Chapter 238: Chapter 238

Situ Jing's actions were exceptionally swift. An Ning had barely arrived home when yellow-robed eunuchs showed up at her doorstep. The visitor was none other than the emperor's trusted confidant, the current Chief Palace Eunuch Wei Jin, Imperial Attendant Wei.

Following closely behind was the imperial edict bestowing marriage upon An Ning.

Gently presenting the bright yellow imperial decree to the young lady who was just beginning to reveal her elegance, the visitor secretly marveled at the prince's exceptional taste while smiling quite handsomely:

"Congratulations, Third Young Lady. I must say this decree was personally requested by His Highness the Prince just moments ago. Afraid that His Highness might grow impatient, I rushed over without a moment's delay..."

As he spoke, he raised his hand again to wipe the sweat from his forehead, clearly having arrived in haste as claimed.

After the initial shock, Old Lady Yang was the first to react:

"Your journey has been arduous, Eunuch. Please come inside quickly to rest and have some tea!"

"That won't be necessary. I must hurry back to report to His Majesty now..."

It wasn't until the backs of the group of yellow-robed eunuchs completely disappeared from view that the Yang family members finally began to regain their composure. Old Lady Yang was the most affected among them.

The sound of a teacup accidentally falling accompanied the moment.

After gulping down several cups of tea in succession, Old Lady Yang still seemed somewhat dazed. She raised her hand and pressed heavily between her eyebrows a couple of times before finally turning with difficulty to look at Zhang Ma beside her with an indescribable expression:

"Suizhu, you know... if it were anyone else, but Third Sister... she..."

Thinking of her youngest granddaughter's usual behavior, Zheng's heart clenched again.

Old Lady Yang truly couldn't comprehend it.

Not that she looked down on her own youngest granddaughter, but whether as a princess consort or even as an ordinary matriarch of a great family, which one wasn't dignified, virtuous, generous, and proper? They could assist their husbands in social interactions and troubleshooting above, while managing the household and raising children below.

In the old lady's view, this was the model of the finest women in the world.

At the very least, mastery of the four arts of the scholar and various elegant pursuits could earn one a good reputation and respect from others.

But someone like Third Sister—where was there any sign of capability? Scholarly talent was completely absent. Only her face was somewhat presentable, but wherever she stood, she was the spitting image of that wretched daughter-in-law number two.

And yet, the imperial family actually approved of this?

The old lady gulped another mouthful of fragrant tea:

Although earlier, her granddaughter had indeed gained the Empress Dowager's favor, with each reward being quite extraordinary. Occasionally when going out for social engagements, the old lady hadn't been unaware of the rumors.

She had certainly been tempted—who wouldn't desire such peak power and wealth? But to take it seriously? Honestly, Old Lady Yang hadn't given it a single thought.

No other reason than putting herself in others' shoes—the standards for a favored junior and a daughter-in-law could be the same?

Besides, the old lady understood well that although her son had done well in his official career these years, he was still far from reaching the level suitable for a prince's father-in-law. Moreover, the Yang family had only been officials for a few generations, and the old master had passed early. They ultimately lacked deep roots in the capital.

Insufficient family background, no intellectual capability, and not a trace of virtue or generosity to be seen.

"This Empress Dowager..." who knows what she was thinking!

Of course, the latter part the old lady only dared to think secretly in her heart, not daring to utter a single word of criticism about nobility.

After all, as a longtime titled lady, she still understood propriety.

Seeing her mistress about to bring more tea to her lips, Zhang Ma quickly spoke up, fearing her mistress might make a mistake:

"Old Madam, have you forgotten? Didn't Chief Eunuch Wei say earlier? His Highness the Prince personally requested the decree from His Majesty."

"Besides, Third Young Lady's good fortune is also our household's good fortune, isn't it! Today you saw for yourself—they say His Majesty dotes most on this youngest brother, and now the rumors appear true."

Zhang Ma deliberately lowered her voice at the end.

In Zhang Ma's view, her mistress was overthinking things.

Honestly, with Third Young Lady's appearance, who wouldn't be smitten? Just think of the master—what difference does it make even if it's a prince?

Moreover, Third Young Lady has such great fortune that she could attract evil creatures trying to steal it, yet during critical moments she could receive personal intervention from an enlightened monk.

What does this mean? The deepest blessing of good fortune!

Of course, knowing her mistress's thoughts, Zhang Ma wouldn't dare say more about these things.

In the silence, after a long while, the old lady finally heaved a heavy sigh:

"You're right. With this connection, Jin'an's father will finally have smoother sailing ahead, not isolated and helpless like in earlier years!"

Ultimately, what had most dissatisfied and even rankled the old lady all these years was that wretched daughter-in-law being completely useless.

Neither family background nor capability offered even the slightest support to her son! And that wretched son still treated her like a treasure...

Just thinking about the setbacks suffered because of that wretched daughter-in-law years ago, even after all this time, the old lady still couldn't help feeling stifled.

Finally, she couldn't resist muttering:

"The Empress Dowager really has it difficult!"

What is this? Pure and simple letting the wolf into the house!

Sigh, truly calculated, it's even more infuriating than her early years.

It seems that even someone as noble as a nation's Empress Dowager may not have everything go their way.

Perhaps having an even more unfortunate comparison, plus the daughter-in-law's face being somewhat useful, after gulping another cup of tea, Old Lady Yang finally felt much more satisfied.

After a moment of silence, Old Lady Yang quickly ordered someone to bring the dowry list and began reluctantly going through her private treasury.

After hesitating for a long time, the old lady finally forced herself through the heartache and added a set of jeweled headwear she had previously treasured most.

Ha! Even if this youngest granddaughter isn't to her liking, she's still marrying into a prince's household. No matter what, the dowry cannot be meager.

At that time, Yang Dalang felt exactly the same as the old lady.

The next day, Cui Residence

Perhaps due to strenuous studies these past few days, her husband had mostly stayed in the study. This morning was rare seeing her husband visit, and her mood was quite pleasant at that time. Yang Wan smiled as she approached, thoughtfully helping him change clothes.

Just as she was about to ask something, she saw her husband looking at her with a puzzled expression:

"Wife, why are you still standing there? Such great happy occasion in the family today. We must go offer our congratulations."

"Oh, right, Mother already ordered someone to prepare congratulatory gifts..."

Seeing her confused expression, Cui Dalang, who had been somewhat happy moments earlier, instantly changed complexion:

"Today His Majesty personally issued a decree bestowing marriage upon Prince Jingyu, with Third Sister as the chosen one. It's already spread throughout the capital..."

After a slight pause, Cui Yu's tone unconsciously intensified somewhat:

"How is it that you're completely unaware of such significant news, wife?"