanished completely. “Meixiang, that you can think this way truly earns my admiration.”
“Marquis, I’m just a woman with limited insight. I’m only reasoning from common sense—if I’ve spoken incorrectly, please don’t laugh at me.”
“You’ve spoken very correctly. This matter can be viewed from two perspectives. Princess Qin’an could be considered as coming to monitor us, but she could also be used by us. However, Meixiang, I ultimately feel I’ve wronged you.”
“We are husband and wife—if I don’t share your worries, who will? Such words—please never speak them again, Marquis.”
“Meixiang…”
Luo Meixiang’s soft fingers blocked Liang Yunshan’s lips as she said gently, “Marquis, you need say nothing. I know your heart, and that’s enough.”
Liang Yunshan’s eyes burned with passion.
Under Liang Yunshan’s passionate kisses, Luo Meixiang’s eyes stared at the ceiling, showing no trace of a smile.
Since the matter was unavoidable, she should strive from the very beginning to secure the greatest advantage for herself.