Chapter 327: The Birthday Banquet Turned into a Matchmaking Session 2

’If that brat gets married, would their granddaughter still be willing to return to the Zhan family?’

’Besides, if his son actually wanted to marry, would that old couple be this worried?’

"Gag..." Amid his shock, Zhan Chi glanced at Song Feifei. The sight of her bashful expression was too much for him, and he couldn’t help but turn his head and retch.

"..."

"Your Majesty, I also wish for him to marry soon, but... alas." Zhan Yi had conveniently found an excuse. 𝕗𝐫𝐞𝕖𝕨𝐞𝗯𝚗𝕠𝘃𝐞𝚕.𝐜𝗼𝚖

Many in the Capital City knew that the Zhan family’s young master disliked women, but it was still shocking to witness firsthand.

Song Feifei’s face grew pale with embarrassment.

"I heard the consort say that Zhan Chi’s condition has shown improvement." The Emperor looked at the consort.

The consort quickly replied, "There has been some improvement, but the physician says this illness isn’t something that can be cured overnight."

"What a pity." The Beili Emperor’s gaze shifted to Lord Fu’s table. "In that case, I will decree a marriage for Lord Fu’s son, Fu Yun. The wedding shall be held next month."

Lord Fu’s family was stunned for a moment before rising to express their gratitude. "We thank Your Majesty for this immense grace."

Lord Song and his daughter also rose to give their thanks.

Once the two families sat back down, they began exchanging pleasantries, appearing overjoyed.

Ye Qianning shook her head, finding it all so tragic. ’A single sentence from the emperor can change two people’s entire lives.’

’It’s driven mostly by personal gain, not love. A marriage like that is the epitome of sorrow.’

"Your Majesty, Xi Yan is also interested in forging a marital alliance with Beili. I wonder what Your Majesty’s thoughts are?" Xiliu Yuan spoke, his voice cool.

Surprise flickered in Mo Geluo’s eyes. ’The emperor never mentioned a marriage alliance. Why would the Crown Prince...?’

The Beili Emperor was overjoyed to hear this. "Excellent! I, too, believe a marital alliance is a splendid idea. I wonder which of my princesses has caught Xi Yan’s eye?"

"This is a match I am requesting on behalf of my elder royal sister."

"You wouldn’t happen to be speaking of Xi Yan’s Eldest Princess, would you, Crown Prince?"

"The very same," Xiliu Yuan confirmed with a nod.

"And for whom do you make this request, Crown Prince?"

"Many years ago, my elder royal sister visited Beili and formed a connection with Minister Qian."

At his words, everyone understood. The person the Crown Prince of Xi Yan sought on behalf of the Eldest Princess was none other than Minister Qian, Qian Fanji.

Had he asked for one of the royal princes, the Beili Emperor would have agreed in a heartbeat. But when it came to Qian Fanji, he grew hesitant.

Qian Fu, who had been fingering his Buddha Beads, paused and looked toward the Crown Prince of Xi Yan.

Qian Fanji’s eyes narrowed. He slowly rose to his feet. "It was nothing more than the Eldest Princess losing a game of chess to me. I never imagined the Eldest Princess of Xi Yan would hold it in her memory for so long."

"A bond formed over a game of chess. Today, Minister Qian remains unmarried, and my elder royal sister remains unwed. Is this not a match ordained by fate? What say you, Beili Emperor?" Xiliu Yuan asked.

"Indeed, it is..."

"Your Majesty, I am unworthy of the Eldest Princess of Xi Yan. I beg Your Majesty to reconsider," Qian Fanji knelt.

"Minister Qian, your vehement refusal... do you believe a princess of Xi Yan is unworthy of you?"

"Crown Prince, you are mistaken. It is I who am unworthy of the Eldest Princess."

"My elder royal sister is no shallow woman. She would certainly not look down on Minister Qian for his humble origins or low official rank," Xiliu Yuan said coldly.

"But I *am* a shallow man and dare not entertain such fantasies," Qian Fanji retorted, not giving an inch.

"The Eldest Princess of Xi Yan is blessed with both talent and beauty. Marrying into the Minister Mansion would indeed be beneath her," the Beili Emperor said, his words filled with regret.

"So, Beili Emperor, you do not wish to approve this marital alliance?" Xiliu Yuan raised an eyebrow.

"It is not that I am unwilling. The Eldest Princess of Xi Yan is a woman of exceptional talent. If she is amenable, she may take her pick from among my sons, the princes. I also have several princesses of a similar age to you, Crown Prince. If any of them should catch your eye, we could arrange an engagement," the Beili Emperor offered with a smile.

Down below, several young princesses of a similar age to Xiliu Yuan stole glances at him, their faces instantly blushing.