Many people were still sighing over the fate of Commandery Princess Jiayi. Back when Consort Wan was still alive, as the most beloved granddaughter of the consort, Commandery Princess Jiayi enjoyed immense favor. Yet, fate proved unkind, and she ultimately ended up marrying into a merchant family.
However, some in Yan Prefecture did not believe Commandery Princess Jiayi's fate was unfortunate. Rumors said that although she married the son of a merchant, she shared a deep and harmonious bond with her husband. Despite his humble origins, her husband was a renowned talent in Yanbei, celebrated for both his intellect and appearance. He was a specially appointed instructor at Yunyang Academy and also held an official position. Commandery Princess Jiayi had since left her husband's family with him to establish their own household. Strictly speaking, her daughter could no longer be considered a merchant's daughter.
In short, due to the marriage proposal from the Xiao Family's second young master, the world turned its attention to the long-overlooked family of Commandery Princess Jiayi. However, the parties involved remained unaware, as the soldiers stationed at the Ren Family had not yet withdrawn, effectively shielding them from public scrutiny.
Thus, when the matchmaker from Yanbei Prince's Mansion arrived, Ren Shimin and Madam Li were somewhat taken aback. The person entrusted by Yanbei Prince's Mansion to propose the match was a prominent figure—Xu Wanli, the headmaster of Yunyang Academy. Even more surprising was that, despite the high status of both the proposer and the matchmaker, the Ren Family did not immediately agree. Xu Wanli and Ren Shimin talked for a long time in the study, after which Ren Shimin respectfully escorted Headmaster Xu out.
Ren Shimin's attitude left many puzzled. Logically, even though Xiao Jingxi was in poor health, he was no longer just the second young master of Yanbei Prince's Mansion. As the next heir to the mansion, a young lady from the Ren Family would be marrying above her station. Moreover, a marriage alliance between the Ren Family and Yanbei Prince's Mansion would effectively signify a union between Yanbei Prince's Mansion and Xianwang Residence, making it a matter of great significance.
Nevertheless, many secretly applauded Ren Shimin. This, they thought, was the true integrity of a scholar—a model of scholarly demeanor. He refused to yield to the influence of either Yanbei Prince's Mansion or Xianwang Residence. Because of this stance, public opinion of him rose even higher. It was no wonder that since the story of "Three Visits to the Thatched Cottage," scholars had dreamed of playing the game of refusal with those in power—after all, one's worth was often built on such displays of pride.
However, the world had truly misunderstood Ren Shimin. Master Ren's refusal of Yanbei Prince's Mansion's proposal was not due to scholarly arrogance.
After seeing Xu Wanli off, he went to the main room to discuss with Madam Li, his expression troubled. "I heard this Second Young Master Xiao is in poor health."
Madam Li also looked uneasy. "Then this marriage proposal... perhaps we should decline it."
Such is the heart of parents everywhere. The reason Ren Shimin and his wife refused the proposal from Yanbei Prince's Mansion was far less complicated than imagined.
At this time, Madam Li received a letter from her mother, Rong Shi. Madam Li assumed it was about the marriage proposal from Yanbei Prince's Mansion, and indeed it was. However, Rong Shi did not express approval or disapproval of the match in her letter. Instead, she advised Madam Li and Ren Shimin to decide for themselves and reminded her to ask Ren Yaoqi for her opinion. After some thought, Madam Li shared the contents of Rong Shi's letter with Ren Shimin.
Ren Shimin also pondered for a moment before having someone summon Ren Yaoqi.Ren Yaoqi already knew about the Yanbei Prince's Mansion's marriage proposal before being summoned by Ren Shimin and Madam Li. After all, few things happening in the Ren Family could escape her notice.
Her feelings were somewhat complicated, especially when her parents brought up the marriage proposal from the Yanbei Prince's Mansion with expressions full of worry and reluctance.
In truth, such matters were not typically for Ren Yaoqi to decide. However, Ren Shimin was open-minded and not overly bound by etiquette, Madam Li had grown accustomed to listening to her daughter, and Rong Shi's letter had also urged them to ask Ren Yaoqi for her own opinion.
Ren Shimin said to Ren Yaoqi, "Although I haven't met Second Young Master Xiao many times, I've heard he is exceptionally talented and handsome. It's just a pity..." If it weren't for Xiao Jingxi's extremely frail health, Ren Shimin might have agreed. His only requirement for a son-in-law had always been outstanding literary talent. But when it came to the marriage of his most beloved youngest daughter, Ren Shimin couldn't help but become more cautious and worldly.
Madam Li also said, "Your father and I think we should decline this marriage proposal."
Ren Yaoqi: "..."
Just as Ren Yaoqi was pondering how to respond, Xier reported from outside, "Master, Madam, the Yanbei Prince's Mansion's carriage has arrived at the gate."
After Xu Wanli left the Ren Family, he went to the Yanbei Prince's Mansion and reported his visit to the Ren Family that day to the Prince of Yanbei and Xiao Jingxi.
Hearing that Master Ren had not agreed, the Prince of Yanbei was somewhat surprised, while Xiao Jingxi remained calm.
After Xu Wanli left, the Prince of Yanbei glanced at his son, cleared his throat, and said, "How about..."
Xiao Jingxi snapped out of his thoughts and looked at the Prince of Yanbei.
The Prince of Yanbei paused, stood up, and stepped forward to pat Xiao Jingxi on the shoulder. This comforting gesture, performed by the sturdy, battle-hardened Prince of Yanbei, was rather forceful—an ordinary person might have been knocked over by it.
"Don't worry about it. A real man never lacks a wife!" The Prince of Yanbei, not particularly skilled with words, patted his son's shoulder while offering this dry consolation.
Xiao Jingxi gave his father a helpless look, causing the Prince of Yanbei to lower his hand self-consciously.
"How about I send Sheng Shi Hong to propose again?" the Prince of Yanbei suggested.
Xiao Jingxi shook his head and was about to speak when the Prince of Yanbei added, "If that girl really doesn't like you, it's fine. I'll order the marriage—let's see who dares refuse!" The Prince of Yanbei spoke with imposing authority, radiating dominance.
Xiao Jingxi pressed his temples and said helplessly, "Father..."
"My son?"
"I have my own plans for this matter. Father need not worry," Xiao Jingxi said sincerely.
The Prince of Yanbei still seemed unsatisfied: "How can that be? You're my son and will be the heir to the Yanbei Prince's Mansion. Your marriage is a major event! Our Yanbei Prince's Mansion has always relied on strength to conquer the world. All those tedious formalities, you really..."
"Father, that may not be the case anymore," Xiao Jingxi interrupted gently with a smile.
"What may not be the case?" The Prince of Yanbei stopped and looked puzzled.
Xiao Jingxi patiently explained, "I may not necessarily become the heir to the Yanbei Prince's Mansion."The Prince of Yanbei was taken aback, his expression turning serious. No longer jesting, his face took on a stern and imposing air—this was the true Prince of Yanbei who had dominated the northern territories, not a father teasing his son about marriage. "Has something happened in the capital again?"
Xiao Jingxi smiled. "Zhao Shi is pregnant."
The Prince of Yanbei raised an eyebrow. "When did this happen? Why are we only hearing about it now?"
"After my elder brother's incident, Zhao Shi was taken into the palace. It was said earlier that the pregnancy was unstable, so they kept it quiet. She has been resting in the Empress Dowager's palace."
The Prince of Yanbei fell silent for a moment, then glanced at Xiao Jingxi. "So, our mansion is to appoint an infant as the heir?"
Xiao Jingxi was unconcerned. "Even if we don’t, would the court let it go so easily?"
The Prince of Yanbei stroked his chin. "What if it’s a granddaughter? Would she also be appointed as heir?"
Xiao Jingxi couldn’t help but laugh, reminding his father, "Did you allow Wu Xiaohe’s posthumous child to be a daughter?"
The Prince of Yanbei fell silent for a moment before elegantly uttering a single word: "Damn!"
Xiao Jingxi ignored his father’s crudeness. "So, Father, you now have the more important matter of appointing an heir to attend to. You needn’t worry about your son’s marriage."
The Prince of Yanbei sighed and patted Xiao Jingxi on the shoulder. "Son, your father is useless. I’ve let you down. With your brother gone, the heirship didn’t fall to you, and now you’ll have to be the uncle of the heir. Thinking of the fates of those powerful uncles of past emperors, your father feels deeply pained for you!"
Xiao Jingxi smiled gently. "Thank you for your concern, Father. That’s why I hope you live a long life, so I won’t have to face a difficult situation under my nephew’s rule."
The Prince of Yanbei laughed heartily. "No problem, no problem! At worst, I’ll leave you a will or something, making you a regent uncle, holding the emperor to command the nobles."
After the father and son exchanged a few more jests, Xiao Jingxi left the study and went to the Nine Sun Hall to find the Princess Consort. The mother and son spoke for two hours.
The next day, the Princess Consort’s carriage personally went to Treasure Vase Alley.
Ren Yaoqi, who was speaking with her parents in the main room, was startled upon hearing Xier’s announcement. As she wondered who from the mansion had come, she received the news that the Princess Consort had arrived.
Madam Li and Ren Shimin were both shocked and hurried out to welcome her.
Ren Yaoqi thought for a moment, then quickly pulled Madam Li and Ren Shimin aside and whispered, "I may not be able to stay present later. If the Princess Consort brings up… brings up the marriage proposal, Father and Mother should agree to it."
Ren Yaoqi knew that Ren Shimin and Madam Li had refused the Yanbei Prince’s Mansion’s proposal out of concern for her, but outsiders would not understand, and it would be unwise to be seen as ungrateful. With the Princess Consort personally visiting, this marriage proposal had to be accepted, especially since Ren Yaoqi and Xiao Jingxi had already reached an understanding.
Madam Li and Ren Shimin were still hesitant, so Ren Yaoqi could only say, "Father, Mother, I am not opposed to this marriage."
The Princess Consort’s carriage had already arrived at the gate, and there was no time to delay. After saying this, Ren Yaoqi helped Madam Li follow Ren Shimin out to greet their guest.The Princess Consort's visit this time was not particularly grand, with only a few carriages and mounted guards following behind. She did not wait for the Ren Family to greet her at the main gate but instead waited at the Inner Gate. Her intention to show closeness could be seen in these small details, and even Madam Li sensed the Princess Consort's friendly and accommodating attitude.
Ren Shimin brought his wife and daughter to the Inner Gate to welcome the Princess Consort. The Princess Consort gently stopped Madam Li from bowing and nodded to Ren Shimin in acknowledgment, only accepting Ren Yaoqi's formal greeting.
"Commandery Princess, there is no need for such formalities. I came today just to see you and Yaoqi," the Princess Consort said with a warm smile.
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