Many people were still sighing over Princess Jiayi’s fate. Back when Noble Consort Wan was still alive, Princess Jiayi, as the Noble Consort’s most beloved granddaughter, could be said to have received three thousand favors in one body. Who would have thought her destiny would ultimately be so turbulent?

However, some people in Yanzhou didn’t think so.

Rumor had it that although Princess Jiayi had only married a merchant’s son, she had a deep and harmonious relationship with her husband, like music from a zither and flute in perfect harmony. Although Princess Jiayi’s husband wasn’t well-born, he was a famous talent in Yanbei – outstanding in both talent and appearance, a specially appointed teacher at Yunyang Academy, and held an official position. Princess Jiayi had now separated from her birth family with her husband to establish their household. Strictly speaking, Princess Jiayi’s daughter could no longer be considered a merchant’s daughter.

In any case, because of Second Young Master Xiao’s marriage proposal, the world’s attention turned to Princess Jiayi’s family, who had remained obscure for over a decade. The parties involved hadn’t yet realized this, as the soldiers guarding the Ren family hadn’t been withdrawn, conveniently shielding them from the world’s prying eyes.

So when the matchmaker from Prince Yanbei’s residence came calling, Ren Shimin and Li Shi were somewhat slow to react. The person Prince Yanbei’s residence had commissioned as matchmaker was also a prominent figure – Xu Wanli, the head of Yunyang Academy. What was even more unexpected was that, despite both the proposer and the matchmaker being important people, the Ren family didn’t immediately agree. Xu Wanli and Ren Shimin talked for a long time in the study, and finally, Ren Shimin respectfully saw Academy Head Xu out.

Ren Shimin’s attitude left many people puzzled. Logically, although Xiao Jingxi had poor health, he was now not merely Prince Yanbei’s residence’s second son, as Prince Yanbei’s residence’s next heir apparent, Miss Ren, would be marrying above her station. Moreover, the Ren family’s marriage alliance with Prince Yanbei’s residence was essentially equivalent to a marriage alliance between Prince Yanbei’s residence and Prince Xian’s residence, which was of great significance.

However, quite a few people secretly applauded Ren Shimin. Look – this was the true integrity of a scholar, the demeanor of a renowned gentleman. Whether it was Prince Yanbei’s residence or Prince Xian’s residence, he wouldn’t give face to either. Due to Ren Shimin’s attitude, the world’s opinion of him rose considerably. No wonder, since the classic story of “three visits to the thatched cottage,” scholars all dreamed of playing out such a scene of “you invite, I refuse” with those in power – one’s worth was established through such pretension.

However, the world truly misunderstood Ren Shimin. Master Ren’s refusal to agree to Prince Yanbei’s residence’s marriage proposal wasn’t due to a scholar’s aloofness.

After seeing off Xu Wanli, he went to the main house to discuss with Li Shi, his face full of conflicted feelings. “I heard this Second Young Master Xiao has poor health.”

Li Shi also looked troubled. “Then this marriage proposal… should we decline it?”

What pitiful parents’ hearts – Ren Shimin and his wife’s reason for not agreeing to Prince Yanbei’s proposal wasn’t so complex at all.

Just then, Li Shi received a letter from her mother, Rong Shi. Li Shi thought it must be about Prince Yanbei’s residence’s marriage proposal, and indeed it was. However, Rong Shi didn’t express opposition or approval of this marriage in the letter, but let Li Shi and Ren Shimin decide for themselves, while reminding her to ask Ren Yaoqi’s own opinion. Li Shi thought it over and told Ren Shimin about Rong Shi’s letter.

Ren Shimin also considered it and had someone call Ren Yaoqi over.

Before being summoned by Ren Shimin and Li Shi, Ren Yaoqi already knew about Prince Yanbei’s residence’s marriage proposal. After all, few things happening in the Ren household now could be hidden from her.

Ren Yaoqi’s feelings were also somewhat complex, especially when her parents brought up Prince Yanbei’s residence’s proposal with expressions full of worry and reluctance.

Actually, logically such matters weren’t for Ren Yaoqi to decide herself, but Ren Shimin had an easygoing nature and wasn’t too constrained by propriety. Li Shi was also accustomed to listening to her daughter, plus Rong Shi’s letter had told them to ask Ren Yaoqi’s own opinion.

Ren Shimin said to Ren Yaoqi, “Although I haven’t met Second Young Master Xiao many times, I hear he’s also rarely gifted with both talent and good looks, but unfortunately…” If it weren’t for Xiao Jingxi’s truly poor health, Ren Shimin might have agreed. His requirements for son-in-laws had always had only one condition – outstanding literary talent. However, when facing his most beloved youngest daughter’s marriage, Ren Shimin had to be worldly and cautious for once.

Li Shi also said, “Your father and I think this marriage proposal should be declined.”

Ren Yaoqi: “…”

Just as Ren Yaoqi was pondering how to respond, Xier reported from outside, “Master, Madam, Prince Yanbei’s residence’s carriage has arrived at the gate.”

Speaking of which, after Xu Wanli left the Ren family, he went to Prince Yanbei’s residence to report on his visit to the Ren family to Prince Yanbei and Xiao Jingxi.

Hearing that Master Ren hadn’t agreed, Prince Yanbei was somewhat surprised, while Xiao Jingxi remained calm.

After Xu Wanli left, Prince Yanbei glanced at his son and cleared his throat. “Perhaps…”

Xiao Jingxi came back to his senses and looked at Prince Yanbei.

Prince Yanbei paused, got up, and patted Xiao Jingxi’s shoulder. This comforting gesture, performed by Prince Yanbei, who was accustomed to military campaigns and had a sturdy build, was quite forceful – an ordinary person would probably be knocked flat by him.

“Don’t mind it – what great man worries about having no wife!” Prince Yanbei, not particularly eloquent, patted his son’s shoulder while offering dry consolation.

Xiao Jingxi looked at his father helplessly and caught Prince Yanbei’s hand, causing him to self-consciously lower it.

“Should I have Sheng Shihong visit again?” Prince Yanbei suggested.

Xiao Jingxi shook his head. Just as he was about to speak, Prince Yanbei added, “If that girl looks down on you, it’s fine – this prince will order the marriage, let’s see who dares not to marry!” Prince Yanbei looked majestic and domineering while making this threat.

Xiao Jingxi pressed his brow and said helplessly, “Father…”

“Son?”

“Your son has his considerations in this matter. Father needn’t worry.” Xiao Jingxi said sincerely.

Prince Yanbei still seemed unsatisfied. “How can that be? You’re my son and will be Prince Yanbei’s residence’s heir apparent – your marriage is a major matter! Our Prince Yanbei’s residence has always conquered the world with our fists. Those complicated formalities, you…”

“Father, that may not be the case now.” Xiao Jingxi interrupted Prince Yanbei’s words with a gentle smile.

“What may not be the case?” Prince Yanbei stopped talking, somewhat puzzled.

Xiao Jingxi patiently explained, “I may not be Prince Yanbei’s residence’s heir apparent.”

Prince Yanbei was stunned, and his expression became serious. No longer joking around, Prince Yanbei’s face carried some murderous aura – this was the true Prince Yanbei who dominated the northern territories, not a father fretting over his son’s marriage. “Has something happened in the capital again?”

Xiao Jingxi smiled. “Zhao Shi is with child.”

Prince Yanbei raised an eyebrow. “When did this happen? Why are you only saying so now?”

“After Big Brother’s accident, Zhao Shi was brought into the palace. Previously, they said they feared the fetus was unstable, so they didn’t announce it. She’s been in the Empress Dowager’s palace maintaining the pregnancy.”

Prince Yanbei was silent for a moment, then looked at Xiao Jingxi. “So our prince’s residence is to establish a baby as heir apparent?”

Xiao Jingxi didn’t seem to mind. “Even if we don’t establish one, how could the court let it go?”

Prince Yanbei stroked his chin. “What if it’s a granddaughter? Should we also establish her as heir apparent?”

Xiao Jingxi couldn’t help but laugh, reminding Prince Yanbei, “When you initially agreed, did you know whether Xiao Jingkang’s posthumous child would be a daughter?”

Prince Yanbei was silent for a moment, then elegantly uttered one word: “Damn!”

Xiao Jingxi ignored his father’s crudeness. “So, Father, you have the more important matter of establishing an heir apparent to handle next. Don’t worry about your son’s marriage.”

Prince Yanbei sighed and patted Xiao Jingxi’s shoulder again. “Son, your father is useless and has wronged you. With your brother gone, the heir apparent position didn’t fall to you, and in the future, you’ll have to be the heir apparent’s uncle. Thinking of the fates of those powerful uncles of emperors throughout history, this father feels deeply saddened for you!”

Xiao Jingxi smiled. “Thank you for Father’s concern. That’s why your son hopes you’ll live many more years, lest your son’s situation become precarious under his nephew’s rule.”

Prince Yanbei laughed heartily. “Easy to say! At worst, your father will also leave you a posthumous letter or something, making you a regent uncle to ‘hold the emperor and command the feudal lords.'”

After the father and son bantered back and forth, Xiao Jingxi left the study and went to Jiuyang Hall to find the Princess Consort.

The next day, the Princess Consort’s carriage personally went to Baoping Alley.

Ren Yaoqi, who was talking with her parents in the main house, was stunned when she heard Xier’s report. Just as she was wondering who from the prince’s residence had come, she heard the news of the Princess Consort’s arrival.

Both Li Shi and Ren Shimin were startled upon hearing this and hurried to go out and receive her.

Ren Yaoqi thought for a moment and immediately pulled Li Shi and Ren Shimin aside to whisper, “I might not be able to be present later. If the Princess Consort brings up… brings up the marriage matter, Father and Mother should agree to it.”

Ren Yaoqi knew that Ren Shimin and Li Shi had refused Prince Yanbei’s proposal out of concern for her, but outsiders wouldn’t understand and might say they didn’t know their place. With the Princess Consort personally visiting, this marriage proposal would have to be accepted whether they wanted to or not, especially since Ren Yaoqi originally had an understanding with Xiao Jingxi.

Li Shi and Ren Shimin still hesitated. Ren Yaoqi could only say, “Father, Mother, your daughter doesn’t oppose this marriage.”

The Princess Consort’s carriage had already arrived at the gate, so they couldn’t delay further. After saying this, Ren Yaoqi supported Li Shi and followed behind Ren Shimin as they went out.

The Princess Consort’s visit this time wasn’t accompanied by a large entourage – only a few carriages and several mounted guards followed behind. She also didn’t wait for the Ren family to greet her at the main gate, but waited at the second gate instead. This gesture of intimacy could be seen in these small details, and even Li Shi noticed the Princess Consort’s friendly and accommodating attitude.

Ren Shimin brought his wife and daughter to the second gate to receive the Princess Consort. The Princess Consort supported Li Shi, who was about to bow, nodded to Ren Shimin in acknowledgment, and only accepted Ren Yaoqi’s courtesy.

“Princess, there’s no need for such formality. I’ve only come today to see you and Yaoqi.” The Princess Consort said with a smile.