novelraw Chapter 758 - 737: Knocking
Chapter 758 - 737: Knocking
Xie Xun, despite teasing and joking with Fengyu, genuinely took her words to heart. The next day, after court, he privately met with Lin Helin. In the Imperial Study, Lin Helin and Xie Xun sat by the window sill playing chess. Lin Helin understood that Xie Xun hadn’t invited him just for a casual game of chess; if Xie Xun had official matters, he wouldn’t have taken such an informal stance.
"If Your Majesty has something to ask, please speak frankly."
Xie Xun chuckled lightly, "Then I’ll ask directly: How is Yunong’s injury?"
"It’s a flesh wound. With some care, she’ll be fine. The Imperial Physician said it wouldn’t leave a scar. This incident has also taught her a lesson; she won’t act recklessly in the future. My aunt will guide her properly. After she rests for a couple of days, my aunt will take her to Marquis Jingbei’s Mansion to apologize to the two Commandery Princesses," Lin Helin explained calmly, outlining the subsequent handling of the matter.
Xie Xun was very satisfied. The Lin Family had always upheld strict family discipline and rarely behaved oppressively. The Grand Scholar was exceedingly rigorous in educating his children and grandchildren. Though Lin Yunong grew up spoiled, she had never abused her family’s power. This matter had tarnished the Lin Family’s reputation, but their resolution was already an effort to restore dignity.
Xie Xun remarked, "The two Commandery Princesses of Prince Jingbei are straightforward and won’t dwell on this. They’re still young; different family customs and etiquette might clash occasionally, and it’s not uncommon for young girls to quarrel. Don’t be too strict with her, cousin."
Lin Helin replied flatly, "When she makes a mistake, she must face consequences to remember it in the future."
"Speaking of, Yunong is already eighteen. Has Second Aunt considered marriage prospects for her?" Xie Xun shifted the topic to family matters. As the emperor, it was natural for him to show concern over his sister’s marital affairs. "If someone suitable is found, the palace can issue a decree for the marriage."
Lin Helin hadn’t anticipated Xie Xun to bring up such a minor topic. He truly didn’t know much about Yunong’s marriage because, as her elder brother, it wasn’t something he often meddled in. It was mostly their Second Uncle and Aunt handling the matter. Seeing Xie Xun lower his gaze to the chessboard without treating the conversation as mere casual chatter, Lin Helin tried his best to recall if Yunong had done anything improper or stirred any trouble recently. Despite much thought, he came up with nothing.
Since Lin Yushu took her children back to their hometown, Lin Helin had been completely engrossed in administrative affairs, balancing clan and Imperial Family relations, leaving little time for household matters.
"Aunt has looked into families, but I haven’t heard any final decisions yet," Lin Helin replied finally, recalling scattered mentions of a previous match that Lin Yunong had rejected outright.
For Lin Yunong, any marriage would involve marrying into a lower status family. The choice of suitors was limited. Lin Helin continued, "Aunt would likely select someone from trusted families—this way, the character is known, the family is upright, and Yunong wouldn’t have to face mistreatment. Your Majesty’s inquiry about her marriage—is it because you wish to grant her one yourself?"
Xie Xun hurriedly waved his hand. "Matching hearts is the domain of the matchmaker. I wouldn’t dare overstep; what if I end up decreeing a resentful union? I’m merely thinking Yunong has reached a suitable age and showing concern for her future. General Fang and Mrs. Fang are also troubled about Fang Lingjun’s marriage, which reminded me of Yunong. Once you’re married, perhaps it’s time to make preparations for hers as well."
"Understood." Lin Helin nodded and did not further elaborate. "I’ll inquire once I return home."
After leaving the Imperial Study, Lin Helin let out a sigh of relief. He hadn’t anticipated that Xie Xun’s inquiry was indeed about Yunong’s marriage, like nothing more than a casual family conversation. Finding no deeper implication, he didn’t dwell on it further. That feeling persisted until he returned home, then found Madam Lin seeking him out to discuss details of the grand wedding and the specifications for the bridal gifts. It was only after conversing for an hour that Lin Helin remembered Xie Xun’s mention and therefore asked Madam Lin, "Mother, has Aunt found a suitable match for Yunong yet?"
"Several families have been considered, but Yunong doesn’t approve of any." Madam Lin leafed through the gift registry, her attention absorbed in preparations for her elder son’s wedding. It had been a long time since the Lin Family hosted a celebratory event, and this wedding needed to be organized splendidly. "Why are you suddenly concerned about her marriage?"
"Today, Zhixu suddenly brought it up. I couldn’t answer him, so I came back to ask you," Lin Helin admitted candidly.
Madam Lin froze for a moment before abruptly raising her gaze. "Zhixu asked about Yunong’s marriage? Did he say anything further?"
Lin Helin noticed Madam Lin’s expression shift and felt a slight unease. "He didn’t mention anything else; only that Yunong has reached a marriageable age, and if someone suitable was found, the palace could issue marriage decrees."
Madam Lin sighed, signaling the nanny beside her to guard the room, ensuring no one intruded. Observing her solemnity, Lin Helin instantly sensed the gravity of the situation. "Mother, is there something unusual about Yunong’s marriage prospects?"
"Your aunt and I have considered numerous families for Yunong. Yunong’s temperament is spoiled and proud—unlike Yushu, she isn’t suited to marry into an established household as the matriarch. The best arrangement would be a second legitimate son from a well-mannered family. Having elder siblings uphold the family reputation, Yunong would only need to live peacefully with her husband, manage the household well, and rear children to lead an uneventful life without anyone daring to mistreat her. The Zhang Family and the Cai Family both have decent candidates, but Yunong hasn’t found anyone to her liking. Initially, your aunt and I didn’t force her. When choosing a match for Yushu earlier, it left my heart with regret—you know well that Yushu had always loved... Alas, so we indulged Yunong, hoping to find her a match she’d truly be satisfied with. Recently, I discovered that Yunong admires Zhixu and harbors fantasies about entering the palace as the Noble Consort."
Lin Helin, "..."
So this wasn’t a simple family conversation after all. Xie Xun had subtly conveyed his position without embarrassing anyone nor explicitly addressing Yunong’s feelings.
"No wonder she was disrespectful to the Empress at the archery field, speaking insubordinately multiple times. I initially thought it was due to her disdain for the Empress’s familial background, but now it seems there’s more to her actions. Mother, you and Aunt must dissuade her from these thoughts to prevent her from sinking deeper into this folly. If this behavior reaches Zhixu’s notice, the situation will become unmanageable." Lin Helin’s tone grew grave. The thoughts of a young girl may be straightforward yet stubborn—he feared this might escalate into a bigger issue.
Madam Lin tentatively asked, "Bai Qing, is it truly impossible for Yunong to marry Zhixu?"
"Mother wishes for Yunong to marry Zhixu?"
"It’s not because of Zhixu’s position or status. Nor do I hope for the Lin Family to produce another Empress or Noble Consort. Zhixu is someone I’ve watched grow up. He’s loyal and kind, gifted both strategically and academically, and exceptional in appearance. As someone with daughters, how could I not desire him as a match? Though he occupies the throne, he’s destined not to only have one Empress in his lifetime. If Yunong truly loves him, marrying him would ensure he treats her with dignity and respect, fulfilling her heartfelt wish. I just don’t want Yunong to follow in Yushu’s footsteps—I only hope she can be with the person she loves for a lifetime," Madam Lin stated gently, her words filled with maternal affection. Though the Second Uncle’s children weren’t hers by birth, she cherished them as her own.
Lin Helin hadn’t realized his elders harbored such sentiments. With his mother holding such hopes, it stood to reason his aunt may also have nurtured similar aspirations, hence the prolonged delay regarding Yunong’s marriage.