Think Happy

The Engagement

The Bais were sitting at the table without saying a word, completely lost in their own thoughts. Migu appeared from the kitchen door smiling and asked:
-The food is ready shall I bring it over your majesties?
No one even blinked. Migu was confused. He kept his head bowed and just waited for an answer his smile fading away.

At the dinner table was sitting Bai Zhe and his wife, Bai Yi and his wife, Qian Qian, Zhen Zhen and of course Zhe Yan. The latter was the first one to speak:
-Does anyone have an appetite?
-Not really anymore but I think if we have a bite we can all think clearer. Migu bring the food. Said Bai Yi.
Migu let the servant maids in with the trays full off food and as soon as everything was placed on the table they all retired back to the kitchen to have their own dinner.

Everyone started depositing from the different dishes bits into their rice and eating slowly. Qian Qian looked at Bai Yi and asked:
-I know Xiaojiu is your daughter and you are the one to make this decision but do you intend to discuss it over with all of us?
-I will definitely need all of your support in making this decision. You know how important it is for all of us to be united and as close to each other as possible. As we are all here let's do that now or I won't be able to sleep tonight.

-I think is better for me to leave. I am not really a blood member of the family and this is a very serious matter to decide on. So I'll better take my leave. Said Zhe Yan humbly.
Bai Zhe quickly reacted:
-Nonsense you are as much part of this family as anyone sitting around this table. Blood related or not. Unless you insist on leaving, then I can't force to stay. Plus you know Dijun the most out of all of us. Your insight is valuable in making our decision.
Zhe Yan was deeply moved in his heart. Although, he was well aware of the love Bai royal family held for him, everytime he heard it he felt very blessed.

Qian Qian asked again:
-So what did he actually said?
Bai Zhe and Bai Yi looked at each other. The secret must be kept.
-He said that he has decided to take on an empress for Tai Chen Palace and he wanted someone uncorrupted of the evils, manipulations and schemes of the world. So as Feng Jiu was just born she fits that criteria. Plus he holds respect and trust for Father from the times he was his right hand in the war and he has proved his loyalty towards him. He also gave us 3 days to decide.

Bai Zhe nodded his head at his son. Half of the truth of what was said in that conversation was shared with the rest.  As what he added up nevertheless was also true.

-I wander if he has a reason behind his request. But what can it possibly be? Zhe Yan said puzzled. He always has a reason for everything he does.

-So if we grant him his request what would be the impediment?
Bai Yi's wife looked at him worried.
-So you have decided already to marry our Xiaojiu with Dong Hua Dijun???
-Please my love don't stress. We are just debating.
She already had tears in her eyes.
-She is not even a month old and you are already deciding the rest of her life. You know that the women in this family are very strong and independent. Do you really want to take away Xiaojiu freedom of choosing her own sweetheart? Who are we to decide who she can love? If she won't be able to love him we just condemn her to a life of unhappiness and probably misery. It is the same as giving her a life sentence.
Bai Yi's wife was getting very rattled up. He was torn. She had a point. But they were fated. Even if they will agree or not they will still spend the rest of their lives together.

-I beg of you please calm down. We are all discussing here. Of course I agree with you but let's think it properly and try to look at it in a positive way. Maybe she will love him. You never know what might happen. Maybe they'll even have children. Look how happy that made us. You love children. I know you are going to be a wonderful grandmother some day. He said smiling at her.
-Our daughter was just born a week ago and you already see me as a grandmother? I am not even that old!
Bai Yi cringed. He was sure he will be in big trouble for his slip and, although, she was very loving and kind hearted punishment was easily foreseen.
She carried on saying, turning her head from her husband and purposely looking at all the others.
-However you put it an arranged marriage will always be an arranged marriage. And I don't agree with it.