Chapter 285 - 255: Imperial Marriage Grant (Part 2)
Chapter 285: Chapter 255: Imperial Marriage Grant (Part 2)
"Who said you don’t know the rules? Last time Wang Shu became the Champion Scholar, you entered the palace to attend the feast, and didn’t you do well then? If you’re nervous, I’ll wait outside for you. You just need to go."
Given his current status and position, even if his wife knew nothing, no one would dare find fault with her.
The Empress wanted to see the ladies, so Su Rende sent his wife and daughter into the palace, then went to play chess with the Emperor.
The Emperor saw him appear and, with a smile, patted the table beside him, "You can watch from the side. I don’t want to play with you, my lousy chess player friend. I’ve summoned your son-in-law to the palace to play instead."
"Emperor, he’s just a fifth rank official now, not qualified to see the Saint, right? You favor him like this; be careful he attracts the envy of others."
"Your family has been so conspicuous lately; even if I didn’t summon him to the palace, he would still attract envy. Nevertheless, your wife and daughter are indeed extraordinary. I can only say that your family’s loyalty is gratifying to me."
"Emperor, Prime Minister Wang seeks an audience." The little eunuch walked in and said.
"What is he coming here for?" The Emperor frowned, "That old minister is becoming more and more imprudent in his actions, and I don’t even want to engage with him."
"Since he has entered the palace seeking an audience, it must be something important."
"Weren’t you always at odds with him?" the Emperor said, "For the same matter, he wouldn’t speak favorably of you before me, just you, this honest fool."
"It’s just that I can’t stand his pretentiousness but as long as what he does benefits the country and people, I have no objection to him."
Su Rende stood up and went into the inner chamber.
Prime Minister Wang came in, first saluted, then stated his purpose, "Your Majesty, I am here to ask the Emperor to bestow a marriage."
"Oh, speak; what kind of marriage do you wish to request?" the Emperor asked.
"I wish to ask the Emperor to confer a marriage between my young daughter and the newly appointed third place examinee," Prime Minister Wang said, "The new examinee has recently faced some idle gossip, deliberately slandered by those with ill intentions, but this person’s talent and appearance are indeed exceptional. Here is the national policy he presented, please take a look, Your Majesty."
The little eunuch took what Prime Minister Wang handed over, presenting it to the Emperor with both hands.
The Emperor unfolded it, his initial casualness giving way to keen interest as his expression became serious.
"Excellent, truly excellent, this national policy is extraordinarily written," the Emperor said, "Did the new third place examinee write this?"
"Indeed, it was him. Your Majesty, this person is extremely talented, yet his outstanding nature makes him easily envied and thus subject to cold stares and slander. I greatly admire his talent, and I am not concerned about those idle rumors outside; I wish to take him as my son-in-law, and I ask Your Majesty to please grant this marriage personally."
"Judging by this national policy, it is indeed very good. Since you trust his character, I have nothing more to say." A Prime Minister requesting a marriage decree is a matter of face he will oblige.
The Emperor promised personally, and Prime Minister Wang, assured, left at ease.
Just as he left, Su Rende came out from inside.
"The Emperor truly believes that new third place examinee. Forgive my bluntness, I am not sure if this person’s talent is truly good, but he may not necessarily be a virtuous minister."
"Prime Minister Wang wants a marriage decree; I’m not a petty person. I’ll give it to him. He just wants to use the decree to boost his status and support his new son-in-law."
As for whether he is a virtuous minister or not, it has nothing to do with a marriage decree. If he is, he will be used generously. If not, he will be demoted and executed; who dares go against the Emperor?
"Emperor, Mr. Zhou has arrived." The little eunuch brought Zhou Wangshu in.
The Emperor greeted, "No need for formalities. Come over and join me for a game."
After Zhou Wangshu bowed, he walked over and also greeted Su Rende, "Father."
"Why do you call him Father?" the Emperor asked, "Not Father, not Father-in-law, but Father."
"In noble families, sons call their fathers ’Father,’ and sons-in-law call their father-in-law ’Father-in-law,’ but since I come from a commoner background, I prefer to call him ’Father,’ as it feels more intimate."
"Indeed, you are correct; my most beloved little daughter calls me that too. She is the only one who calls me ’Father.’" The other children are more reverent than close. "By the way, Zhou Aiqing, come have a look at this national policy; what do you think?"
Zhou Wangshu took it, looked at it carefully, and said, "Emperor, I seem to have a bit of a connection with this person, as I also brought my ’Decade Preparations Essay’ today."
"Decade Preparations Essay?"
"It’s about the improvements and developments our dynasty needs in the coming decade."
"Let me see it."
Zhou Wangshu took out a booklet from his sleeve.