Throughout the entire affair, the Emperor maintained an appearance of neither opposing nor approving the matter. However, it seemed that the issue had finally been settled. Mudan and Jiang Changyang exchanged a glance, their lips curling into smiles. Mudan did not doubt that if they weren’t in the palace, Jiang Changyang would have picked her up and tossed her in the air with joy.
The Emperor cast a cool glance at them before turning his gaze to the door. Eunuch Shao entered silently, moving as gracefully as a cat. He approached the Emperor without making a sound. With just a look, the Emperor understood what Shao wanted to say and commanded, “Let them in.”
Shao retreated as quietly as he had entered. Soon after, Jiang Zhong, with a stiff expression, and Madam Du, pale-faced, entered one after the other. Neither looked at Mudan and Jiang Changyang standing to the side. Instead, they bowed deeply to the Emperor.
The Emperor, with half-closed eyes, accepted their greeting. Once Jiang Zhong and Madam Du were in place, he spoke softly, “Lady He is of virtuous character, gentle and refined…”
The implication was clear. Whether he liked it or not, whether he agreed or not, Jiang Changyang would have to marry this merchant’s daughter who couldn’t bear children. Jiang Zhong’s head buzzed, and he barely heard what the Emperor said next. He mechanically replied, “Yes, Your Majesty. I obey your command.”
Madam Du, on the other hand, was both surprised and delighted, almost dazed with joy. She could hardly believe her ears. She gripped her hands tightly, trying to appear calm and not let her emotions show too much. But how could such great joy after such fear be easily concealed? Though she didn’t speak, her lips curved slightly upward, and her eyes sparkled. Anyone in the room could see her immense satisfaction with this marriage arrangement.
Jiang Zhong glanced at her discreetly, suddenly feeling a surge of anger. He realized why she had been waiting here early, why Jiang Changyang and Mudan had appeared, and why the Emperor had suddenly decreed this strange, mismatched marriage that was bound to end badly—it must have been her plea to the Emperor. Who else could benefit more from this marriage than her? Jiang Zhong couldn’t help but give Madam Du a cold look.
Madam Du noticed and quickly composed herself, standing properly with her hands at her sides. Although the Emperor had ultimately granted her wish, she had just been caught in her scheming. She wasn’t sure of the Emperor’s true thoughts. Rather than risk making things worse, she decided to remain neutral, not daring to put on an innocent or wronged expression for Jiang Zhong. Instead, she pretended to know nothing and stared at her own feet.
The Emperor didn’t dwell further on the matter. After saying what needed to be said, he expressed his fatigue and dismissed Jiang Changyang and Mudan while keeping Jiang Zhong and his wife behind.
As Jiang Changyang and Mudan left the room and walked a few steps, Eunuch Shao caught up with them, smiling, “Oh, congratulations to General Jiang! Best wishes to you both.”
“Thank you, Head Eunuch,” Jiang Changyang smiled, grasping Shao’s plump white hand and discreetly slipping something into it. Shao smiled, immediately recognizing by touch that it was a fine piece of white jade. He subtly lowered his elbow, letting the object slide into his sleeve. He looked Mudan up and down, saying, “Indeed virtuous, gentle, and refined. Lady He, you must not disappoint His Majesty’s expectations.”
The Head Eunuch was responsible for conveying imperial edicts, guarding palace gates, cleaning the inner court, managing the imperial treasury, and attending to the Emperor’s daily needs. He was essentially the most powerful person in the inner court, the Emperor’s most trusted confidant, and the closest to power. Hearing Jiang Changyang’s words, Mudan immediately understood Shao’s position. She smiled and responded respectfully, expressing her gratitude with a few polite phrases.
“Lady He is well-educated and mannered,” Shao praised Mudan before turning to Jiang Changyang with a message: “Duke Zhu asks that you wait for him. He has something to discuss with you.”
Since Duke Zhu wanted Jiang Changyang to wait, it was clear the topic would be this marriage. The Emperor had already expressed his stance, so Duke Zhu couldn’t oppose it, but he was certainly displeased and would likely scold Jiang Changyang harshly. Mudan felt that in this situation, she should excuse herself to avoid escalating tensions. She said to Jiang Changyang, “I’ll wait for you in the back.”
Jiang Changyang grabbed her hand, “No need. Wait with me. You’ll have to face him sooner or later; we might as well resolve this tonight.” He knew his father’s temper and wanted to make his stance clear to prevent future confrontations with Mudan.
“It’s better if I go,” Mudan said softly, smiling. “I’m afraid he might berate you to the point where you’d be embarrassed to see me later. I’d want to help defend you, but that would be inappropriate. If I don’t help, I’d feel terrible. If you argue back, you might worry about him losing face in front of me, making him dislike me even more.” Although she didn’t need Jiang Zhong to like her, she knew that quarreling over this would only please outsiders and bring no benefit to them.
Hearing this, Jiang Changyang smiled gently and released Mudan’s hand, saying softly, “Go then. I’ll come for you later.” After watching Mudan leave with her maid, he sighed quietly, looked around, and chose a relatively quiet yet visible spot to wait for Jiang Zhong.
He had just settled when Jiang Zhong strode out, coming straight towards him. Looking around, Jiang Zhong began angrily, “You’ve got some nerve! Have you lost your mind? Don’t even think about—”
Jiang Changyang cut him off, gazing at a distant lantern emitting a soft pink glow, “This is an imperial decree.”
It was an imperial decree, and no one could defy it. They had to do as they were told. Remembering how the Emperor had inquired about Jiang Changzhong and kept Madam Du behind to talk, clearly intending to protect his people, Jiang Zhong was momentarily stunned. After a while, he spoke with a mix of disappointment and fatherly concern, “How could you be so foolish? Even if you wanted to change your mind now, it’s too late.”
Jiang Changyang felt like laughing, “Who said I want to change my mind? This is fine. Everyone can relax now. Madam Du can worry less and focus more on my two younger brothers.”
Hearing this, Jiang Zhong became more certain that this marriage was Madam Du’s doing behind his back. He was at a loss for words, silently resenting her two-faced behavior—openly trying to arrange a good match for Jiang Changyang while secretly forcing this hasty marriage to such a wife. It seemed her gentle and virtuous demeanor was all an act.
Suddenly, Jiang Changyang spoke seriously, “Danni is virtuous, gentle, and refined, as praised by His Majesty himself. If any unsightly incidents occur involving her in the future, it will certainly be someone else’s fault, not hers.”
How could everything be someone else’s fault and never He Mudan’s? What kind of statement was this? Was that woman a reincarnated fox spirit to bewitch him so? Jiang Zhong was so angry he could barely speak, pointing at Jiang Changyang in disbelief.
Ignoring his father’s expression, Jiang Changyang bowed slightly and asked solemnly, “When will Father have time? I’d like to come to discuss this matter.”
He called him “Father” quite smoothly today. Jiang Zhong, furious, was about to put on airs and say he had no time when Jiang Changyang continued, “If Father is busy, it’s fine. After the engagement is set, just write a marriage letter, and I’ll come to collect it.”
His role was limited to writing a marriage letter. Jiang Zhong trembled with anger, but before he could respond, Madam Du’s voice came from behind, “Don’t worry, Changyang. Leave this to me. I’ll arrange everything perfectly for you.”
Madam Du now looked radiant, quite different from her earlier worried and dejected state. Though it wasn’t clear what the Emperor had said to her, it was evident he hadn’t given her a hard time, even after her recent actions. Jiang Changyang wasn’t surprised at all and smiled noncommittally, “The 19th would be an auspicious day. The Princess Consort of Fen will come to propose marriage. I won’t trouble you with other matters, Madam. However, next year is unsuitable for weddings, so we might have to hold it this year. When writing the marriage letter, please remind my father if he forgets.”
Madam Du nodded, “As the eldest son of our Duke Zhu’s household, this matter cannot be taken lightly. Rest assured, I’ll remember.”
Jiang Zhong, already fuming, heard them settling on a date and glared at Madam Du. She felt a bit guilty but straightened her back and smiled at Jiang Changyang, “Changyang, His Majesty just said that although you’re not my child, we shouldn’t treat you poorly. Shall we hold the wedding at the manor?”
Holding the wedding at the manor implied they would live there afterward. Jiang Changyang raised an eyebrow and said coolly, “That won’t be necessary. I grew up on the frontier and am unfamiliar with proper etiquette. Danni also dislikes constraints and might unintentionally offend you, Madam. For long-term harmony, it’s better if we stay at the Qujiang Pool villa.”
Madam Du didn’t insist, “There are some properties originally set aside for you…”
“No need. Consider them my filial gifts to Grandmother and Father,” Jiang Changyang said indifferently. “Danni is waiting for me in the back. I’ll take my leave now.” Without waiting for Jiang Zhong’s response, he turned and left.
Jiang Zhong watched him go with a dark expression, then turned and strode away. Madam Du hesitated for a moment before hurrying after him. The couple boarded their carriage one after the other. Before Madam Du could settle in her seat, Jiang Zhong exploded in anger, “You’ve got some nerve—”