Nangong Yu glanced at Mr. Zhong, who was playing the zither, and his gaze fell on Xiao Man. Seeing her pale face, he couldn't help but frown. Recalling her allergic reaction to jasmine pollen the previous night, he knew she must be weak. Since he had been blocked from entering Changle Palace, a dark glint flickered in his eyes. He flicked a stream of energy, snapping a string and silencing the music.
Mr. Zhong saw the broken string and blood trickling from his fingertips. He looked towards the palace wall but saw no one. His expression remained unchanged, though a cold light flashed in his eyes before he concealed it.
Xiao Man was also quite taken aback by the scene. What was Prince Qin thinking, meddling with someone playing the zither? Did it concern him? He had to break the strings. How childish!
Si Chen, seeing his master in such a good mood, couldn't help but feel sheepish. He could guarantee that his master was simply jealous that Mr. Zhong could openly stay in Changle Palace, which was why he had broken the zither string.
"Your grandson pays his respects to Her Imperial Grandmother."
The Empress Dowager quickly bade him rise. "What wind blows you here today?"
"It is only right to pay respects to Her Imperial Grandmother; it requires no wind," Nangong Yu said cheerfully. "I heard Her Imperial Grandmother has not been feeling well these past two days, so your grandson hurried to the palace to pay his respects."
The Empress Dowager took Prince Qin's hand and sat him down. "You are thoughtful. Have you considered what I spoke to you about the other day?"
"Your Imperial Grandmother, your grandson does not wish to marry yet."
The Empress Dowager chided him, "How can you not marry! You are twenty-two. At your age, other families' children already have children running around, yet you are still alone. If you do not care for yourself, I do."
"Your Imperial Grandmother, your grandson is still young..."
"Yu Rong, bring the items," the Empress Dowager interrupted Prince Qin and instructed.
Aunt Yu Rong brought over a pile of portraits. The Empress Dowager immediately took one, opened it, and showed it to Prince Qin. "This is the daughter of Minister Zhou. She is gentle and learned, a good girl."
"Too thin. At a glance, she's not suitable for bearing children."
The Empress Dowager faltered, then picked up another. "This is the daughter of the Duke of Lu. Sixteen years old, with a full figure. This appearance clearly indicates she is suitable for bearing children."
"Too fat. Unattractive."
The Empress Dowager took a deep breath and picked up another. "And this one?"
"Too short."
The Empress Dowager had him look through several paintings, but Nangong Yu brushed them all aside with various excuses. Finally, only one painting remained.
The Empress Dowager smiled mysteriously. "This one, I guarantee you will like."
Nangong Yu smiled noncommittally. The woman he liked was currently being held in the palace by the Empress Dowager. How could he be interested in any other woman?
However, as the Empress Dowager slowly opened the painting, Nangong Yu's expression changed. The woman in the painting had a graceful head and beautiful eyebrows, eyes like flowing water, and a captivating, charming gaze.
Seeing Nangong Yu staring intently, a smile flickered in the Empress Dowager's eyes. "It wouldn't be an exaggeration to call her beauty that could topple cities. I myself am very fond of her."
Nangong Yu withdrew his gaze. "Who is this?"
"Your Imperial Grandmother knew you wouldn't remember," the Empress Dowager chided him with a glare. "This is Yu Yan. When she was young, she studied at the Imperial Academy with you. Later, when you went to war, her father was by your side."
A complex light flashed in Nangong Yu's eyes. Shan Yu Yan, the daughter of Shan Zhongyi, and Shan Zhongyi was a major general under him who died because of him. He felt a sense of guilt towards Shan Yu Yan.
"Isn't she away from the capital?"
"I pitied her for losing both parents, and she disliked palace life, so I sent her to Qiongzhou to be specially attended. Now that she is of age, I naturally must plan for her, don't you agree?"
"Her father died because of this Prince. This Prince should look after her more," Nangong Yu said slowly. "This Prince will arrange for her..."
"I believe she is the most suitable candidate for Prince Qin's consort," the Empress Dowager interrupted. "In terms of appearance, who in this capital can compare to her? In terms of family background, she is the descendant of a loyal martyr. In terms of talent, she is second to none. She is already on her way back to the capital and should arrive in a few days. Then, let her reside in Prince Qin's manor. You young people should get along."
"A man and a woman, alone in a room, is improper. My reputation is of no consequence, but if it ruins the young lady's reputation, I would have no face to meet her parents in the netherworld."
"She is the descendant of a loyal martyr, and her mother saved my life. You also have a youthful connection. The Shan family's ancestral home has been deserted for many years and is uninhabitable. Do you want an unmarried girl to live in the harem? The harem is mostly filled with your father's women."
"If that is the case, why did Your Imperial Grandmother let Xiao Man stay in the palace?"
"She is different," the Empress Dowager explained with a smile. "She is unwell and has a title. Her staying in the palace is for her recovery and is a legitimate arrangement. Yu Yan's situation is different."
Nangong Yu listened and did not retort. "Your grandson will find another residence for her."
"If your subordinates learn that you are treating the descendant of a loyal martyr so poorly, it might chill their hearts," the Empress Dowager said softly. "Let it be as I say. When she arrives in the capital, she will live in Prince Qin's manor. Does your Prince Qin's manor not even have a spare courtyard?"
Seeing Nangong Yu did not answer, the Empress Dowager seized the opportunity. "Besides, her parents are gone. You are her only relative. Even if you have no intention of marrying her, you should dote on her like a sister, shouldn't you? A sister living in her brother's manor is only natural, isn't it?"
"Your grandson is merely concerned..."
"Concerned about what? Your relationship with her is already closer than with others. People in this capital are opportunistic. If you don't look after her, won't she be bullied?"
"Who dares?" Nangong Yu said without hesitation. "Her father was a subordinate of this Prince. Even though he is no longer here, this Prince will not allow anyone to bully her!"
"That's right," the Empress Dowager said with a smile. "Since that is the case, Yu Yan is entrusted to you. You are not allowed to bully her."
"Your Imperial Grandmother can rest assured, your grandson will not."
"You always keep your word. I naturally trust you. If that brat Thirteen had even half of your qualities, I wouldn't have so many worries," the Empress Dowager said affectionately. "Now, the Crown Prince, Prince Chu, and Prince Qi all have consorts, and you are still a bachelor. I am truly worried."
"Your Imperial Grandmother can rest assured, when fate arrives, this consort will appear. Besides, younger brother Thirteen has grown sensible now and doesn't cause trouble outside. All this is thanks to Your Imperial Grandmother and Miss Du's family."
The Empress Dowager's smile grew even more gentle. "The Du family's daughter is a good one. I am very satisfied. By the way, Xiao Man is staying in the adjacent Changle Palace. Do you want to go and see her?"