The Double-Chapter 732 - 220: Seizing Love_4

But what does this mean? Could it be that Emperor Hongxiao does not completely trust Yin Zhan?

As time slowly slipped away, Emperor Hongxiao merely watched the kneeling Yin family father and son in contemplation, and gradually, the courtiers sensed something was amiss. They didn’t dare to breathe too loudly, silently observing the scene before them.

The Yin father and son did not move an inch, and Yin Zhiqing’s face slowly turned red. She didn’t understand what was happening. She had thought everything would fall into place, but it appeared things were not going as smoothly as expected. Under the table, Madam Yin grasped Yin Zhiqing’s hand, and she felt somewhat better.

Seeing that Emperor Hongxiao was reluctant to speak, the Empress Dowager smiled and said, "Your Majesty, I think this marriage proposal is quite good. The two children look very well-matched. Miss Jiang the Second is a fine lady, and the Princely Heir of the Yin Household, in my opinion, is also very outstanding."

No sooner had the Empress Dowager finished speaking than someone chuckled. In the silent hall, with no one else speaking, this somewhat mocking laughter clearly drifted into everyone’s ears.

Yin Zhiqing was taken aback. Who would dare to speak in such a manner at this time, was this not a direct affront to the Empress Dowager? Following the sound, she saw the red-clad figure that she had encountered twice before, each time captivating people’s hearts. There, in the corner and under the light, he slowly revealed his full appearance.

Jih Heng propped one hand behind his head and held a wine jug in the other, casually pouring himself a drink. His expression was languid, his movements arbitrary, and amidst the shocked and skeptical gazes, he maintained an air of indifference, yet he was particularly captivating. Seemingly aware of everyone’s stares, he turned his head, a pair of smiling phoenix eyes almost drowning people, and he said leisurely, "Prince of Xia County, I’m afraid you’re a step too late."

Yin Zhan also looked toward Jih Heng, and a bad premonition suddenly surged in Yin Zhili’s heart. The next moment, he heard Emperor Hongxiao break into hearty laughter above him, as Emperor Hongxiao said, "That’s right, my loyal subject, you are indeed a step late. Someone has already sought my permission before you, and I have even prepared the imperial decree, granting marriage between Duke Su and Miss Jiang the Second. Eunuch Su."

Eunuch Su hurriedly stepped forward with small steps, taking the imperial decree from the tray held by another eunuch, and read aloud, "By the mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: Duke Su Jih Heng is filial and virtuous, accomplished both in literature and martial arts, and has now reached a suitable age for marriage. Chief Minister Jiang’s Family’s Second Miss, Jiang Li, aged sixteen, is dignified in appearance, intelligent and talented. Therefore, by Our decree, we appoint her as the wife of Duke Su, with the marriage to be carried out on a chosen date. So be it!"

This imperial marriage decree came as a genuine surprise, catching everyone off guard. It was clearly the Prince of Xia County who had requested the Emperor to grant the marriage between Miss Jiang the Second and the Crown Prince, but in the end, it was Miss Jiang the Second and Duke Su who were granted marriage. Duke Su?

The Empress Dowager’s face slightly changed, Yin Zhan kept his head down, his expression unclear, while Yin Zhili felt as if his heart was blocked by a stone. Not only had the Emperor refused to grant his marriage to Jiang Li, but he had also granted her to Duke Su. This was a resounding slap to their face, leaving them with no dignity.

"Lord Jiang," reminded Eunuch Su, "receive the decree!"

Jiang Yuanbai jolted, then came to his senses and stood up hurriedly to receive the decree. Due to his extreme shock and panic, he nearly stumbled, whereas Jiang Li remained calm. Jih Heng approached, with a flip of his robe, he said with a cheerful smile, "I thank the Emperor for his blessing."

Emperor Hongxiao looked at Jih Heng and seemed very pleased with this marriage he had arranged. However, it appeared that only Jih Heng was happy; Jiang Li did not show it, and for others, surprise far outweighed joy. freёwebnoѵel.com

Emperor Hongxiao looked again toward Yin Zhan, smiling generously, "Prince of Xia County, it’s not that I am unwilling to grant your request, but unfortunately, you were a step late. I see your son is indeed a talented individual. So tell me, if there’s another girl that catches your eye, as long as she is not yet married and has no prior match, I will grant the marriage immediately."

In an instant, the hopes of the many eligible ladies in the audience surged. Marrying into the Yin Household meant becoming the Commandery Prince’s spouse, and ultimately the Commandery Princess Consort. Moreover, Yin Zhili was indeed handsome and graceful, which made him highly desirable.

However, Yin Zhan raised his head, his voice tinged with both loss and resignation, "There’s no need, this unfortunate turn with Miss Jiang the Second and my son is nobody’s fault." He turned towards Jiang Yuanbai and Jiang Li, smiling, "Congratulations Lord Jiang, Second Miss!"

Jiang Yuanbai managed a strained smile, realizing only one thing: Emperor Hongxiao’s stance towards the Prince of Xia County was perhaps not as simple as trust. Today’s marriage grant, with its underlying currents, caused him to break out in a cold sweat. He vaguely felt that agreeing to the marriage alliance with the Yin Household might have been the wrong choice, and now it seemed to have implicated the Jiang Family as well, possibly casting doubt upon them in the eyes of Emperor Hongxiao.

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