novelraw Chapter 765 - 744 Unsuitable
Chapter 765 - 744 Unsuitable
When Xiaoqi, Fang Lingjun, and Fang Chuning joked at home about Fang Lingjun marrying Dugu Jing, Xie Jue hadn’t expected Xie Xun to approach him about Dugu Jing’s marriage as well, with Fang Lingjun as the preferred candidate.
Xie Jue had been sleepless all night, his expression betraying his fatigue. Upon hearing this, he was somewhat surprised. "Dugu Jing and Fang Lingjun’s marriage? Then why ask me? You should go consult Mrs. Fang about her wishes. Wait... How did this topic come up? Dugu Jing isn’t married yet?"
"Dugu Jing hasn’t had a proper marriage yet. Although Beiman marries early, the Beiman King’s health is poor. Dugu Jing, who is very protective of his brother, has been focusing on suppressing the various tribal forces. Since the current Beiman King lacks the authority of the previous one, Dugu Jing has devoted himself entirely to governmental affairs and delayed marriage. While he has had women serving him at his residence, he dismissed all of them when he came to Shangjing. After I sent people to investigate, I learned this was due to Prince Jingbei’s plan. Dugu Jing, with his unparalleled martial skills, would undoubtedly be heavily relied upon as long as I don’t harbor suspicions against him. Therefore, he needs a powerful marital alliance. Prince Jingbei is clever in this regard and had those women sent away. Now he’s unmarried and without heirs. When Prince Jingbei visited the palace yesterday to discuss this, he brought up Dugu Jing’s marriage. If I were twenty years older and had an eligible Princess, the Princess would undoubtedly be the best choice. But presently, we are at the opportune moment to pull Beiman closer and stabilize the situation, though our Princess Mingzhu is far too young. After much consideration, I find it difficult to decide. Dugu Jing’s wife cannot be chosen carelessly. Given his temperament, ordinary women wouldn’t suit him. Considering family background, appearance, and character, only Fang Lingjun and Yunong are fit choices. Personally, I lean towards Yunong. I’ve heard Dugu Jing, back in Beiman, once contended with you for Lan Ningzhen, so he might prefer someone with Yunong’s delicate and gentle appearance. However, Prince Jingbei mentioned he’s more drawn to independent and capable women. That makes Fang Lingjun very suitable. So I’ve come to you for counsel—do you think it’s appropriate?"
Dugu Jing and Xie Xun, they could be described as having a karmic entanglement!
Back when Dugu Jing abducted Fengyu, Xie Xun chased him solo for thousands of miles and nearly beheaded Dugu Jing. He had realized even then that Dugu Jing would be his lifelong nemesis.
Who would have thought that now he would be worrying about Dugu Jing’s marriage!
Hatred slowly dissipates, replaced by reconciliation.
Xie Jue pondered; it turns out Dugu Jing’s real interest, Lan Ningzhen, happens to be Fang Lingjun’s brother. Isn’t that quite the coincidence? Xie Jue asked, "How have you arranged for Dugu Jing?"
"With his exceptional strength and unparalleled martial skills, leaving him idle in the Capital City is a waste. I plan to have him lead troops. If Sannan refuses to surrender, Dugu Jing and the Grand Marshal can join forces to suppress them. He’s also familiar with Beiman and the small barbarian countries on the western frontier, where border provocations often occur. Though they don’t invade our territory, they frequently disturb the borders. Should war arise, Dugu Jing is the best candidate to lead. He values loyalty deeply, so as long as Prince Jingbei is in the Capital City, I can make good use of him and have absolutely no concerns about his intentions." Xie Xun had already thought through everything.
Xie Jue, having spent two years in Beiman, well understood Dugu Jing’s profound bond with Prince Jingbei. A man as ambitious as Dugu Jing humbles himself for his older brother’s sake. Prince Jingbei shows equal protectiveness towards his younger brother, with evidence of his intentions apparent in the planning for Dugu Jing’s marriage—he clearly wishes to align him with a powerful family.
Fang Lingjun indeed seems a fitting choice. As long as the Grand Marshal remains loyal to Xie Xun and does not rebel, future power would mainly fall to Fang Chuning and Xiaoqi’s hands. Thus there’s little concern that Dugu Jing would exploit the Fang Family’s influence. Since Xie Xun is consulting Xie Jue, it’s certain he’s deliberated carefully.
"You’re the Emperor; you shouldn’t irresponsibly play matchmaker. Ayu and Fang Lingjun are close friends. Let Ayu inquire about her wishes first. If she doesn’t agree, then choose another noblewoman and grant her the title of Commandery Princess to marry. As I’ve heard, Dugu Jing is quite popular among the ladies of the Capital City. Talking about his proposal shouldn’t be difficult. Ultimately, marriage must be consensual between both parties." Xie Jue worried Xie Xun might impulsively arrange an unsuitable match; after all, the cultural differences between the two factions are significant, and compatibility isn’t guaranteed.
"I know. I’ve already planned to entrust Ayu with this matter—I just wanted to discuss it with you first, especially since it involves the Fang..." Xie Xun coughed lightly, poured tea for his brother, and was suddenly taken aback, staring at his brother’s neck in astonishment. Spring had arrived, and men generally switched to lightweight, comfortable spring attire.
Beining men in spring preferred round-neck innerwear. Xie Jue had chosen high-neck garments, originally concealing marks on his neck. However, after sitting with Xie Xun in the palace for a long time, his collar shifted, revealing half a bite mark. The bite appeared deep—a clear imprint that wouldn’t fade for five or six days. This partial exposure was even more suggestive.
Xie Xun tightened his grip on his teacup in anger.
Fox spirit! Fox spirit! Fox spirit!!! He was infuriated, someone dared to bite his Second Brother’s neck—and in such an obvious spot! If others saw it, wouldn’t it essentially announce to the world that his brother had spent the night with someone and left such a noticeable mark? Ruining his brother’s reputation! It must have been intentional, harboring malicious intent, knowing his Second Brother was entering the palace today—clearly done to flaunt it before him!
Despicable!!!
"What’s got into you?" Xie Jue, sipping tea at just the right moment, hadn’t noticed Xie Xun’s fierce glare at his neck. Seeing Xie Xun looking menacing for no reason, he casually asked, as no one had provoked him.
Xie Xun’s face turned beet red; it wasn’t clear whether from anger or embarrassment. He gulped down his tea and declared vehemently, "Nothing’s wrong, I’m perfectly fine!"
How exactly could he ask? How would he dare inquire? What if his Second Brother revealed who had bitten him? Wouldn’t he suffocate?
Xie Jue thought to himself: Utterly baffling!
Taking advantage of Xie Jue’s visit to Ruyi and Princess Mingzhu, Xie Xun summoned Ying Er. "Are you blind? You didn’t notice the huge bite mark on your master’s neck? Wearing such low-necked clothes flaunting it openly—does he not care about his reputation? Remind him immediately!"
Ying Er thought to himself: Your Majesty, why don’t you remind him yourself!
"Wait!" Xie Xun stopped Ying Er urgently. "Don’t say it’s my idea."
Ying Er: "..."
When Fengyu learned Xie Xun intended to match Dugu Jing with Fang Lingjun, she was so shocked her eyes widened. In her mind, they were people who couldn’t be more unrelated.
Moreover, she and Xie Xun had witnessed the drama between Dugu Jing and Lady Thirteen. Though Xie Xun might think little of it, Lady Thirteen had treated Dugu Jing well, and Dugu Jing had reciprocated. But neither seemed to harbor deeper feelings. Dugu Jing was evidently focused solely on martial pursuits, untouched by romantic notions. Lady Thirteen and Yuwen Mao had entangled themselves for years; she was eight or nine years older than Dugu Jing, making theirs more a fleeting affair.
While in Beiman, Dugu Jing had two women attending to him. However, he hadn’t brought them along to the Capital City and dismissed them. Therefore, in the eyes of many ladies, he was a very appealing candidate for marriage.
Privately, Fengyu approached Mrs. Fang at the academy to discuss the matter, but Mrs. Fang instinctively refused. "Absolutely not. Junjun is too spoiled, and I’ve heard Dugu Jing has a fiery temper. This marriage would not be suitable."
She often recalled the scene when Dugu Jing sparred against Xie Zhang in the ring, when each punch seemed intent on taking Xie Zhang’s life. If her daughter married such a man, one argument could end with Junjun dead from a single blow!