Emperor Yong’an’s attention to Wei Han was only greater than his attention to other ministers.

Great Zhou had several famous generals, and Prince Kaiyang was undoubtedly the most brilliant among them.

When it concerned the stability of the realm, how could he not care?

Previously ignoring Prince Kaiyang’s marriage matters was because he didn’t want him marrying and having children at such a young age. Now with trouble erupting in the east and the need to send Prince Kaiyang on campaign, the situation was different.

Once war broke out, it could very well last for years. It would be better to leave him with an attachment in the capital. From his understanding of Prince Kaiyang, this youngest brother had taken Luo Chi’s daughter to heart.

When it came to restraint and balance, Emperor Yong’an had always been adept.

“Luo Chi?”

Grand Commandant Luo looked at Emperor Yong’an with a complex expression: “This subject is here.”

“Did you hear what I just said?”

“This subject… heard it.”

“Then go. I wish to hear good news soon.”

“Your Majesty—”

“Hmm?” Emperor Yong’an drew his brows together, his tone sinking.

The Emperor’s imposing authority came pressing down, carrying an air of brooking no argument and warning.

Grand Commandant Luo’s heart trembled as he steeled himself and agreed.

When the sovereign demands a subject’s death, the subject has no choice but to die—how much less when it’s merely ordering a subject to marry off his daughter.

Even if he was dissatisfied in his heart, what could he do?

Leaving the palace, Grand Commandant Luo once again instinctively looked up at the sky.

The sky appeared increasingly overcast, with layers upon layers of accumulated clouds, heavy and oppressive.

He curved his lips into a self-mocking smile.

Not long ago, he had lamented that a storm was brewing with winds filling the tower. He hadn’t expected the wind and rain to first strike upon his own head.

“Yun Dong,” Grand Commandant Luo slowly spoke.

“Your child is here.”

“Invite Prince Kaiyang to the teahouse on Qingxing Street.”

“Yes.”

Watching his adopted son head toward Prince Kaiyang’s manor, Grand Commandant Luo walked with heavy steps toward Qingxing Street. He had just set foot on Qingxing Street when he happened to encounter that crimson-robed youth.

Grand Commandant Luo forced out a smile: “What a coincidence. Where is Your Highness headed?”

“To Youjian Wine House.”

Grand Commandant Luo glanced up at the sky and chuckled: “Going to drink wine this early?”

Shi Yan, the personal guard following behind Wei Han, raised his eyebrows slightly.

Their master often went even earlier than this—it turned out Grand Commandant Luo didn’t know.

Grand Commandant Luo truly hadn’t imagined that a dignified prince could rush to a wine house an hour or two early just for food. Since they’d run into each other, there was no need to wait. He opened his mouth to invite: “I happen to have some matters to discuss with Your Highness. Would Your Highness do me the honor of going to the teahouse for a chat?”

Wei Han nodded slightly.

He had gone to the wine house early precisely to tell Miss Luo about his imminent departure for campaign. Though he wasn’t leaving today, he still wanted to tell her at the first opportunity. If it were someone else inviting him, he would have refused, but since it was Miss Luo’s father, he would go for a cup of tea.

Grand Commandant Luo extended his hand: “Your Highness, please.”

“Grand Commandant, please.”

The two went up to the teahouse and sat facing each other in a private room. Across the curling tea fragrance, there was a moment of awkwardness.

For Grand Commandant Luo, broaching this topic was too difficult.

He was a proud man too!

However, this was the imperial will…

Grand Commandant Luo struggled internally while Wei Han wondered.

Grand Commandant Luo had invited him for tea, but was it really just to drink tea?

If so, why not go to Youjian Wine House to drink wine instead…

Wei Han wasn’t someone who liked wasting time, but considering the relationship between the person before him and Miss Luo, he could only endure it.

The tea fragrance had faded somewhat when Grand Commandant Luo finally had to speak first: “I invited Your Highness for tea today because there’s a matter I wish to ask Your Highness about.”

“Grand Commandant, please speak. This prince is all ears.” Wei Han also breathed a sigh of relief.

Sitting here with Miss Luo’s father like this, there was still some pressure.

Grand Commandant Luo asked with difficulty: “What does Your Highness think of… Sheng’er?”

Light filled Wei Han’s eyes as he earnestly said: “Miss Luo is wonderful.”

Looking at the youth whose eyes sparkled brilliantly, Grand Commandant Luo suddenly gained confidence.

It seemed Prince Kaiyang was quite taken with Sheng’er.

If so, then taking the initiative was taking the initiative—it wasn’t so face-losing after all.

Losing a bit of face to gain a son-in-law was actually profitable. He could wait until after the rice was cooked to put this young man in his place.

Grand Commandant Luo steadied his mind and asked with a laugh: “Your Highness truly thinks Sheng’er is wonderful?”

Wei Han nodded seriously: “This prince never speaks falsely.”

Grand Commandant Luo stroked his short beard and sighed meaningfully: “Sheng’er is not young anymore. She’s reached the age to arrange a marriage.”

Since Prince Kaiyang was taken with Sheng’er, hearing these words he might take the initiative to propose.

Wei Han listened calmly, but his heart tightened.

What did Grand Commandant Luo mean by saying this to him?

Grand Commandant Luo scrutinized Wei Han’s expression, but unfortunately the other party appeared too calm, making it impossible to discern anything.

He could only give up struggling and said with a dark face: “Speaking of which, Your Highness has also reached the age to discuss marriage. I wonder if you would be willing to form a marital alliance with the Luo manor?”

Wei Han’s hand holding the teacup trembled, spilling some hot tea.

For him, this counted as a rare loss of composure.

Wei Han couldn’t remain calm at all.

If he weren’t confident in his excellent hearing, he would have thought he’d heard wrong.

Was Grand Commandant Luo matchmaking between him and Miss Luo?

This realization made his thoughts freeze, and his heart felt as if a spring breeze had passed over it, with a hundred flowers blooming instantly.

“Is Your Highness willing?” Grand Commandant Luo suppressed his anger and called the dazed youth back.

Wei Han suppressed his racing heartbeat. His lips moved, but he didn’t know how to respond.

To be betrothed to Miss Luo—naturally he was a hundred times willing.

But he quickly sobered up.

Was this marital alliance with the Luo manor Miss Luo’s idea, or Grand Commandant Luo’s idea, or… His Majesty’s idea?

Having just heard Emperor Yong’an’s words in the palace, he couldn’t help but overthink.

The now-calm Wei Han asked seriously: “The matter the Grand Commandant mentioned… does Miss Luo know about it?”

Hearing these words, Grand Commandant Luo was surprised but found the youth before him somewhat more agreeable.

At least he knew to care about Sheng’er’s thoughts—barely acceptable.

“I haven’t told Sheng’er yet.” Grand Commandant Luo said this while smiling bitterly inside.

His Majesty had spoken—whether he told her or not, what could it change? Unless he followed Prince Dingdong’s example and rebelled, otherwise he could only obediently comply.

Follow Prince Dingdong’s example and rebel…

This thought flared up like a flame, and Grand Commandant Luo hastily extinguished it.

Can’t think it, can’t think it.

Looking again at the handsome youth, Grand Commandant Luo silently convinced himself: mainly Prince Kaiyang was decent enough—it wouldn’t really wrong Sheng’er.

Wei Han was silent for a long while before speaking: “Could the Grand Commandant allow me to have a chat with Miss Luo?”

Grand Commandant Luo slowly nodded.

Wei Han rose and departed, leaving only a half-full cup of tea on the table.

The teahouse wasn’t far from Youjian Wine House. Shi Yan was energetically sweeping the doorway.

Wei Han approached and asked: “Has Miss Luo arrived?”

Shi Yan’s face was full of smiles: “Master, your timing is perfect—Miss Luo just arrived moments ago.”

Wei Han nodded and lifted his foot to walk inside.

Shi Yan followed behind but was grabbed by Shi Yan, who lowered his voice to scold: “Why are you going in to get in the way? Hurry up and sweep.”

With that, the young attendant stuffed the broom into his brother’s hands and darted to the doorway to peek inside.

Luo Sheng had only just entered when she saw Wei Han follow in, and was somewhat surprised for a moment.