CHAPTER 822: CHAPTER 820: TIME IS TIGHT

Thus, unbeknownst to the four involved families and the three individuals concerned, the Imperial Astronomical Observatory, using the birth dates of Ye Xinyan and Zhou Biyao’s two unwed couples from unknown sources, selected two auspicious dates for their weddings.

Three days later, the Imperial Astronomical Observatory dispatched two officials, one of whom accompanied an eunuch, to Duke An’s Mansion, the Jiang Family, Zhou Bingyi’s temporary residence, and Wong Qiao’s home.

The social status of the Duke’s Mansion is eminent, and they’ve witnessed great events. Upon receiving the dates selected by the Imperial Astronomical Observatory, though somewhat astonished and unclear about what kind of fuss Ye Xinyan was causing again, they remain calm, believing that it is ultimately a favorable matter.

Even Madam Yin, upon hearing the news, could not contain her joy. Her happiness was not due to His Majesty and the Imperial Astronomical Observatory graciously involving themselves in her daughter’s marriage. Rather, it’s because her unmanageable daughter finally had no more excuses and could marry sooner.

However, it was different at Zhou Bingyi’s residence. Three days ago, he’d indeed heard from his daughter about an encounter with His Majesty in Prince Yu’s Chang Garden while she and Miss Ye were playing together.

According to his daughter, His Majesty not only spoke to her in a gentle manner and encouraged her, but also indirectly praised Zhou Bingyi for his broad-mindedness.

Upon hearing this, Zhou Bingyi was immensely thrilled. His most promising child was this second daughter, wise from a young age, distinctly different from the common girls of other families. Now, she’s befriended the young lady of the Duke’s Mansion.

If not for accompanying Miss Ye, how could his daughter freely visit Prince Yu’s garden and even meet His Majesty? Meeting His Majesty was undoubtedly favorable, but having His Majesty remember Zhou Bingyi was of greater significance.

After three years of excellence in governance in Yuyuan Prefecture, returning to the capital for duties, Zhou Bingyi was set to stay there. However, his appointment had been delayed, despite the secretive hints from Jinrong asking him to remain calm, the anxiety within him was unavoidable.

His Majesty met his daughter and mentioned him; could it be that his official position would soon be confirmed?

In the three days, Zhou Bingyi’s excitement had not waned, and unexpectedly, he received the wedding date chosen by the Imperial Astronomical Observatory for his daughter.

This, this, when did his daughter become so significant?

Is it possible for him to rise due to his daughter’s prominence? Why does he feel a bit smug like a freeloader?

Zhou Bingyi welcomed the Imperial Astronomical Observatory officials into the main hall. After dealing with business, which was the second miss Zhou’s wedding date, and tea was served in the main hall, Zhou Bingyi cautiously asked: "Such sudden wedding dates, may I boldly ask, does the lord know the reason behind them?"

He unobtrusively glanced at the eunuch seated beside the official. This eunuch, after exchanging greetings upon entering, remained silent, acting entirely like an accompaniment to the Imperial Astronomical Observatory official.

But everyone knows that no eighth-rank official is qualified to have an eunuch as an attendant.

The official naturally didn’t know the reason behind this affair, but he knew it was instructed by Prime Minister Han to the Imperial Astronomical Observatory. Not only did the Imperial Astronomical Observatory pick the auspicious dates, but sent two officials to personally deliver them.

This was not common, very uncommon!

Moreover, the eunuch traveling along, although the eunuch hadn’t spoken, the orders were made that this eunuch needed to go to Wong Residence to say something. That means, their task was indeed the intention of His Majesty.

It’s known that those heading to Duke An’s Mansion didn’t have an accompanying eunuch.

Thus, offering Lord Zhou some courtesy wouldn’t hurt.

The official respectfully bowed to Zhou Bingyi and replied, "Lord Zhou, you are too kind, the reasons are unknown to me as well. However, surely congratulations are in order for the celebration bestowed upon your household; to have His Majesty inquire about your daughter’s marriage is truly marvelous."

Upon hearing this, Zhou Bingyi couldn’t help but beam with joy; it was indeed His Majesty’s intention. "Thank you, my lord." Zhou Bingyi gratefully clasped his hands continuously.

The official chuckled as he returned the gesture, then drew closer to Zhou Bingyi and whispered, "I also heard that His Majesty praised Lord Zhou for your broad-mindedness, hence being able to raise an intelligent and capable daughter. Presumably, not wanting your daughter to suffer grievances, His Majesty specifically tasked the Imperial Astronomical Observatory to pick an auspicious date for her marriage."

As the official spoke, his eyes gestured an understanding look at Zhou Bingyi.

The Imperial Astronomical Observatory, with the ability to observe celestial phenomena and calculate seasonal cycles—speaking mystically—could even observe the fate of the nation. While selecting auspicious days, they choose those for the heavenly rituals and matters concerning the royal family.

Selecting wedding dates for a minister’s children, such instances are rare.

The official’s point was clear: without me saying it, Lord Zhou should also understand, whether or not there are hidden motives, just this selection of dates is very important, very prestigious.

Zhou Bingyi responded with an enthusiastic greeting as one would with a lifelong friend. He noticed it; the official must have been instructed to say these words, yet the intention to establish rapport was evidently strong.

Hahaha, fortunate events were cascading upon him.

Having completed the tasks assigned by his superior and having goodwill shown towards Zhou Bingyi, the official stood up to bid farewell: "Lord Zhou, I must proceed to Wong Residence to fulfill my duties, it will not be advisable to linger any longer, I take my leave now."

While escorting the officials out, Zhou Bingyi expressed his gratitude repeatedly to both the official and the eunuch.

According to the Imperial Astronomical Observatory official, their next stop was at Wong Qiao’s family. Since the eunuch hadn’t spoken here, it was certain his task was concerning Wong Residence. Even without knowing what the eunuch was assigned to do, just viewing the official’s attitude showed it was advantageous to his family.

This was favorable, Wong Qiao was a commendable young man, and if well executed, he had great potential. However, his mother was truly unlikable, presenting concerns about the future of his daughter’s life after marriage.

Lamentably, Lady Zhao showed no sense of propriety, and if she brazenly wielded her maternal status to pressure her daughter-in-law, aside from divorced separation, his daughter would be at her whim.

Now, the situation differed, with the eunuch’s visit, there was someone to stand for his daughter. Regardless of parental status, none surpassed the heavens and the monarch.

Zhou Bingyi quietly calculated, with the wedding set for December twenty-second, time was tight, necessitating swift preparations for the marriage arrangements. Consequently, Zhou family’s servants observed their master hurrying towards the inner courtyard as if driven by urgent flames.

......

At Wong Qiao’s family, Lady Zhao was even more rattled upon hearing about officials visiting from the court.

Previously, officials from the capital’s yamen came home, ascertained Wong Qiao’s whereabouts then went to the workshop to take him. After that day, Wong Qiao was despondent for quite some time, losing weight continuously.

Everyone said nothing occurred in the capital’s yamen hall, yet due to Wong Qiao’s emotional state and physical condition, Lady Zhao continued to harbor dread towards the court’s personnel.

In her panic, Lady Zhao was unsure how to proceed, instructing the porter multiple times to locate Wong Qiao, while excessively smoothing her attire as she went to greet the visitors.

The eunuch arrived at Wong Residence, treating it as an official venue, unlike at Zhou’s Mansion where he had low presence. After exchanging superficial words with Lady Zhao, he sat precisely in the Wong family’s main room, wordlessly awaiting Wong Qiao’s return.