Chapter 821: Chapter 819: Maintaining Silence

Jinrong lightly coughed and said to the Emperor, “Imperial Father, since Miss Ye rarely has like-minded female friends, and the Miss from the Zhou family does genuinely enjoy fostering relationships, why not fulfill this for them? It wouldn’t be appropriate to grant her marriage directly, but when the Imperial Astronomical Observatory selects a wedding date for Miss Ye, they could also pick a date for the Second Miss Zhou. Then, we could briefly mention it to the Wong Residence.”

Upon hearing this, the Emperor nodded in agreement: “That’s doable. In recent years, the young girl from the Ye Family has indeed achieved several great deeds beneficial to the nation and the people. Let this be considered a reward for her.”

Originally, the Emperor agreeing indirectly made Ye Xinyan quite happy. But that last remark… after all the significant contributions she made to the country and the people, His Majesty casually mentioned it, and the reward just vanished.

She blinked hard several times to make sure she hadn’t misheard. The Emperor indeed turned selecting a wedding date into a reward, and at that, it wasn’t even her own wedding date. Without any expense, just a few light-hearted words settled it.

Then she received a prompting glance from Jinrong, acknowledging that the Emperor gave her a reward without spending a penny, and she was still expected to kowtow and express gratitude—a rather pitiful scenario indeed.

……

The Emperor, in high spirits, journeyed back to the palace, dressed like an old friend as he sat in the spacious carriage with Han Yanhui. The Emperor lamented, “Ah, speaking of it, Wong Qiao indeed does not have it easy. With such a mother, he truly cannot oppose her and had to bear such a notorious reputation.”

As Jinrong’s staunch supporter, Han Yanhui naturally knew everything about Wong Qiao, thus had a strong dislike for Lady Zhao. He responded, “That Lady Zhao is truly despicable. Such actions have forced her son into a place of unkindness and injustice, harming her son for her own selfishness.”

The Emperor, naturally unaware of the detailed circumstances, only commented on the situation at hand. He sighed and said, “Although this is true, Wong Qiao’s mother probably genuinely believes she is acting for his benefit, as she sees it as her duty.”

The Emperor paused, then reflected, “After all, not every woman can be as sensible and reasonable as Ye Xinyan. That girl truly is a rarity.”

Han Yanhui was almost startled by the Emperor’s assessment; how could he not have seen her sensibility and reasonableness? Since when did His Majesty become so careless in judging others?

The old man’s heart couldn’t help but feel bitter, as the Emperor appreciated the women of the Ye Family, while the old fellow Ye Tang truly hit the jackpot.

As for his granddaughter Yufang, which he and his son worked hard to cultivate, although her temperament was somewhat prideful, her scholarly knowledge in poems, books, and paintings was quite remarkable, comparable to her brothers. Now, she could only be overshadowed in the inner quarters, becoming a woman with limited experience.

Meanwhile, that rough Ye Tang barely guided Ye Xinyan, practically letting her grow wild. The result was that this granddaughter, raised without strict guidance, unexpectedly brought him such pride by earning the Emperor’s praise.

Han Yanhui was already filled with bitterness to the point of no return, yet the Emperor went on, “Although Wong Qiao was coerced by his mother, he still wronged the Qi family and the young girl from the Ye Family. Yet she possesses such magnanimity, accommodating Zhou Biyao without holding a grudge against Wong Qiao. As a woman, that is truly not easy.”

Feeling even more bitterness, Han Yanhui let out a faint scoff and said, “This girl is certainly one to hold grudges. She asked for the Emperor’s decree on Zhou Biyao’s behalf, likely to prevent Lady Zhao from troubling Zhou Biyao. Since Zhao often uses filial piety to bind Wong Qiao, with the Emperor’s decree, Lady Zhao has no grounds to trouble Zhou Biyao anymore; whatever grievances or temper she has must be restrained.”

The Emperor laughed heartily, “Duke An’s granddaughter certainly acts shrewdly, yet refreshingly straightforward. Even her subtle manipulations are executed openly. What a pity she’s a woman.”

Ah, there it was again. Since Ye Xinyan’s triumphant return to the capital, this statement seemed to have become a regret in many people’s hearts. Han Yanhui sighed quietly, not even having the energy to feel bitter anymore. Compared to others, the more he overthought it, the more he was at odds with himself.

…

Ye Xinyan and Zhou Biyao eagerly watched the Emperor depart; the two of them had wanted to respectfully escort the Emperor out of Chang Garden. However, just as they stepped out of Qiuyun Mountain House alongside the Emperor, they were courteously stopped by Zhang Cunhai. “Our Officer Huang prefers a low-profile during outings and wishes not to disturb others. I kindly ask the two ladies to hold their steps.”

After Zhang Cunhai spoke, he cupped his hands toward the two ladies before quickly catching up with two young eunuchs.

The other guards, both visible and hidden, trailed the Emperor and his entourage from a distance, weaving along the winding paths, soon becoming obscured by the garden’s scenery, leaving no trace behind.

Only then did Zhou Biyao tug at Ye Xinyan and curiously asked, “Sister Qi, did His Majesty summon you to the main hall for something important?”

Zhou Biyao wasn’t trying to pry into the Emperor’s conversation with Ye Xinyan but was rather amazed by the attention Ye Xinyan had received from the Emperor. Looking back at those in discussion at Qiuyun Mountain House earlier: His Majesty, the Cabinet Prime Minister, His Highness Prince Yu, and then Sister Qi.

Heavens, for Sister Qi to actually discuss matters with His Majesty and the top officials of the court, it was unprecedented.

Ye Xinyan had no real comprehension of discussing matters with the senior officials of the court and was shallowly filled with a smug delight.

She smugly eyed Zhou Biyao for quite some time. Zhou Biyao was on edge with curiosity until Ye Xinyan finally said, “The matter is too significant; it really isn’t convenient to tell you. But you should find out in a few days; it’s not bad news, at least.”

The Second Miss Zhou initially had no intention of probing into the internal matters, but with Ye Xinyan’s teasing, she suddenly found herself itching for details.

She grasped Ye Xinyan, pressing her, “What is it really about? Sister Qi, tell me, at least give me a hint if you can.”

Ye Xinyan looked at her for a moment longer, then raised her chin, released Zhou Biyao’s hand, and smugly turned around, heading toward areas of the garden they had not yet explored.

Hmph, her reward had been foiled by this little brat Zhou Biyao; unless she was a little uncomfortable, Ye Xinyan wouldn’t be able to sleep well.

Behind her, Zhou Biyao gritted her teeth and stamped her feet, but there wasn’t much she could do, so she had to temporarily put the thought aside.

By common sense, there was nothing confidential about today’s conversation between the Emperor and Ye Xinyan. Even Ye Xinyan’s views on the obstacles to patent protection weren’t overly secretive.

Comparatively, arranging wedding dates for two young ladies due to a coincidence didn’t warrant secrecy.

Yet the people privy to the matter maintained an inexplicable silence.

The Emperor certainly wouldn’t gossip about such matters with officials or concubines, and Han Yanhui, feeling frustrated over Duke An’s granddaughter besting his own, wouldn’t mention it either.

Zhang Cunhai, serving closely to the Emperor, had the great virtue of discretion, refraining from speaking of anything he shouldn’t.

The most likely person to inform Jiang Yifan was Jinrong. Yet whenever Jinrong thought of Jiang Yifan’s behavior, knowing that the Emperor even urged him to marry, and bringing in a bride before the year’s end, he feared Jiang Yifan would strut about joyously.

This anticipated outcome made Jinrong uncomfortable, making it necessary to let that brat Jiang Yifan fret for a few more days. If the Imperial Astronomical Observatory delayed selecting an auspicious date, that would be ideal.

As for Ye Xinyan, she certainly wouldn’t speak of it either. Her mind was filled with the frustration of being rushed into marriage; would she really go report to Duke An or Madam Yin, announcing proudly that the Emperor ordered the grand Imperial Astronomical Observatory to select an auspicious date for her marriage, hastening her wedding?

And then watch as everyone grins in delight?

In that case, she would truly be a fool.