Chapter 824: Chapter 822: Feeling Sorry for His Majesty

Wong Qiao’s previously joyful face instantly turned tense upon hearing Lady Zhao’s words.

He saluted Lady Zhao and said, “Mother, my duties there are urgent, many people are waiting for me to preside over affairs. I need to leave now.”

As he turned around, he added faintly, “That steward is an Imperial Palace Eunuch, and his speaking here is as per His Majesty’s intentions. Mother, you absolutely mustn’t speak these words again. If those who resent us hear this, it might bring disaster to our family.”

Lady Zhao fell silent immediately; whether in Hezhou, Qingyuan County, or the capital city, the Son of Heaven’s authority is unquestionable and immune to blasphemy.

If people found out that she, a commoner woman, dared to question if His Majesty would unfairly blame her family, this…

The truth is, her son Ah Qiao has been working under the chief manager of Prince Fu, gaining his favor. Surrounding the Wong Residence are mostly servants and family servants of the royal family, yet being outsiders, her family can live in this two-entry large courtyard, and Wong Qiao’s income is considerable. Indeed, many people envy their family.

Lady Zhao shivered subconsciously; if anyone overheard what she just said, her family might really face annihilation.

But after a lifetime of hardship to raise her son, how could she swallow such grievances?

She always disliked this marriage. Even though she has reluctantly agreed, she comforted herself in thinking that the world’s women have always adhered to the principle of marrying into a husband’s household and abiding by its rules. Respecting mother-in-law and elders is a duty of a daughter-in-law.

With this premise, even if Zhou Biyao is a court official’s daughter, as his wife, she must respect this mother-in-law and follow her instructions.

But now, the emperor has spoken: No one shall restrict Madam Zhou from continuing her construction duties or hinder her affairs.

With these words, no matter whenever, even should her mother-in-law’s time be near, Zhou Biyao can use her construction tasks as an excuse to disregard her without anyone daring to question.

The emperor is indeed supporting Zhou Biyao, and the Wong family cannot mistreat her.

How could her fate be so bitter, even allowing her daughter-in-law to overrule her? What has her lifetime of effort been for?

Lady Zhao, hit hard by this, lay despondently in bed without even asking about her son’s wedding date, too overwhelmed to rise.

……

Jiang Yifan was a court official adept at interacting with various people. He received the auspicious wedding date from an Imperial Astronomical Observatory official, and although he didn’t understand the reason, he was overjoyed.

Jiang Yifan thanked the Imperial Astronomical Observatory official repeatedly, engaging in conversation until he became familiar with the official. They planned to drink together the day after tomorrow before he joyfully escorted the official out.

Returning to greet his mother, Lady Qin, he then rushed out. Lady Qin was left behind, complaining: At least tell her why the Imperial Astronomical Observatory was involved in their household matter so she could prepare the wedding according to the required specifications.

Jiang Yifan obtained leave from his superior for the Imperial Astronomical Observatory official’s visit, and with this delightful news, he didn’t return to the Ministry of Revenue but went directly to Duke An’s Mansion.

He wished to ask Jinrong about this affair, as the involvement of the Imperial Astronomical Observatory in setting a date for him and Ah Yan must have been approved or instructed by His Majesty, which Jinrong would definitely know.

But thinking of Jinrong, who would surely give him a defiant look for this, he dismissed the idea.

His good fortune was near, and it wouldn’t be wise to provoke His Highness Prince Yu. Prince Yu, unhappy in the aftermath of his marriage, had lived freely for years, only to find himself overwhelmed by three wives at home, each with innocent, girlish notions, leaving Jinrong bewildered.

Even Shi Chongyi’s daughter had a certain sharpness, yet compared to his own Ah Yan, it was worlds apart. He was about to marry Ah Yan; it wasn’t the time to flaunt it before Jinrong, lest it be construed as showing off, though he indeed wished to show off.

The underlying reason was simply Jinrong’s dislike. If the ladies were ones he favored, regardless of their childish notions, he wouldn’t find them bothersome.

Still, regarding the likes of the Princess Consort Wife, always flaunting poetry and songs before Jinrong to win his husband’s favor… Jiang Yifan believed no man would like such a wife.

Jiang Yifan entered Duke An’s Mansion and greeted Duke An and the Duchess.

He learned from Duke An that Ye Xinyan was not at the mansion, and his fervent heart felt somewhat disappointed. Realizing Duke An also didn’t know how the wedding date came to be, he faced Duke An’s displeased gaze and withdrew. He rode with two servants towards Guangsha Construction in the North City.

Since the day she toured Changyuan, Ye Xinyan seldom stayed in any residence to avoid encountering the emperor’s decision on her wedding date.

If she stayed at home, with the Imperial Astronomical Observatory settling the date, Duke An would certainly confine her in the mansion to discuss various wedding matters.

She had accepted marriage, but to task her with organizing the wedding, or adhering to traditions for needlework, would truly be too much for her.

Sigh, my fate is in the hands of destiny, not myself. Not possessing the transcendent power of a divine being, she can only live squeezed between royal authority and familial affection, avoiding where possible.

The people at Guangsha Construction naturally recognized Jiang Yifan as their future master-in-law, granting him unimpeded entry before Ye Xinyan’s usual workroom door.

Facing Jiang Yifan’s earnest gaze, Song Ping’s family, resigned, silently opened the door for him.

Entering, Jiang Yifan found Ye Xinyan alone at the desk, propping her chin while deep in thought.

Hearing the sound at the door, Ye Xinyan looked up. Upon seeing Jiang Yifan, the distress on Ye Xinyan’s face seemed to deepen, and she sighed heavily.

Indeed, his Ah Yan was truly unique—upon seeing her fiancé, instead of displaying shame, joy, or a childish tantrum, these expected girlish expressions were absent, further causing an outpouring of her inner turmoil…

Jiang Yifan pulled a chair up to Ye Xinyan’s desk, leaned over with his arms on the table, and stared at her, asking, “Ah Yan, why are you so troubled? Is there something worrying you?”

Ye Xinyan was still unaware that the Imperial Astronomical Observatory had already chosen the auspicious date and that the document had been delivered to the Duke’s Mansion.

This was typically the time for officials to be attending their duties, yet Jiang Yifan had come running out. Ye Xinyan raised an eyebrow but lacked the spirit to inquire whether he’d obtained leave again. This cunning fellow surely had enough tricks up his sleeve to deal with his superior.

With a worried expression, she said, “Jiang Yifan, I always feel that the things I’ve done are unfair to His Majesty. Do you think we should do something to remedy it?”

Pfft, Jiang Yifan almost wanted to spill his blood. Ah Yan was talking about the construction project, wasn’t she? How to remedy it? If truly remedied, how could His Highness continue with what he’s doing now?