Unparalleled Beauty

Chapter C035

Wushuang thought it was indeed so. While she was agonizing over her own situation, little did she know that Mei Wuxia was now in an even more difficult predicament. The marriage she had schemed for was gone, and she had also offended Commandery Princess Minghui. She should be even more troubled than herself.

Thinking this way, her mood improved considerably.

She then thought of how Prince Wei had said that the imperial decree for the marriage would be issued in a couple of days. Once the decree was issued, her days would be much easier. At that time, she would have the opportunity to do what she had always wanted to do but never had the chance.

That evening, Ji Yang did not come. Wushuang waited for him until midnight, and finally fell asleep herself.

When she woke up the next day, she realized that she had overslept and had missed the time to pay her respects to the Old Madam. She then gave up on herself, thinking it would be fine not to go. After all, she was injured, and it was likely that everyone who needed to know already knew.

Just as Wushuang was dawdling in bed, unwilling to get up, the imperial decree from the palace arrived.

***

When was the last time an imperial decree had graced the gates of Marquis Changyang's mansion?

It was back when Mei Zong inherited the title. That time was the most glorious moment for Marquis Changyang's mansion in recent years. Now, the arrival of an imperial decree was surprising yet not entirely unexpected. After all, Prince Wei had personally escorted Third Miss back yesterday, which had already caused a stir.

The imperial eunuch Zhao Quan, holding a horsetail whisk and carrying the imperial decree, was accompanied by Mei Zong, who was wearing his full marquis's regalia and smiling obsequiously, inviting him in for tea.

Usually, when an imperial decree was to be read, the entire household had to gather. For the men, it was just a matter of changing clothes, but the women in the inner quarters were slower to change. Zhao Quan was well aware of this, so he chatted with Mei Zong while waiting for everyone to arrive.

Because Zhao Quan had previously hinted that it was an imperial decree for a marriage, the Changyang Marquis's mansion knew who the main subject was. Wushuang's courtyard was in an uproar. Regardless of whether they had been loyal to Wushuang before or whether they had worked diligently, they all congratulated Wushuang.

Xiaohong and Meifang smiled as they helped Wushuang change her clothes. Jianjia was somewhat dazed. Her previous allegiance to Third Miss was, to put it bluntly, due to being controlled and greedy for money. Was Third Miss really going to be successful now?

A Princess Consort!

That was someone even the Old Madam would have to kneel before!

***

In Changqing Hall, Old Madam Mei was, unsurprisingly, throwing a tantrum.

Her temper was so great, and she was unwilling to go out!

This Old Madam Mei was also pitiful. She had fallen ill from anger and had only just recovered, but unexpectedly, such a thing had happened again.

It had completely stunned her!

Didn't the eldest girl say she was going to marry in place of someone else? How could the imperial decree for marriage be issued before that matter was settled? What exactly was the eldest girl doing?!

The Old Madam was furious, scolding Wushuang for being secretly malicious and scolding Mei Wuxia for being useless. She had planned for so long, making her endure for so long, and this was the result? She even wanted her to kneel and listen to the imperial decree for marriage? That was simply a dream!

Today, Mei Wuxia was not present. Cao shi was being scolded relentlessly. Seeing that she could not persuade the Old Madam, she could only send people to invite the eldest miss and the Marquis.

In the end, Mei Wuxia did not come, but Mei Zong did.

Mei Zong was quite exasperated. He had always known that his mother had a bad temper, and he also avoided and feared her. But now, the imperial eunuch sent by His Majesty was waiting outside, and his mother actually dared to throw a tantrum and refuse to go?

Was she really just throwing a tantrum, or did she want to bring ruin upon the entire household?!

Mei Zong rarely lost his temper. He left those words behind and hurriedly left. He could not leave the imperial eunuch unattended, and he had to rush over there.

Old Madam Mei was greatly shocked and deeply saddened. Who was she doing all this for?

But despite her anger, her son was right. If she did not want to live, she should not forget that she had children and grandchildren. In fact, Old Madam Mei did not want to die. She was just used to having things go her way, and suddenly, several things had happened that did not go her way, and she could not accept it for the time being.

Old Madam Mei, wearing her full Lady's regalia, was helped by Cao shi to the front.

Everyone had arrived.

Mei Zong and the Old Madam knelt at the very front. Behind them was Cao shi, and further back were the couple from the third branch, as well as many of the younger generation. Wushuang was among her sisters.

Zhao Quan unrolled the imperial edict and read, "By the Mandate of Heaven, the Emperor proclaims: My third son, Prince Wei, Ji Yang, possesses noble character and excels in both literary and martial pursuits… Now, Mei Wushuang, daughter of Marquis Changyang Mei, is of marriageable age, with a dignified appearance and virtuous nature… She is hereby bestowed upon Prince Wei as his primary consort. A propitious day shall be chosen for the grand wedding. Respect this!"

"Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long, long live the Emperor!"

All present performed three kneelings and nine kowtows.

Upon a signal, Wushuang stepped forward, knelt, and kowtowed again before receiving the imperial edict from Zhao Quan's hands.

"Congratulations, Princess Consort Wei," Zhao Quan said with a smile.

Although the grand wedding had not yet taken place, the imperial edict of betrothal had been issued. In name, Wushuang was already the legitimate Princess Consort Wei, so the eunuch's congratulations were not amiss.

"Thank you, Chamberlain Zhao."

Wushuang accepted the imperial edict, her smile shy, but in reality, as she received it, she swiftly and discreetly slipped something into Zhao Quan's hand.

Zhao Quan noticed it, but did not show it, instead smoothly tucking it into his sleeve. At this time, Mei Zong had already come forward, intending to invite him in for tea and a chat. Hearing that he had to hurry back to the palace, he warmly saw him off at the gate.

***

After bidding farewell to Marquis Changyang, Zhao Quan, with his apprentice Ma Bao, boarded the carriage to return to the palace.

Ma Bao said with a beaming smile, "Master truly has a distinguished reputation. Look how Marquis Changyang is fawning over you. This task is truly both prestigious and lucrative."

Zhao Quan chuckled and scolded, "Prestige is something your master earned himself. Don't you be envious, boy."

"How could I dare be envious? This apprentice is merely admiring how much His Majesty values Master."

Zhao Quan ignored him, taking two items from his sleeve.

One was a silver note, and the other was a pouch. The pouch was of a very common design, clearly meant for giving as a reward.

The pouch was given to him by Marquis Changyang, while the silver note was given to him by the future Princess Consort Wei. This was not his first time carrying out an imperial decree, but it was the first time he had received two sums of money. Usually, the head of the household would give it, but he had not expected the future Princess Consort Wei to give another.

The implications were many. Perhaps the future Princess Consort Wei was afraid that her family would give too little, or perhaps she was not on good terms with her family, and so she was not at ease and gave a separate sum.

Looking at the amounts, Marquis Changyang's sum, though seemingly presented in a pouch with great formality, was only fifty taels, while the sum given by Princess Consort Wei was two hundred taels. Considering the relationship between Marquis Changyang and the future Princess Consort Wei, as well as the past rumors about the disagreements of the Marquis Changyang's mansion, Zhao Quan seemed to understand something.

Ma Bao was still curious as to why there were two sums, saying that Marquis Changyang was truly stingy, and marveling at the future Princess Consort Wei's generosity. Zhao Quan, however, only smiled without speaking. This boy still had a long way to go before he could become a master.

***

On the other side, Wushuang was about to leave when Old Madam Mei called out to her.

"Third girl, you've certainly become accomplished this time."

The Old Madam wore a court-mandated robe, which should have fit her well, but because of her recent illness, it hung loosely. The Old Madam Mei of the past was not like this. Back then, she had a round, slightly plump face, and when she was not angry, she even looked somewhat kind. But this illness had caused her to lose weight rapidly, her cheeks had sunken, and her eyelids had drooped. Now, her face was full of cold sneers, and her harshness was palpable.

"Grandmother is too kind. This granddaughter is able to receive such an honor, thanks to Grandmother's many years of devoted guidance."

On the surface, there was nothing wrong with these words, and Wushuang's attitude was also respectful. But that was without considering Old Madam Mei's actions over the years. Once considered, it became clear that this was a sarcastic display of defiance.

The Old Madam was so angered that her lips trembled, but she ultimately suppressed it. She could only give her a cold look, snort, and turn away.

Seeing that her mother-in-law had not lost her temper, Cao shi was secretly relieved. Just as she was about to follow behind, Mei Zong, who had returned, stopped her.

Mei Zong's face was smiling, and he was unusually refreshed. "Oh, right, I forgot to ask you just now, how much silver did you put in that pouch?"

Cao shi hesitated, "Fifty taels."

She also knew that it seemed a bit little, but this was not her family's affair, it was the third girl's. Cao shi wished she could have snatched this marriage away, let alone spend money to make it look presentable. Thinking this, she felt more confident, and the slight guilt on her face disappeared.

Mei Zong pointed at her, his finger trembling for a long time, and finally said, "Shortsighted!"

He was already too weary to argue with Cao shi about these matters. After so many years of marriage, he knew her temperament too well; reasoning was futile. He flicked his sleeves, intending to leave, but unexpectedly, Cao shi refused to let him go, grabbing his sleeve and starting to quarrel with him.

Mei Wuxia, hearing the sounds of the argument behind her, was too tired to pay it any mind. She acted as if she hadn't heard a thing, and with an expressionless face, she stepped out of the courtyard.

On the other side, Mei E whispered to Wushuang, "You haven't married yet, so don't directly fall out with her."

This 'her' referred to Old Madam Mei.

Wushuang felt somewhat helpless, "I didn't intend to fall out with her, but whatever I say now, I suspect she hears it as a provocation."

Mei E also understood the Old Madam's temperament and felt quite helpless. Mei Chang, who was beside them, said, "Be careful. If she gets angry, that's still alright, but if she doesn't get angry..."

Without Mei Chang needing to finish, Wushuang naturally understood the severity of the situation. It was normal for the Old Madam to get angry. If she suppressed her anger, then one had to be wary of what methods she would use next. This was the person who had raised Mei Wuxia, and she was even more unhinged than Mei Wuxia.

Mei Wuxia still had some reservations, but the Old Madam had none.

"I know, thank you for the reminder, Second Sister."

"Then you should go back quickly. I suspect things won't be peaceful at your place for the next few days."

Mei Chang was referring to the Third Branch. Previously, the two misses of the Third Branch had intended to befriend Wushuang, but they were not as quick as Mei Chang and Mei E. Now that the imperial decree for the marriage had been issued, given the personalities of the couple from the Third Branch, they would naturally come to curry favor.

Wushuang nodded to indicate she understood, and the three then parted ways.

Upon returning, she was met with a courtyard full of smiling faces and continuous congratulations.

Wushuang was not stingy. She had Meifang bring out silver, and each person was rewarded with half a month's wages. This time, the congratulations held a few more traces of sincerity, and they all said that Third Miss was generous and benevolent.

***

At the same time, Zhao Quan also returned to the palace and first went to Emperor Taihe to report back.

Thinking about it, it was clear that the eunuch who had been sent to deliver the imperial decree must have a high position. Although he couldn't compare to Feng Xi, the Grand Eunuch by Emperor Taihe's side, he was still a confidant of some importance.

Zhao Quan recounted to Emperor Taihe, in general terms, what he had seen and heard after going to Marquis Changyang's mansion, and then he took out the two rewards of silver.

What Zhao Quan could understand, Emperor Taihe naturally understood as well. He thought for a moment and said, "Choose two teaching grannies and a few palace maids to send to the Princess Consort Wei. No, don't choose from the palace. Let Prince Wei choose the people himself, and send them over in the name of the palace. That way, he won't have to come and say anything."

The last sentence was spoken softly and with a hint of complaint, carrying the implication that his son had forgotten his father after marrying a wife. Even though Zhao Quan had discerned this meaning, he dared not reveal it in the slightest, only daring to ponder it carefully in his heart.

After going out, he saw that Noble Consort Sun was still kneeling on the steps outside the hall door. Zhao Quan moved to the side and went to the side corridor to find someone to talk to.

"Why is she still kneeling?"

The eunuch who answered him was also a head, and they were all shrewd individuals.

"This isn't for His Majesty to see, it's for others to see, for Cining Palace to see. I suspect the Empress Dowager is also having a headache."

Zhao Quan smiled, "Getting a commandery princess as a wife for free, what's not good about that?"

"That's right. If it were us, being able to get a commandery princess as a wife for free, we'd kneel not just for half a day, but for a lifetime."