Hearing the First Princess Fulin's words, the Empress was first stunned, then felt there was some sense to it.
"Little Liu is simple-minded, and like his mother, he is indifferent to fame and fortune. I have known him for over twenty years, and indeed I can't find any fault with him. It's just that his maternal family is low-born, and I don't know if Elder Xu would look favorably upon him?"
Compared to the Xu family, Liu Xianfei's maternal family was far inferior. She had only one elder brother, who in the past was a farmer. Later, because of Liu Xianfei, he managed to get a minor official position of the seventh rank in his locality.
For so many years, Liu Xianfei had not been favored by His Majesty, and consequently, she was also lukewarm towards the Sixth Prince. Although he was a prince in name, his life was not as comfortable as that of some young masters from noble families.
With such a background, he would likely be overreaching to marry into the Xu family.
"The Xu family is not the kind of people who value family background. I actually think that Mingyue has a broad mind, and Little Liu is also refined in his disposition. If the two of them could become husband and wife, it would not be a bad match."
The Empress nodded upon hearing this. With such a perspective, she also felt it was indeed an excellent choice.
"If that's the case, then I will find time to speak with Liu Xianfei and see what her thoughts are. If Little Liu also has this intention, I will ask His Majesty to bestow a marriage upon the two of them. These days, Little Liu has been diligently handling affairs under Yun Shen, and he deserves such a good marriage."
The marriages of princes always involved various considerations. The Empress agreed so readily simply because the Xu family had no male heir. Although their prestige was high now, it would disintegrate after the death of Elder Xu. With only Xu Mingyue, she wouldn't be able to cause much trouble.
Princess Fulin, however, was more concerned about Xu Mingyue's future. After breaking off her engagement with the Liang family, it would be difficult to find a suitable match among noble families. It would be more practical to marry the Sixth Prince. No one would dare to gossip, and it would not affect the current court situation.
Having lived most of her life, she had seen too many princes fighting tooth and nail for the throne. Rather than choosing someone who was in high favor, it was better to find someone who would have a prosperous and smooth life, and be a carefree and leisurely princess consort.
While the two were discussing enthusiastically, Consort Wei, who had just returned to the palace, heard from a palace servant that Liang Luo, the legitimate daughter of the Liang family, had submitted her calling card, wishing to enter the palace to speak with her.
"Oh? Another one who fancies Yun Li?"
Yue Shi accompanied her and helped her sit down. After serving tea and refreshments, Consort Wei slowly spoke.
"This Miss Liang is indeed beautiful, but unfortunately, her status is a bit lacking. She can't compare to Princess Qianling. However, if she were to be a secondary consort to Yun Li, it would be barely acceptable."
She set the calling card aside, already having some idea of Liang Luo's intentions.
Her father, Liang Quanbin, had heard that he was about to be appointed as the Inspector of the Grand Canal. He was a relative of the Wei family and an indispensable part of the interest chain, as was his Water Army.
The position of primary consort was reserved for Princess Qianling, but three of the four secondary consort positions were still vacant. She could indeed think of a way.
A calculating glint appeared in her eyes, and she said to Yue Shi, "Send a reply. Let this Miss Liang from the Liang family come to the palace to chat with me."
"Yes."
The reply letter was sent from Hanzhang Hall to the Liang residence, and more than half a day had passed.
The Liang residence was decorated with lanterns and colorful banners, festooned with flowers.
However, Liang Luo's courtyard was exceptionally quiet.
The reason Liang Luo dared to express her feelings to Consort Wei was entirely because she was among the crowd of onlookers when the Ninth Prince went on campaign. She saw that figure in dark yellow at a glance.
If her past feelings for the Ninth Prince were a faint, youthful admiration, after that one glance, it turned into a fervent desire.
Her mind was filled with thoughts of how to become a woman by his side. So, after returning home, on an impulse, she submitted her calling card. Who knew it would be like a stone sinking into the sea? She paced anxiously at home, worrying that Consort Wei would find her presumptuous and ill-mannered, and also fearing that the Ninth Prince was so outstanding that many young ladies in the capital must be coveting him.
"Miss, Miss, there's a reply from the palace! They said they invite you to Hanzhang Hall tomorrow to chat with Noble Consort!"
"Really?" Liang Luo's eyes were filled with surprise and disbelief as she looked at Jinxiu, who had run in from outside. She grabbed her sleeve and asked as they walked.
"Yes, yes, look, this is the invitation to the palace. The messenger said that Noble Consort Wei really likes you and is waiting to chat with you more tomorrow."
Seeing the invitation, Liang Luo's anxious heart finally settled down.
She was as happy as if she had passed an imperial examination upon seeing the calling card. Now that the Ninth Prince was away on campaign, his marriage was naturally decided by Consort Wei. If she could gain Consort Wei's special favor at this time, why worry about not marrying into the Ninth Prince's mansion?
"Quick, bring me my best clothes and jewelry. I need to choose carefully so that Noble Consort will like me when she sees me tomorrow!"
"Yes, Miss!"
Jinxiu also thought that if one person attained the Tao, even their poultry and dogs would ascend to heaven. If Miss could truly marry into the Ninth Prince's mansion, she would also rise with the tide, so she naturally put in her best effort.
However, the father and son of the Liang family, who were talking in the study at this moment, were not as excited as Liang Luo.
"The position of Inspector of the Grand Canal is about to fall into my hands, but Prime Minister Bai fainted, delaying the decision until today. After Miss Wei marries in, you can subtly ask her to probe the Duke's intentions."
Liang Quanbin, a man who pursued fame and fortune, could not let such a good opportunity pass.
Liang Pan felt a little troubled, but for the sake of family harmony, he had to nod. "Father, my maternal grandfather once said that after I get married, he would find a way to arrange a position for me in the court. Where do you think would be good?"
Although the Earl of Changyi had been out of court for many years and his influence was not as great as before, a starved camel is still bigger than a horse. Arranging a minor official position for him would not be difficult.
"The path of a civil official is probably not feasible. You haven't even passed the imperial examinations. Even if you were reluctantly placed, you would only be a minor official, and it would be too difficult to climb up. It's better to take the path of a military officer. It has real power and promotes quickly. The Capital Garrison would be good."
He pondered as he spoke, "I see that the Duke has long coveted the Capital Garrison, but he has never been able to find fault with Lin Wang to replace him. If you go there and stay for three to five years, achieve some results, I believe the Duke will look upon you favorably. Then, it will be easy to move up."
He had indeed studied the way of being a minister quite thoroughly!
Liang Pan found his words to be very reasonable.
The Capital Garrison protects the peace of the capital and is not easily deployed in battle. Therefore, although it is a military path, it is similar to that of a civil official. "Thank you for your guidance, Father. I will go and tell my maternal grandfather now."
Looking at his son, Liang Quanbin felt quite gratified. Although he was not successful in either civil or military pursuits, he chose his wife well.
Miss Wei marrying in was an excellent choice for the Liang family. Not only would his son have a promising future, but he himself would also have a prosperous official career. If his daughter could marry into another prestigious family, then the entire family would have hope.