Chapter 471: Chapter 472, The Emperor’s Calculations
But where did they, mere servants, have the right to be so presumptuous about their master’s affairs?
They also thought about waiting for the Prince to return, to persuade the Princess.
And Leng Binghan had a slightly different expectation for Yun Jinnian; he too hoped that Yun Jinnian would persuade Leng Binghan.
Outside the Capital City
No one expected that just as they were about to reach the Capital City, they would encounter an assassination attempt.
Chu Yu’s face was cold as he looked down at the bodies strewn on the ground, remaining silent.
These men were dead soldiers, with nothing on them that could reveal their identities or the identity of their master, but their target had been him.
Now, the only person so eager for his death, other than the Emperor, was no one else.
Inside the carriage
"Sister?"
"It’s nothing!" Yun Jinnian shook her head slightly.
She was not very afraid of such slaughter.
An enemy out in the open was far less terrifying than one lurking in the shadows.
"As long as sister is alright!" Han Tianci’s little face turned pale.
It really was his first time facing such bloodshed.
Even though he was terribly scared, he still busied himself with comforting Yun Jinnian.
Yun Jinnian embraced him from behind, "Don’t be afraid, your sister is here. Uncle Zhong and the others will protect you too!"
"Yes, Tianci is not afraid!"
Chu Yu, mounted on his horse, called out firmly, "Let’s set out!"
Imperial Palace
The Emperor took a deep breath.
Yet another failure.
"Your Majesty, the Great Zhou Kingdom has sent a secret missive!" Eunuch Hai presented the letter.
The Emperor gestured for him to open it.
Eunuch Hai hurriedly tore open the envelope, unfolded the letter, glanced at it briefly, and then presented it to the Emperor.
The Emperor took it and read carefully before saying, "The Crown Prince of Great Zhou intends to come to the Capital City for treatment and he also seeks a marriage alliance..."
Eunuch Hai hesitated for a moment before asking, "Do you know with whom the Zhou Crown Prince wishes to form a marriage alliance?"
"Great Zhou is sending a Princess over, and the Zhou Crown Prince also wishes for a girl from Tianchu Country..."
The Emperor paused mid-sentence. For some reason, he thought of Yun Jinnian.
The Zhou Crown Prince’s health was poor. Coming to the Capital City for treatment inevitably involved Yun Jinnian’s intervention. When the request came to him, should he agree or not?
Yun Jinnian was skilled in medicine; her marriage to Great Zhou would be only beneficial, without any harm.
And which Princess should he marry off to the incoming Great Zhou Princess?
Certainly, an ordinary person would do...
He would wait and see what benefits the Zhou Crown Prince offered before making a final decision.
August 13
The Yun Residence was bustling early in the morning, with several capable maids waiting at the door, and Mrs. He was personally welcoming guests at the main entrance. The Old Madam Yun wore her mandate attire, seated in the main hall waiting for guests. Yun Muyou had returned by noon, sitting beside Old Madam Yun and chatting. Xu Xinmo, Yun Musi, and Yun Mulan each had their tasks—attending to the young ladies from various households visiting today.
Yun Zhen was already twenty and had yet to take a wife, which worried Mrs. He greatly. She had considered several families, but none were quite suitable. However, now there seemed to be a suitable match.
Though not the eldest daughter of the Marquis Residence’s main line, she was the legitimate eldest daughter from the second room. Her aunt was a Noble Consort in the palace, the Crown Prince was her first cousin, and she had been conferred the title of Princess Yanran. She had come of age, fifteen years old, a beauty with blossoming features; her father was the Assistant Minister of Rites, and although her mother was born a merchant, her dowry was said to be extremely generous.
Today, she was also visiting.
Yun Muyou, having learned of Mrs. He’s intentions, naturally welcomed Princess Yanran upon her arrival, accompanied by Yun Musi, Yun Mulan, and Xu Xinmo.
"The Princess has arrived!"
Wang Yanran, seeing Yun Muyou, smiled, "So it’s the Marchioness. Yanran greets you!"
Wang Yanran was aware of the Yun Family’s intentions. Having seen and taken a liking to Yun Zhen, she willingly showed a pleasant demeanor to Yun Muyou and others, suppressing her pride to leave a good impression. Should her mother inquire, she would readily agree, just waiting for the Yun Family to officially propose.
"Princess, there is no need for such formalities!" Yun Muyou said with a smile, leading Wang Yanran to the back garden.