Chapter 75: Chapter 75

Even after all the yellow-robed eunuchs had departed, the Lin family members besides An Ning remained in a daze. Supported by her little maid to rise from the ground, Madam Jiang suddenly grabbed Old Master Lin's arm.

"What? A royal princess?"

"Old man, did I hear wrong? Like the princesses from those operas?"

Old Master Lin nodded blankly, his mind still reeling from the overwhelming surprise.

"My heavens! Then our Ah Jing has become the princess's consort from those stories!"

Madam Jiang slapped her thigh excitedly, about to shout her joy to the skies when her gaze fell upon her daughter-in-law sitting "regally" on a chair while her son diligently massaged her legs.

Madam Jiang: "......"

Heavens above! What kind of fate is this? Wasn't one demanding mistress in this household enough?

Holding the newly issued imperial marriage decree, An Ning appeared the most composed among the Lin family members who were either ecstatic or secretly anxious.

As she always believed - get along if possible, otherwise simply maintain separate lives without interference.

Though a princess was still royalty, the protocols weren't as stringent.

Moreover, An Ning saw distinct advantages in this match. While she had personally educated Ah Jing, ensuring his scholarly knowledge and perspectives were impeccable, as the saying goes: "Worldly wisdom is equally valuable learning."

Academic excellence could be taught, but social cunning and insight into human nature required personal experience.

She knew her son's upbringing had been too sheltered - not only was he the family's treasure, but even his cousins doted on him. His path had been too smooth compared to those from noble families bred through resource competition and special training.

The officialdom's cutthroat intrigues would be far more vicious.

The Lin family's foundations were relatively weak. The status of princess's consort would shield Ah Jing from most schemes at this stage, greatly enhancing his safety if not guaranteeing career success.

Though living in a remote county these years, An Ning had deliberately kept abreast of capital politics.

Princess Zhaohua was the second legitimate daughter of Prince Ning's household. Her father was the current emperor's full brother who had withdrawn from succession due to poor health, subsequently supporting his younger brother's rise.

Judging by the emperor's generous rewards, this prince enjoyed imperial favor.

Marrying such nobility could only benefit the Lin family at this juncture.

As for whether such privileged royalty would be spoiled or domineering?

One couldn't have their cake and eat it too.

Having gained political protection, one couldn't expect the pampered noblewoman to play the humble daughter-in-law.

Besides, this dynasty emphasized filial piety. At worst, as mother-in-law she could keep her distance. No sensible person would deliberately antagonize an unobtrusive mother-in-law.

As for Ah Jing, An Ning worried even less - that boy wasn't one to suffer losses.

Thus, after the initial surprise upon receiving the decree, An Ning quickly regained her usual composure, even directing servants to bring the new vine-patterned incense burner she'd designed to the study.

With winter approaching, she'd recently blended a new warming incense worth testing.

Old Master Lin, still caught between excitement and anxiety: "......"

As expected - only our daughter-in-law could be this unflappable!

Only when Lin Jinghuai returned that evening did An Ning learn the full story.

Good heavens! What was this - a palace drama sparked by male beauty!

Propping her chin, An Ning studied her son's handsome face with amusement.

At seventeen, the youth's charm was just blossoming. Unlike Mingyu's radiant, sun-like handsomeness or the dignified elegance of a pampered prince, Ah Jing possessed an ink-wash painting's refined grace - truly "jade-like countenance, luminous as moonlight." His slender yet not frail build, combined with years of scholarly refinement under her influence, gave his movements an effortless elegance reminiscent of the ancients' praise of cultivated gentlemen.

No wonder despite his merchant family background, Ah Jing had thrived among scholars, frequently hosting gatherings with aristocratic young masters. Beyond his academic achievements and Tanhua honor, this face surely contributed.

Nearly causing a royal duel? Wasn't that excessive?

She'd never suspected her son had such devastating charm.

Her prolonged scrutiny eventually made the youth blush.

"Mother!" Plopping down beside her, Lin Jinghuai coughed awkwardly. "Actually, both princesses were long past marriageable age, but His Majesty kept... forgetting."

An Ning nodded understandingly.

So they'd simply used her son - the emperor's newly favored official - as leverage to regain attention.

Quite plausible, given Emperor Xian's numerous offspring - over a dozen princes and countless princesses, explaining the brutal succession struggle.

With such history, sibling affection was unlikely - the current emperor had stripped titles or imprisoned rival brothers.

The remaining princesses might well be daughters of those defeated factions who'd opposed him.

No wonder they received scant attention.

This spectacle would force the emperor to arrange their marriages soon to avoid royal embarrassment.

Given their status, being wed to the favored, talented Tanhua scholar might be their best option.

Truly, no one raised in palaces was truly naive.

Her son just became the unwitting "beautiful disaster."

"And then?" An Ning rested her chin, amused.

"After this farce, Princess Zhaohua came to spectate, took one look at your... face, and immediately requested the imperial marriage?"

Somehow, she found this hard to believe.