Chapter 20 – A Marriage Decree for Her

Consort Liang arrived much sooner than expected.

Just moments ago, Yin Mingyu had ordered a few plates of pastries to be brought into the tent. Before Ning Zhaorou could even finish a few bites, a palace maid came in to report that Consort Liang was here.

Ning Zhaorou had just bitten into a piece of rose milk pastry, crumbs clinging to her lips. She didn’t say a word and quietly waited to see how he would react.

Yin Mingyu only handed her a handkerchief after she had finished the entire pastry.
“Wipe your mouth once you’re done. I’ll step out for a moment. Don’t eat too much—dinner will be served soon.”

Ning Zhaorou lifted her head, wanting to rise and see him off, but he gently tapped her forehead.
“Just stay put. I’ll have your little maid brought over.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
Ning Zhaorou had been worrying about where Shuangwu had gone. Now, hearing this, she finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Yin Mingyu stepped out, and before long, Shuangwu came in, looking quite nervous, led by Zhuyue.

Ning Zhaorou gave her a quick once-over. Seeing that she was unharmed, she immediately beckoned her closer.
Zhuyue quietly withdrew and reminded them to call if they needed anything.

Ning Zhaorou nodded her thanks.

The Emperor’s tent was spacious enough. Besides the large main hall used for discussions, it had side chambers to the left and right. Ning Zhaorou was currently resting in the side sleeping chamber. With a double-layered curtain between them, further in was the Emperor’s private bedchamber. She didn’t dare walk around casually and simply stayed where she was.

Even so, the tents were still connected. From the front hall, the muffled sounds of voices drifted through, faint yet still discernible.

It was Consort Liang’s voice.

This time, Consort Liang didn’t come to beg for forgiveness on behalf of Princess Rong.
Instead, her tone was full of self-reproach, admitting her own shortcomings in raising the princess.

Yin Mingyu looked down at her and said flatly,
“You indeed didn’t teach her well.”

Consort Liang was caught off guard by the direct rebuke. Half the strength behind her practiced act instantly crumbled. She lowered her head and meekly replied, “Yes.”

She continued,
“Yun’er was misled by the slander of a palace maid and ended up doing something so wrong. Fortunately, Lady Ning was not harmed—otherwise, I wouldn’t be able to excuse myself.”

“I was thinking… Lady Ning has such a gentle and agreeable temperament, yet she’s endured so many grievances lately. It wouldn’t do to simply send her off with a few trinkets and gold.”

Yin Mingyu quietly waited to hear what absurd idea she was about to propose.

Consort Liang lifted her head and smiled softly. Her tone was measured and considerate.
“I heard that the young lady hasn’t yet turned seventeen—such a tender, blossoming age. Why not let this consort do a kind deed and bring her into my palace for a period of proper upbringing? I could also arrange a good marriage for her—”

Bring her into the palace and then arrange a marriage?

Where did Consort Liang get the audacity to suggest such a thing?

Yin Mingyu nearly laughed aloud. He thought of the kind of miserable situation Ning Zhaorou must have been in within the imperial city—so pitiful that even a random court lady thought she had the right to dictate her marriage?

No wonder she had been in such a rush to get him to pick a husband for her himself.

These very words made their way to Ning Zhaorou’s ears through the tent curtain. Though the voices were low, she heard everything clearly.

At her side, Shuangwu nervously clutched her arm and whispered,
“My lady…”

Ning Zhaorou gave her a gentle shake of the head.

Even back on Mount Eoming, Consort Liang had dared to deal with her as she pleased. If she were truly sent into the palace, into her palace—what fate would await her then?

Though uneasy, Ning Zhaorou wasn’t as panicked as one might expect. It was as if she had a feeling that His Majesty would not agree to such a thing.

Surely… His Majesty wouldn’t agree, would he?

Yin Mingyu cast a casual glance at the curtain beside him, knowing full well that Ning Zhaorou was inside listening.

“You want to arrange a marriage for her?” Yin Mingyu leaned against the armrest of his chair and asked calmly,
“To make such a suggestion, you must have someone in mind. Let’s hear it.”

Inside the tent, Ning Zhaorou’s face went pale. Her long lashes drooped, and she stared silently at the pastries on the tray.

Consort Liang’s eyes lit up with joy, and she quickly responded,
“It’s quite a coincidence, Your Majesty. Before I left for the autumn hunt, my mother paid a visit to the palace and mentioned a distant relative of our family. The household is wealthy and has held official rank. Their young master just came of age this year and asked my mother to help find a suitable match.”

Though Second Miss Ning was a legitimate daughter, her birth mother had passed away, and she had no support from her maternal family. The Anping Marquisate was in decline, and she had never been favored by the marquis. Naturally, she could expect no help from the marquisate. She was like a wild weed—toss her anywhere and few would object. If she proposed such a marriage, that Ning girl might even be grateful.

Yin Mingyu nodded.
“That is quite the coincidence.”

Consort Liang hadn’t even finished basking in his response when he suddenly changed the subject.

“I wasn’t aware you’d taken up matchmaking duties,” Yin Mingyu said with a faint smile that betrayed no emotion.
“If it were a princess’s marriage, I could understand you having a say. But now you’re proposing a match for the legitimate daughter of the Anping Marquis?”

Though his tone was even, Consort Liang had been in the palace long enough to recognize the anger behind it.

She quickly fell to her knees and bowed her head.

“The palace gates seem too loose these days. People think they can say whatever they want inside,” Yin Mingyu said.
“Very well, then. The Li family is not to enter the rear palace for the next three years. That should stop them from filling your head with nonsense.”

Consort Liang anxiously lifted her head, just about to speak in her own defense, when she saw the Emperor’s cold gaze fall upon her.

Yin Mingyu tapped the table, signaling the attendants to change the tea.
He continued calmly,
“It seems this trip out of the palace has addled your senses. Consort Liang, go and reflect on this.”

Trembling, she bowed deeply and withdrew.

Inside the tent, both Ning Zhaorou and Shuangwu finally breathed a sigh of relief.

She hadn’t guessed wrong—His Majesty would never agree.

“My lady… when are we going back?” Shuangwu whispered. Though the imperial tent was spacious, they couldn’t stay here forever. If the eldest young lady saw that they hadn’t returned, she’d definitely tell the Marquis.

Ning Zhaorou glanced toward the main tent and whispered,
“Let me think about it. I’ll bring it up with His Majesty later.”

But even if she did, there was no guarantee he would agree. After all, he had just mentioned having dinner together.

Shuangwu saw the troubled look on her face and offered a suggestion,
“Why don’t I go back first? If the eldest young lady comes looking, I’ll say you got caught in the rain and fell ill, and you’re resting now.”

But that was a weak excuse. With Ning Wanqing’s temperament, she’d insist on seeing her with her own eyes.

“If we get caught, things will be even worse.”
By then, there’d be no way to explain it clearly.

Just as they were racking their brains for a solution, Zhuyue’s voice came softly from outside.
“Lady Ning, it’s time for the evening meal.”

Ning Zhaorou hurried to her feet and stepped out.