Youthful Glory

"As long as it's not the Fourth Miss Ming, I can make an effort to help you with any other woman."

These words echoed in Shen Yu's ears. Each syllable was clear, yet strung together, they made no sense: "W-why?"

His mind was in a daze, unable to process it for a long moment: "Your Highness, why can't it be Fourth Miss Ming? Is it because of social status?"

Jiang Xu looked directly at him, his gaze indifferent: "I have no need for subordinates who are perpetually entangled in romantic affairs."

...?

How was he "perpetually entangled in romantic affairs"?

"You lied to me just because you wanted to see her. How do I know that one day, you won't raise your sword against me for her sake?"

Shen Yu froze for a moment. Did His Highness know he had gone to Lingmiao Temple to see Cousin Tan?

Lying about it was his fault, but what could Cousin Tan possibly do that would make him raise his sword against His Highness?

He wanted to explain, but Jiang Xu had already lowered his eyes and coldly dismissed him: "Leave."

"Your subordinate—"

"Young General Shen, please." A shadow guard appeared out of nowhere, blocking Shen Yu's attempt to step forward and explain with the scabbard of his sword.

By the time Shen Yu returned to Marquis Jing'an's residence, dinner had long passed. Shen Hua had specially prepared some pastries and came looking for him. Seeing him practicing martial arts in the courtyard with reddened eyes, she understood somewhat.

"Brother."

Shen Yu glanced at her, finished the remaining half of his move, spun to sheathe his sword, and walked to the pavilion slightly out of breath: "A Hua, what brings you here?"

Shen Hua opened the food box and said softly, "I heard from the maids that you ran into Ming Chu in the east garden today."

Shen Yu nodded and sat down.

Shen Hua took a seat as well: "Did she... incite you to do something?"

Shen Yu thought for a moment: "Not exactly."

Shen Hua had intended to say that Ming Chu was domineering and capricious, her motives far from pure, and that he should avoid speaking with her in the future. But judging by her brother's expression, he wasn't in the mood to hear such things right now.

So she changed the subject: "Some time ago, I happened to hear that the Empress Dowager and His Majesty have both summoned the Marquis to the palace for discussions recently. It seems... they intend to arrange a marriage for the Marquis's household."

"Where did you hear that?" Shen Yu was stunned.

Shen Hua avoided answering directly and said instead: "Brother, you must not harbor feelings for Ming Tan."

Shen Yu abruptly stood up: "Why does everyone keep telling me not to love her? I—"

"Brother!" Shen Hua stood as well, cutting him off. "Is this really so hard to understand?"

Shen Yu's eyes reddened with anger, and he turned his face away from her.

"You and Ming Tan are incompatible in temperament. You've only met her a few times—you're merely infatuated with her appearance. I lived under the same roof with her for half a year. Her temper and thoughts are completely beyond your grasp. You should marry a virtuous wife who can support the Shen family behind you, not bring home a spendthrift ancestor to worship!

"Moreover, though I know little of court politics, I’ve sensed something recently. Ming Tan’s marriage is likely beyond even Madam's control. This isn’t just her marriage—it’s the Marquis Jing'an household’s marriage. You’re a military man, Brother—how can you be so oblivious? If it were mutual affection, I’d say fight for it. But she’s made it clear she has no interest in you. Why insist on courting misery?

"The noble families of the capital are a bloodless battlefield. As long as we live under Marquis Jing'an’s roof, you cannot and should not entertain any thoughts about the Ming family’s daughter. Even if you somehow managed to marry Ming Tan, have you considered how she and I would be slandered behind our backs?"She mimicked, "These siblings staying at the Marquis's residence clearly have ulterior motives, seeking to climb the social ladder. The brother married the Marquis's legitimate daughter, and the sister must be no good either, just waiting to latch onto nobility!"

"Marrying a distant cousin who's dependent on their household—they must have been carrying on some disgraceful affair long before. Didn't this Miss Ming's former fiancé have an illicit relationship with his own cousin? How shameless!"

Shen Yu's mind went blank.

He turned to stare at Shen Hua, stunned.

Shen Hua paused, softening her tone: "Brother, A Hua means well for you. Romantic affections in this world are fleeting illusions, especially when it's just your one-sided wishful thinking."

"I only hope you still remember Father's words—to revive the Shen family's glory and honor our ancestors. What true man worries about lacking a wife? When you achieve great military exploits for Daxian like Prince Dingbei, won't all women be at your choosing?"

She took out the pastries from the food box, placed them on the stone table, then gave Shen Yu a long look before leaving slowly with the container.

Shen Yu watched her retreating figure, rooted to the spot.

Truthfully, Shen Hua hadn't wanted to be so blunt. But her brother was precisely the type who wouldn't understand or accept anything less than direct words.

She'd long known about Shen Yu's feelings for Ming Tan, though when Ming Tan was still betrothed, any admiration was futile. Much of her dislike for Ming Tan stemmed from Shen Yu's infatuation.

Previously, she might have coldly watched her brother hit walls repeatedly. But ever since overhearing the Marquis Jing'an couple worrying about imperial intentions, she'd been contemplating—realizing this marriage involved more than simple matchmaking. She couldn't let her brother meddle and cause trouble.

No doubt that wretch Ming Chu heard rumors about potential imperial marriage arrangements from Consort Liu, resentful at Ming Tan's potential advantageous match.

How that wretch dealt with Ming Tan was none of her concern, but daring to drag her brother into it—this grievance she would remember well.

Pausing outside the courtyard, she looked up.

When she first came to the capital last year, she hadn't noticed how oppressive the nights were here—neither stars nor moon visible. Those walking alone could easily stumble into this boundless darkness, doomed forever.

After the imperial examinations, as late spring approached, invitations to Marquis Pingguo's third daughter Zhang Hanmiao's poetry gathering arrived as expected.

However, contrary to Zhou Jingwan's information, not only were Ming Tan and Bai Minmin invited, but Shen Hua and Ming Chu received invitations too—apparently an indiscriminate, widespread distribution.

Seeing it was some pretentious poetry event, Ming Chu had no interest in attending. She couldn't compose verse and despised the capital's delicate young ladies who fainted at every step while constantly competing.

Only after much persuasion from Consort Liu did she relent—after all, at marriageable age, one never knew if potential suitors might be relatives of these very ladies.

Moreover, martial-arts-trained women from military families did exist in the capital. Socializing more couldn't hurt.

Previously, Madam Pei had told Ming Tan to consult her first about future matters.This time, as she prepared for the Spring's End Poetry Gathering, Ming Tan mentioned Shu Jingran to Madam Pei while selecting her attire: "Mother, have you heard of Second Young Master Shu, the Tanhua of this year’s imperial examinations? During the parade, I caught a glimpse of him from afar. His demeanor and appearance were truly extraordinary."

Madam Pei paused. Though she had been smiling while watching Ming Tan pick out clothes, her expression dimmed slightly at these words. She weighed her response carefully. "The Shu family is renowned for their noble integrity. Naturally, their children are... exceptional."

"Yes, I thought so too." Ming Tan was in high spirits.

Madam Pei sipped her tea, feeling somewhat troubled.

During Ming Tan’s time at the temple praying for blessings, both the Empress Dowager and the Emperor had summoned the Marquis for casual conversations. Though the Marquis was usually careless, even he couldn’t miss the hints about marriage arrangements in their words. It was clear they intended to arrange a match!

As for the Emperor’s intentions, it was still unclear whom he had in mind. But the Empress Dowager had already explicitly offered two options: the position of a prince’s consort or the wife of a royal heir.

Neither of these candidates were mere figureheads from declining noble families—they were also openly aligned with the Empress Dowager’s faction. Moreover, Ming Tan had now brought up this Second Young Master Shu. Compared to him, those two suitors fell far short in both appearance and demeanor, even lagging behind Liang Zixuan. How could she possibly be willing?

"Mother, what’s wrong?" Ming Tan asked.

Madam Pei quickly masked her concern with a faint smile. "Nothing."

She probed gently, "A Tan, do you fancy this Second Young Master Shu?"

"It’s not exactly that," Ming Tan replied, her gaze still fixed on the array of fresh accessories on the table. "But if we’re discussing marriage prospects, he seems quite suitable."

At least it wasn’t an infatuation.

A stubborn refusal to marry anyone else would have been far more troublesome.

Madam Pei sighed in relief. Well, the poetry gathering was tomorrow—let the girl enjoy herself first. Since the arranged marriage wasn’t finalized yet, there was no need to burden her with unnecessary worries.

With this thought, Madam Pei stood up and joined Ming Tan in selecting her attire.

The next morning, carriages waited outside the second gate, ready to escort the three young ladies to the Duke of Ping’s residence.

Ming Tingyuan, who had to attend court, left much earlier than the three of them. After the morning assembly ended, he intended to leave with Bai Jingyuan but was stopped by a eunuch from Emperor Chengkang’s retinue. The Emperor had summoned him to the imperial study for an important discussion.

Ming Tingyuan followed the eunuch.

Upon entering the study, he bowed respectfully. "Your servant greets Your Majesty. May the Emperor be at peace."

"No need for formalities." Emperor Chengkang gestured dismissively before returning to his desk. He picked up a roll of bright yellow silk and blew on the still-wet ink. "We summoned you to discuss the arranged marriage we mentioned earlier."

Ming Tingyuan immediately prepared to offer excuses.

Emperor Chengkang raised an eyebrow and fixed him with a direct gaze. "Do you know that the Empress Dowager, displeased with your repeated evasions, is considering issuing an imperial decree directly?"

"…?"

Were they skipping formalities and resorting to outright coercion now?

"We won’t stop you, but We can offer you a second choice." The Emperor tapped the desk, signaling him to approach and examine the edict. "See if this candidate We’ve chosen for your daughter suits you."

"…"

What kind of second choice was this? It was still coercion.

Ming Tingyuan knew that his position of power made him a target for many. He had always been reluctant to involve himself in factional disputes. But with the shifting political landscape, maintaining neutrality and staying aloof was no longer an option. Even something as personal as his child’s marriage had become entangled in covert struggles.

Steeling himself, he stepped forward.Emperor Chengkang stood to the side, muttering, "In truth, the marriage of your children does not represent your stance, Ming Tingyuan. There's no need for excessive worry. I respect your choice. For now, don't think of anything else—just focus on the person. Can the one the Empress Dowager wishes to arrange for you compare to the one I have chosen for you?"

Ming Tingyuan's gaze remained fixed on the imperial edict, his expression one of disbelief. It was actually this person—how could it be this person?

"Your Majesty, might I... might I be allowed some time to reconsider?"

He was so startled that his words came out haltingly.

Emperor Chengkang replied, "The Empress Dowager's decree has already been drafted. It was I who found an excuse to delay it temporarily. While we can hold it off for a while, we cannot do so forever. Who knows—before you even step out of the palace gates, her decree might already reach your residence, the Marquis Jing'an estate. What are you hesitating for? If he hadn't personally spoken up, I—"

"Marry!"