A Foodie Transmigrated into the Palace

Chapter 411: Seeking a Marriage for Commander Xia

So, once he figured it out, he stopped thinking about it.General Ni looked up.

The ministers were nearly coming to blows.

One minister said, "Emperor, outside the south city, a young lady from the home of my great-aunt’s brother-in-law’s elder sister’s second concubine is fair-skinned and beautiful, like a blossoming flower, truly radiant! And she is most compatible with Commander Xia..."

Another minister quickly added, "Emperor, my aunt-in-law’s mother’s brother’s daughter has also just turned fifteen this year, and oh, that girl is extremely striking!"

No sooner had he spoken than someone retorted, "Actually, my second maternal uncle’s seventh grandaunt’s granddaughter is the most suitable; that girl is so beautiful she could topple nations, a paragon of talent and grace..."

The court was in an uproar.

Zhao Junyao looked on, finding it all rather improper. He abruptly slammed the table! "Silence, all of you! We’ll discuss this matter after the court session!" Zhao Junyao genuinely felt uneasy discussing such matters in court.

The ministers instantly quieted down, not daring to make another sound.

In the next Shi Chen, things finally got back on track. The Emperor and his ministers deliberated on state affairs. After one Shi Chen, all state affairs were settled, and so the court session ended.

In the past, whenever Li Shengan announced the end of the court session, the ministers would sprint out faster than rabbits.

But this time... no one moved!

Zhao Junyao got up to leave, but seeing nobody else stirred, he then remembered.

Oh, there’s still Commander Xia’s marriage to arrange...

Zhao Junyao sat down again.

The ministers became excited once more. Those with daughters, and even those without but who had eligible female relatives, were all keen not to let this chance slip by. Commander Xia was the Crown Prince’s maternal uncle, with a bright future clearly laid out. To become in-laws with Commander Xia would be a tremendous fortune!

Moreover, Commander Xia was a man of remarkable talents, extraordinary in martial arts, with a striking appearance—truly a cut above the rest! Regardless of family background, appearance, prospects, or temperament, he was flawless from every angle! Which unwed maiden would not desire such a husband? Even those with daughters considered him the ideal son-in-law!

Yes, if my daughter is to marry, she must marry a man like him!

Zhao Junyao cast a cool glance over the crowd below, watching them as if they were ready to roll up their sleeves and fight it out, as if winning would secure their daughters’ marriage to Xia Tingfeng.

Zhao Junyao felt a tremendous headache. So, he didn’t bother beating around the bush any longer and cleared his throat.

"AHEM!"

He said unhurriedly, "Beloved Minister Xia already has someone in mind. He even submitted a petition to me yesterday, requesting that I decree the marriage!"

At these words, the crowd erupted.

"Decree a marriage?"

"Someone in mind?"

These phrases were too enticing. It implied that once confirmed, the matter was as good as set in stone. A marriage bestowed by the Emperor could not be dissolved, could not be broken, and could not... In short, there were too many "could nots." Once married, it was a lifelong bond; even if it were an act, one had to put on a show of marital affection!

This rule always benefited women. Even if the husband was displeased with a marriage decreed by the Emperor, the wife could not be cast aside or treated too harshly. At the very least, the marriage would appear satisfactory on the surface!

So, everyone eagerly anticipated the news, wondering to themselves: Which family’s daughter is so fortunate as to catch the eye of Commander Xia, to be granted such a marriage by the Emperor, to receive such a splendid match seemingly from heaven itself!

Zhao Junyao surveyed the room but ultimately said nothing. After all, it concerned a young woman’s reputation; what if the girl herself was unwilling?! To disclose it in advance, wouldn’t that put her in an awkward position?

Therefore, Zhao Junyao simply said, "My ministers, you may return for now! As for the matter of the imperial marriage decree, I have reached a decision. If Beloved Minister Xia’s intended agrees, I will naturally grant the marriage as soon as possible!"

Having finished speaking, he departed.

Although the ministers were disappointed, many still hurried home to inquire if their daughters had any interaction with Commander Xia.

Of course, not everyone was pleased. There was a small faction of dissatisfied individuals. These were typically the old-fashioned members of noble scholarly families. Mentioning Commander Xia, they would practically snort in disdain.

"HUMPH!"

"A mere boorish and reckless fellow! My daughter must certainly not be matched with such a person!"

The ways of the world are many and varied, each revealing itself in due course.

...

「In the afternoon, Zhao Junyao discreetly sent someone out.」

「The Fourth Rank General’s Mansion of the Ni Family.」

Old Master Ni returned home early from the Yamen today. He was discussing matters with Madam Ni when a maid came to report.

"Old Master, Madam, someone from the palace has arrived!"

Exchanging glances, they hurried to greet the visitor.

The person was a plain-clothed eunuch, not Eunuch Li, so they were unsure how to address him. They simply called him ’Sir’ and approached to greet him politely.

The eunuch was also courteous. After exchanging greetings, he conveyed the Emperor’s intentions. In essence: Commander Xia fancies your daughter, and the Emperor wishes to know your thoughts on the matter. If you are willing, the Emperor intends to decree the marriage.

"May I ask what General Ni and Madam’s thoughts are on this?"

General Ni was stunned and hadn’t yet reacted, but Lady Ni immediately knelt down. "I thank the Emperor for his thorough consideration for my daughter! This humble subject is deeply grateful to the Emperor!"

Through the ages, how many emperors would inquire about the woman’s side’s opinion before decreeing a marriage? Not to mention that their Fourth Rank General’s Mansion was but an insignificant, minor household. For the Emperor to actually send someone to ask... this was truly... immense imperial grace!

General Ni also came to his senses and knelt. "Replying to you, Sir, for my daughter to be granted a marriage by the Emperor is a blessing accumulated from a previous life... On this matter... we leave it entirely to the Emperor to decide!"

Seeing the couple’s sincere gratitude and their straightforward answer, the eunuch was quite satisfied and hurriedly said, "Please rise, both of you..."

It was good that they were willing. With both sides agreeable, the matter was as good as settled. In the future, the Ni Family would be in-laws to the Xia Family. For lovers to finally be united in matrimony—this was indeed a wonderfully joyous event!

Before the eunuch left, he uttered many auspicious words, smiling all the while. General Ni and Lady Ni were delighted as they saw him to the door, finally slipping a heavy purse into his hands. The eunuch’s smile grew even more genuine. For a time, everyone was quite satisfied.

...

General Ni had never taken a concubine in his life. As a martial man, he married late; he was well into his twenties when he married Lady Ni. Lady Ni, too, had her marriage delayed until nineteen due to a three-year mourning period for her father. Neither family was overly selective, and they had a simple wedding. General Ni was upright and honest by nature, while Lady Ni was gentle and considerate. Respecting each other, they had lived harmoniously for many years without a single quarrel, their days as sweet as honey.

Lady Ni gave birth to a son in her first pregnancy, but the birth took a toll on her body, and she didn’t have another child for several years. It wasn’t until she was nearly thirty that she finally had a daughter.

Now that her daughter, who would be eighteen after the New Year, had such an ideal match found for her, she herself was overjoyed. She had quietly made inquiries before. Commander Xia, it seemed, was similar in temperament to her own husband—not one for underhanded schemes, nor did he possess various vices. To marry her daughter to such a man would mean a life like her own, spent alongside a loving husband, sweet and happy. Though not a life of wealth and prestige, it was one of true happiness.

Thinking of her daughter’s prospective happiness, she became so moved that tears welled up in her eyes.