Chapter 762: 317 Joyful Events in a Row
The Emperor bestowed a marriage, the Empress Dowager was pleased, and everyone in the Marquis Jingning’s Residence was satisfied, except for Lord Niu.
Lord Niu had actually set his sights on the legitimate eldest daughter of his schoolmate long ago, but because Niu Yanghui had said to wait until after the Palace Graduate examination to discuss marriage matters, Lord Niu and his schoolmate had agreed to wait until after Niu Yanghui’s examination to discuss it further. However, he had not expected such a mishap to occur in the meantime.
If it had merely been a simple marriage bestowed by the Emperor, Lord Niu could have explained it to his schoolmate. After all, an imperial marriage is unpredictable, and even if there were a verbal agreement, there’s nothing one can do about it—imperial orders hold the greatest weight! But Niu Yanghui had specifically told the Emperor that he admired the young lady of the Luo Family and claimed he was striving for improvement for her sake, leaving Lord Niu wondering how to explain this to his old friend.
Niu Yanghui had already thought of a strategy, and facing the furious Lord Niu, he said, "Father, when the Emperor asked me about marriage, I thought he wanted to make me a Prince Consort, and I became so anxious that in my desperation, I named the girl I admired."
Lord Niu was stunned. He had been so preoccupied with his anger that he had not considered the Emperor might make his son a Prince Consort. In the Great Yuan Dynasty, a Prince Consort could not participate in politics. Although marrying a princess brought wealth and honor, it essentially meant retreating early to enjoy a life of leisure: "Even if you had a quick wit due to urgency, you didn’t have to mention the Luo Family girl." Others might be happy to have such a high-ranking daughter-in-law, but Old Master Niu was not pleased. Old Master Niu, having entered office through the Palace Graduate examination, did not respect those who inherited titles effortlessly. Now that his son was about to marry a girl from the foremost noble family, it was hard for him to accept.
A hint of sarcasm flashed in Niu Yanghui’s eyes, but because he was looking down, Lord Niu could not see it: "Father, if the Emperor wanted to appoint me as a Prince Consort, and I used this excuse to reject him, it would certainly be awkward for him. If the Emperor became displeased, it would surely obstruct my career prospects in the future. That’s why I specifically mentioned that I admired the young lady of the Luo family—since the Empress Dowager is the maternal aunt of the Third Miss of the Luo Family, I thought the Emperor wouldn’t want to embarrass me for her sake." He certainly didn’t want to be a Prince Consort spending his life idly; all his years of diligent study would be wasted.
Only at this moment did Lord Niu realize that his eldest son had such audacity, even daring to oppose the Emperor’s intentions. Naturally, he couldn’t help but admire Niu Yanghui’s courage, realizing the old saying was true: "The calf doesn’t fear the tiger." "Well, as things stand, there’s no use discussing it any further." The Emperor had already bestowed the marriage, and talking more about it now was futile.
Niu Yanghui respectfully responded and then hesitated before saying, "Father, the Emperor has already decreed the marriage, and the wedding day should be within the next two months."
Lord Niu was no fool; he understood the implications of his son’s words. Although discontented inside, Lord Niu responded to Niu Yanghui, "Go and ask your mother to come back and preside over your wedding." Although Maternal Aunt Liu handled the household’s internal affairs, for a son’s wedding, especially one decreed by the Emperor, it would be inappropriate for a concubine to oversee the arrangements. Lord Niu, despite his affection for his concubine, still knew to prioritize accordingly.
Niu Yanghui left Lord Niu’s study and went straight to his mother, who was living a secluded life in the Small Buddhist Hall, to report this joyful news.
Seeing his mother with her white hair, Niu Yanghui’s loathing for Maternal Aunt Liu deepened. Outsiders called his mother weak and incompetent, but only he knew that his mother was actually a very kind-hearted person. Yet some people had exploited her kindness, forcing her into seclusion in the Buddhist Hall.
Lady Niu initially retreated to avoid troubles, but over the years, she truly abandoned worldly concerns. If not for her lingering concern for her son, she might have already sought to become a nun. Hearing now about her son graduating as the top scholar and the Emperor bestowing a marriage, Lady Niu felt very gratified.
Niu Yanghui softly said, "Mother, the Emperor is asking the Imperial Astronomical Bureau to pick an auspicious day, likely within these two months. Mother, my marriage still requires your effort."
Lady Niu, looking at her increasingly composed son, smiled affectionately, "I never thought my son would grow up so fast and is about to be wed."
Niu Yanghui smiled, "Mother, Mingzhu is a very good girl, and she will definitely be as filial to you as I have been." The reasons Niu Yanghui gave to Lord Niu were somewhat exaggerated; he had received news that the Empress Dowager was looking among the new Palace Graduates for a suitable match for Mingzhu, so he believed mentioning his admiration for Mingzhu would certainly gain the Emperor’s blessing.