novelraw Chapter 766 - 745: Taking the Initiative
Chapter 766 - 745: Taking the Initiative
Mrs. Fang was not particularly pleased about this marriage proposal, and Fengyu did not insist either. Smiling faintly, she said, "Even His Majesty would not dare to arbitrarily match people together. If Junjun and you are unwilling, then let’s drop this matter and pretend it was never mentioned. Madam, please don’t take it to heart."
Mrs. Fang knew that Fengyu and Fang Lingjun were deeply bonded—not just sisters, but closer than sisters, a relationship of mutual trust where they could entrust their lives to one another. In the past, she had regarded Fengyu as a pampered, gentle young woman. Only after Fengyu left the capital with Xie Xun did she realize that she had misjudged her. She appeared delicate, but her inner strength was as unyielding as steel, and her intellect remarkably sharp. Whether spurred by love or ambition, Fengyu executed every step with remarkable precision. Back then, she was nearly arranged to marry into Beiman as part of a diplomatic marriage alliance, but circumstances shifted dramatically, leading to her marriage with Xie Xun. Now, as Empress, she firmly controlled the treasury. Ministers privately whispered about how the hen ruled the roost, and there were even censors who accused Fengyu of interfering in state affairs within the Jinluan Palace. Xie Xun, however, disregarded these remarks entirely, even reproaching the censors. After all, the empire’s finances belonged to the Empress, and she could manage them as she pleased.
For Fengyu to earn such trust from Xie Xun, it certainly wasn’t achieved through beauty alone. Mrs. Fang wanted to hear Fengyu’s opinion. "Your Majesty, do you think Dugu Jing would make a suitable husband?"
Fengyu had actually considered such issues before. From the moment she met Dugu Jing, through the series of events that followed, she realized Dugu Jing and Xie Xun were strikingly similar. Each loyal to their own ruler, they had fought against each other, collaborated, and both faced challenges and conflicts. Yet, Dugu Jing was fundamentally good-hearted. Whether he was worth entrusting one’s lifetime happiness depended on his loyalty to his siblings, for which he spared no effort. The fact that Prince Jingbei sincerely planned for him revealed the deep bond between the brothers—a rarity in royal families. This demonstrated their close connection and their admirable qualities.
If she had a daughter, Fengyu would consider allowing her to interact with Dugu Jing for some time. If feelings could be cultivated, it might actually be a good marriage.
When Mrs. Fang raised the question, though, she did have reservations. The Fang Family controlled an army of a hundred thousand in Jiangnan, while Dugu Jing also commanded troops. She needed to weigh the entwining relationships and potential complications.
Yet privately, she hoped Junjun might find a happy marriage.
"Madam, each person has their own preference when choosing a spouse. One man’s treasure might be another’s trash. My opinion doesn’t matter much in the end; the most important thing is what Junjun thinks." Fengyu stayed true to her heart, still hoping Junjun would have smooth sailing ahead. "I’ve come to speak with you mainly to gauge your thoughts. If Madam doesn’t approve, the matter doesn’t need to be brought up to Junjun. But if you think it’s suitable, you can discuss it with her. Ultimately, the key is to follow Junjun’s wishes."
"And Dugu Jing?" Mrs. Fang asked.
This question hit the nail on the head. The truth was, Dugu Jing didn’t know much about Northeners, and the woman he was most familiar with was Fengyu. In his eyes, most women from Beining appeared frail and delicate like Fengyu. Though briefly captivating, their appeal was fleeting. He preferred and admired women who could ride horses and shoot arrows, who could spar with him.
It was known that Prince Jingbei had spoken to Xie Xun in the palace about Dugu Jing’s marriage. When Lin Yunong was brought up, Dugu Jing bluntly refused. But when Fang Lingjun was mentioned, he didn’t outright reject the idea. He didn’t know her well but learned that she was a military general and differed greatly from the typical Beining noblewomen. With no emotional foundation between them, he didn’t object to meeting and becoming acquainted.
Mrs. Fang mulled over the prospect. Fengyu’s visit to discuss this matter suggested that Xie Xun was open to the idea of a Fang Family-Dugu Jing marriage alliance. Mrs. Fang had also asked Xie Xun about his intentions for Dugu Jing and learned that Xie Xun bore no ill will toward him and intended to entrust him with important responsibilities in the future. This revelation left Mrs. Fang astonished. Upon returning home, she sought Marshal Fang’s input.
The Marshal’s perspective contrasted sharply with Mrs. Fang’s. Since Xie Xun had no hostility toward Dugu Jing and planned to give him significant duties, he felt Dugu Jing was a solid choice. As a military man who had interacted with peers and subordinates, the Marshal had gained a clear understanding of the character of several prominent generals from Beiman. Knowing one’s daughter best, the Marshal believed Fang Lingjun needed a strong-willed husband.
Unlike the delicate, refined noblemen of the capital, whom she didn’t take to, Fang Lingjun gravitated toward individuals akin to the firm presence of her family’s patriarchs and brothers. If Junjun were willing to connect with someone like Dugu Jing and foster mutual affection, the Marshal believed it would be a favorable match—even Xiaoqi agreed. The only one in opposition was Fang Chuning.
Fang Chuning’s disapproval stemmed from a messy, unspeakable incident involving him and Dugu Jing, particularly regarding Lan Ningzhen. It was a matter he intended to take to the grave, fearing exposure would embarrass more than just himself.
Since the Marshal and Mrs. Fang were of differing opinions, and with their sons divided in their views, they decided to consult Fang Lingjun on the matter.
"Who? Dugu Jing?" Fang Lingjun responded with an exaggerated shake of her head. "He looks so fierce!"
Xiaoqi chuckled, "But he’s quite handsome."
"Fierce!" Fang Lingjun couldn’t forget the heart-stopping scene of Dugu Jing fighting against Xie Zhang on stage—too terrifying to bear. "I wouldn’t stand a chance against him."
"Why would you need to beat him? He wouldn’t harm you."
"What if he did?"
The crowd: "..."
Given Fang Lingjun’s unfamiliarity with Dugu Jing, the situation reached a stalemate. Naturally, Fengyu did not push further, leaving Xie Xun to seek another noblewoman to match with Dugu Jing. Despite all attempts, finding an ideal candidate was challenging.
Finally, Xie Xun advised Dugu Jing to maintain discipline and refrain from associating with women. Dugu Jing frowned, "Why?"
Although he didn’t have any offspring, it was customary in Beiman for men of his status to have women serve them. Xie Xun explained, "The noble families of Beining, though accustomed to polygamy, draw a stark line between the statuses of wives and concubines. The wife is the master, while concubines are subordinates. If the primary wife has yet to enter the household, it is taboo to keep concubines or sire illegitimate children. If you have women in your home or produce offspring before marriage, no noble family would marry their legitimate daughters to you."
Dugu Jing raised an eyebrow. He wasn’t overly concerned about this, but since Xie Xun insisted, he decided to comply. Still, Dugu Jing glumly asked, "What about Prince Yan? He hasn’t married either, yet he has illegitimate children."
"What illegitimate children? My Ruyi is a properly born legitimate heir!" Xie Xun gritted his teeth, clearly furious. Someone must have been spreading rumors, or else Dugu Jing wouldn’t know about this. "Who’s been talking behind our backs?"
"Forgot, just overheard!" Dugu Jing frowned. "What legitimate heir? Prince Yan’s sole recognized spouse is Lan Ningzhen, yet he hasn’t officially married. How could he have a legitimate heir? If anyone deserves the title of legitimate heir, it should be Princess Mingzhu. Instead of lecturing Prince Yan, you’re putting restrictions on me about illegitimate children—ha!"
"You’re not the same as my second brother. He doesn’t intend to marry, but if you disregard my advice and cause a scandal with illegitimate offspring, I won’t arrange a marriage for you!" Xie Xun stated bluntly.
Dugu Jing, true to his contrarian nature, focused on a different point. "Why doesn’t Prince Yan want to marry?"
"My second brother has children already, enjoys peace and quiet, and dislikes being restrained. Nothing unusual about not marrying." Xie Xun kept his expression neutral, shielding his brother’s reputation.
"Ha!" Dugu Jing clearly didn’t believe it but didn’t press further. Xie Xun continued, "The Fang Family views you with mixed sentiment. If I were you, and truly wanted this marriage, I’d take the initiative."