chapter 5
While everyone traded meaningful looks and Ye Liuwei blushed, Mother delivered her second sentence of the evening.
“Zihui is indeed an excellent choice. His mother and I were close friends.”
Father had not expected her approval and froze. Lin Sanniang, displaying a rare flash of intelligence, understood immediately.
“Your Majesty, His Majesty meant the Third Princess.”
Mother glanced at her. “Noble Consort Lin, have you lost your mind? The elder sister remains unwed. How could His Majesty choose a husband for the younger one first?”
Her gaze struck Father like lightning. “His Majesty is a man of propriety and would never do anything so discourteous. Noble Consort, mind your words.”
With those few sentences, she had placed Father over a fire. His face darkened as he found himself unable to advance or retreat.
Before the others noticed, Wang Yu had already moved to the center of the hall and knelt with perfect composure.
“This subject, Wang Yu, thanks Your Majesty for the match. Years ago, while studying in Huaxian County, I encountered bandits.” His eyes softened as they turned to me. “Prince Wuan saved my life. I too have admired Her Highness for many years.”
Father pressed his lips together and stared. “Have you considered this carefully?”
“My heart is not a stone that can be rolled away.”
Events had veered completely beyond my expectations. Knowing Father meant to arrange a marriage for Wang Yu, I had prepared another marriage agreement for him. Yet a few words from Mother and Wang Yu had somehow turned this into my own betrothal.
Father had no choice but to approve. Humiliated, Ye Liuwei covered her face and fled. Lin Sanniang called several times but could not stop her.
Congratulations filled the hall. Wang Yu looked so delighted that one might think he would enter the bridal chamber the next moment. Then I remembered I might be the other person in that chamber, abandoned the comparison, and secretly signaled him.
Pretending I needed to change clothes, I left the feast and waited in the bamboo grove. Wang Yu arrived at an unhurried pace. Framed by green bamboo, he looked like carved jade, and every question in my head vanished.
At last I asked stiffly, “We prepared a different marriage agreement. Why did you do that?”
He considered. “The false answer is that I did not dare deceive the sovereign.”
“And the truth?”
“I have admired Your Highness for a long time.”
He folded his hands and bowed with solemn care. “My parents love each other, my brothers live in harmony, and my family possesses modest wealth. All can support Your Highness in the future.”
“I began my studies at five and martial training at eight. I have read the classics and histories and understand something of war. I dare say there is no young man in the capital better suited to Your Highness than I am.”
His gaze burned. “Most importantly, I know your great ambition, and I am willing to help you achieve it.”
“Is there something about Zihui that displeases Your Highness?”
“Absolutely not!”
I drew a deep breath and collected my thoughts. With his beauty and bearing, claiming I disliked him would be hypocrisy. The matter had simply happened too quickly for me to react.
“Then, since Your Highness does not reject me, Zihui can rest easy.”
He smiled with a rare trace of youthful mischief. “Xiguang, are you happy to be betrothed to me?”