Unlimited estates for rural beauty-Chapter 673: Married for the Second Time (4)

"Where is the Minister of Rites?"

"Your servant is present," Ma Xiang replied. Ever since he was chastised last time, he had been handling the matters of the Ministry of Rites, big and small, with even greater caution, becoming much more compliant.

Dugu Chen glanced at him before slowly saying, "Order the Ministry of Rites to choose an auspicious day. All matters concerning Commandery Princess Yumeng’s wedding shall be handled by the Ministry of Rites."

"This old servant shall obey the decree."

Dugu Chen looked at Lou Qianyu and said, "Lan Lengyun, although Xiao Jiazhen is my cousin, in my heart she is like a younger sister. In the future, should Jiazhen suffer the slightest grievance, I will not let you off lightly."

After hearing this, Lou Qianyu seemed much more at ease, with a clear conscience: "Emperor Jinghe, Empress, rest assured, my treatment towards Jiazhen will always be consistent, and I will never fail her. Otherwise, your cavalry can trample my Luo Kingdom, and I won’t utter a single word, nor will I send a single soldier."

"Hmm, I hope so." Satisfied by the look in his eyes, which showed no trace of evasion, he nodded and then stood up, helping his consort as they left the main hall.

Following behind, Eunuch Wei called out with his shrill voice, "Court is dismissed." He flicked his duster and quickly followed the Emperor and Empress.

After the Emperor and Empress had left, the ministers crowded around the Prime Minister, congratulating him: "Congratulations, congratulations, you have finally found a fabulous son-in-law." 𝒇𝓻𝓮𝓮𝙬𝙚𝒃𝒏𝓸𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝓬𝓸𝒎

"Yes, indeed, in the future we will rely on the Prime Minister," they said.

"Congratulations to the Prime Minister, and congratulations to Commandery Princess Yumeng."

With a stiff smile on his face, the Prime Minister responded to them, "Haha, joy all around."

With her face blushing with shyness, Xiao Jiazhen was planning to leave through the side door when she saw Mei Lenglei, who was at the Empress’s side, approaching her: "Commandery Princess, the Empress summons you."

Xiao Jiazhen nodded slightly, whispered a word to her father who was nearby, and after receiving his permission, turned and followed Mei Lenglei.

Lou Qianyu, out of the corner of his eye, watched the continued congratulations towards him, finally left the main hall with his future father-in-law, taking a deep breath once outside.

At the side hall of Yangxin Hall, Mei Lenglei knelt down: "Commandery Princess, the Empress is dining now. Please wait here in the side hall, the Empress will arrive shortly."

"Thank you, Aunt Mei, I will wait here," Xiao Jiazhen replied.

Mei Lenglei nodded lightly, curtsied, and turned to attend to the Empress.

Xiao Jiazhen, who had experienced great joy and sorrow this morning, was reflecting on these events as if it were all a dream. Lan Lengyun entered the side hall with a tray, placed several plates of refreshments on the table, and a freshly brewed cup of flower tea in front of Xiao Jiazhen: "Commandery Princess, please enjoy."

"Thank you, Aunt Lan," she said.

Lan Lengyun smiled: "Commandery Princess is too polite, no need for thanks. I’ll be outside the door, if you need anything, just call me."

"Alright, go ahead with your duties," Xiao Jiazhen replied, still feeling unaccustomed to being addressed as Commandery Princess, as she blushed a deeper shade of red.

In the dining room, Feng Xuxu had two empty bowls in front of her and was currently working on her third bowl of porridge, while Dugu Chen occasionally added some shrimp dumplings to her bowl. When she finally finished her third bowl, Feng Xuxu felt completely satisfied. With a full belly, she smiled blissfully and said to him coquettishly, "I’m so full."

"Good, my darling is full. Then, shall we take a leisurely walk over?"

"Yes." Rarely, she didn’t give him a hard time for wanting to accompany her.

The two talked and negotiated as they leisurely walked toward Yangxin Hall.

In the study of the Prime Minister Residence on East Street of Capital City.

Two men sat face to face; one was the ruler of a neighboring country, the other the Prime Minister of his. Two powerful men of different nations, and now in-laws, sitting together, were an awkward sight by any measure.

The quiet study was ominously silent until Xiao Yiran finally rose to pay his respects to Lou Hua, intending to offer his seat to this sovereign, who was not only a king but also his daughter’s future support.

Lou Qianyu noticed Xiao Yiran’s gesture and quickly stood in front of him, cupping his hands and bowing deeply: "Please accept my bow, father-in-law, and thank you for giving your daughter to me."

Xiao Yiran didn’t expect such a deep bow from him and immediately felt more comfortable, wearing a faint smile: "No need for such formalities, Lan Lengyun. By rights, it’s I who should be paying respects to you."

"Haha," Lou Qianyu laughed heartily, "Father-in-law is too courteous. Just treat Qianyu as one of the younger generation." To Lou Qianyu, these formalities were redundant as long as he could marry the woman he loved. Besides, since Xiao Yiran had given life to his betrothed, it was only right to show respect.

"Please take a seat, I must make one thing clear here," said Xiao Yiran.

Lou Qianyu’s mind turned swiftly, guessing the topic at hand, but he sat down without showing any outward reaction, quietly awaiting his father-in-law’s forthcoming words.