The couple, giving away a kingdom for free, left the other princes utterly speechless.
Helian Zhicheng and Duan Yao said nothing. Whether they wanted it or not was secondary; if it was given, whether to keep it or not would be their decision.
With that issue settled, there were no further arguments, and the remaining matters were easily resolved.
Zhao Jiaqi had already prepared the County Princess's villa; all that remained was for the newlyweds to move in.
Helian Zhicheng asked, "I've looked at over a dozen auspicious dates. The one I like best is in the middle of next month. Brother, Sister-in-law, what do you think of this date?"
Mid-next month? That meant less than a month remained. Was this engagement to wedding timeline too fast?
Duan Yao, sensing Zhao Jiaqi's displeasure, spoke first, "Jinli is no longer a child. He's several years older than Yumeng. Now that he's finally found a wife, naturally, we want to marry them off soon. You can understand, can't you, esteemed relatives?"
Understanding was one thing, but it didn't mean agreement.
Zhao Jiaqi and Fan Zehao exchanged a look. Neither spoke, but both lowered their heads to gaze at the chosen auspicious dates. As if by telepathy, they both pointed to the very last good day.
"The sixteenth of August. That's a good date. Let them get married on this day. What do you think, my dear?"
Fan Zehao's words perfectly echoed Zhao Jiaqi's thoughts. Secretly delighted, she nodded repeatedly, "Yes, I also think this date is good. Then it's settled, we'll get married on the sixteenth of August! We can even celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival then."
Duan Yao started to speak, but the other party gave her no opportunity. Helian Zhicheng, meanwhile, just smiled foolishly, not eager to marry his son off quickly.
In reality, Duan Yao didn't know that this was a little stratagem by Helian Zhicheng. It was fortunate he hadn't included those later auspicious dates, or they might have had to wait until year-end.
He rejoiced inwardly, but outwardly wore a smile of helplessness. "Alright, fine. It's only another month or so. We can use this time to prepare thoroughly. After all, this is the first joyous occasion for both our families."
For Fan Zehao's family, it was the first joyous occasion, but not the last. However, for Helian Zhicheng's family, it was indeed the only such grand event; they only had one son.
Once the date was set, Helian Zhicheng led Duan Yao away. The couple were once again busy. In contrast, Zhao Jiaqi and her husband felt much more at ease.
Privately, they whispered to each other, "Husband, what does Brother Helian mean? He's actually handing over Dingbei Liao to Yumeng to manage. Isn't that a joke?"
Fan Zehao pulled his wife into his arms and gently stroked her head, chuckling. "Yumeng is impatient. Do you think it's possible to hand over an entire country to her to manage?"
Zhao Jiaqi shook her head. It was utterly impossible. After her husband said this, she realized, "This is Brother Helian's scheme. Nominally it's for Yumeng, but in reality, it's for Jinli to govern."
Fan Zehao shook his head and fiddled with his fingers. "It's not just that. In fact, they want to integrate into our Inner City. If the two regions form one country, but are governed separately, what do you think the future will hold?"
His words made Zhao Jiaqi's mind go blank again. She felt as if her brain wasn't working properly. She stared blankly at her husband, and after a long moment, she finally understood.
A look of sudden realization dawned on her face. "If our two regions become one country, governed separately, then both the Inner City and Dingbei Liao will be powerful. They'll appear as two countries, but if trouble arises, they'll face a single, united nation."
Fan Zehao nodded. "That's the idea."
This was something he had figured out later. They both knew very well that although they were allied through marriage, without a certain emotional foundation, the alliance was essentially meaningless.
But if the two countries were tied together, then if one person was threatened, the other would surely come to their aid.
This was essentially Helian Zhicheng's plan. They had already observed their children's affection for each other and believed it wouldn't change in the future.
Zhao Jiaqi took a deep breath. Regarding this matter, she asked, "Do the children know about this?"
Fan Zehao paused and shook his head. "The children aren't aware of this. We haven't told them. I don't want to tell them."
"Yes, their feelings for each other are genuine. We mustn't let this matter of interests taint their relationship and cause it to change."
He strongly agreed with his wife's words. However, bringing up this issue today indicated that the other parents had their concerns.
"My dear, I think it's necessary to invite Brother Helian and Sister-in-law over. We should discuss our future plans openly and honestly. Let's talk about the development of our countries and keep the children's matters separate. As parents, we should do our best to shield them from such negative influences. What do you think!"
Zhao Jiaqi also thought it made sense. "Yes, tomorrow, if you have time, invite them over. Find an opportunity to have a good talk, but we must keep the children out of this discussion."
Once the couple had decided, no one could change their minds.
The next morning, they heard an unbelievable piece of news: Huangfu Xi had died the day after returning to the palace.
Zhao Jiaqi paused her hand holding the eyebrow pencil and asked the maid beside her, "Did you hear how he died?"
Xiaomi frowned, her voice faltering as she brushed Zhao Jiaqi's hair. "It seems... it seems he died in a concubine's quarters. Rumor has it he was quite vigorous the night before. Many say he died from exhaustion."
Zhao Jiaqi: ......
There was such a cause of death?
Dying from exhaustion, could this be described as "dying in the heat of passion"?
After a moment's thought, she understood the underlying cause. It was likely the work of her own husband. However, for someone who discarded others once their use was over, such a death was fitting for his actions.
This was considered avenging Xiaocai, in a way. Though it wasn't a glorious method, the revenge was achieved.
With Huangfu Xi's death, the Kingdom of Yun was left leaderless. Furthermore, Huangfu Xi's lineage was not robust. He had a princess who was three years old and a prince who was not yet one. For the prince to ascend the throne, no one was willing.
This led to a tug-of-war. Half the court officials, benefiting from the prince's mother, promised rewards and argued for the prince's succession.
The other half of the officials absolutely refused to allow the Imperial Consort to rule from behind the curtain, and absolutely did not want a puppet emperor. Thus, neither side could gain the upper hand. Finally, the neutral faction proposed that the Regent take charge.
The mention of the Regent silenced the court instantly. Immediately following this, an urgent dispatch arrived in the Inner City.
Fan Zehao looked at the letter in his hand with a sarcastic, amused expression.