Chapter 903: Chapter 739: Ask Face-to-Face
"Father, your son has been much better these past few days. Just heard that Fourth Brother has arrived, so I wanted to come and see him."
The Eldest Prince pressed his hand against his chest, slowly rising. First, he surveyed the Imperial Study Room, and upon seeing Liang Zhirui, he was taken aback.
"So it is the esteemed elder who has arrived." Then the Eldest Prince actually gave Liang Zhirui a half-bow.
Liang Zhirui quickly stepped aside to avoid it, repeatedly saying, "You mustnât! You mustnât!"
"It is only right. You were my childhood mentor, respecting teachers and valuing principles is only proper." The Eldest Prince replied with a humble expression.
"Exactly! He at least consulted with you about his studies, you deserve the courtesy!" The Emperor laughed heartily, extremely satisfied with the Eldest Princeâs conduct.
The three exchanged a few more pleasantries, then the Eldest Prince finally asked, "Father, has Fourth Brother already left? It seems your son arrived a bit late!"
The Eldest Prince shook his head and sighed, appearing quite regretful.
"Why? Did you come looking for him?" The Emperorâs smile stiffened slightly, but soon returned to normal.
"He often cloisters himself in his mansion, and this time I heard he hasnât attended court for several days. Your son has been recuperating at the mansion, and itâs been a while since Iâve seen him. Just happened to acquire a calligraphy manuscript from a renowned artist recently. Isnât he fond of copying them? I intended to bring it to him."
The Eldest Prince took out a manuscript from his robes and held it up to the Emperor.
"He has already returned." The Emperor signaled Deâan to take the manuscript, clearly intending to appreciate it.
"Werenât you planning to choose a consort for him these days? Your son was also interested to see whom you selected for him."
The Eldest Prince smiled leisurely, evidently in good spirits today.
"Oh? You want to know too? However, the choice was all his doing; I didnât intervene." The Emperorâs smile seemed a bit strained, and his tone grew cold.
The atmosphere suddenly grew tense, and Liang Zhiruiâs heart leapt to his throat.
The Eldest Prince then sensed something amiss, but did not relent and asked anyway.
"Then does Father know which familyâs lady Fourth Brother has chosen?"
The Emperor smiled faintly, "Which family? Well, isnât his true maternal grandfather present?" He gestured towards Liang Zhirui, speaking casually.
The Eldest Prince was suddenly enlightened, "So he chose the elderâs granddaughter?"
He looked genuinely pleased, but Liang Zhiruiâs heart was filled with bitterness.
The Emperor carefully observed the expression on the Eldest Princeâs face, recognizing that his joy was genuine and truly was for Fourth Brotherâs sake.
He furrowed his brow, knowing full well the disposition of the eldest.
Duke Zhenâs Mansion is among the longstanding nobles in the Capital. Even if not as prestigious as during the late Emperorâs reign, its influence on the court remains considerable.
Why would the eldest remain so nonchalant upon learning of Fourth Brotherâs choice?
The Emperor was initially a bit surprised, but then he understood. Until today, he just realized Fourth Brotherâs intentions werenât simple?
The eldest likely assumes, like him, that Fourth Brother is a person at ease with the world, detached from worldly affairs.
Although the Emperor suspects Prince Jingâs motives for marrying Yao Mengxian, Prince Jing conceals well enough that the Emperor doesnât invest much concern.
Moreover, Prince Jing lacks power and influence, and with his frail health, he garners no support at court. The Emperor isnât afraid of Prince Jing stirring up the courtâs waters.
"He has taken a liking to the familyâs granddaughter. But just coincidentally today, the esteemed elder is here for his granddaughterâs marriage as well."
"Then has the elder taken a fancy to our Fourth Brother?" The Eldest Princeâs eyes flickered with laughter.
"Haha! No, he hasnât set his sights on Fourth Brother, but on a young talent." The Emperor laughed heartily, setting down the manuscript.
Liang Zhirui rose to his feet, "I came today to request the Emperorâs marriage blessing."
"Then may I ask which good young man you have chosen?" The Eldest Prince took a sip of tea, contemplating strategies.
"It is my young disciple, Gu Chengyu!"
Liang Zhirui feared the Eldest Prince and the Emperor would collaborate, sealing Xian and Prince Jingâs marriage, thus he could no longer hold back.
"Oh? You mean Jinyu?" The Eldest Prince was quite astonished, lifting his head dramatically from the tea bowl, looking at Liang Zhirui.
"Indeed! Though I donât know Prince Jingâs intentions, the two were childhood companions, well-matched in character and appearance, and I am familiar with Jinyuâs temperament. Therefore, I came today to seek the Emperorâs favor in marrying these two."
Since he has entered the palace today, Liang Zhirui must ensure the Emperor agrees to this.
In years past, he labored tirelessly for the court and country, though ultimately no longer favored by the Emperor. However, for the sake of their past shared sentiments, surely the Emperor wouldnât leave him entirely without favor?
Moreover, he holds his last card. He suffered greatly from that incident years ago.
Even if the Emperor later elevated him to Grand Secretary, it hardly compensates for the pain he endured back then.
Setting these thoughts aside, Liang Zhiruiâs resolute gaze fell on the Emperor, rendering the Emperor silent.
The Eldest Prince suddenly laughed, "The elder desires to pair Jinyu with your granddaughter, but have you asked for Jinyuâs consent?"
Liang Zhirui glanced curiously at the Eldest Prince; since when did the Eldest Prince grow so familiar with Jinyu? As if he knew Jinyu very well.
"Last year I casually mentioned it; he didnât oppose."
The Eldest Princeâs smiling face grew tense, then raised his tea bowl, falling into silence as well.
Liang Zhirui looked at the father and son duo, his heart growing apprehensive once more.
Their views were unanimously opposed this time, and what Liang Zhirui couldnât understand was why the Emperor disagreed.
Reasonably speaking, Gu Chengyu marrying Xian should solve the Emperorâs dilemma, surely the Emperor doesnât wish for Prince Jing to wed Xian?
Liang Zhirui was puzzled by the Emperorâs attitude, and that Eldest Prince came now, could he truly have come looking for Prince Jing?
Liang Zhirui shot the Eldest Prince a glance, perhaps here as a mediator?
"Not opposing doesnât mean agreeing! You are his teacher, dare he refuse? From what I see, itâd be better to call him here, ask him face-to-face."
The Eldest Prince adjusted his sleeves, speaking calmly.
"How could that work? Itâs not settled yet, calling him here would damage my granddaughterâs dignity. Besides, when has any young man discussed marriage without consulting his parents? As long as the parents approve, what say does the child have?"
Liang Zhirui shook his head in haste at the suggestion of calling Gu Chengyu, how could that be feasible?
If he holds strong here, perhaps thereâs a chance. But if Jinyu is summoned, he would fall under the Emperor and Eldest Princeâs pressure.
The young disciple serves in the court, these two he cannot afford to offend!
"Eldest, pay your respects and leave now!" The Emperor suddenly interrupted, cutting off the Eldest Prince before he could speak.
The Eldest Prince gasped for breath, looking startled.
"Then your son takes his leave! The weather is cold, your knees need extra care in rainy seasons, I hope father will take care of his health."