Chapter 529: Chapter 20: Imperial Decree of Marriage

A few people were chatting and laughing, and they were very satisfied with Li Wan’er, who was about to join them as both younger sister-in-law and older sister-in-law.

On that day, after Lin Wanyi informed about the intention to betroth her to Prince Pei, Li Wan’er hurried home to discuss with her parents.

They were somewhat worried about Prince Pei’s ear ailment.

But three days later, the Duchess personally took her daughter into the palace to meet the Imperial Consort.

What exactly was said is unknown.

Just when people were wondering if Miss Li would become the Crown Princess Consort, the decree of marriage came down.

The news of the marriage of Li Wan’er from the Duke Mansion to Prince Pei, scheduled for the eighth of the twelfth lunar month, quickly spread throughout Shengjing City.

Those courtiers who hadn’t guessed right thought the choice would fall to another family.

Who knew that several marriage decrees followed one after another.

There was one for the Lin Family’s eldest son with Miss Dou.

One for the Lin Family’s second son with Miss Wei.

One for the third Miss of the General Mansion with the Young Marquis of the Earl Mansion.

Naturally, one for the Feng family’s eldest son with Miss Yue.

In short, everyone in the Eastern Palace had a place to go.

Only the Crown Prince, who should have had a Crown Princess Consort first, had no news.

Making outsiders ponder carefully what exactly the Emperor was planning.

Today, Li Wan’er was summoned to the palace by imperial decree.

This decree, of course, came from Lin Wanyi, the Imperial Consort.

In her heart, she felt a little uneasy, wondering why she was suddenly summoned.

Who knew it was to meet her sisters-in-law and sisters after she arrived.

The Royal Family is different from the common folk, and these people are not of ordinary status.

Therefore, Li Wan’er dared not overstep the bounds.

After paying her respects, she quietly sat down.

Most of the time, she listened to everyone talking, only smiling slightly on the side.

Lin Xiruo, the one most adept at lively occasions, saw she was still a bit reserved and jokingly said.

"In another month, it will be the wedding day of my fourth brother and Miss Li. As the elder sister, I have prepared quite a few good gifts. You and your husband just wait and see; you’ll love them!"

When Lin Xiruo spoke, her eyes and brows shone brilliantly.

Her days now were passing comfortably, not only having the love of her parents and the affection of her husband but also a substantial family fortune.

Though she lost the nobility of her Princess status, she gained incomparable freedom in exchange.

This really made her much happier.

Now that she was back in Shengjing City, she frequented the Dong Family’s clinic every few days to help out.

Not only could she see her most respected grand-aunt, but she could also put her skills to use.

Which absolutely delighted her.

Therefore, when she spoke, there was always more cheerfulness than others.

Hearing her say this, the Han Prince Consort also laughed at the side.

Pretending to be troubled, she said.

"All the good ideas have been thought up by the second sister; we’re really having a headache over this."

The usually quiet Third Princess, for some reason today, also joined in the fun.

She joked along by the side, saying.

"Second sister-in-law, don’t worry. We’ll ask Hua Ling to take the younger siblings to sit on the new bed of the fourth brother and sister-in-law, wishing them two children in three years and three children in five. This is better than the lavish gift from the second sister, isn’t it?"

The Han Prince Consort, with a suddenly enlightened expression, nodded and said with a smile.

"Makes sense, makes sense!"

Their words made Li Wan’er, sitting beside, blush.

But there was also a faint sense of expectation in her heart.

Previously, she had never met Prince Pei, but after the marriage decree was finalized a few days ago, Prince Pei came with the dowry bestowed by the palace personally.

His elegant and gentle demeanor truly made Miss Li lose her heart.

Initially, she thought about not marrying Prince Pei and instead being insistent on entering the Eastern Palace, which didn’t seem impossible.

But the latter half of her life might not be lived comfortably and freely.

Glory, power, and wealth.

The Duke Mansion already had these, and if she could gain a husband to accompany her through life and a group of adorable children, it was a good thing.

After meeting Prince Pei, she felt accepting this marriage was truly good.

Her heart was filled with visions for the future, and today’s atmosphere made her feel even more relaxed.

The days ahead certainly seemed promising.

Lin Wanyi, seeing Li Wan’er’s shyness, lovingly glanced at the Third Princess.

Looking upon this daughter, who resembled her most, she spoke with great satisfaction.

"Alright, stop teasing your fourth sister-in-law. As for your age, it’s about time to choose a Prince Consort. Once these weddings are complete, mother will have the time to find you a suitable match, how about that?"

Upon hearing about selecting a Prince Consort for the Third Princess, Lin Xiruo’s eyes lit up.

Others might lack experience in this matter, but she had plenty.

Just as she was considering how to offer advice to her mother and third sister, she heard the Third Princess calmly reply.

"Mother, you might want to focus more on father. I already received a letter from eldest sister, agreeing to visit Lushan Academy in spring. Her Fangfei Pavilion houses thousands of volumes of books. Even if I stayed there reading, I would be happy."

The Third Princess had loved reading since childhood, favoring not grand banquets but indulging in a sea of books.

Thus, she naturally idolized Princess Ming Ruo, who was married to the head of Lushan Academy and had established a women’s school.

She was always looking forward to visiting her.

Upon hearing this, Lin Wanyi also smiled.

The Second Princess, sitting nearby, couldn’t sit still either and immediately asked.

"When do you plan to set off? I also want to visit Grandmother and eldest sister. I’ve only seen her children three times since they were born. By now, they should be four or five years old."

"Exactly, how time flies. Had eldest sister not been pregnant, she intended to return for this year’s autumn hunt and festival."

Hearing about Princess Ming Ruo piqued Li Wan’er’s curiosity.

It was said that years ago, she followed the Empress Dowager to Wutai Mountain.

At that time, everyone assumed she must have been unable to survive in the harem, hence choosing to accompany the Empress Dowager, living a secluded life with Buddhist scriptures during her prime youth.

But now, as several people spoke of her, it didn’t seem she was as out of favor as rumored.

"Do you all want to go?"

"Yes." 𝕗𝗿𝕖𝐞𝐰𝗲𝕓𝐧𝕠𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝐨𝚖

"Then I’ll discuss with your father; once Little Four and others’ marriages are settled, we should go on a southern tour. It’s time to visit the Empress Dowager again; the last visit was in late summer the year before last."

Upon hearing this, the Han Prince Consort showed an envious expression.

She, unlike Lin Xiruo and the Third Princess, couldn’t be so free.

After the Lantern Festival, she had to head back north to Yunzhou with her husband, the Han King.

A vast Prince Mansion and many affairs in Yunzhou awaited their attention.