The Grand Princess's intentions upon arriving in the capital were somewhat guessed by Consort Yao. The Luo family commanded the troops in Youzhou, and if Youzhou's military power could be reclaimed without bloodshed, it would be a great merit for Che'er.
She was merely a secondary consort, and the idea of Hua Yang Princess's daughter becoming her son's secondary consort brought her satisfaction.
Back then, Hua Yang Princess had disdained her, looking down on the Wang family. Now, wasn't she begging at her doorstep?
Thirty years east of the river, thirty years west of the river. Hua Yang wouldn't have imagined this day back then, would she?
Princess Hua Yang smiled and picked up Consort Yao's words, "Yes, Ling Yi and Ling Yuan are not young anymore. Now that I've returned to the capital, I might as well arrange marriages for them!"
Princess Hua Yang's directness momentarily stunned Consort Yao, who then chuckled, "I fear the Grand Princess would be reluctant to part with her two daughters, sending them far from their homeland to remain in the capital."
"Youzhou is good, but it cannot compare to the nurturing environment of the capital," Princess Hua Yang said with a double meaning, glancing at the Sage beside her.
The Sage chuckled twice, in a good mood. "It's good to stay in the capital. I'll summon all the outstanding young gentlemen in the capital to the palace another day for my elder sister to choose from carefully."
The Grand Princess's smile widened. "Thank you, Your Majesty."
Although Luo Ling Yi and Luo Ling Yuan had been mentally prepared, they still lowered their heads shyly. Were these words appropriate for young ladies to hear?
...
The Sage's words about summoning outstanding young gentlemen to the capital for the Grand Princess to choose from were not just idle talk.
On the Qixi Festival, a palace banquet was to be held. Not only young gentlemen but also eligible young ladies were to attend the palace, making it a grand matchmaking event.
Families of renown in the capital all received invitations from the palace. For a time, silk shops and rouge stores in Luoyang, all selling their finest goods, were completely sold out.
Even though they often complained of poverty, their true colors were now fully exposed.
Yu Ming Yue felt that the Sage should make a note of this: whoever bought the most must have something suspicious going on.
Of course, that was a story for another day.
Yu Ming Yue's dress was also newly tailored. She had always been at the forefront of fashion in Luoyang.
At this moment, she followed Cui Shi gracefully. Cui Shi was now more than five months pregnant, her condition stable, adding a touch of grace to her demeanor.
As they walked, they were met with congratulations.
The Grand Princess's two daughters sat beside her, one on each side. The one on the left was clearly the elder sister and more beautiful.
Lady Luo, clearly inheriting the Xianbei bloodline from the Xiao family, had skin like jade and a high-bridged nose. She sat upright beside her mother, without looking left or right, exuding nobility, grace, and gentleness.
The more Yu Ming Yue looked, the more satisfied she became. Xiao Che should indeed marry a queen like this. Su Wan Qing was no match at all.
Of course, neither was she.
Yu Ming Yue's heart thumped. To be honest, she was a little excited, but she managed to suppress her emotions.
Luo Ling Yi also quietly observed Yu Ming Yue, the future Seventh Prince's consort, from a distance. Because of her young age, Yu Xiao Niang Zi did not wear a complex hairstyle, only a silk flower, with no other adornments, which made her appear even more pretty and lovely.
Yu Ming Yue's gaze inadvertently met Luo Ling Yi's. Yu Ming Yue smiled sweetly, revealing the dimples by her lips. Luo Ling Yi couldn't help but curve her lips in response.
Seeing Luo Ling Yi respond to her, Yu Ming Yue became even more excited.
Oh heavens, Buddha, Bodhisattva, all the deities, please bless this young lady to have her wishes fulfilled and live a life of wealth and prosperity. This believer vows to eat meat for the rest of her life and foster good karma to repay the great kindness of Buddha.
"What are you muttering about?" Cui Shi heard her daughter mumbling something.
"Reciting scriptures!"
Cui Shi: "..."