When Cui Mingyue was mentioned, Emperor Jingming paused briefly.
“Mingyue?” He pondered, unsure of what to say for a moment.
Before the Empress Dowager fell ill, Cui Mingyue would never have been considered as a candidate for the Princess Consort of Xiang. Although he had some affection for this niece, how could she marry into the royal family after such rumors had circulated?
But now, things were different. Mingyue had saved the Empress Dowager, and this alone was a tremendous merit.
Seeing Emperor Jingming lost in thought, the Empress Dowager sighed, “Your Majesty, I know what you’re concerned about. Mingyue made a foolish mistake, but she’s still a good child. She didn’t cross any boundaries with Zhu Ziyu and remains a pure and virtuous girl. She was young and naive, deceived by others. In a way, she’s quite pitiful.”
The Empress Dowager continued, her tone wistful, “Who hasn’t made mistakes in their youth?”
Emperor Jingming found himself without a reason to object and frowned hesitantly.
The Empress Dowager sighed again, “Moreover, Mingyue’s arm is now scarred from saving me, which will surely affect her future marriage prospects… I can’t sleep at night just thinking about it…”
Emperor Jingming was finally persuaded and nodded slightly. “It is indeed time to settle Eighth Brother’s marriage.”
Seeing Emperor Jingming relent, the Empress Dowager’s lips curved into a smile.
She had chosen the Prince of Xiang for two reasons: firstly, he was of a similar age to Mingyue, and secondly, the Prince’s birth mother was of humble origins, so there would be no obstacles to Mingyue marrying him. In fact, for the Prince and his mother, marrying into the Rongyang family would be considered a great fortune, and they wouldn’t dare mistreat Mingyue.
This seemed to be the best solution for all parties.
“Mother, perhaps you should discuss this with Rongyang. After all, it’s her daughter, and her opinion should be sought,” Emperor Jingming suggested.
“Mm,” the Empress Dowager agreed.
As soon as Emperor Jingming left, the Empress Dowager immediately ordered Princess Rongyang to be summoned to the palace.
Princess Rongyang had been in good spirits these past few days, having released the pent-up frustration from earlier in the year. Her steps were noticeably lighter.
“Mother, you look even better now,” she remarked.
The Empress Dowager’s mood lifted upon seeing Princess Rongyang. She smiled, “It’s all thanks to Mingyue. How is Mingyue recovering now?”
Princess Rongyang replied, “With Your Highness’s concern, Mingyue has almost fully recovered.”
“That’s good. I can finally put my mind at ease. I couldn’t bear the thought of Mingyue suffering any harm for the sake of an old woman like me.”
“It’s Mingyue’s blessing to have helped Your Highness recover.”
The Empress Dowager gestured for the attendants to withdraw and asked Princess Rongyang, “What are your thoughts on Mingyue’s marriage?”
Princess Rongyang was startled, then inwardly overjoyed.
The Empress Dowager asked this question… could it mean she was going to intervene in Mingyue’s marriage? After the incident earlier in the year, Mingyue’s marriage prospects had become a significant challenge. Although she had now gained a reputation for filial piety and proven her virtue, finding a suitable match wouldn’t be easy. If the Empress Dowager were to intervene, that would be ideal.
Princess Rongyang’s mind raced, but she maintained a composed exterior. She sighed heavily and said, “What thoughts could I have? Mingyue says she’ll never marry and will just stay with me for life…”
“Nonsense,” the Empress Dowager frowned, interrupting Princess Rongyang. “Mingyue is so young. How can she not marry?”
“Mother, you know about Mingyue’s reputation—”
“What about Mingyue’s reputation? I’ve never seen a more filial child than Mingyue. Rongyang, there’s no one else here. Tell me honestly, what do you think of the Prince of Xiang?”
Princess Rongyang’s eyes widened in surprise as she looked at the Empress Dowager.
She had anticipated that the Empress Dowager might find a good match for Mingyue, but she never imagined it would be the Prince of Xiang!
In the past, she had even considered the Sixth Prince, the Prince of Shu. However, the Prince of Shu’s mother, Consort Zhuang, had always been distant from her. She had tried to sound out the Empress Dowager a few times, but the Empress Dowager showed no inclination to help, so she had given up on that idea.
Then, after the incident with Mingyue and Zhu Ziyu earlier in the year, she would have been grateful just to find a match of equal status for Mingyue, let alone someone from the royal family.
She never expected that the Empress Dowager’s illness would turn out to be a blessing in disguise.
Even if she looked down on the Prince of Xiang’s birth mother, he was still a legitimate prince. If Mingyue married him, she would become a Princess Consort.
“Well? If you think the Prince of Xiang is not suitable—”
Princess Rongyang hastily interjected, “He’s suitable! The Prince of Xiang is of the same age as Mingyue, and they’ve practically grown up together. He couldn’t be more suitable. Thank you, Mother, for your consideration of Mingyue.”
The Empress Dowager waved her hand dismissively. “Don’t mention it. Mingyue is my granddaughter and she saved my life. It’s nothing. I’ve already discussed this with the Emperor. Since you don’t object, the decree will be issued soon.”
Princess Rongyang returned to her residence, unable to contain her joy. Without even stopping for tea, she hurried straight to Cui Mingyue’s chambers.
A faint scent of medicine permeated the room, reaching Princess Rongyang’s nose. To her, it smelled even better than flowers.
Cui Mingyue was reclining on an ink-patterned pillow, reading a book. Hearing footsteps, she looked up and smiled, “Mother, you’re here.”
She tried to get up, but Princess Rongyang rushed over and gently pressed her down. “Stay still. Does the wound still hurt?”
Of course, it hurt, but Cui Mingyue just smiled faintly and said, “It doesn’t hurt anymore.”
Looking at her daughter’s pale face, Princess Rongyang sighed. How could it not hurt after having a piece of flesh cut from her arm?
She took Cui Mingyue’s hand and spoke softly, “Mingyue, the Empress Dowager understands the suffering you’ve endured. Your sacrifice won’t be in vain.”
Cui Mingyue lowered her eyes and smiled, “Daughter doesn’t expect anything in return. As long as the Empress Dowager is well, that’s enough.”
How long had it been since she had seen her mother treat her with such kindness and warmth? In the end, if she wanted to turn things around, she had to rely on herself.
“You’re such a sensible child. How did you ever—” Princess Rongyang swallowed the rest of her words. “Never mind, let’s not speak of that. Mingyue, I have good news for you.”
Cui Mingyue raised her eyes to look at Princess Rongyang.
Princess Rongyang’s expression was relaxed, clearly in high spirits. She lowered her voice and said, “Thanks to the Empress Dowager’s favor, the Emperor is going to decree your marriage to the Prince of Xiang.”
Cui Mingyue’s face showed timely joy. “Really?”
Seeing Cui Mingyue’s delight, Princess Rongyang breathed a sigh of relief and smiled, “Would Mother lie to you? Prepare yourself well. The marriage decree will be issued soon.”
“Daughter understands. Thank you, Mother, for your concern.”
Princess Rongyang left, feeling satisfied.
Cui Mingyue stared at the swaying beaded curtain, her eyes cold.
The Prince of Xiang?
That prince whose mother was a mere dancer, who grew up in the palace like a weed, who always showed a fawning smile whenever he saw her—he was worthy of being her husband?
Well, there seemed to be no better choice at the moment. Entering the royal circle would allow her to swim like a fish in water.
Cui Mingyue suppressed her disdain and waited quietly.
Sure enough, the decree for the marriage between the Prince of Xiang and Cui Mingyue, daughter of Princess Rongyang, was soon issued.
When the Prince of Xiang heard the news, he retreated to his study and broke three writing brushes before finally calming down.