The hall was very cold. Mo Zi knelt unmoving. No matter how tactfully she spoke, those listening weren’t foolish and naturally wouldn’t be pleased.
The Emperor’s voice wasn’t as gentle as usual. “Mo Zi, you’re asking me to retract the decree?”
Mo Zi bit her lip. If she didn’t refuse, after this banquet she would become a bride-to-be. Not considering her own emotional inclinations, just Prince Jing’s household as in-laws made her completely unwilling to deal with it, let alone that Xiao Wei’s courtyard already had three concubines taken in from among the servants.
“Your Majesty—” The fatal thing was, before all these people, her resistance to the Emperor’s arranged marriage meant publicly making the Emperor lose face. The Emperor losing face would have very serious consequences.
Yang Ling suddenly knelt down. “Your Majesty, Official Song is merely being modest, worried her status cannot match General Xiao, momentarily confused in her heart.”
Mo Zi felt her sleeve being tugged and looked toward Yang Ling. He kept his head tightly lowered—his expression couldn’t be seen clearly, yet he shook his head extremely subtly. She could understand the meaning of his action. Thus she lowered her eyes and submitted. In the Emperor’s eyes this was an accepting posture, and only then did he change from his cold expression. “That’s right. I’m not randomly pairing mandarin ducks. When you’re doted on by your husband and loved by your in-laws, you’ll know my judgment. After you marry into Prince Jing’s household, I’ll then withdraw your official position. This way, Changming should be satisfied.”
But Changming was so angry she pouted. She wasn’t satisfied at all. Not being an official yet marrying the future Prince Jing—in the future becoming a princess consort would be more glorious than being a female official.
Mo Zi couldn’t say it aloud, but thought in her heart: loved by in-laws? If she really married in, the old Princess Consort would be the first to deal with her harshly. What was she anyway? Both sides of her parents’ relatives—she’d secretly acknowledged one side, the other side she didn’t want to reveal. Nominally she had no parents, no relatives or friends, and brought along a younger sister—a lonely, bitter person. The Emperor just casually arranged the marriage—did he really care about her future life?
The designation of two marriage matters ended the imperial family’s Mid-Autumn banquet. Those congratulating the Wang family were obviously more sincere in expression than those congratulating the Xiao family. Fewer than five people said congratulations to Mo Zi, and all had somewhat meaningful undertones.
“Xiao Wei is truly happy.” Yang Ling and Mo Zi stood together, looking toward the Xiao family people.
Mo Zi looked over coldly, flicked her sleeves and descended the steps. “I can’t tell if he’s happy or not, but I know his father and mother are very unhappy. Their mouths smile stiffly, and their eyes looking at me are as if I used some unspeakable means to bewitch their precious son. Yang Ling, you hinted I shouldn’t resist to the end. If you don’t have a perfect strategy, you can marry in my place.”
Yang Ling cried out, his long sleeves stirring the wind. “At that time if I didn’t step forward, you would have pushed the Emperor to where he had no way out, and you couldn’t have retreated unscathed. What, do you want to be demoted to palace slave to do hard labor, or go to the heavenly prison to eat visiting meals? Don’t worry, there’s still Lord Yuan.”
“But since I agreed, would His Majesty still change his mind? Golden words and jade decree! He clearly allowed me to find my own husband, yet just like that arranged the marriage. I’ve figured it out—front or back, it’s all decided by him alone. What I understand even less is why pair me with Xiao Wei, and where did he see a match made in heaven?” Angry enough to want to crush the stone steps beneath her feet.
“I don’t quite understand this point either. Regardless, hurry back and discuss with Lord Yuan. Being anxious won’t help matters.” Yang Ling suggested.
“Mo Zi.” But Xiao Wei caught up to the two people’s hurried steps.
Mo Zi turned back, seeing that person standing several steps higher, clothed in silvery moonlight like snow—truly a divinely handsome man transcending the mortal world. But she wasn’t moved. Not moved, so she didn’t want to deceive him, therefore her face bore cold frost.
Xiao Wei saw it in his eyes but didn’t take it to heart. He told himself as long as she became his wife, days were still long. “I will treat you well.”
Mo Zi smiled, her autumn eyes deep as ink. “How are you certain that treating me well is what I want? Xiao Wei, search your heart and ask—are you and I suitable?”
“Whether suitable or not, we’ll only know after living together.” Couldn’t she see it? His changes.
“Since you mention living together, I’ll also speak plainly. You treat me well, but will your grandmother and your mother treat me well? I was once Third Lady Xiao’s servant—almost everyone in Prince Jing’s household knows this. Your grandmother even once punished me with beating and kneeling on needles. She wouldn’t bat an eye even if she beat me to death. Now such a lowly servant becomes her grandson’s wife—do you think she’ll be satisfied? Moreover, to me, you’re already a married man.” Seeing Xiao Wei open his mouth to argue, she raised her palm. “I know the three women in your courtyard are only concubines without formal status, but won’t you elevate them to concubines in the future? I’m most annoyed by these things. Do you know the reason I couldn’t continue with Wu Yan? It’s because I’m jealous. For a future husband I don’t have many requirements—besides cherishing me, he must be devoted. No other women, not a single one. You’d better take these words seriously. If I really marry you, the first ones I’ll get rid of are Lu Bi and Hong Luo, and also Lady Wei the Sixth. I heard you treat Miss Lu Bi with deep feeling and loyalty. Selling her off—would you agree?”
Xiao Wei froze. He didn’t know Mo Zi had such thoughts. “You’re the legitimate wife the Emperor designated for me. Even if Lu Bi and Hong Luo become concubines, they can’t threaten your position. I’m clear they absolutely won’t have improper thoughts.”
Mo Zi shook her head and sighed. “Not understanding me, how can we be husband and wife? Yang Ling, let’s go.”
Yang Ling cupped his hands toward Xiao Wei. Before leaving he tossed down a few words. “Does General Xiao only now know Official Mo Zi is jealous by nature? However, Lord Yuan knew early on—otherwise why wouldn’t he dare have even one female attendant by his side?” Yuan Cheng didn’t like female servants attending him, but in his mouth it became fearing Mo Zi.
Xiao Wei watched the two depart, standing motionless for a long while.
“Wei’er, what did you say to Song Mo Zi? Although His Majesty just arranged your marriage, you should still avoid suspicion.” Prince Jing frowned, not satisfied with this marriage match.
“My lord, can we speak with Consort Chen and have her ask His Majesty to retract the decree?” The Princess Consort’s way of expressing it was more direct.
“Don’t make trouble. Although His Majesty dotes on Consort Chen, how can he go back on words already spoken? Don’t let good turn to bad, implicate Consort Chen losing favor, and affect the bigger picture. It’s just a legitimate wife position. Song Mo Zi’s status isn’t high, but she’s valued by His Majesty and can build ships—she’ll definitely help Wei’er. Wei’er is so outstanding. We’ll find another opportunity to marry him an equal-status co-wife.” Though Prince Jing wasn’t satisfied with Mo Zi, he wouldn’t go against the Emperor’s wishes.
“Father, Mother, I like her. After she enters the household, I hope you’ll treat her somewhat better.” After Xiao Wei spoke, he headed toward the Imperial Study.
The Emperor was waiting for him. “Baiyu, for your sake, I went back on my word to that girl.”
“Thank you for Your Majesty’s fulfillment. Xiao Wei remembers it in his heart.” Xiao Wei knelt and kowtowed again.
“Get up.” The Emperor smiled. “I also promised you could choose your own marriage match first. Since you opened your mouth, I naturally had to fulfill it. Moreover, you and that girl truly match. I don’t mean origins, but capabilities. You’re good at warfare, she’s good at ships. If Daqiu and Great Zhou go to war, you two combining swords—I’ll have more confidence. Though I said I’d withdraw her official position after she marries, if there’s need, I’ll still reemploy her. At that time, don’t be too much of a male chauvinist.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.” Xiao Wei agreed readily. “Mo Zi isn’t an ordinary woman to begin with. This minister won’t keep her confined at home.”
“If Mo Zi knew you had this consideration, probably she wouldn’t be so resistant. You may go.” The Emperor said.
After Xiao Wei left, Liu Ning carefully served tea. “Where will Your Majesty rest tonight?”
“Liu Ning, do you also think my arranged marriage was inappropriate? I can see that Mo Zi girl and Yuan Cheng seem to have mutual interest.” But the Emperor asked.
Liu Ning lowered his head and hands. “Your Majesty doing this naturally has your reasons.”
“First, Xiao Wei came to ask me for the marriage decree—Yuan Cheng didn’t. Second, as a woman Mo Zi is too independent and unconventional, and Yuan Cheng is also a person who disdains propriety and loyalty. The two together—I’d have difficulty controlling them. This is also my selfish motive.” The Emperor sighed. “Summon Zhong An for an audience.”
Liu Ning said nothing. He was only a listener. The secret ended here.
Mo Zi returned to the lakeside pavilion in the estate and immediately told Yuan Cheng the news of her arranged marriage. After finishing, she was extremely indignant. “What golden words and jade decree—initially in black and white, now it all doesn’t count.”
“First there was Daqiu’s king who went through so much hardship wanting to marry you as queen, and now Great Zhou’s most promising young general wanting to marry you as wife. I truly have excellent judgment and extremely good fortune.” Daqiu’s king had already remained in Mo Zi’s past. As for Xiao Wei, he came too late.
Mo Zi glared at him. “What time is this, and you still have leisure to be smug?”
Their feelings no longer needed words to affirm—each knew the other’s heart.
“No hurry—the wedding isn’t until year’s end. Something that hasn’t taken shape yet fundamentally needn’t be taken to heart.” Yuan Cheng beckoned, and servants came in to set out dishes.
Mo Zi smelled the rabbit meat’s fragrance, salivating. “If I’d known early you prepared good dishes for me, I wouldn’t have begged for crabs in the palace. The Emperor’s rewards—you have to shed a layer of skin to get them, and by the time they’re in hand they’re already bloody.”
“You always inadvertently speak cautionary words.” Yuan Cheng filled her cup for her. “Mid-Autumn Festival, unable to admire the moon together with you—I always feel something’s missing. Even if you’re full, keep me company for a while.”
“Not full. One mooncake and two crabs could fill me—that would be too easy to feed.” Mo Zi raised her head and drained the cup, immediately frowning. “Water?”
“Didn’t you say you were giving up alcohol?” He complied readily.
“That day was drunken talk. Alcohol doesn’t need to be completely given up—observing the festival is still acceptable. Otherwise what do I use to accompany the food?” Mo Zi blinked. These years though her drinking wasn’t as heavy as Yuan Cheng’s, it wasn’t little either.
“I’ve only heard of using food to accompany wine, yet you say using wine to accompany food. Though you were drunk that day, truly every word made sense—too much alcohol harms the body. You and I both should try to abstain, so we can keep each other company for more years.” Yuan Cheng was seriously thinking of abstaining from alcohol.
“But it can’t be flavorless plain water. Drink rice wine—is that acceptable?” Rice wine was a beverage.
“Only for festivals?” He asked with a smile.
“Only for festivals.” She reluctantly agreed.
“I’ll send someone to buy it. Don’t know if it’s available at this hour.” He instructed the servant outside the pavilion.
Either way, he just wouldn’t give her alcohol—that was a bit harsh. Mo Zi lamented.
Lament—but it was a reassured lament.