The Wealthy Eldest Sister Rules Supreme

Chapter 567: Chapter 554: Going Together

“But Mother, there are reasons behind this matter…” Chu Yunzhao hurriedly defended.

“No matter what reasons there might be, let this matter rest, you need not utter another word,” Concubine Hui sternly reproached.

“But…” Chu Yunzhao wanted to argue more but, seeing the forbidding expression and fierce gaze of Concubine Hui, he could only halt his words and helplessly look towards Chu Shengrui, “Father, you see mother…”

He swallowed hard, halting mid-sentence, biting his lip, his eyes reddening.

Chu Shengrui patted Chu Yunzhao’s shoulder and motioned for him to sit down before turning to Concubine Hui, “It is quite rare for you to react so emphatically, what has agitated you today?”

“Your Majesty, please forgive me,” Concubine Hui sighed, her eyes also reddening, “I am left with little choice. Yunzhao is interested in Miss Luo and it seems that she reciprocates. They would be a perfect couple, but, unfortunately, their horoscopes…”

“This matter concerns the empress dowager’s health. Naturally, I dare not relent. Yunzhao has kept silent because of this, and upon knowing about this, Miss Luo has been constantly worried, and has been ill for a while.”

“She also argues that she would be at fault if Yunzhao were reluctant to discuss a prospective marriage because of her. In such a case, she instances that she would spend her remaining life in retreat in a temple. It is truly regrettable. Her father, Mr. Luo, despite having two sons, cherishes his only daughter like a pearl in his palm. If Miss Luo were to take that action, Mr. Luo may fall gravely ill.”

“If this matter cannot be salvaged, I thought about helping Yunzhao abandon the idea completely. It might seem difficult for the two now as they are emotionally attached, but I believe with enough time, they will forget.”

“Recently, the Ministry of Rites has selected several good individuals. While their family background is somewhat low and their temperaments not as good as Miss Luo’s, I find that their looks are quite pleasant and two of them dance and sing quite well.”

Chu Shengrui frowned deeply.

She came from a humble background, yet she is talented in singing and dancing…

How would someone like this be fit to be the mistress of the household? I fear that after she marries into the family, she would prove to be narrow-minded, shallow, and incapable.

Just like the current Empress.

When Chu Shengrui thought of the treatment he received from the previous Empress, looked at the current Empress’s actions and the helpless situation of Concubine Hui and Chu Yunzhao, his heart filled with rage towards the Empress and sympathy for Concubine Hui and Chu Yunzhao.

Concubine Hui is the most favored imperial concubine, and yet she is in such a predicament. One can only imagine the hardship the other consorts and princes endure.

Chu Shengrui opened his eyes and said in a deep voice, “I also feel that Miss Luo is quite excellent. I have met her a couple of times and found her to be a well-educated and understanding lady. She would be a suitable consort for our royal family.”

“Yunzhao, was that what you wanted to discuss with me?”

Chu Yunzhao’s eyes reddened and he nodded, his voice choked with emotion, “I acknowledge that this matter is of great importance and concerns the peace of grandmother’s old age. For this reason, I have refrained from bringing it up.”

“Today, Father has promised to fulfill my wish, so I wished to mention it to you. I do not presume that you would definitely agree, but I want Miss Luo to know that I have fought for her, and it is not that I haven’t done anything to hurt her.”

Chu Yunzhao sniffed, “I have had the audacity to speak so much about this matter today, I beg father for punishment.”

“If you speak from the heart, why should you be punished?”

Chu Shengrui said, “As the Emperor, my word is law. Since I promised to fulfill your wish, I would not go back on my word. I will decide the matter of your marriage to Miss Luo.”

Hearing these words, Chu Yunzhao was overjoyed and suddenly lifted his head, kneeling before Chu Shengrui, “Son thanks you, Father.”

“You should not be thankful so soon,”

Chu Shengrui said, “There’s something that needs to be addressed, I will handle your marriage, but you must help me with a matter.”

“Please tell me, Father. As long as I can do it, I will not refuse,” Chu Yunzhao answered resolutely.

“Recently, Lu has been plagued by bandits and they are requesting for soldiers to suppress them. To demonstrate the seriousness of the matter, we should send a prince…” Chu Shengrui did not finish his sentence and only looked at Chu Yunzhao.

“I request to be the one to go and suppress the bandits for Father and ensure peace. I will contribute to the stability of our country,” Chu Yunzhao understood and swiftly said.

“Excellent!” Chu Shengrui smiled knowingly, praising him, “You are indeed my son. Get ready, and leave with Yu Xiaowei in three days.”

Yu Xiaowei, Yu Honglang, holds a significant reputation in the Yulin Army. The young and promising talent handles his saber skillfully, achieving perfection – hardly anyone can match him on the battlefield.

By appointing Yu Honglang to accompany him, Chu Shengrui had clearly taken the safety of Chu Yunzhao into consideration, in addition to dealing with the bandits.

Concubine Hui looked around uncertainly for a long time before sighing.

Suppressing bandits is not a major issue and with the Yulin army accompanying him, Chu Yunzhao should not be in any significant danger.

However, as the saying goes, ‘A mother is always worried when her child travels afar’. Moreover, dealing with desperate bandits could lead to unpredictable outcomes.

Concubine Hui was not keen for Chu Yunzhao to prove himself in this way and naturally disapproved of the matter. But, considering the deadlock in the marriage arrangement between Chu Yunzhao and Miss Luo, this might be a good opportunity to change the situation.

After all, some things require a certain level of effor.

After thinking about it, Concubine Hui decided not to comment.

In contrast, Chu Yunzhao responded cheerfully, his face brimming with happiness at that moment.

On the other hand, Chu Jinnian, frowned, looking dark and gloomy.

As expected, some things are bound to happen eventually due to unexpected events and misunderstandings.

“Your Majesty,” Chu Jinnian bowed, “I request to accompany the Fourth Prince on the mission to suppress the bandits in Lu.”

“Oh?” Chu Shengrui was clearly surprised at Chu Jinnian’s proposition and looked at him curiously.

“I have heard that the bandits in Lu are extremely wicked, causing destruction and havoc everywhere, leaving no evil deed undone. Now that Your Majesty is dispatching troops to suppress them, these desperate bandits will surely resist fiercely. I believe I have some capabilities and I am willing to join the Fourth Prince, to assist in the suppression of the bandits,” Chu Jinnian answered.

Chu Shengrui considered briefly, then nodded, “Given that you are willing, you may go with Yunzhao.”

It is indeed difficult to accept any mishap when your own child is involved.

Although Chu Jinnian is a few months younger than Chu Yunzhao, he is remarkably mature and meticulous. With Chu Jinnian accompanying him, he and Concubine Hui would feel more at ease.