newbobooks Chapter 102 Who will he take as a concubine?
Chapter 102 Who will he take as a concubine?
The Empress Dowager remained expressionless in the face of Jiang Chuchu's apology, not even sparing Jiang Chuchu a glance.
Jiang An broke out in a cold sweat.
"Mother, why bother with her? Don't upset yourself." The Emperor stepped forward to smooth things over, giving Qin Jinghao a wink, signaling him to quickly take Jiang Chuchu away.
Qin Jinghao accepted the order and went down to his post.
Qin Xuanyu couldn't help but chuckle.
He and the emperor, one in front and one behind, welcomed the Empress Dowager inside.
To welcome the Empress Dowager back to the palace, the emperor prepared a grand banquet, but the Empress Dowager refused.
"Mother, you've finally come back! Jiang Qingyue, I underestimated you!" If this way of speaking were spoken normally, it would definitely be considered as mockery.
However, today, coupled with the emperor's smiling and satisfied gaze, it was truly a praise and affirmation of Jiang Qingyue.
"Your Majesty is too kind. I merely expressed to the Empress Dowager your longing and mentioned that His Highness the Crown Prince has taken a concubine. Perhaps soon, the Empress Dowager will have the opportunity to hold the imperial grandson. That is why the Empress Dowager returned to the palace."
Jiang Qingyue's words made the emperor's face freeze instantly. He didn't know whether to praise Jiang Qingyue for her eloquence or scold her for her recklessness.
However, she had succeeded after all, so the emperor couldn't be too harsh on her. He simply continued, "I promised you that as long as you could solve this, I would reward you. Tell me, what do you want?"
With a wave of his hand, the emperor generously ordered rare and precious treasures to be presented to Jiang Qingyue for her to choose from.
"Then I will speak, and I hope Your Majesty will not blame me!"
Jiang Qingyue's words made the emperor frown, as he had a feeling that Jiang Qingyue was about to make an exorbitant demand.
Should we make him cancel the engagement? Or should we make him confront Jiang Chuchu?
The emperor's expression showed some displeasure.
Jiang Qingyue was not afraid at all. She knelt down and performed a grand salute, "Your Majesty, I humbly request Your Majesty to grant my father a marriage!"
The emperor thought he had misheard and was so shocked that he lost his balance. "What did you say?"
The voice was trembling with shock. Even the Empress Dowager stared at Jiang Qingyue in disbelief, looking as if she had been struck by lightning.
They never expected Jiang Qingyue to make such a request; this...this is truly...
The emperor was momentarily at a loss for words, and spoke somewhat awkwardly, "You...you're not mistaken, are you? Or did I mishear you?"
The emperor still suspected that he had misheard.
"Your Majesty, you have heard me correctly. I beg Your Majesty to grant my father a marriage!"
"..."
After a long silence, the emperor seemed to finally find the words, "You... no, why do you have this request?"
"Your Majesty, for so many years, because Lady Lu was unable to have children, she treated Jiang Chuchu as her own daughter, which is why Jiang Chuchu has become so lawless and unruly."
If she hadn't entered the Eastern Palace, her father could have chosen a son-in-law to live with her, ensuring that the Prime Minister's estate would be managed.
But now that she has entered the Eastern Palace, I, your humble servant, will also be in the same boat in time. The vast Prime Minister's residence, I fear, will become...
As for me, I have lived in the city since childhood and know that I don't have much ability. Who will the Jiang family rely on in the future?
Therefore, I humbly suggest that the Jiang family needs a man who can inherit the family business.
Although Jiang Qingyue did not agree with what she said, because she felt that women could do the same thing, she had no choice but to say something against her conscience in order to disgust Madam Lu.
It took the emperor a long time to react. He stared blankly at the Empress Dowager, who had no intention of intervening, feeling a bit of a headache. However, he had to admit that Jiang Qingyue's words made sense.
Jiang Chuchu has indeed been spoiled over the years, which is why she has caused so much trouble.
However, to bestow a marriage upon Jiang An is simply too absurd.
"Your Majesty, I do not wish to put you in a difficult position. I am merely making this suggestion. If Your Majesty finds it inappropriate, please disregard what I said."
Jiang Qingyue only mentioned it briefly and didn't intend for him to actually do it, but this could sow the seeds in advance for future use.
“You… what you say makes sense. I keep my word. If I said I would reward you, I will. But are you really not going to ask for anything for yourself? After all, you only get one chance.”
The emperor confirmed with Jiang Qingyue again.
Jiang Qingyue nodded, "This is my only wish."
Actually, she wanted to break off the engagement, but she knew the emperor would definitely find an excuse to refuse, so she had no choice but to settle for second best.
At the time, the worst idea she could come up with was to arrange for Jiang An to take a concubine, thus causing trouble for Madam Lu.
Mrs. Lu knew that since it was her suggestion, they would definitely take action, and that would be her opportunity.
The emperor finally nodded with difficulty, "Alright, I agree."
"Wait a moment!" The Empress Dowager called out to the Emperor. "I have something to discuss. Tomorrow, let Jiang Qingyue pack her things and go home."
The Empress Dowager always remembered Jiang Qingyue's request.
"Mother, she is..." The emperor wanted to explain, but how could the Empress Dowager not understand?
"Your Majesty, it's not that I'm criticizing you, but although the two are engaged, they are not yet married. How can it be proper for an unmarried girl to remain in the palace? Won't this give people something to talk about?"
"Mother, she is not an outsider, but Jinghao's future concubine. We will hold the conferment ceremony as soon as General Gu returns."
"That won't do either, there will always be gossip. Besides, this is against the rules, Your Majesty must not forget." The Empress Dowager's aged yet dignified voice rang out, and the Emperor wanted to object, but could find no reason to do so.
Of course he knows this principle, but he's just been blind to it.
now……
I wish I had brought the Empress Dowager back later.
"If the Emperor feels that my words no longer carry any weight, then there is no need to bring me back. Send me back to Qingping Temple!" The Empress Dowager directly used her trump card.
The emperor was startled. Although he wanted to delay, now that they had returned, it was impossible to send them out again.
The Emperor sighed, finally giving in. "Yes, Mother is right. Jiang Qingyue, tomorrow, pack your things and return to the Prime Minister's residence!"
"Your Majesty, I thank you! Your Majesty the Empress Dowager!"
After the emperor had walked away, Jiang Qingyue couldn't help but burst out laughing.
The Empress Dowager shook her head helplessly, "You, you really can't stand to suffer the slightest loss, you're so clever and cunning."
The Empress Dowager did not blame Jiang Qingyue; on the contrary, she appreciated Jiang Qingyue even more.
Unexpectedly, Jiang Qingyue is also quite resourceful, which makes her less likely to be bullied.
"I know you have something you want done, and I'll help you this far. The rest is up to you." The Empress Dowager looked at Jiang Qingyue before her, as if seeing her younger self, and felt an immense sense of closeness. Plus, Qin Xuanyu…
"Yes, Your Majesty, I thank you..."
Because the Empress Dowager spoke up and the Emperor released the person, Jiang Qingyue packed her bags and left the palace early the next morning.