Chapter 247: 247
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Leng Yan racked her brains to please Mo Shujun and didn’t expect that the old lady changed the subject all of a sudden and focused on her, so it scared her.
She hurriedly knelt on the floor and straightened her back, preparing to beg for mercy.
Mo Shujun raised Leng Yan’s chin and expressed gently, “Stupid child, what are you afraid of? I just want to know what you are thinking about and don’t plan to denounce you.”
Leng Yan secretly pinched her thigh, and her eyes were full of tears in an instant, but she controlled herself and didn’t let the tears fall.
She looked at Mo Shujun pitifully and expressed her loyalty again. “Princess Royal, you are wise. I have been brought up by you since childhood, and I am definitely loyal to you and would never betray you.”
She spoke solemnly like swearing.
But Mo Shujun was suspicious and even doubted a child that she had brought up.
However, she didn’t show it but caressed Leng Yan’s long hair more affectionately. Then she stated with a smile, “I have raised you, and how would I suspect your loyalty?
“But tell me first. You want Junhao to marry Baoyou instead of Qingxue because you have your own plan, right?”
Leng Yan was seen through, and embarrassment flashed on her face. She didn’t dare to fool the old lady but nodded honestly. “Princess Royal, you are so smart. I do have my own selfish motive.”
“Just tell me.”
“Er…” Leng Yan gritted her teeth and after a long time, she said each word with difficulty. “Princess Royal, you feel pity for me and want to marry me to Duke Shi as his concubine, so I am grateful to you, but I have no foundation in the first master’s family and I can’t win Duke Shi’s heart. If First Madam gets more power, I am afraid that I will…”
Tears fell from Leng Yan’s eyes along her cheeks, hitting her clothes and the back of her hand.
She didn’t wipe them but stared at Mo Shujun as a weak girl.
Mo Shujun was hard-hearted and wouldn’t soften because of anybody’s tears. She just looked at the girl indifferently.
Leng Yan waited for a moment but Mo Shujun didn’t comfort her, so she had to lower her voice.
She continued, “I know that it’s improper to have this thought, but I really have no choice. You granted my marriage to Duke Shi, but if I can’t live a good life in the East House in the future, wouldn’t it humiliate you?”
Once it had something to do with Mo Shujun, the old lady’s expression changed, and she softened fast obviously. She even patted the back of Leng Yan’s hand and soothed her. “Yan, don’t worry. I will marry you to Junhe because I believe that he is capable and can make you happy. You have followed me for so long. Would I treat you unfairly?”
Leng Yan lowered her head and responded obediently, “I know that you are nice to me, Princess Royal.”
“Hmm, good girl!”
Mo Shujun probably realized that it was pointless if she still bothered about Leng Yan’s secret thought, so she praised the maid and let it pass.
After a while, she asked hesitantly, “As you said, it’s better to make Baoyou become the fourth prince’s wife, but Junhao wouldn’t give in easily. How do you think I should make him agree to marry Baoyou as his wife?”
It was a big problem.
Mo Shujun had said a lot to Mo Junhao just now, and he was respectful and humble enough, but from beginning to end, he didn’t promise her that he was willing to marry Shi Baoyou.
Instead, he showed his wish and determination to marry Shi Qingxue in his words.
But Leng Yan laughed and pointed out meaningfully, “Princess Royal, you are wrong. His Highness is a prince, and his marriage can’t be decided by himself alone.”
“Oh? Do you mean…”
“You are the Princess Royal. Not to mention that His Majesty respects you, you can even say something to the Empress Dowager. Moreover, Lady Baoyou is not inferior to anybody else. If you enter the imperial palace to ask His Majesty to grant the marriage of Lady Baoyou and His Highness…
“When it is done and can’t be undone, would His Highness dare to disobey the imperial edict and refuse to marry her?”
Hearing this idea, Mo Shujun was overjoyed and said “great” repeatedly, but in a short time, she hesitated.
It was nothing else. Although she could reach her goal after she did that, if she irritated Mo Junhao, she might lose more than gain.
“It’s not that we don’t give him a chance to marry Lady Qingxue, but Lady Baoyou is older than her. No matter if she would be his wife or she would marry earlier, it is right and proper. It will depend on his ability if he wants to marry Lady Qingxue in the future!” Leng Yan responded unhurriedly and gave Mo Shujun a reason to cope with Mo Junhao.
In the end, she was afraid that Mo Shujun wouldn’t be tempted, so she mentioned what the old lady was worried about recently. “Princess Royal, aren’t you worried that Duke Shi has conflicts with you recently and everything will be uncontrollable?
“He doesn’t want to marry Lady Qingxue to His Highness. Now that you help him finish it, he will thank you.”
Mo Shujun forced Shi Junhe to marry Shi Qingxue to Mo Junhao because of the Shi family’s interests. Although Shi Junhe didn’t object, the relationship between the mother and son became the worst, and Shi Junhe didn’t even come to greet her these days.
On the surface, the Princess Royal looked as if nothing had happened, but as her personal maid, Leng Yan knew that the old lady was restless.
If she satisfied Shi Junhe on Shi Qingxue’s marriage this time, he would become the good son who respected the elders like before.
After all…the mother and son wouldn’t bear a grudge.
All kinds of temptations were in front of her, so Mo Shujun finally agreed. “Okay. I will enter the imperial palace tomorrow to ask His Majesty to grant their marriage. Then after the imperial edict is issued, even if the fourth prince has objections, he has to hold it back first.
“If he wants to marry Shi Qingxue, we will see if he has the ability to snatch a bride from Junyang!”
The next day, Mo Shujun was dressed up rarely. When she prepared to enter the imperial palace, she suddenly heard a servant report to her. “An imperial edict will come from the palace, and Duke Shi told everybody to accept it in the main hall.”
Mo Shujun came to the main hall in haste. Except Zhou Ruyu who was grounded in the South House, all the others had arrived.
Shi Junhe stood in the front and looked serious. Even the second master’s family who always had no sense of presence were present. All people came here, as if something significant would happen.
“Junhe, why did you gather all people in the main hall suddenly?” Mo Shujun didn’t see a eunuch who came to send the imperial edict, so she walked to Shi Junhe and asked.
Shi Junhe greeted Mo Shujun politely and answered with no emotion, “Mother, somebody from the imperial palace sent a message, saying that some people would come to send an imperial edict at 8:15, so I summoned all people in the mansion to wait for the imperial edict.”
Mo Shujun had seldom seen Shi Junhe behave so distantly, so she wasn’t used to it. But she was an elder and wouldn’t lower herself to improve their relationship. Instead, she questioned in a colder tone, “Now all the three of you are out of work and staying at home. Why is there an imperial edict from the palace? Did you do something wrong?”
Shi Junhe lowered his head and seemed not to notice that Mo Shujun sounded him out. He answered respectfully, “I don’t know.”
His words made Mo Shujun feel heartbroken, unable to speak a word.
What could she say?
The imperial edict hadn’t arrived, and it was “normal” that Shi Junhe didn’t know.
“Humph!” Mo Shujun knew that Shi Junhe didn’t tell her the truth, but she could do nothing. She had to go back to the master’s seat, but her dignified face was dark all the time and she didn’t look happy in front of Shi Junhe.
Shi Baoning saw that and felt uncomfortable. She grabbed her father’s clothes in secret and silently told him not to sulk with her grandmother.
Shi Junhe gently flicked Shi Baoning’s hand away in silence, even without giving her a glance.
He was also cold to her, and it was greatly different from his gentleness and love when he treated Shi Qingxue.
Shi Baoning’s eyes darkened at once, and she moved backward, remaining quiet.
For a moment, the bustling and noisy main hall changed slightly. All people had different expressions on their faces, but they quieted down in concert without previous arrangement. Even though some people whispered to one another occasionally, their voices were as low as the mosquitoes’.
After a long time, when almost all the onlookers felt that the pressure was about to depress them, a loud voice appeared. “Here are the imperial edicts.”
The voice was like the sound from the heaven and made all people excited in an instant.
They saw that Mo Xiangbin’s most favored eunuch Quan strode in and two young eunuchs followed him, with an imperial edict in each one’s hand.
Quan stood in front of all people and then got an imperial edict from the young eunuch on his right first. He unfolded it and read, “The emperor issued the edict, Duke Shi is loyal to me. This time he led the Shi Army to defeat the rebel army and ensured the imperial capital’s safety. He contributes to the country but doesn’t get arrogant or rash, which is rare and precious. So the title of General of the State is given to him, and this is a Rank-1 official position. Hope that he can be diligent with self-reliance and work hard in the future.”
“Thanks for your kindness, Your Majesty.” Shi Junhe knelt down and kowtowed before receiving the first imperial edict.
However, before all people showed any emotion, Quan added, “All of you, please keep calm. It’s not late to kneel and thank His Majesty after I read the second imperial edict.”
Then he got the imperial edict from the young eunuch on his left and continued to read, “The emperor issued the edict, the second lady from the Shi family is gentle, dignified and virtuous, so the Empress Dowager loves her very much. She can marry the second prince and the title as his wife is given to her. They will get married on the tenth day of the first lunar month next year.”
“What?”
This time, before Shi Junhe received the imperial edict from Quan, there was an uproar in the crowd.
The daughter of the second master’s concubine Shi Baojing who was always unknown to the public would marry someone of a much higher social position and become the second prince’s wife? Even though the second prince Mo Junwen had no power, she would marry above herself.
All of them discussed animatedly at once and showed a doubtful expression.
Not to mention that the people from other families didn’t expect that Shi Baojing was so lucky, even her parents Shi Junfeng and Zhang Qiuyan goggled at her in surprise.
Shi Baojing looked quiet and calm, the same as the description about her in the imperial edict.
“Ahem!” Quan coughed twice and reminded them that the ceremony of declaring the imperial edicts hadn’t been finished.
Shi Junhe glanced over the crowd with displeasure and then led all of them to kneel and kowtow to express their thanks to the emperor after all people behind him quieted down.
After putting away the imperial edicts, Shi Junhe put a money bag in Quan’s hand and stated politely, “The people in my mansion don’t know the rules and offended His Majesty. Please forgive them, Lord Quan.”
Although Quan was merely a eunuch, he came to read the imperial edicts, so he stood for the emperor. Just now the people from the Shi family behaved like that. If Quan talked about it after he went back, and somebody with evil intentions made a fuss about it, they could be accused of disrespecting the emperor.
“General Shi, it’s not so serious. Two happy events come at the same time, and it’s normal that they are overjoyed and forget everything inevitably. It was not offending.” Quan flatteringly smiled at Shi Junhe and gave the money bag back to him.
He expressed modestly, “It’s my honor to run errands for His Majesty and send the imperial edicts to you. I don’t dare to get money from you.”
Quan said that sincerely and wasn’t reluctant at all.
Although he would get some profits when he sent the imperial edicts, he was willing even if he got nothing from Shi Junhe.
What? You told him that Shi Junhe had been deposed by the emperor lately, so why was he worthy of flattery?
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Leng Yan racked her brains to please Mo Shujun and didn’t expect that the old lady changed the subject all of a sudden and focused on her, so it scared her.
She hurriedly knelt on the floor and straightened her back, preparing to beg for mercy.
Mo Shujun raised Leng Yan’s chin and expressed gently, “Stupid child, what are you afraid of? I just want to know what you are thinking about and don’t plan to denounce you.”
Leng Yan secretly pinched her thigh, and her eyes were full of tears in an instant, but she controlled herself and didn’t let the tears fall.
She looked at Mo Shujun pitifully and expressed her loyalty again. “Princess Royal, you are wise. I have been brought up by you since childhood, and I am definitely loyal to you and would never betray you.”
She spoke solemnly like swearing.
But Mo Shujun was suspicious and even doubted a child that she had brought up.
However, she didn’t show it but caressed Leng Yan’s long hair more affectionately. Then she stated with a smile, “I have raised you, and how would I suspect your loyalty?
“But tell me first. You want Junhao to marry Baoyou instead of Qingxue because you have your own plan, right?”
Leng Yan was seen through, and embarrassment flashed on her face. She didn’t dare to fool the old lady but nodded honestly. “Princess Royal, you are so smart. I do have my own selfish motive.”
“Just tell me.”
“Er…” Leng Yan gritted her teeth and after a long time, she said each word with difficulty. “Princess Royal, you feel pity for me and want to marry me to Duke Shi as his concubine, so I am grateful to you, but I have no foundation in the first master’s family and I can’t win Duke Shi’s heart. If First Madam gets more power, I am afraid that I will…”
Tears fell from Leng Yan’s eyes along her cheeks, hitting her clothes and the back of her hand.
She didn’t wipe them but stared at Mo Shujun as a weak girl.
Mo Shujun was hard-hearted and wouldn’t soften because of anybody’s tears. She just looked at the girl indifferently.
Leng Yan waited for a moment but Mo Shujun didn’t comfort her, so she had to lower her voice.
She continued, “I know that it’s improper to have this thought, but I really have no choice. You granted my marriage to Duke Shi, but if I can’t live a good life in the East House in the future, wouldn’t it humiliate you?”
Once it had something to do with Mo Shujun, the old lady’s expression changed, and she softened fast obviously. She even patted the back of Leng Yan’s hand and soothed her. “Yan, don’t worry. I will marry you to Junhe because I believe that he is capable and can make you happy. You have followed me for so long. Would I treat you unfairly?”
Leng Yan lowered her head and responded obediently, “I know that you are nice to me, Princess Royal.”
“Hmm, good girl!”
Mo Shujun probably realized that it was pointless if she still bothered about Leng Yan’s secret thought, so she praised the maid and let it pass.
After a while, she asked hesitantly, “As you said, it’s better to make Baoyou become the fourth prince’s wife, but Junhao wouldn’t give in easily. How do you think I should make him agree to marry Baoyou as his wife?”
It was a big problem.
Mo Shujun had said a lot to Mo Junhao just now, and he was respectful and humble enough, but from beginning to end, he didn’t promise her that he was willing to marry Shi Baoyou.
Instead, he showed his wish and determination to marry Shi Qingxue in his words.
But Leng Yan laughed and pointed out meaningfully, “Princess Royal, you are wrong. His Highness is a prince, and his marriage can’t be decided by himself alone.”
“Oh? Do you mean…”
“You are the Princess Royal. Not to mention that His Majesty respects you, you can even say something to the Empress Dowager. Moreover, Lady Baoyou is not inferior to anybody else. If you enter the imperial palace to ask His Majesty to grant the marriage of Lady Baoyou and His Highness…
“When it is done and can’t be undone, would His Highness dare to disobey the imperial edict and refuse to marry her?”
Hearing this idea, Mo Shujun was overjoyed and said “great” repeatedly, but in a short time, she hesitated.
It was nothing else. Although she could reach her goal after she did that, if she irritated Mo Junhao, she might lose more than gain.
“It’s not that we don’t give him a chance to marry Lady Qingxue, but Lady Baoyou is older than her. No matter if she would be his wife or she would marry earlier, it is right and proper. It will depend on his ability if he wants to marry Lady Qingxue in the future!” Leng Yan responded unhurriedly and gave Mo Shujun a reason to cope with Mo Junhao.
In the end, she was afraid that Mo Shujun wouldn’t be tempted, so she mentioned what the old lady was worried about recently. “Princess Royal, aren’t you worried that Duke Shi has conflicts with you recently and everything will be uncontrollable?
“He doesn’t want to marry Lady Qingxue to His Highness. Now that you help him finish it, he will thank you.”
Mo Shujun forced Shi Junhe to marry Shi Qingxue to Mo Junhao because of the Shi family’s interests. Although Shi Junhe didn’t object, the relationship between the mother and son became the worst, and Shi Junhe didn’t even come to greet her these days.
On the surface, the Princess Royal looked as if nothing had happened, but as her personal maid, Leng Yan knew that the old lady was restless.
If she satisfied Shi Junhe on Shi Qingxue’s marriage this time, he would become the good son who respected the elders like before.
After all…the mother and son wouldn’t bear a grudge.
All kinds of temptations were in front of her, so Mo Shujun finally agreed. “Okay. I will enter the imperial palace tomorrow to ask His Majesty to grant their marriage. Then after the imperial edict is issued, even if the fourth prince has objections, he has to hold it back first.
“If he wants to marry Shi Qingxue, we will see if he has the ability to snatch a bride from Junyang!”
The next day, Mo Shujun was dressed up rarely. When she prepared to enter the imperial palace, she suddenly heard a servant report to her. “An imperial edict will come from the palace, and Duke Shi told everybody to accept it in the main hall.”
Mo Shujun came to the main hall in haste. Except Zhou Ruyu who was grounded in the South House, all the others had arrived.
Shi Junhe stood in the front and looked serious. Even the second master’s family who always had no sense of presence were present. All people came here, as if something significant would happen.
“Junhe, why did you gather all people in the main hall suddenly?” Mo Shujun didn’t see a eunuch who came to send the imperial edict, so she walked to Shi Junhe and asked.
Shi Junhe greeted Mo Shujun politely and answered with no emotion, “Mother, somebody from the imperial palace sent a message, saying that some people would come to send an imperial edict at 8:15, so I summoned all people in the mansion to wait for the imperial edict.”
Mo Shujun had seldom seen Shi Junhe behave so distantly, so she wasn’t used to it. But she was an elder and wouldn’t lower herself to improve their relationship. Instead, she questioned in a colder tone, “Now all the three of you are out of work and staying at home. Why is there an imperial edict from the palace? Did you do something wrong?”
Shi Junhe lowered his head and seemed not to notice that Mo Shujun sounded him out. He answered respectfully, “I don’t know.”
His words made Mo Shujun feel heartbroken, unable to speak a word.
What could she say?
The imperial edict hadn’t arrived, and it was “normal” that Shi Junhe didn’t know.
“Humph!” Mo Shujun knew that Shi Junhe didn’t tell her the truth, but she could do nothing. She had to go back to the master’s seat, but her dignified face was dark all the time and she didn’t look happy in front of Shi Junhe.
Shi Baoning saw that and felt uncomfortable. She grabbed her father’s clothes in secret and silently told him not to sulk with her grandmother.
Shi Junhe gently flicked Shi Baoning’s hand away in silence, even without giving her a glance.
He was also cold to her, and it was greatly different from his gentleness and love when he treated Shi Qingxue.
Shi Baoning’s eyes darkened at once, and she moved backward, remaining quiet.
For a moment, the bustling and noisy main hall changed slightly. All people had different expressions on their faces, but they quieted down in concert without previous arrangement. Even though some people whispered to one another occasionally, their voices were as low as the mosquitoes’.
After a long time, when almost all the onlookers felt that the pressure was about to depress them, a loud voice appeared. “Here are the imperial edicts.”
The voice was like the sound from the heaven and made all people excited in an instant.
They saw that Mo Xiangbin’s most favored eunuch Quan strode in and two young eunuchs followed him, with an imperial edict in each one’s hand.
Quan stood in front of all people and then got an imperial edict from the young eunuch on his right first. He unfolded it and read, “The emperor issued the edict, Duke Shi is loyal to me. This time he led the Shi Army to defeat the rebel army and ensured the imperial capital’s safety. He contributes to the country but doesn’t get arrogant or rash, which is rare and precious. So the title of General of the State is given to him, and this is a Rank-1 official position. Hope that he can be diligent with self-reliance and work hard in the future.”
“Thanks for your kindness, Your Majesty.” Shi Junhe knelt down and kowtowed before receiving the first imperial edict.
However, before all people showed any emotion, Quan added, “All of you, please keep calm. It’s not late to kneel and thank His Majesty after I read the second imperial edict.”
Then he got the imperial edict from the young eunuch on his left and continued to read, “The emperor issued the edict, the second lady from the Shi family is gentle, dignified and virtuous, so the Empress Dowager loves her very much. She can marry the second prince and the title as his wife is given to her. They will get married on the tenth day of the first lunar month next year.”
“What?”
This time, before Shi Junhe received the imperial edict from Quan, there was an uproar in the crowd.
The daughter of the second master’s concubine Shi Baojing who was always unknown to the public would marry someone of a much higher social position and become the second prince’s wife? Even though the second prince Mo Junwen had no power, she would marry above herself.
All of them discussed animatedly at once and showed a doubtful expression.
Not to mention that the people from other families didn’t expect that Shi Baojing was so lucky, even her parents Shi Junfeng and Zhang Qiuyan goggled at her in surprise.
Shi Baojing looked quiet and calm, the same as the description about her in the imperial edict.
“Ahem!” Quan coughed twice and reminded them that the ceremony of declaring the imperial edicts hadn’t been finished.
Shi Junhe glanced over the crowd with displeasure and then led all of them to kneel and kowtow to express their thanks to the emperor after all people behind him quieted down.
After putting away the imperial edicts, Shi Junhe put a money bag in Quan’s hand and stated politely, “The people in my mansion don’t know the rules and offended His Majesty. Please forgive them, Lord Quan.”
Although Quan was merely a eunuch, he came to read the imperial edicts, so he stood for the emperor. Just now the people from the Shi family behaved like that. If Quan talked about it after he went back, and somebody with evil intentions made a fuss about it, they could be accused of disrespecting the emperor.
“General Shi, it’s not so serious. Two happy events come at the same time, and it’s normal that they are overjoyed and forget everything inevitably. It was not offending.” Quan flatteringly smiled at Shi Junhe and gave the money bag back to him.
He expressed modestly, “It’s my honor to run errands for His Majesty and send the imperial edicts to you. I don’t dare to get money from you.”
Quan said that sincerely and wasn’t reluctant at all.
Although he would get some profits when he sent the imperial edicts, he was willing even if he got nothing from Shi Junhe.
What? You told him that Shi Junhe had been deposed by the emperor lately, so why was he worthy of flattery?
Leng Yan racked her brains to please Mo Shujun and didn't expect that the old lady changed the subject all of a sudden and focused on her, so it scared her.She hurriedly knelt on the floor and straightened her back, preparing to beg for mercy.Mo Shujun raised Leng Yan's chin and expressed gently, Stupid child, what are you afraid of? I just want to know what you are thinking about and don't plan to denounce you.Leng Yan secretly pinched her thigh, and her eyes were full of tears in an instant, but she controlled herself and didn't let the tears fall.She looked at Mo Shujun pitifully and expressed her loyalty again. Princess Royal, you are wise. I have been brought up by you since childhood, and I am definitely loyal to you and would never betray you.She spoke solemnly like swearing.But Mo Shujun was suspicious and even doubted a child that she had brought up.However, she didn't show it but caressed Leng Yan's long hair more affectionately. Then she stated with a smile, I have raised you, and how would I suspect your loyalty?But tell me first. You want Junhao to marry Baoyou instead of Qingxue because you have your own plan, right?Leng Yan was seen through, and embarrassment flashed on her face. She didn't dare to fool the old lady but nodded honestly. Princess Royal, you are so smart. I do have my own selfish motive.Just tell me.Er Leng Yan gritted her teeth and after a long time, she said each word with difficulty. Princess Royal, you feel pity for me and want to marry me to Duke Shi as his concubine, so I am grateful to you, but I have no foundation in the first master's family and I can't win Duke Shi's heart. If First Madam gets more power, I am afraid that I willTears fell from Leng Yan's eyes along her cheeks, hitting her clothes and the back of her hand.She didn't wipe them but stared at Mo Shujun as a weak girl.Mo Shujun was hard-hearted and wouldn't soften because of anybody's tears. She just looked at the girl indifferently.Leng Yan waited for a moment but Mo Shujun didn't comfort her, so she had to lower her voice.She continued, I know that it's improper to have this thought, but I really have no choice. You granted my marriage to Duke Shi, but if I can't live a good life in the East House in the future, wouldn't it humiliate you?Once it had something to do with Mo Shujun, the old lady's expression changed, and she softened fast obviously. She even patted the back of Leng Yan's hand and soothed her. Yan, don't worry. I will marry you to Junhe because I believe that he is capable and can make you happy. You have followed me for so long. Would I treat you unfairly?Leng Yan lowered her head and responded obediently, I know that you are nice to me, Princess Royal.Hmm, good girl!Mo Shujun probably realized that it was pointless if she still bothered about Leng Yan's secret thought, so she praised the maid and let it pass.After a while, she asked hesitantly, As you said, it's better to make Baoyou become the fourth prince's wife, but Junhao wouldn't give in easily. How do you think I should make him agree to marry Baoyou as his wife?It was a big problem.Mo Shujun had said a lot to Mo Junhao just now, and he was respectful and humble enough, but from beginning to end, he didn't promise her that he was willing to marry Shi Baoyou.Instead, he showed his wish and determination to marry Shi Qingxue in his words.But Leng Yan laughed and pointed out meaningfully, Princess Royal, you are wrong. His Highness is a prince, and his marriage can't be decided by himself alone.Oh? Do you meanYou are the Princess Royal. Not to mention that His Majesty respects you, you can even say something to the Empress Dowager. Moreover, Lady Baoyou is not inferior to anybody else. If you enter the imperial palace to ask His Majesty to grant the marriage of Lady Baoyou and His HighnessWhen it is done and can't be undone, would His Highness dare to disobey the imperial edict and refuse to marry her?Hearing this idea, Mo Shujun was overjoyed and said great repeatedly, but in a short time, she hesitated.It was nothing else. Although she could reach her goal after she did that, if she irritated Mo Junhao, she might lose more than gain.It's not that we don't give him a chance to marry Lady Qingxue, but Lady Baoyou is older than her. No matter if she would be his wife or she would marry earlier, it is right and proper. It will depend on his ability if he wants to marry Lady Qingxue in the future! Leng Yan responded unhurriedly and gave Mo Shujun a reason to cope with Mo Junhao.In the end, she was afraid that Mo Shujun wouldn't be tempted, so she mentioned what the old lady was worried about recently. Princess Royal, aren't you worried that Duke Shi has conflicts with you recently and everything will be uncontrollable?He doesn't want to marry Lady Qingxue to His Highness. Now that you help him finish it, he will thank you.Mo Shujun forced Shi Junhe to marry Shi Qingxue to Mo Junhao because of the Shi family's interests. Although Shi Junhe didn't object, the relationship between the mother and son became the worst, and Shi Junhe didn't even come to greet her these days.On the surface, the Princess Royal looked as if nothing had happened, but as her personal maid, Leng Yan knew that the old lady was restless.If she satisfied Shi Junhe on Shi Qingxue's marriage this time, he would become the good son who respected the elders like before.After allthe mother and son wouldn't bear a grudge.All kinds of temptations were in front of her, so Mo Shujun finally agreed. Okay. I will enter the imperial palace tomorrow to ask His Majesty to grant their marriage. Then after the imperial edict is issued, even if the fourth prince has objections, he has to hold it back first.If he wants to marry Shi Qingxue, we will see if he has the ability to snatch a bride from Junyang!The next day, Mo Shujun was dressed up rarely. When she prepared to enter the imperial palace, she suddenly heard a servant report to her. An imperial edict will come from the palace, and Duke Shi told everybody to accept it in the main hall.Mo Shujun came to the main hall in haste. Except Zhou Ruyu who was grounded in the South House, all the others had arrived.Shi Junhe stood in the front and looked serious. Even the second master's family who always had no sense of presence were present. All people came here, as if something significant would happen.Junhe, why did you gather all people in the main hall suddenly? Mo Shujun didn't see a eunuch who came to send the imperial edict, so she walked to Shi Junhe and asked.Shi Junhe greeted Mo Shujun politely and answered with no emotion, Mother, somebody from the imperial palace sent a message, saying that some people would come to send an imperial edict at 8:15, so I summoned all people in the mansion to wait for the imperial edict.Mo Shujun had seldom seen Shi Junhe behave so distantly, so she wasn't used to it. But she was an elder and wouldn't lower herself to improve their relationship. Instead, she questioned in a colder tone, Now all the three of you are out of work and staying at home. Why is there an imperial edict from the palace? Did you do something wrong?Shi Junhe lowered his head and seemed not to notice that Mo Shujun sounded him out. He answered respectfully, I don't know.His words made Mo Shujun feel heartbroken, unable to speak a word.What could she say?The imperial edict hadn't arrived, and it was normal that Shi Junhe didn't know.Humph! Mo Shujun knew that Shi Junhe didn't tell her the truth, but she could do nothing. She had to go back to the master's seat, but her dignified face was dark all the time and she didn't look happy in front of Shi Junhe.Shi Baoning saw that and felt uncomfortable. She grabbed her father's clothes in secret and silently told him not to sulk with her grandmother.Shi Junhe gently flicked Shi Baoning's hand away in silence, even without giving her a glance.He was also cold to her, and it was greatly different from his gentleness and love when he treated Shi Qingxue.Shi Baoning's eyes darkened at once, and she moved backward, remaining quiet.For a moment, the bustling and noisy main hall changed slightly. All people had different expressions on their faces, but they quieted down in concert without previous arrangement. Even though some people whispered to one another occasionally, their voices were as low as the mosquitoes'.After a long time, when almost all the onlookers felt that the pressure was about to depress them, a loud voice appeared. Here are the imperial edicts.The voice was like the sound from the heaven and made all people excited in an instant.They saw that Mo Xiangbin's most favored eunuch Quan strode in and two young eunuchs followed him, with an imperial edict in each one's hand.Quan stood in front of all people and then got an imperial edict from the young eunuch on his right first. He unfolded it and read, The emperor issued the edict, Duke Shi is loyal to me. This time he led the Shi Army to defeat the rebel army and ensured the imperial capital's safety. He contributes to the country but doesn't get arrogant or rash, which is rare and precious. So the title of General of the State is given to him, and this is a Rank-1 official position. Hope that he can be diligent with self-reliance and work hard in the future.Thanks for your kindness, Your Majesty. Shi Junhe knelt down and kowtowed before receiving the first imperial edict.However, before all people showed any emotion, Quan added, All of you, please keep calm. It's not late to kneel and thank His Majesty after I read the second imperial edict.Then he got the imperial edict from the young eunuch on his left and continued to read, The emperor issued the edict, the second lady from the Shi family is gentle, dignified and virtuous, so the Empress Dowager loves her very much. She can marry the second prince and the title as his wife is given to her. They will get married on the tenth day of the first lunar month next year.What?This time, before Shi Junhe received the imperial edict from Quan, there was an uproar in the crowd.The daughter of the second master's concubine Shi Baojing who was always unknown to the public would marry someone of a much higher social position and become the second prince's wife? Even though the second prince Mo Junwen had no power, she would marry above herself.All of them discussed animatedly at once and showed a doubtful expression.Not to mention that the people from other families didn't expect that Shi Baojing was so lucky, even her parents Shi Junfeng and Zhang Qiuyan goggled at her in surprise.Shi Baojing looked quiet and calm, the same as the description about her in the imperial edict.Ahem! Quan coughed twice and reminded them that the ceremony of declaring the imperial edicts hadn't been finished.Shi Junhe glanced over the crowd with displeasure and then led all of them to kneel and kowtow to express their thanks to the emperor after all people behind him quieted down.After putting away the imperial edicts, Shi Junhe put a money bag in Quan's hand and stated politely, The people in my mansion don't know the rules and offended His Majesty. Please forgive them, Lord Quan.Although Quan was merely a eunuch, he came to read the imperial edicts, so he stood for the emperor. Just now the people from the Shi family behaved like that. If Quan talked about it after he went back, and somebody with evil intentions made a fuss about it, they could be accused of disrespecting the emperor.General Shi, it's not so serious. Two happy events come at the same time, and it's normal that they are overjoyed and forget everything inevitably. It was not offending. Quan flatteringly smiled at Shi Junhe and gave the money bag back to him.He expressed modestly, It's my honor to run errands for His Majesty and send the imperial edicts to you. I don't dare to get money from you.Quan said that sincerely and wasn't reluctant at all.Although he would get some profits when he sent the imperial edicts, he was willing even if he got nothing from Shi Junhe.What? You told him that Shi Junhe had been deposed by the emperor lately, so why was he worthy of flattery?
