The Beloved Concubine of the Eastern Palace (book 2)

Chapter 381 - Even the Princess Rejects Suitors

For the Emperor to choose a wife meant an imperial decree of marriage—a great honor.

However, Yang Chengyu didn't appear particularly pleased. Instead, a flicker of caution crossed his eyes.

The reason his marriage hadn't been settled was because he hadn't found someone to his liking. With the war now over, he had just found a suitable match. If the Emperor decreed a different marriage, it would ruin his plans.

Therefore, hearing Pei Yao's words, Yang Chengyu responded even more respectfully.

"Your Majesty's grace is beyond measure, and I am deeply grateful. However, although I lack the desire for marriage, my parents have already chosen a match for me. I planned to discuss this with them upon my return. However, having just returned with the army, I haven't had the chance to go home. While I may not wish to marry, filial piety comes first. I must discuss this with my parents once I return home."

This response declined Pei Yao's offer while invoking the principle of filial piety as an additional barrier.

First, he thanked Pei Yao for his goodwill, then used his parents as a shield, stating they had already chosen someone for him. Since he hadn't returned home yet, he couldn't have agreed to their choice.

Unless Pei Yao insisted, he had to let the parents decide first.

Finally, Yang Chengyu wisely suggested he discuss it with his parents. This left the outcome open: if the marriage didn't work out, the Emperor could still decree another match.

Pei Yao understood and didn't press further.

This was merely a test; pushing too hard would be counterproductive.

He laughed heartily, "You all, unwilling to marry, don't realize how worried your families are."

He then turned his attention to Princess Shuhui.

"Prince Ning is still young. Shuhui is my only sister of marriageable age. The Empress and I are quite concerned and want to choose a worthy young man for her."

This statement hinted at something to the keen observers present.

The four young, unmarried men just mentioned—Huo Mingxuan, Ye Yunxiao, Liu Qin, and Yang Chengyu—were all eligible and had recently distinguished themselves.

Among them, Huo Mingxuan, in mourning for his father, wouldn't marry for three years and was unlikely to be chosen.

Liu Qin, despite his humble origins, was Zhao Fei's sworn brother and had an official position. If the Emperor favored him, a marriage to the princess was possible.

Ye Yunxiao and Yang Chengyu were noblemen, making them suitable matches.

While others might speculate, Fang Yun, having previously discussed this with Pei Yao, knew his thoughts.

She glanced at Yang Chengyu, noting his admirable appearance, talent, and family background, but also his dangerous ambition.

As she withdrew her gaze, she heard Yang Fei speak.

"Princess Shuhui is both graceful and talented. The young men of the capital will surely be captivated. The Princess only needs to choose, and with the Emperor and Empress overseeing it, a good match is guaranteed."

Hearing Yang Fei emphasize "the capital," Fang Yun's lips curved slightly.

Eager to exclude her brother, Yang Chengyu, who was from Huizhou, not the capital.

If Fang Yun could catch this, how could Pei Yao miss it?

Though maintaining his smile, a deeper shadow crossed his eyes.

Even a princess wasn't satisfactory for the Yang family. Who did they have their eye on, seeking a powerful alliance?

At that moment, the previously silent Princess Shuhui spoke shyly.

"Thank you, Yang Fei, but I am not worthy of such praise. With my brother and sister-in-law managing my marriage, I am content to let them handle it. Their judgment is excellent, and they will choose well. Our great country has many talented young men, and I fear they may find me too plain."

Princess Shuhui, once timid and fearful in public, had grown in grace and confidence over the past two or three years under Pei Yao's reign.

She had once kept a low profile to avoid the wrath of Empress Li and her daughter, but had learned all a princess should know.

Now, without anyone suppressing her, her true noble nature blossomed.

The Empress had even hired a female tutor for her, guiding her growth.

Clearly, the Emperor and Empress had long planned to use Princess Shuhui's marriage to further their interests.

While using the Princess's marriage for personal gain was somewhat selfish, she had enjoyed royal privileges for years. Serving the imperial family was part of her duty as a princess.

Pei Yao, as the sovereign, could not freely choose his consorts and had to accept many he didn't care for. How much less freedom, then, did a princess have in choosing her spouse?

Royal marriages rarely achieved true happiness.

Princess Shuhui's words aptly conveyed her willingness to follow Pei Yao's arrangement.

Pei Yao's gaze softened as he smiled, saying, "My sister is a shining jewel; she should not underestimate herself. The Empress and I will certainly choose an excellent husband for you."

"Thank you, Brother and Sister-in-law," Princess Shuhui replied, smiling and bowing.

With that, the topic of marriage concluded, returning the conversation to the celebration.

Pei Yao chatted and laughed with the ministers, exchanging toasts, making the banquet lively.

Being a joyous occasion, the Empress stayed longer than usual before excusing herself. Her pregnancy made it unquestionable.

As soon as the Empress left, Yang Fei followed, showing even more fatigue.

Seeing this, Jin Pin whispered to Fang Yun, "Yang Fei is about four and a half months along, right? She seems more exhausted than the Empress, who is over seven months."

"Pregnant women should rest. Look at her, constantly worrying about this and that. How can she rest?" Fang Yun joked.

Jin Pin laughed, "True, she brings it on herself."

By the end of the banquet, it was late at night.

The children couldn't stay up so late and had been sent to bed earlier.

Pei Yao, in high spirits, had drunk quite a bit and was clearly drunk, insisting Fang Yun sit beside him and not leave.

Seeing this, Fang Yun had him taken back to Yuzhang Palace.

Not being the first or fifteenth, Pei Yao staying there wasn't against the rules.

Unlike his usual mild intoxication, Pei Yao was quite inebriated.

At the banquet, he maintained some dignity with the officials present, but once back at Yuzhang Palace, he was completely immobilized.

Fang Yun, helpless, had the servants prepare sobering soup and helped change his clothes and clean him up.

Finally, getting him to bed, she went to wash up herself.

Exhausted from the day, sleepiness quickly overtook her as she lay down.

Just then, Pei Yao awoke, pulling her into his arms and mumbling, "It's always most comfortable here with you."