Read Novel Full Chapter 779 - 381 Marriage Affairs
Chapter 779: Chapter 381 Marriage Affairs
In Kunde Hall, Zhao Yao spread his arms wide, obediently standing as Pan Cairen took his measurements.
In a few months, Zhao Yao would be conferred a title and depart for his fiefdom. Pan Cairen wanted to do something for him. She didn’t have much money herself, and her family was even poorer. Unable to give Zhao Yao valuable gifts, she could only make things for him by hand.
Since childhood, many of Zhao Yao’s clothes and shoes, along with sachets, were made by Pan Cairen and Yu Meiren.
Though Pan Cairen was not favored and had no children, she had always considered Zhao Yao her own. Now that Zhao Yao was about to leave the capital for his fief, she thought of making more clothes for him while there was still time.
"Third Mother Consort, you’ve already made me more clothes than I can wear." Pan Cairen had already made several boxes of clothing and shoes for Zhao Yao.
"Not enough, I need to make more," Pan Cairen thought of Yu Meiren, her eyes turning red, her voice choked with emotion, "I want to make for Sister Yu as well."
Mentioning Yu Meiren brought a somber expression to both Lady Liang and Zhao Yao’s faces, as Yu Meiren was no longer with them.
Years ago, the Fifth Princess was caught having an affair with the Second Princess’s prince consort, the youngest son of Marquis Wucheng. Discovered by the Second Princess, the Fifth Princess was beaten to death.
The death of the Fifth Princess dealt a heavy blow to Yu Meiren, who fell ill afterward. Her illness lingered for years until she quietly passed away one night three years ago.
Yu Meiren’s passing was also a significant blow to Pan Cairen, causing her to fall ill as well. Thankfully, with the company of Lady Liang and Zhao Yao, she recovered from the sorrow of losing her dear friend.
"Third Mother Consort, I’m afraid you’ll tire yourself out and harm your eyes," Zhao Yao said as he used a handkerchief to wipe Pan Cairen’s tearful face, "I’ve already lost my Second Mother Consort; I can’t bear to lose you too. You need to take care of yourself."
Hearing Zhao Yao’s words, Pan Cairen cried even harder.
"We promised to rely on each other and live to old age. But Sister Yu broke that promise..."
Zhao Yao embraced Pan Cairen, gently patting her back.
"Third Mother Consort, with you and Mother Consort still here, we’ll always be with you."
"Yes, Yao Yao and I are still here."
"Third Mother Consort, in a few months, I’ll be leaving for my fiefdom. It will just be you and Mother Consort in the palace, so you must take care of each other. One day, I’ll bring you and Mother Consort to my fiefdom to live out your golden years." Zhao Yao smiled and said, "Then I’ll take you and Mother Consort to explore and taste all the delicious foods of the world."
Pan Cairen smiled at Zhao Yao’s words, "Alright, I’ll wait for you to take me and your sister to taste all the world’s delicacies."
Seeing Pan Cairen smile through her tears, Zhao Yao was relieved. He then made a playful remark, making Pan Cairen laugh uncontrollably.
After finishing Zhao Yao’s measurements, Pan Cairen couldn’t wait to return to her chamber to continue making clothes for Zhao Yao.
"Sigh, Third Mother Consort has always held onto the pain of Second Mother Consort’s passing," Zhao Yao thought, feeling a pang of sorrow for her, "If it weren’t for us, Third Mother Consort might not have been able to hold on."
"She has always considered you her child; you’re her reason for living." In the palace, concubines desperately desire children to give their lives hope and meaning. "She’s both fortunate and unfortunate."
Fortunately, Pan Cairen, though not favored, has always been protected by Lady Liang and others, never suffering humiliation in the palace. Unfortunately, she has spent her entire life trapped in the palace without freedom.
"Mother Consort, after I leave, Third Mother Consort can keep you company, so you won’t be lonely." With Third Mother Consort by Lady Liang’s side, Zhao Yao felt at ease. "In the future, I’ll bring you both out of the palace to live later years in comfort."
Lady Liang understood that she, too, would remain in the palace, but as for Pan Cairen, if she wished to leave, Lady Liang would see to it.
"Alright, we’ll wait for you, Third Mother Consort and I."
"Mother Consort, I have to go out of the palace for something. I’ll be back in the evening."
"Where are you going?"
"I’m going to see Second Uncle." Zhao Yao assured Lady Liang, "I’ll definitely return to the palace tonight, not going to either the eighth brother or the fourth brother."
Lady Liang reminded, "Your father has something to say to you."
"I know," Zhao Yao figured the emperor wanted to discuss matters regarding the fiefdom.
"Then go."
"I’m off."
He Lianfang, seeing Zhao Yao’s arrival, handed him the letter he had just received.
"A letter from Lin Qi."
Upon hearing it was a letter from Lin Qi, Zhao Yao’s eyes lit up. He eagerly took the letter from He Lianfang’s hands.
"Seventh Uncle’s voyage is going well, right? Nothing out of the ordinary?"
"Nothing. Everything’s going smoothly."
Zhao Yao quickly opened the letter, lowering his head to read it diligently.
Lin Qi’s handwriting was messy, his words pouring forth in abundance, mostly describing his observations at sea. He concluded by stating that their sea journey was proceeding smoothly, without encountering any storms or massive waves. If this continued smoothly, they should reach Japan in about half a month.
"Looks like before I head to Lingnan, Seventh Uncle and his team might find gold and silver in Japan." Zhao Yao chuckled slyly, a bit roguishly, "If they’re quick enough, maybe by the end of the year, I might get a substantial amount of gold and silver."
"You’re quite optimistic," He Lianfang doubted the possibility of receiving Japan’s gold and silver by the year’s end since mining takes time.
"If not this year, definitely next year." Zhao Yao stroked his chin, appearing thoughtful, "Next year... Second Uncle, how about next year I personally take a trip to Japan and see the gold mountain and silver mountain, then personally bring the gold and silver back to Great Zhou."
"What did you say?" He Lianfang was startled by Zhao Yao’s words, "You want to go to Japan?"
"Why not?" Zhao Yao blinked, "I think I should personally see... ouch..." Before Zhao Yao could finish, a book He Lianfang threw hit him squarely on the head, causing him to cry out in pain.
"Second Uncle, how many times have I told you, don’t hit my head, I’ll get dumber."
He Lianfang said nothing, glaring coldly at Zhao Yao.
Zhao Yao, unnerved by He Lianfang’s gaze, quickly raised his hand, smiling accommodatingly at He Lianfang: "Hehe, I was just joking. There’s no way I’d have time to go to Japan next year."
"If you dare go to Japan next year, I’ll break your legs." He Lianfang knew Zhao Yao wasn’t joking; he was truly considering a trip to Japan.
Seeing He Lianfang speak so menacingly about breaking his legs, Zhao Yao suddenly felt a twinge of pain in his legs.
"I won’t go, definitely won’t go!" If he really went to Japan next year, Second Uncle would probably make good on his threat!
"Second Uncle, about Lingnan..." Zhao Yao noticed He Lianfang’s expression still icy and hurriedly changed the subject to matters concerning Lingnan.
He Lianfang knew Zhao Yao wouldn’t easily give up the idea of going to Japan. However, even if Zhao Yao didn’t give up, he had means to keep Zhao Yao too busy to think about Japan.
In these past years, Zhao Yao had done a lot to prepare for Lingnan, making numerous arrangements. Once Zhao Yao reached Lingnan, he would immediately have the opportunity to showcase his abilities.
"Sigh, I wish I could go to Lingnan right now. I can’t stand another moment in the capital," he said, finding the daily court sessions unbearable.
"Going to court is for you to understand the situation."
"I can understand court affairs without attending."
"There’s another reason for attending court: to clearly see the ministers."
"To see the ministers’ true colors?" Zhao Yao snorted derisively. "Is it necessary to attend court for that? I already know."
"You should observe how your father negotiates with those ministers." He Lianfang said seriously, "That’s what you should learn most from attending court."
"I can do that," Zhao Yao said, aware of the emperor’s maneuverings with the ministers.
"You?" He Lianfang looked Zhao Yao up and down, then sneered, "You’re far from matching your father."
Zhao Yao glanced at He Lianfang and then leered playfully, "Second Uncle, are you praising my father?"
He Lianfang’s face grew dark at Zhao Yao’s remark, and he spoke harshly, "Zhao Zheng is insidious and ruthless, you’re nothing like him."
Zhao Yao acknowledged, "Second Uncle, saying it like that, I’m nowhere near my father."
"By the way, what about your marriage?" He Lianfang dismissed Zhao Yao’s talk of the emperor, "Has Zhao Zheng mentioned it to you?"
Zhao Yao shook his head gently, "No, father hasn’t discussed my marriage with me yet."
He Lianfang frowned slightly, "Has he mentioned it to your mother consort?"
"Mother Consort asked Father, and he said he would choose a good match for me, but hasn’t decided on the family yet." Zhao Yao recalled Lady Liang telling him about Princess Consort Li’s interest in his marriage, which he then conveyed to He Lianfang. "I suspect Father might let me marry a girl from the Li Family."
He Lianfang asked, "Why do you think so?"