The Double-Chapter 543 - 163: Bestowing Marriage

Jiang Yuanbai stepped out of the Imperial Study Room, his palms slick with sweat. The words he had just spoken were those that Jiang Li had told him that day; initially skeptical, he ultimately had been persuaded by Jiang Li’s argument.

Instead of letting Prince Cheng bring another Shen Yurong into his fold, it would be better to establish a marriage alliance between Prince Cheng and the Li Family, who were already his supporters. Once the Li Family formed such an alliance with Prince Cheng, it would be an overt declaration to the world that the Right Chancellor was Prince Cheng’s man.

When the Li Family had first pledged allegiance to Prince Cheng, it had been a covert affair. Although it was an open secret among the court officials, it had yet to be made public. If Emperor Hongxiao agreed, it would essentially bind the Right Chancellor and Prince Cheng together completely. To the outside observer, this seemed advantageous for Prince Cheng, adding kinship upon kinship. However, once it became public knowledge, if one day Prince Cheng took action and failed, the Li Family wouldn’t need any other reason to follow Prince Cheng into hell.

They would share in the blessings and, of course, in the hardships as well.

For Emperor Hongxiao, it should be a decision that saved trouble.

Thinking so, Jiang Yuanbai didn’t pause his stride and quickly walked out. He had said his piece, and how Emperor Hongxiao would decide was beyond his control.

In the Imperial Study Room, Emperor Hongxiao was deep in thought, looking at the document before him.

With Eunuch Su attending him, Emperor Hongxiao suddenly asked, "How old is Eldest Young Master Li Xian of Right Chancellor Li’s Family this year?"

Eunuch Su hurriedly replied, "To avoid misunderstandings, Eldest Young Master Su is twenty-three years this year."

"Twenty-three..." Emperor Hongxiao mused, "Shen Yurong is even a year older than him. In that case, he seems more suited for Shen Yurong. Alright," he said, "I want to draft an edict."

Eunuch Su hurried to prepare the ink, hearing the young emperor continue, "I decree a marriage."

...

Having left the palace and returned to the Jiang Residence, the first thing Jiang Yuanbai did was to find Jiang Li, who was reading in the Fangfei Garden, and call her into his study.

"How did you know that the palace was planning Princess Yongning’s marriage?" Jiang Yuanbai asked.

At first, he hadn’t taken what Jiang Li had said seriously, but now that her information had proven accurate, Jiang Yuanbai could not help but pay attention.

"Father, do you still remember," Jiang Li said, "I had once attended the birthday banquet at the Duke Residence. She unflinchingly pushed everything onto the Duke Residence, knowing full well Jiang Yuanbai wouldn’t corroborate the story there. "At the banquet, I overheard bits and pieces of conversation that clued me in. Actually, when I mentioned to Father that day about Eldest Young Master Li being the most suitable candidate, it wasn’t my idea—it was them, the people of the Duke Residence who said it. I just thought their remarks were very sensible, and since Father is always moving around the palace, he might be asked about this matter. If I could help, it would be good."

"The people of the Duke Residence said it?" Jiang Yuanbai was skeptical, "What business do they have caring about these matters?" Jih Heng held no grudge against Prince Cheng and had no close ties with the Jiang Family. In fact, apart from Emperor Hongxiao’s trust in him, the rest of the court could hardly catch Jih Heng’s eye. The way the people of the Duke Residence spoke seemed to place them against Prince Cheng. It was natural—if Jih Heng supported Emperor Hongxiao, he naturally had to be opposed to Prince Cheng. But Jiang Yuanbai also felt that the actions of Jih Heng, which seemed too ambiguous, were not trustworthy.

"Father, if you ask me about that, I really can’t give you an answer," Jiang Li admitted honestly. "It was just over the course of a meal; I truly do not know more than that. If Father wishes to learn more, since the people of the Duke Residence spoke so, why not visit the Duke Residence himself and ask for clarity?"

Jiang Yuanbai was caught off guard—how could he openly visit the Duke Residence? If word got out, what would others think? People might assume that the Jiang Family and the Duke Residence had some secret dealings. The emperor was already suspicious; wouldn’t this be adding fuel to the fire?

"However, Father," Jiang Li probed, looking at him intently, "does that mean the palace is actually preparing for Princess Yongning’s marriage?"

Jiang Yuanbai looked at Jiang Li, who was curiously awaiting his response. Realizing the matter would soon become common knowledge, Jiang Yuanbai sighed and nodded, "Today, His Majesty was inquiring about suitable candidates, and I told His Majesty that I thought Eldest Young Master Li was very compatible with Princess Yongning. As for what His Majesty will decide, I do not know."

Jiang Li said, "His Majesty will surely grant a marriage between Eldest Young Master Li and Princess Yongning."

"How can you be so sure?" Jiang Yuanbai looked at her skeptically.

"Could there be another candidate in the court who is more suitable than Eldest Young Master Li?" Jiang Li stated matter-of-factly.