The Double
Chapter 542 - 162 Persuasion_5

Chapter 542: Chapter 162 Persuasion_5

Empress Dowager Liu was seething inside, hardly able to refrain from cursing aloud. The implication from the Empress Dowager was for her not to sow discord; the Emperor did not wish for Shen Yurong to marry Princess Yongning, yet the Empress Dowager turned around and granted the marriage anyway. It was certain to breed resentment between the Emperor and the Empress Dowager.

Sure enough, those who survived in the palace, even if they pretended to be without desires, harbored cunning and shrewd hearts. Empress Dowager Liu thought resentfully, so be it, even if Emperor Hongxiao truly disapproved and really heeded her wishes, she never liked Shen Yurong. It was only because she could not oppose Princess Yongning. If Princess Yongning knew she had done her best, but the Emperor did not agree, she would not blame her.

Thinking this, Empress Dowager Liu felt a great relief in her heart. She said, "Since sister has already agreed, I shall not disturb sister’s prayer and scripture copying." She rose to her feet, paid her respects to the Empress Dowager, and gracefully withdrew.

After Empress Dowager Liu left, the Empress Dowager didn’t continue copying scriptures; she just looked at the scripture, lost in thought. After a while, she stood up, and the palace maid quickly came to support her. She said, "Bring my outer robe."

"Where does Your Majesty wish to go?"

"The Imperial Study Room," replied the Empress Dowager.

...

Jiang Yuanbai walked towards the Imperial Study Room, holding a memorial in his hand.

The eunuchs inside the palace who saw him paid their respects, and he still appeared to be the esteemed Chief Minister, but Jiang Yuanbai knew that his family’s affairs might already be the subject of their sarcastic comments behind his back, wondering what they said about him.

Yet he still maintained a composed smile, demonstrating a dignified bearing. In court, as if wearing a mask, one had to keep up appearances, whether high or low in status.

He was there to deliver the memorial to Emperor Hongxiao.

When he arrived at the Imperial Study Room, he happened to see someone leaving just as he approached—it was none other than the Empress Dowager. The Empress Dowager usually did not interfere in politics, so her sudden appearance in the Imperial Study Room was unexpected—could something have happened? As Jiang Yuanbai thought this, he maintained a smile on his face, and the Empress Dowager also saw him and nodded in his direction. Jiang Yuanbai approached and paid his respects, and the Empress Dowager quickly departed.

The eunuch went inside to announce his arrival, and Jiang Yuanbai entered the Imperial Study Room.

Emperor Hongxiao was reading a memorial.

The young emperor who had grown up under Yuanbai’s guidance had become a young monarch, diligent and caring for his people. While others may still see him as under Prince Cheng’s thumb and not yet fully fledged, Jiang Yuanbai knew this fledgling eagle was gradually growing strong.

He felt a touch of sentiment.

Emperor Hongxiao looked up and said, "Please sit, Teacher."

He had once served as Emperor Hongxiao’s Grand Preceptor, so in private, Emperor Hongxiao always addressed him as Teacher. This address, "Teacher," which years ago was filled with sincere respect, held an amount of sincerity Jiang Yuanbai couldn’t discern anymore.

One could not presume to guess the thoughts of an emperor.

"Teacher just saw my mother on your way in," said Emperor Hongxiao, "Do you know what she was here for?"

Jiang Yuanbai expressed his confusion, "I do not know, Your Majesty."

"It was about Princess Yongning’s marital issues," Emperor Hongxiao smiled, "Empress Dowager Liu went to see my mother, hoping she could arrange a marriage for Yongning. They are fond of Assistant Head Writer Shen Yurong and wish for him to become Yongning’s Prince Consort."

Jiang Yuanbai was taken aback but before he could speak, Emperor Hongxiao looked at him and asked, "What are your thoughts on this matter, Teacher?"

"I am fearful and dare not speak recklessly," Jiang Yuanbai hurriedly responded.

"Speak freely," Emperor Hongxiao said, "I find the matter of great importance and would like to hear Teacher’s opinion."

Jiang Yuanbai looked at Emperor Hongxiao, who returned the gaze earnestly. Each time Emperor Hongxiao looked at him with such seriousness, Jiang Yuanbai’s mind would wander back to years past when a young Emperor Hongxiao sought his guidance.

"In my opinion, Lord Shen had a wife before, and for the princess to marry him would be a continuation... truly a compromise. Considering the princess is of marriageable age, the court is filled with young talents, and Lord Shen is not the best choice," said Jiang Yuanbai. He knew Emperor Hongxiao would be reluctant to simply present Shen Yurong, a rising star, to Prince Cheng. He had to align with the emperor’s preferences.

Emperor Hongxiao nodded, "I feel the same way. But apart from Shen Yurong, I can’t think of anyone else suitable at the moment. Do you have any recommendations, Teacher?"

Jiang Yuanbai’s heart suddenly began to race.

Just a day earlier, Jiang Li came to his study and said, "Father, if there is a discussion about Princess Yongning’s marriage in the court, please make sure to express your stance and recommend this person."

He had thought Jiang Li’s words baseless—why would the court suddenly discuss Princess Yongning’s marriage? Yet now, the matter unfolded before his very eyes.

He didn’t understand how Jiang Li had found out so swiftly, even before him, the Chief Minister. But since Jiang Li’s prediction had come true, the recommended candidate would surely be the same. Moreover, Jiang Li had also persuaded him. Indeed, no one was more suitable to marry Princess Yongning than this person. Emperor Hongxiao must also agree.

With his expression unchanged and after seemingly reflecting for a while, Jiang Yuanbai said, "I have someone in mind; what does Your Majesty think?"

"Speak."

"There are indeed many young talents in the court, yet few match the princess in age and family background. In my view, Eldest Young Master Li from the Right Chancellor’s Residence is a very fitting match. He is handsome and talented, garnering praise from all, and appears to be a perfect match for the princess, none better," said Jiang Yuanbai.