Chapter 243: The Dowager d.u.c.h.ess Versus Long Yang

Duke Ji has worked hard and contributed much to the court for many years. Since his son has reached the age of marriage, instruct the Ministry of Rites to select a daughter from a n.o.ble house and select a date for her to marry Ji Xiu.

Long Yang gave his edict calmly in a nonchalant tone.

Startled, Zhao Qian immediately bowed obediently. Ill go and deliver the edict this instant.

He thought to himself, No matter how difficult the Dowager d.u.c.h.ess and Grand Duke are behaving, theres no way they would expect s.h.i.+ Yi to report their plans to Master the moment they finished their discussion.

Its fortunate that Master sent s.h.i.+ Yi to guard Second Miss Lu at the Grand Duke Mansion after returning to the palace today. It might very well be too late if he waited until tomorrow.

If Second Miss Lu got engaged to the Ji family, no matter how much Master likes her, he wouldnt be crazy enough to attempt bride kidnapping.

But then again, can I be sure the Master really wouldnt do it?

Zhao Qian suddenly felt a little unsure. During this period, he had seen everything that his master had done for Second Miss Lu, and he had a vague feeling that his master would not give up easily even after the die had been cast.

After Zhao Qian had left, Long Yang instructed s.h.i.+ Yi, Continue watching the Grand Duke Mansion.

Yes, Your Majesty, s.h.i.+ Yi lowered his head and answered.

Long Yang then turned and entered his sleeping quarters.

It was already late at night, and the Minister of Rites was already asleep.

In that unG.o.dly hour, a loud banging came from the gates of the Ministers Mansion.

When the Minister of Rites heard that the visitor was Butler Zhao, he hurriedly got up from his concubines bed, not daring to keep him waiting.

By the time he was done brus.h.i.+ng himself up, Zhao Qian had already been brought to the living room.

The Minister rushed over and was about to inquire the purpose of his late-night visit when Zhao Qian threw the imperial edict directly into his hands.

Decide on a candidate by tomorrow morning, then go directly to the Duke Ji Mansion and declare the edict.

The Minister unraveled the imperial edict and was dumbfounded by what he read. Hearing Zhao Qians words, he could not help but ask, Does His Majesty not need to take a look at the candidate first?

His Majesty is constantly busy with court affairs. How would he have the time for that? Zhao Qians voice lowered, then he beamed and added, His Majesty has full trust in your ability, Minister Li. Its fine as long as the candidate is of decent character and appearance.

Minister Lis eyes sparkled at his words. I understand.

Zhao Qian patted him on the shoulder. Then you should start choosing someone now, Minister Li. You must go to the Duke Ji Mansion and declare the edict at daybreak.

Ill get everything done properly, Minister Li immediately a.s.sured him.

Although he did not know why the Emperor wanted to appoint a marriage for Duke Jis son so suddenly and urgently, he only needed to follow the Emperors edict.

However, it was a ch.o.r.e that he had to work in the middle of the night. It seemed that he would not be getting any sleep tonight.

The next day.

After Lu Hetian had returned from court, the Dowager d.u.c.h.ess set out for the palace in a carriage.

Meanwhile, Lu Hetian set off for the Duke Ji Mansion.

The two of them made their move separately.

The palace.

Long Yang was handling court affairs in the imperial study when Zhao Qian reported the Dowager d.u.c.h.esss request for an audience.

Long Yang paused for a moment. He was already aware of the Dowager d.u.c.h.esss purpose of coming to the palace today, but he still said, Bring her in.

Soon, the Dowager d.u.c.h.ess entered the imperial study, led by Zhao Qian.

Looking at the Emperor behind the imperial table, the Dowager d.u.c.h.ess took a few steps forward and greeted him.

Greetings, Your Majesty!

As she spoke, she was about to curtsy, but Long Yang had already walked out from behind the table and supported her arm promptly.

No need for formalities, Madam!

The Dowager d.u.c.h.ess straightened up.

Long Yang withdrew his hands and said calmly, Have a seat, Madam. Bring the tea, Zhao Qian.

Only after Long Yang sat back down in his chair did the Dowager d.u.c.h.ess take her seat nearby.

Zhao Qian served her tea deftly.

Thank you for the tea, Your Majesty, the Dowager d.u.c.h.ess said politely, taking a sip from the cup and eyeing Long Yang. To be honest, I came to the palace today to ask for a favor.

Long Yangs fingers stroked the patterns on the teacup, and he said airily, If theres anything you want, just tell me. Ill do it for you to the best of my ability.

If the Dowager d.u.c.h.ess were not here for Weiweis sake, she would have been overwhelmed to hear these words from the Emperor.

She basically watched the Emperor grow up. He ascended the throne at the age of thirteen, and with excellent wit and stratagem, helped the Great Shang Kingdom achieve unprecedented prosperity.