Huh? The Tyrant Cries After My Inner Thoughts Were Exposed!

Chapter 241: The Shy Young Gentleman

Duke Ping was surprised. This girl usually didn’t even want to hear about such matters. What happened today? Could it be that she changed her mind after returning from the Border?

Some ministers secretly began to calculate. There were one or two bachelor sons in their families. Although they were a bit young, it didn’t matter.

After all, which girl doesn’t like a handsome young noble?

Better take this chance now that Princess Jinyang is open to it and quickly prepare the portraits at home to send over!

Some had even prepared portraits of eligible sons from their homes in advance, just waiting for this day.

...

That day after the court session, two long-unseen girls walked together.

Liu Miaoying said, "You went to the Border for several months without sending a letter back. I was worried something might have happened on the way."

Su Juan laughed, "I just stayed a little longer, nothing went wrong."

Liu Miaoying recalled yesterday when Su Juan returned to the capital and heard from people below that she came back alone. "Why didn’t Mr. Shen return to the capital with you?"

She remembered that Shen Ruhui went to the Border with Su Juan. Could something have happened?

Su Juan hesitated for a while but eventually told her what happened at the Border. "Only Shi Yuan and Xie Xun know about it. Now you and I know, but no one else should know."

Earlier, it was discussed that they would say Shen Ruhui had gone traveling, so if anyone noticed someone missing beside her, they wouldn’t be suspicious.

Liu Miaoying never expected that Shen Ruhui would go to the Southern Country at this time. The war had not yet stopped. He went alone, not knowing what he would face.

"Mr. Shen is very honorable."

"Fortunately, there are people there to assist him, so he can retreat safely if anything happens."

Liu Miaoying nodded, spoke about some recent events, then asked about today’s matter, "Do you really want to take a husband? I heard Mr. Shen and the others talking about sending portraits to the Empress for viewing."

After the Empress views them, they will be sent to Su Juan. By then, will they really not select?

Su Juan waved her hand, "I just said it to brush them off. I didn’t agree to do it right away."

The aim was to give responses to everything, but proceed with nothing.

Liu Miaoying was slightly puzzled, "Isn’t that...not very good?"

Su Juan said, "What’s wrong with it? I’m just doing what I’ve seen others do."

Upon hearing this, Liu Miaoying looked confused, "?"

Who is Su Juan learning from?

Su Juan smiled and said, "Back then, when the courtiers urged the Old Emperor to choose an heir from the Imperial Family, and then pressed him to set up an Imperial Brother, didn’t he also reply to everything but do nothing in the end?"

Liu Miaoying: "..." Can such things really be learned?

"It dragged on for many years. What’s the problem with me learning it?"

Liu Miaoying did not speak, but she thought to herself: But the Emperor eventually got an heir. Can you do the same?

...

The courtiers acted quickly. Just one day later, a pile of portraits was sent to the Empress Palace. Seeing this spectacle, the Empress was also somewhat surprised.

The Emperor, upon learning of this, instructed the Empress to carefully choose for Su Juan and to reject those with poor character.

The Empress indeed selected some carefully and had the portraits sent to Su Juan.

When the portraits arrived, Liu Miaoying and Cai Yi were there, just finished discussing official matters, and were having tea beside them.

"Your Highness, the Empress has ordered the maidservant to deliver the portraits."

The palace attendant brought the portraits and placed them aside before retreating quietly.

There were many portraits, at least about twenty people, making it hard to see them clearly.

Next to her, Liu Miaoying was curious, "Are these portraits for choosing a husband for you?"

Su Juan nodded, took a couple of sips of tea, seeing Liu Miaoying’s gaze glued to the portraits. Knowing she had been looking around for a husband, but hadn’t found the right one, Su Juan laughed, "Go ahead. Take a look if you want."

These portraits sent here had many from well-known families, maybe she would find one suitable.

Next to them, Cai Yi also glanced over. Most were familiar faces. He said, "I recognize the second son of the He Family. His character is very good, he’s talented, writes well, but his path in officialdom is hindered by his elder brother."

Su Juan, upon hearing this, glanced at the portrait in Liu Miaoying’s hand, "He looks quite good."

Liu Miaoying, however, put the portrait aside. Talented ones are fine, but she picked up another one to examine.

Cai Yi glanced again and said, "The Du Family’s eldest son has good looks and talent, but his conduct is somewhat reckless, spending a lot of time in brothels and such."

Su Juan also glanced over, "Hmm, I remember him. I bumped into him once when I was visiting a brothel with Xie Xun..."

Cai Yi furrowed his brows, "Your Highness."

Su Juan fell silent. Cai Yi was displeased, so she cleared her throat and explained, "I just went to take a look and listen to some songs, I didn’t join in with them."

Hearing this, Liu Miaoying glanced at Su Juan, smiled, and didn’t expose her, setting aside the portrait. For reckless people, she still preferred someone a bit more timid and shy.

Cai Yi, with a sober expression like an old scholar, seriously informed Su Juan, "Your Highness should not visit such places again in the future."

Su Juan smiled and nodded, abiding by Cai Yi’s advice, "I won’t go."

Liu Miaoying shook her head, thinking that the Emperor wasn’t selecting an advisor for Ah Juan but had rather invited a lecturer.

She looked down and continued examining the portraits. In the end, she indeed found one with good looks. Without asking Cai Yi, she planned to keep the portrait and later have someone inquire about him. If suitable, she would prepare a substantial gift to propose marriage.

She didn’t care much about romantic feelings. As long as they were pleasing to the eye, lived well, and could manage household affairs, it would suffice.

Su Juan just caught a glimpse of the portrait, but by the time she wanted to see more, Liu Miaoying was already putting it away, clearly having chosen.

Seeing Su Juan wide-eyed and curious, Cai Yi at the side sighed, "Your Highness, that’s the younger son of Vice Minister Mu of the Ministry of War. He doesn’t like going out much, enjoys flowers and plants, and has attended poetry events a few times. Maybe he didn’t like it; he hasn’t been seen there afterwards. He has quite a quiet nature."

Su Juan looked at Liu Miaoying, raising an eyebrow, "He seems nice, fits my taste well."

"A shy young gentleman, how interesting."

Liu Miaoying said nothing, but tucked the portrait away, as if avoiding Su Juan.

Su Juan chuckled softly.

However, Cai Yi said, "Your Highness, it’s time to consider finding a confidant, someone to share the everyday burdens with."

Urging this matter, Cai Yi remained his usual serious self, as if it were a significant matter that could not be delayed.

Su Juan touched her ear, realizing she couldn’t avoid the topic. Even Cai Yi mentioned it, so she smiled and tried to divert, "Master Cai, if I’m not mistaken, you yourself are still unmarried. Perhaps you should consider your lifelong commitment. If needed, I could help you with it."

Cai Yi declined, "It is my own affair, how could it trouble Your Highness?"

Su Juan raised an eyebrow, thinking, sees how he urges others, but when it comes to himself, it’s a bother.