A top scholar who achieved the rare feat of ranking first in all three imperial examinations was an auspicious sign that appeared perhaps once in a century. Emperor Jingming was naturally satisfied with such a son-in-law, and even more pleased with the young man’s father.
Old Zhen was indeed his capable right-hand man.
“I’ll sound out Zhen Shicheng’s thoughts later,” Emperor Jingming said.
He considered himself an enlightened emperor and rarely arranged marriages directly. If the other party was unwilling, even if they didn’t dare to show it, it would be meaningless. Why force someone?
However, he had already decided that if Old Zhen showed even a hint of reluctance, he would jump up and smash Old Zhen’s face with a white jade paperweight.
His daughter was excellent in every way and was of royal blood. If Old Zhen looked down on her, he must be blind!
Zhen Shicheng, who was buried in official documents, suddenly sneezed and rubbed his nose in confusion: Could there be another case?
After Emperor Jingming left, the Empress fell into deep thought.
Although Fuqing was indeed of marriageable age, it was strange for the Emperor to suddenly bring it up.
Could there be another situation?
The Empress unconsciously looked towards the Palace of Benevolent Tranquility.
Time and again, every time something happened to her daughter, it had an inextricable connection with the Palace of Benevolent Tranquility, making it difficult for her to believe that the Empress Dowager was innocent.
Unlike the Emperor who was raised by the Empress Dowager and blinded by emotion, she believed that results were the most important, regardless of motives or reasons.
Fuqing had been repeatedly harmed. Did they need to find a motive to suspect the Empress Dowager? Perhaps the Empress Dowager was simply ill?
The Empress pondered these thoughts, her mind heavy with worry.
She was the Empress, standing invincible in the harem, but she had no chance of winning against the Empress Dowager alone.
Thinking about it, it was truly depressing.
The Empress rose and walked to the window, where waves of heat rushed in from outside.
She gazed towards the east and sighed softly.
She could only hope that once the Seventh Prince and his wife moved into the Eastern Palace, things in the palace would become more peaceful.
Emperor Jingming quickly summoned Zhen Shicheng to the palace.
“Has Minister Zhen been busy lately?” he asked.
Unsure of the Emperor’s intentions, Zhen Shicheng replied honestly, “Not too many matters to attend to.”
Perhaps due to the hot weather, there were fewer criminal cases.
Emperor Jingming smiled, “That’s good. Is your son busy these days?”
Zhen Shicheng’s mouth twitched slightly, and he replied in confusion, “He’s been the same as always, I haven’t asked much.”
Wasn’t his son also the Emperor’s subject? It was strange for the Emperor to ask him these questions.
“This is where Minister Zhen is at fault. How can you not care about your son? I hear your son is still unmarried?”
Zhen Shicheng instantly became alert.
What was the Emperor up to?
Could it be… the Emperor was trying to play matchmaker?
Zhen Shicheng coughed lightly, “That boy is slow to understand such matters. He told me he doesn’t want to marry too early.”
Emperor Jingming shook his head disapprovingly, “Men should marry when they come of age, and women should be wed. How can you let your children have their way entirely? If your son doesn’t understand, does Minister Zhen also not understand? Don’t you want to hold your grandchildren soon?”
Zhen Shicheng’s mouth twitched violently.
The Emperor was going too far. To satisfy his matchmaking whims, how could he disparage him like this?
What was wrong with his son not marrying? Whose rice was he eating?
“Minister Zhen?” Emperor Jingming drawled, eyeing Zhen Shicheng.
Zhen Shicheng calmed his mixed emotions and forced a smile, “Your Majesty is right, men should marry when they come of age, and women should be wed.”
Emperor Jingming nodded, “Indeed. Speaking of which, my Thirteenth Princess is also of age to be married.”
Zhen Shicheng was stunned.
What did the Emperor mean?
Reminding him that his son was still unmarried, and then mentioning that his daughter was ready to be married – was he suggesting marrying Princess Fuqing into the Zhen family?
Having hinted this far, Emperor Jingming felt it wasn’t appropriate to say more. He picked up his teacup and drank with dignity.
He waited, but Zhen Shicheng didn’t react. He waited again, and still no reaction – Emperor Jingming began to feel angry and set his teacup down heavily on the table.
Zhen Shicheng finally came to his senses. He praised Princess Fuqing at length, demonstrating his eloquence, before returning home to discuss the matter with his wife.
Madam Zhen looked shocked, “Are you saying the Emperor intends to marry Princess Fuqing to our Heng?”
Seeing Zhen Shicheng nod, Madam Zhen quickly began to analyze the situation.
Princess Fuqing was a legitimate princess who, due to an eye condition from childhood, hadn’t developed a spoiled personality but was rather pure-hearted. She could be a good match for Heng.
To every mother, without a doubt, their child is the best.
Madam Zhen analyzed the situation from a highly critical standpoint but found nothing unsatisfactory. She hesitated, “Princess Fuqing is the only legitimate princess. If she marries into our family, I wonder if she’ll be easy to get along with—”
Zhen Shicheng smiled dismissively, “You are a one-in-a-million tolerant mother-in-law. How could you not get along well with a daughter-in-law, regardless of her status?”
This flattery pleased Madam Zhen immensely. She smiled broadly and nodded, “In that case, my lord, you should agree. It will also prevent the Emperor from making things difficult for you in the future.”
Zhen Shicheng’s face turned stern, “Nonsense. The Emperor is a benevolent ruler. How could he be that kind of person?”
In the Hall of Cultivating the Heart, Emperor Jingming was anxious and couldn’t even focus on reading the latest story books.
Old Zhen would surely discuss the matter with his wife upon returning home. He wondered if the matter would be successful.
Hmph, if it succeeded, everyone would be happy. If it didn’t… Old Zhen should prepare to face the consequences.
What? Using public office for private revenge? Wasn’t that perfectly justified? What father wouldn’t be angry if his daughter was looked down upon?
Fortunately, Emperor Jingming didn’t have to wait long before receiving Zhen Shicheng’s affirmative response.
Emperor Jingming acted swiftly, quickly issuing an imperial edict for the marriage.
Once the edict was issued, the entire court was shocked.
Zhen Shicheng had struck gold, getting the legitimate princess as a daughter-in-law.
There was no rule in the current court that a princess’s husband would not be favored. The Zhen family would only become more prosperous in the future.
Considering that Zhen Shicheng came from a humble background and his wife was not from a noble family, yet they were about to become in-laws to a legitimate princess – it truly showed how unpredictable fate could be.
The Zhen residence suddenly became a hub of activity, with a constant stream of visitors coming to offer congratulations.
As the new Crown Prince who had not yet moved into the Eastern Palace, Yu Jin also gracefully visited the Zhen residence.
As for why he didn’t bring his wife – well, the Zhen boy was about to become his brother-in-law, so he couldn’t risk stirring up any inappropriate thoughts.
Given Yu Jin’s status, Zhen Shicheng personally welcomed him in and kept him company.
“Congratulations, Minister Zhen. I never imagined we would become family,” Yu Jin said.
Zhen Shicheng stroked his beard and smiled, “Neither did this official.”
Previously, the thought of this young man taking away his daughter-in-law had been frustrating. Who would have thought they’d become family?
Yu Jin sipped his tea, his smile deepening, “Since we’re family now, we shouldn’t be so formal, don’t you agree, Minister Zhen?”
Zhen Shicheng’s internal alarms went off, but he maintained a calm exterior and smiled, “Of course.”
Yu Jin glanced around and smiled, “Since we’re family, let’s be frank. There’s something I’d like to discuss with you, Minister Zhen.”
Zhen Shicheng gestured for the servants to withdraw and asked, “What does the Crown Prince wish to discuss?”
Yu Jin leaned forward and lowered his voice, “I suspect the Empress Dowager is an impostor.”