Chapter 208: The Candidate - Rebirth of the Noble Daughter

Chapter 208: The Candidate

“It’s getting late, Miss Bai. You should head back soon and watch your step.”

“Thank you for your concern, Mr. Wen. I’ll head back now.”

With that, Bai Sihan curtsied and ran towards where her mother, Shen Shi, was waiting.

Seeing her daughter’s flushed face, Shen Shi was delighted. “Did it go well?”

“Yes.” Bai Sihan confirmed.

Hearing her daughter’s affirmative answer, Shen Shi was so happy she almost jumped for joy. Now she just had to wait for Wen Mengsheng to pass the exams and come to ask for her daughter’s hand in marriage. Her long-awaited dream of settling in the capital seemed finally within reach.

Thinking about this, she felt the trip had been worthwhile!

After mother and daughter left, Wen Mengsheng glanced at the red string and mocked their overestimation of themselves. He then casually discarded it by the roadside, where it would be buried by the elements.

On the other hand, Feng Jinlin, holding the package, looked at the red strings in the box appreciatively. There were three strings, clearly meant for them all. He handed one to Yin Canwen and kept the remaining two for Feng Yunhe.

“Canwen, this may seem superstitious, but it’s Ah Yao’s kind gesture. Wear it for good luck.”

Yin Canwen, receiving something from Feng Jinyao for the first time, treasured it greatly.

Pretending to be calm, he said, “Don’t worry, Feng. I’ll wear it well.”

Little did he know, this unremarkable red string would change his life.

In the decades that followed, he never married or had children. When he died, his nephews and nieces buried him with this now faded and broken red string in the pouch on his chest.

Meanwhile, back in the city, the Changle Palace was bustling.

Consort Liu had brought gifts to see the Crown Prince’s firstborn. Coincidentally, the Emperor was also there, and the Emperor and Empress were holding their grandchild, playing with him. Suddenly, the Emperor exclaimed.

“Empress, did you see that? Yong Cong smiled at me!”

“I saw it. Yong Cong must like you. You visit him every day, and he remembers.”

“Hahaha, he’s truly my good grandson. Only a few days old, and he already remembers me. We’ll be close in the future.”

Hearing this, the Empress was even more delighted.

It was at this moment that Consort Liu entered, hurriedly paying her respects to both of them.

“Your Majesty, long live. Your Majesty, long live.”

“Consort Liu, you’re here? Come and see Yong Cong. He’s just smiled at the Emperor,” the Empress said warmly, as they had been close for over twenty years. The Empress liked Liu for her unambitious nature and was not on guard around her.

Consort Liu, however, was cautious, not daring to touch the child, fearing any mishap would be blamed on her. She stood half a step away and said, “The Crown Prince’s firstborn truly resembles the Emperor. He must be smiling because he thinks he’s looking in a mirror.”

Her humorous remark made everyone present laugh.

Yong Cong seemed to sense the joy and smiled again, making the Emperor and Empress even happier.

After playing for a while, the couple grew tired and called the wet nurse to feed and put the baby to sleep.

The Empress then remembered something and spoke up.

“Since the Emperor is here today, I have some good news involving Consort Liu.”

“Oh? What good news?”

The Emperor was curious, while Consort Liu was puzzled. The Empress smiled and said, “Your Majesty, Consort Liu is so unassuming that she isn’t even concerned about her son’s marriage. Sixth Prince is not young anymore, yet his marriage isn’t settled. The other day, Sister Fulin mentioned a match for him, suggesting the granddaughter of Grand Secretary Xu. What do you think, Your Majesty and Consort Liu?”

The Emperor thought deeply.

Grand Secretary Xu’s granddaughter was a good match for Sixth Prince, but rushing into a new engagement so soon after the previous one might not be appropriate. He said slowly, “The candidate is good, but after the last broken engagement, Xu has stated that his granddaughter’s marriage will be her decision alone. He even said that not even the Emperor could force it. Issuing a decree might not be wise now.”

Consort Liu remained calm.

“I don’t understand these matters. I’ll follow the decisions of Your Majesty and the Empress.”

“You’re quite lax, unlike Noble Consort Wei, who’s already chosen a match for her son. She told me she’s chosen Lady Qianling for Ninth Prince, waiting for him to return to finalize the engagement. Your Majesty, you must be fair. If Ninth Prince’s marriage is set, Sixth Prince’s shouldn’t be delayed. Otherwise, the younger brother marrying before the elder would be improper.”

The Empress, feigning casualness, mentioned Noble Consort Wei’s plans. As expected, the Emperor’s expression darkened.

Pretending to be unaware, the Empress continued chatting with Consort Liu.

Moments later, the Emperor rose and said, “Empress, I must return to handle state affairs. Continue your conversation with Consort Liu.”

The Empress graciously responded, “Your Majesty, we wish you well.”

“We wish Your Majesty well.” echoed Consort Liu, following the Empress’ lead.

Returning to his study, the Emperor immediately ordered an investigation into the Empress’s claim.

His dark expression frightened even the nearby Eunuch Wang.

Lady Qianling’s background was unique. After her father, Prince Yi, passed, she took over Zhongzhou and managed it well for years, showcasing her abilities. Such a person was already slightly intimidating as a subject. If she became a daughter-in-law, the Emperor feared she might influence his son against him.

Such a situation was unacceptable. If the Wei family harbored such thoughts, the Western campaign might face unrest.

Sitting on the throne required a cold heart. Sensing danger, the Emperor wouldn’t hesitate to eliminate threats, whether brothers or sons.

Unaware of the peril her words had brought, Noble Consort Wei was happily preparing gifts for Wei Lanxuan’s wedding.

Amid these turbulent undercurrents, the engagement between the Wei and Liang families began.

Before dawn, Wei Lanxuan was awakened by the household servants. Due to her pregnancy, Yue Jian had to avoid the bride, so she managed things from outside while Beitang, Nanhua, and four maidservants, along with two fortune-tellers, attended to Wei Lanxuan inside.