Chapter 104

In the past, people had to wait in line to see the emperor. Prince Huan was too late yesterday and missed his chance to meet the emperor, so today he arrived early and succeeded.

When Prince Huan brought Tao Sheng in, he found that King Rui was also there.

Prince Huan never liked his arrogant nephew, so he just greeted him and started talking to the emperor.

Prince Huan had already submitted a detailed report on the trip. He brought Tao Sheng only to meet the emperor and complete the formalities.

After they spoke, the emperor turned to Tao Sheng, “I told your eldest brother that your mission to Ling State for a year delayed your marriage. I wanted him to find some good young men for you, but he said your marriage is already settled. Lord Ji is a great choice, and you and your family have good taste.”

The emperor gave King Rui a meaningful look, a hint of warning in his eyes.

Tao Sheng didn’t expect the King of Chu to be so sharp. She continued, “Thanks to your Majesty’s blessings, everything is going well. After these few busy months, we will prepare for the ceremony.”

The emperor was happy that his young zither player found a good match and asked Tao Sheng to play two auspicious songs for him.

Prince Rui’s face darkened as he silently protested Tao Sheng’s lack of appreciation for gold and jade.

The next day, Prince Rui met Ji Yanming in the palace again and made things difficult for him, saying, “Do you really think everything will be fine just because you follow the King of Chu? Sooner or later, you will regret it. Let’s wait and see.”

Gao Zhen was passing by and overheard. He stood by the palace wall, waiting for the two to leave, recalling Ji Yanming’s conversation with the emperor.

The emperor, after the crown prince’s fall, just wanted peace until his retirement. He thought about passing the throne to the King of Chu.

But even though the King of Chu was already forty and his eldest son was married, he always seemed careless, worrying the emperor.

The emperor shared his concerns with Ji Yanming, who said, “In my opinion, His Royal Highness the Prince of Chu is not completely heartless. Meeting Prince Rui always rekindles his fighting spirit.”

“This child has been carefree since he was young. He needs to be tempered,” the emperor said, narrowing his eyes. “I know what you’re thinking, but keep it between us.”

Gao Zhen understood everything. The emperor’s preferred heir was still the Prince of Chu. He had released Prince Rui as a way to prepare the Prince of Chu for the throne.

Prince Rui seemed to be gathering power around him, but they were all second-rate officials, easily scattered. Everything was under control.

It was ridiculous that Prince Rui thought his “comeback” was genuine. He didn’t realize that Ji Yanming had been behind it all.

_

Su Wan and Luo Xiu were generally supportive of Tao Sheng and Ji Yanming’s marriage. Ji Yanming easily solved the key concerns.

Now, it was time to consult Grand Master Luo and Luo Xin. Tao Sheng was now officially a child of the Luo family, so it was only right to seek their opinion.

In this time, marriages were arranged by parents and matchmakers. Although Ji Yanming had already discussed things with Grand Master Luo, Su Jia was still responsible for officially bringing up the matter.

After Su Jia visited the Luo family, Tao Sheng’s engagement letter was quickly brought back, marking the first step toward formalizing the engagement.

This was expected, so there was nothing to celebrate. Tao Sheng was more concerned about how Grand Master Luo and Luo Xin would react, so she called Mother Tang, who had gone with Su Jia, to ask about it.

Mother Tang had watched Tao Sheng and Ji Yanming grow up and was happy that the two children had such an outcome. When Tao Sheng asked, Mother Tang thought for a moment and answered honestly: “Grand Master Luo seemed very pleased. He said our young master has both ability and potential, and he is worthy of the young lady. He agreed to the marriage.”

“Madam Luo said that the young master arranged for Amber to join the mansion. She believes that the young master is thoughtful and can protect the young lady in court, so she agreed. However, as the young lady’s mother, Madam Luo is gentle and tends to worry more. It’s good that your future husband is capable, but don’t let things become too tiring between you two, as it might cause issues.”

Although this was said in a roundabout way, it meant Ji Yanming is very capable, and it could be difficult for his future wife to manage him, making their relationship tiring.

Tao Sheng had just found out that her aunt shared the same concerns as her sister Su Wan when she learned Ji Yanming liked her.

Tao Sheng asked Ji Yanming in confusion: “Why does it seem like when we are together, everyone thinks I will be at a disadvantage?”

These elders were her closest relatives and should understand both of them well.

That’s why Tao Sheng was upset. 

Saying that she would suffer and that it might be hard to get along with Ji Yanming sounded like Ji Yanming was too strong for her.

Although she knew Ji Yanming was cleverer than her, did they have to show it so obviously?

Since returning from Luoyang, Ji Yanming had changed his study, adding a new desk for Tao Sheng next to his so they could work and study together.

Hearing this, Ji Yanming put down his memorials and walked to Tao Sheng: “Actually, I think everyone might just be considering my pride.”

“What?” Tao Sheng was completely confused by this.

“You have a better family, you’re beautiful and talented, and more trusted by His Majesty than I am. They’re worried that you’ll suffer marrying someone like me, who’s not as good as you, so they speak carefully.”

With the wedding date approaching and Lord Qiu starting to relax on some matters, Tao Sheng was making plans for the next few months today. She rested her cheek on her hand, thinking about her worries while writing.

As they talked, Ji Yanming came closer. He leaned over, grabbed the pen from behind her, and circled two words on the paper: “Here and here need revision.”

Tao Sheng was suddenly surrounded by his presence, and her brain went blank. She thought his “twisted logic” about pride actually made sense.

Tao Sheng was convinced.

After comforting his troubled fiancée, Ji Yanming stayed with Tao Sheng to finish the New Year’s plan, then casually asked: “Why did you prefer to consider Chu Xun over me in the past?”

He thought he was special enough to her. Did she really know nothing about this?

“How should I put it…” Tao Sheng couldn’t tell him the real reason—that Chu Xun was the villain in the original story—so she chose a more acceptable explanation.

“I once had a very strange dream. I dreamed that you didn’t like any girl. Even if I loved you, it would be in vain, so I decided to put away my feelings for you.”

Ji Yanming didn’t expect this answer.

“Are you sleepy now?”

“You must be tired.”

It was already past midnight, and it was dark outside. She had to attend court early tomorrow, so it was time for her to rest.

Tao Sheng thought Ji Yanming was urging her to go back to her room.

But as soon as she stood up, he gently placed her on the couch beside her.

Tao Sheng was startled.

Is it going to rain in Wushan so soon?

She wasn’t prepared for this.

Ji Yanming’s voice was calm, but with a hint of strength: “Dream another one.”

He moved the official documents and chair over, starting to read the documents next to her, as if he wanted to supervise her sleeping and dreaming.

Tao Sheng: …

Is he just going to watch her sleep like this?

How could she sleep?

The pressure was too much!