Chapter 315
**Chapter 313: Marrying Yan Yunting as a Wife**
Shen Wei set down the painting album in her hands and asked Cai Lian, “Has there been any unusual activity from the Princess Zhenmin in the palace these past two days?”
Cai Lian replied, “Princess Zhenmin has been staying in the palace gardens, rarely going out. She often inquires with the old matron about Princess Zhaoyang’s deeds. Additionally, the Shu Fei sent her a box of Wuyi rock tea, which Princess Zhenmin accepted but has left untouched on the shelf.”
Shen Wei pondered for a moment before saying, “Please invite her in.”
Before long, light footsteps echoed from outside the study. Princess Donglin entered, dressed in a pale yellow autumn gown, resembling a butterfly fluttering gracefully into Shen Wei’s study.
With a bright smile, Princess Donglin spoke in a lively tone, “Greetings, Consort Shen. The Shu brocade silk you sent me today is beautiful; Zhenmin has come to express her gratitude.”
Shen Wei replied, “I’m glad you like it, Princess.”
As Princess Donglin took a seat, her curious gaze fell upon the painting album in Shen Wei’s hands.
Shen Wei said, “I’m currently selecting a husband for you, Princess. You can choose whichever young master you fancy, and I can petition the Emperor for your marriage.”
Cai Lian stepped forward, presenting an album of portraits of young masters from the Ministry of Rites and several noble families to Princess Donglin.
However, Princess Donglin did not take it. With her beautiful eyes wide open, she looked at Shen Wei earnestly, “I mustn’t hide this from you, Consort Shen; Zhenmin’s heart already belongs to someone.”
Shen Wei raised an eyebrow in surprise, “Which young master has captured your heart, Princess?”
A blush crept onto Princess Donglin’s cheeks as she shyly fiddled with the embroidered handkerchief in her hands, “His name is Yan Yunting, an official in the Ministry of Rites. When I first arrived in Yanjing, I spotted him from afar in a crowd; he was such a handsome young man, I can’t imagine marrying anyone else!”
Shen Wei: ...
So it was love at first sight.
Seeing Princess Donglin’s bashful demeanor reminded Shen Wei of the lovesick Zhaoyang from years past.
Shen Wei cautioned, “But Minister Yan is already married and has a wife.”
Princess Donglin retorted confidently, “So what if he is? I’m willing to marry him; being a concubine is fine too! Consort Shen, please, I beg you to help me this once.”
Shen Wei studied the foreign princess before her, then suddenly spoke, “In the two days you’ve been in the palace, you’ve gathered quite a bit of information about Princess Zhaoyang’s past.”
Princess Donglin’s heart skipped a beat.
She twisted the embroidered handkerchief in her hands, lowering her head in silence. Under Shen Wei’s scrutiny, she realized she had been seen through.
Upon arriving in Yanjing, she had discovered her resemblance to Princess Zhaoyang.
Thus, she had worked hard to learn and imitate Zhaoyang’s makeup, clothing, walking style, and mannerisms. Originally, she bore only a resemblance of about forty to fifty percent, but after her efforts, it had increased to seventy or eighty percent.
As a princess of a weak nation, she had nothing to her name; she was merely a gift from Donglin to Da Qing. With no backing, she had to plan her own future.
After a long pause, Princess Donglin finally heard Shen Wei say, “As for your matter with Yan Yunting, I will discuss it with the Emperor, and he will make the final decision.”
Princess Donglin secretly sighed in relief, revealing a naive and charming smile.
Choosing Yan Yunting as her husband was the best outcome she could hope for.
As an official in the Ministry of Rites, Yan Yunting was less involved in state affairs, which would significantly reduce the Emperor’s suspicions about her. Moreover, it seemed that Yan Yunting had some feelings for her. If a man had feelings, her married life would be a bit easier.
...
As night fell, Li Yuanjing and Shen Wei finished their dinner and took a leisurely stroll in the courtyard filled with blooming autumn chrysanthemums.
The autumn moon hung high, and the fragrance of chrysanthemums filled the air.
Shen Wei shared with Li Yuanjing the news of Princess Donglin’s affection for Yan Yunting. Li Yuanjing expressed mild surprise, “Not only does Princess Donglin resemble Zhaoyang, but her taste in suitors is also the same?”
Back then, Zhaoyang’s pursuit of Yan Yunting had become the talk of the town.
Who would have thought that history would repeat itself?
Shen Wei held a warm hot water bottle in her hands and said to Li Yuanjing, “Your Majesty, Minister Yan is already married. Officials in the Ministry of Rites value propriety; demoting a legitimate wife to a concubine would be quite unfair.”
Li Yuanjing pondered for a moment, “I shall summon Yan Yunting to the palace tomorrow.”
The next day, after the morning court session, Yan Yunting was called to Chang’an Palace. Upon learning that Princess Donglin had fallen for him at first sight and insisted on marrying him, Yan Yunting was momentarily stunned.
Years ago, Zhaoyang had also fallen for him at first sight, declaring she would marry no one else. Could it be that heaven, unable to bear his torment of longing, had sent another “Zhaoyang” to his side?
His heart raced; he truly wanted to take Princess Donglin home. But he already had Dan Tai Rou.
Rou’er was deeply devoted to him, and if he married Princess Donglin, Rou would have to lower her status. Yan Yunting couldn’t bear to do that; his Rou’er had already suffered so much.
One was a lively and beautiful version of Princess Zhaoyang, while the other was a gentle and virtuous wife. Yan Yunting’s thoughts were in turmoil, and he didn’t know how to choose.
Li Yuanjing took a sip of the chrysanthemum and goji berry tea that Shen Wei had sent and smiled, “I’ve discussed it with the Consort; you may take her as a concubine. Princess Donglin and your wife will hold equal status, so neither will be wronged.”
Yan Yunting’s eyes lit up.
He quickly knelt in gratitude, “I will faithfully obey Your Majesty’s decree!”
As he left Chang’an Palace, Yan Yunting felt light on his feet, his spirits soaring. Marrying Princess Donglin felt like fulfilling a long-held dream, filling the void left by his regrets with Princess Zhaoyang.
The cool autumn breeze brushed against his red official robe as he strode confidently along the palace path.
As he turned a corner, a lively and gentle voice called out, “Minister Yan!”
Yan Yunting halted in his tracks and turned around.
He saw Princess Donglin at the other end of the palace path, radiant and graceful, her features reminiscent of a familiar face.
Princess Donglin joyfully ran over, standing before Yan Yunting with a playful smile. She handed him a small pouch, saying, “This is a pouch I made myself; please take good care of it, Minister Yan, and don’t lose it!”
Yan Yunting stood there, momentarily stunned as he accepted the green pouch.
The pouch was roughly made, with uneven stitches, and the mandarin ducks embroidered on it looked more like ducks.
Princess Zhaoyang had once given him a pouch and insisted he keep it safe.
Back then, Yan Yunting had disdainfully tossed Zhaoyang’s pouch into the lake. Now, he extended his hand, accepting the years of regret: “I will definitely take good care of the princess’s pouch.”
Princess Donglin beamed, lifting her skirt as she left, her pale yellow garments fluttering like peonies blooming in spring.
Yan Yunting clutched the pouch tightly, his emotions surging, unable to forget the moment.
Upon returning to her quarters, as the palace doors closed, the innocent and lively expression on Princess Donglin’s face vanished in an instant, her eyes turning cold and calm, like a still pond, devoid of ripples.
She was composed and serene.
“Princess, it’s time for your lunch,” a palace maid stepped forward. “Consort Shen instructed me to continue sharing stories about Princess Zhaoyang’s past with you.”
Princess Donglin nodded, “Thank you for your efforts, Consort Shen.”
...
Soon, Li Yuanjing issued a decree, betrothing Princess Donglin to the Right Minister of Rites as a concubine.
She was to be sent from the palace.
Shen Wei visited the palace where Princess Donglin was temporarily residing, presenting her with a precious gemstone hairpin. Princess Donglin was delighted and expressed her gratitude repeatedly.
The room fell silent as the palace maids exited.
Shen Wei took a seat and leisurely said, “I feel a connection with you, Princess. In three days, you will be married. I will grant you two experienced palace matrons; they are well-versed in Da Qing’s customs—more importantly, they have served Princess Zhaoyang before.”
Princess Donglin held the gemstone hairpin tightly, her beautiful eyes sparkling with joy.
Smart people don’t need to beat around the bush; they quickly understand each other’s intentions. Princess Donglin was like driftwood in the water, alone and desperate for support, needing to secure a foothold in a foreign land. Shen Wei was willing to protect her, but only if Princess Donglin was willing to pledge her loyalty.
Princess Donglin asked, “May I know what you require of Zhenmin?”
Table of Contents
