"Lord Lin, oh, you'll be called Prince Consort! Prince Consort, congratulations, congratulations!" the eunuch delivering the imperial edict said with a fawning smile.
Who in court didn't know how much the Emperor favored Princess Fu An? She was even more esteemed than the princesses.
"Your Excellency, this imperial edict..." Lin Yan hesitated, "I dare not deceive His Majesty, but I have a reputation for being unlucky with wives. If..."
"Talk of destiny is merely idle chatter. Lord Lin, you are a scholar of the sage's teachings, how can you still believe such things?" the eunuch waved his hand. Besides, the edict had already been issued; would it be revoked?
"Yes, yes, it was I who was too preoccupied," Lin Yan signaled to Dong Mei to fetch a money purse, while she continued to converse with the eunuch, hoping to glean why the Emperor had arranged this marriage for her.
However, the eunuch was tight-lipped, only stating that the two were destined to be together and that the Emperor had good judgment, never mentioning why the marriage was suddenly decreed.
Hearing his words, Lin Yan knew he had been instructed, so she didn't press further. After presenting the prepared gift to him, Lin Yan escorted him to the door.
Just as Lin Yan was receiving the edict, another contingent of guards with an imperial edict arrived at the Prince Yingchuan's residence.
Knowing that Princess Fu An was in poor health, the Emperor had granted special permission for her not to kneel to receive the edict. After the incense table was set up, Zhao Hao was helped to stand behind it.
Zhao Hao intended to kneel to receive the edict but was stopped by the eunuch. However, he still knelt, placing a thick cushion beneath his knees to make it more comfortable.
"The ritual must not be neglected. I know His Majesty pities me, but is there any precedent for receiving an edict while standing?" Zhao Hao's smile was weak, but his actions satisfied the eunuch.
Even kneeling on a cushion was a hardship. Thus, the eunuch's delivery was faster than usual.
When Zhao Hao heard the contents of the imperial edict, he froze. An arranged marriage? To Yan Ge?
For him, a man, to marry another man, he should have been filled with humiliation. Yet, upon learning that he was to marry Yan Ge, a sweet feeling welled up in his heart.
He was dazedly helped to his feet, then accepted the imperial edict from the eunuch's hand. Supported by others, he returned to his chambers.
The imperial decree delegation was well entertained by the steward and maids, while he only recovered his senses after returning to his bedroom.
"Master, this, this matter must be reported to His Highness immediately." The maid beside him looked deeply offended.
Her master was the sole heir to the Prince's residence, how could he...!
The indignant words of everyone around him finally made him realize that he needed to rein in his rising smile regarding this matter.
"Yes, have someone send word to my father. Yan Ge should have received the imperial edict too. He will likely come tonight to discuss this matter."
"This..." She wanted to say something but, realizing something, retracted it. "Isn't this just forcing two people together? How can they pair you with Young Master Lin!"
Why couldn't they be paired together! He finally realized that there were other ways to be with Yan Ge.
If he truly married Yan Ge, he wouldn't have to worry about someone else appearing beside Yan Ge, nor would he need to worry about his interactions with Yan Ge alerting the Emperor.
As for what his father would think, he had been sickly since childhood, and both his father and mother's expectations were simply for him to grow up safely.
Whatever he wanted, they would agree to.
He didn't consider what Lin Yan would think. In any case, the imperial edict had been issued, and Yan Ge could not resist it. For now, he could only agree.
As for the future, he would surely reclaim his true identity. By then, the title of Princess Fu An would no longer exist, and his status as Prince Consort would surely end as well.
He thought extensively, and the more he thought, the more he felt this was an excellent way to have Lin Yan and himself live together.
That evening, Lin Yan arrived at the Prince's residence, and Zhao Hao was having dinner when she did.
"Why are you eating dinner so late?" Lin Yan sat beside Zhao Hao without any preamble, as if she hadn't been away for two years.
"Yan Ge, you're here," Zhao Hao joyfully put down his bowl and carefully examined Lin Yan, whom he hadn't seen for a long time.
Upon seeing her, he realized that his Yan Ge had grown even more beautiful. He gazed deeply at Lin Yan, as if trying to etch her current appearance into his memory.
"You've lost weight. It seems you were truly busy over there. You haven't taken good care of yourself. A'Xue, get Yan Ge a set of bowls and chopsticks."
"No need, I've already had dinner," Lin Yan turned to A'Xue and said, "I've truly eaten."
"Yan Ge, just have a little with me!"
"Eating too much at night is not good." Lin Yan wanted to say more, but seeing his expectant gaze, she nodded.
Zhao Hao immediately ordered someone to get bowls and chopsticks for Lin Yan.
Looking at him, Lin Yan saw that he didn't seem to be taking the imperial edict to heart, and she breathed a sigh of relief.
The edict required him, a man, to marry. She had genuinely feared he wouldn't be able to accept it. If any trace of his true feelings were revealed, the consequence could be severe wrath.
Lin Yan accompanied him for a bowl of soup, and then Zhao Hao finished his supper.
"Since Young Master Lin arrived, Master has eaten more," the servant said happily as he collected the bowls, noticing the much-reduced amount of food.
Those serving in Zhao Hao's chambers were all trustworthy individuals, and they all held their young master in high regard.
"Not at all, I usually eat quite a bit," Zhao Hao quickly explained.
Lin Yan was his physician; if she knew he wasn't eating properly, she would likely be angry.
Lin Yan didn't expose him. After he sat down elsewhere, she took his wrist.
When Lin Yan's hand held Zhao Hao's wrist, he felt a warmth spread from the points of contact.
Yan, how could Yan Ge's hands be so soft? They both practiced calligraphy and learned the zither. His fingers had calluses, yet Lin Yan's had none.
Didn't Yan Ge spend two years away? How could Yan Ge's skin be better than his, who had been recuperating indoors all along?
"Mmm, your health has improved significantly. However, the deficiency from before has not yet been fully replenished. Have you had leg pain recently?"
"No."
"It seems further nourishment is needed. However, medicinal supplements are not as good as dietary ones. Your body is weak; if you use medicinal supplements, you might not be able to absorb them. I'll draft a menu later and have them follow it."
"Yan Ge, you know how to cook?"
"I don't cook, but I know how to use medicine, so don't be picky. Even if the taste isn't great, you must eat it."
This was a jest. The chefs at the Prince's residence were all recruited by the Prince from various regions. It could be said that aside from the imperial chefs in the palace, the chefs at the Prince's residence were the most skilled.
"Then, alright, I'll try my best to eat," Zhao Hao agreed with some reluctance.
He had a weak constitution and a delicate stomach, so he had always eaten little. When Lin Yan was away from the capital, he was the most senior person in the entire residence, and no one dared force him to eat anything.
However, he also knew that Lin Yan meant well for him and could only obey. After all, regarding his health, even his father and mother would not side with him.