Allure of a Country Maiden
Chapter 325 - 323

Chapter 325: 323

"Who is this Marquis Shengping, and where did this Lady of Rui’an County spring up from? Is the Emperor losing his senses? One being a marquis and the other a county leader, are these titles being dispensed so frivolously?" the Empress Dowager voiced her anger.

A person who spent only two years studying at school, who can only recognize a mere few characters, has risen to the position of marquis? Since when did the title of marquis fall so easily into one’s lap!

"Mother, calm your anger, let me explain it to you in detail..."

The Emperor patiently laid out the contributions that Xiao’er’s family made to the Imperial Court and the reasons for his bestowed titles.

"Does Marquis Shengping truly possess such ability? Is Lady of Rui’an County indeed so insightful?" I’ve heard that Marquis Shengping was not even a scholar.

"It is indeed the case." The Emperor nodded.

"Even so, making her a county leader is already an unprecedented blessing. Why would you confer her to Yi’er through marriage, and as his chief consort no less? A woman like her, who knows nothing about the rules and etiquette, does it not bring shame upon the royal family to make her an imperial consort? Yi’er, your grandmother is back, she will find a way to dissuade this arrangement for you!" The Empress Dowager reached out for Shangguan Xuanyi, yearning for the comfort she could offer her grandson through her touch.

Shangguan Xuanyi poured a cup of tea, passed it to the Empress Dowager, and tactfully avoided her physical contact : "Great Grandmother, Lady of Rui’an County is a good match for me!"

It had always been Xuanyi who was filial, thought the Dowager to herself. She wasn’t necessarily thirsty, but Xuanyi had always kept a cool demeanor. He rarely displayed intimacy towards others. Since he was able to walk on his own, he was averse to being held. This was the first time he had poured tea for her.

"My grandson deserves the best. Lady of Rui’an County is not worthy!" The Empress Dowager proclaimed, only after she had taken a sip of tea.

"Great Grandmother! Other than Lady of Rui’an County, I will not marry anyone else." His voice reverberated with Shangguan Xuanyi’s steadfast resolve.

A familiar sentence was registered by the Empress Dowager. Upon hearing the dedication ringing in Xuanyi’s voice, her face drastically changed, but she quickly resumed her usual composure.

She was no longer the naive woman she was before, one who would recklessly charge ahead without thinking. One knew when to take a step back. The more she opposed, the more adamant the two men would become in their choices. There were many ways to break up a mismatched pair. She did not have to alienate her grandson over an outsider.

"It seems that Lady of Rui’an County is indeed highly regarded. Both you and your father are full of praise for her. I must meet her in person."

"Once Mother has seen her, you will know she’s a good girl. Besides, the imperial edict has been issued, the Emperor’s words cannot be taken lightly!" The Emperor had naturally chosen his daughter-in-law with satisfaction.

Shangguan Xuanyi, however, did not miss the fleeting change in the Dowager’s expression. His countenance grew even colder, but as he was normally stoic, no one took note.

"Empress, the First Prince has come of age for marriage. He is the eldest grandson of the Emperor. Yet, he is still unmarried. What sort of state of affairs is this? Is this how you fulfill your role as a mother? Is this your way of setting an example for the world?" The Empress Dowager revealed the real purpose of her return.

The Empress had long been discontented with the First Prince’s tardy marriage! As the eldest brother, not marrying early was equal to blocking the path of his younger brothers!

Every time she broached the subject of marriage with Hao’er, he would use the excuse of the First Prince’s impending marriage to evade the subject!

But as the Empress, she didn’t bear the First Prince. The Dowager had stated that she would handle the First Prince’s matrimonial matters. Now, the Empress was being blamed. Despite the dissatisfaction brewing, the Empress decided to voice her opinion.

"Mother, the First Prince’s past indiscretions led to his punishment by the Emperor..."

"It was due to your lack of discipline as a mother, as the Empress, leading to the First Prince’s transgressions!" the Dowager was deeply discontented with the woman who had stolen her son’s undivided attention.

The Empress was somewhat irate upon hearing this. The Dowager protected the First Prince relentlessly. Whenever he acted out against her own son, she couldn’t utter a single word of reprimand. Teaching him discipline? Since when did it fall to her, a woman of humble origins, to teach him! Fortunately, she preferred not to see nor be involved. Otherwise, she would’ve been long since vexed to death.

"Mother, you yourself declared that Consort Yang was to personally raise the First Prince. I was not to intervene."

Now she’s being blamed for her lack of involvement! Thankfully she wasn’t required to discipline him back then. Otherwise, his current obstinacy could have been blamed on her deliberately leading him astray!

"Mother, the punishment towards the First Prince was my decision. Consort Yang..." The Emperor couldn’t endure the Dowager blaming the Empress and stood up to shield the Empress.

"Enough! I already know about this! This has nothing to do with the First Prince! There is no need for you to bring up the past! The punishment was sufficient! Now that I am back, I will personally choose a consort for the First Prince!" Looking at the Empress, the Dowager moved forward, never allowing someone else to harm her grandson.

The First Prince sat obediently, taking on an appearance of meekness.

Upon hearing the Dowager’s words, the Empress was eager to have it happen. She glanced at the First Prince, who had become much more subdued. She hoped he could maintain his currently displayed manner of peace and propriety.

The First Prince had previously set his sights on Li Yunning or more accurately, the identity of being the Left Minister’s daughter. Now Li Yun Ning had married, and the newly appointed Minister of Right’s daughter was also wedded off.

He had no chance of finding a minister’s daughter to be the imperial princess.

Who would the Dowager choose to become the First Princess Consort?

"Mother, managing the marital affairs of the First Prince is a weighty responsibility that would truly strain you! I truly appreciate your painstaking efforts," the Emperor picked his words carefully.

"Not only for the First Prince, but the matters of Shangguan Xuanhao, Shangguan Xuankai, and Shangguan Xuanjun’s marriages, I will decide upon my return. As for Mingxi, that child..." For her only granddaughter, the Empress Dowager held her most beloved. She really didn’t want to marry her off so early!

Upon hearing the Dowager’s words, Shangguan Xuanhao and Shangguan Xuanjun were taken aback!

The third prince, Shangguan Xuankai, remained placid, appearing indifferent.

"Great Grandmother, I am not in a rush. Let my elder brothers marry first. I will gradually choose a satisfying Prince Consort!" Shangguan Mingxi quickly wrapped her arms around the Dowager’s arm, fighting for the autonomy for her marriage.

"Good, we must choose someone who satisfies you! There’s no rush in getting married. Take time to choose. This is a decision for a lifetime! You cannot settle with someone less!" the Dowager patted the beloved hand of her granddaughter, love brimming from her face.

"Father, Mother, you cannot randomly assign me a Prince Consort! I want to choose!"

The Empress regarded her spoilt daughter with a headache: "What nonsense are you talking about? Why would your Father and Mother randomly assign you a Prince Consort?"

The Emperor, on the other hand, just smiled and nodded: "Alright! Choose for yourself, lest you’re dissatisfied with the one chosen by your Father and then keep pestering him all day after you get married. I am looking forward to marrying you off sooner rather than later, for some peace and quiet!"

"What is the Emperor saying? Even if Mingxi gets married, will she not be allowed to return to the palace? Let’s see who dares to stop her if she wishes to return!" The Dowager glared at her son. What kind of person would turn their back on their own daughter!

...

Rumours of the Dowager personally picking wives for the princes spread quickly among the noble families in the Imperial City.

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