It's rather strange that the imperial decree has already been issued.
The Dowager was satisfied with today's outcome. After all, she had initially hoped that An Ran would marry into the Pingyuan Marquis's household, even as a concubine. But now that things had gone so smoothly, she felt a little uneasy—
If the Marquis of Pingyuan was attracted to An Ran's stunning beauty, why didn't he propose marriage earlier? Why did he choose to announce the Emperor's bestowal of marriage just when An Ran's reputation was almost ruined?
That's so strange!
From Madam Tai's perspective, one can't help but think more deeply.
The Emperor wouldn't bestow a marriage without a reason; it was most likely requested by Lu Mingxiu.
However, after the Marquis of Pingyuan was imprisoned, the Marquis of Nan'an's mansion did nothing. Instead, they quietly broke off the engagement. Lu Mingxiu hated the Marquis of Nan'an's mansion, so why would he take the initiative to marry a concubine's daughter as his legal wife?
If the Grand Madam wanted to take An Jiu away as a concubine, she would be more likely to accept it.
What exactly does Lu Mingxiu want to do?
Although the goal was achieved, the old lady was still very uneasy, fearing that Lu Mingxiu's actions might have some deeper meaning.
Revenge on the Marquis of Nan'an's mansion?
But why request an imperial decree for marriage now? After all, rumors about An Jiu were already rampant, and it was common knowledge among the prominent families in the capital. Lu Mingxiu couldn't use this to his advantage. If he knew all this and still requested an imperial decree for marriage, then the Marquis of Nan'an's mansion had no choice but to comply.
The more the old lady thought about it, the more she felt something was wrong.
At this time, the person who was most carefree and relaxed in the Marquis of Nan'an's mansion was actually Lady Zhao.
When the news of the betrothal arrived, Madam Zhao was quite pleased. After all, her daughter, Third Sister, was very fond of An Jiu, and An Jiu had helped Third Sister a great deal. If one of the concubine's daughters in the Marquis's mansion could become the wife of the Marquis of Pingyuan, it would be quite a good choice for An Jiu.
From now on, An Jiu and San Niang will have a good relationship, so naturally they will be able to take care of Yu Ge'er.
Now Zhao has come to terms with it. Rather than clinging to the past, it's better to let go and feel more at ease.
The Marquis of Nan'an's household was not overjoyed by the imperial decree of marriage; instead, everyone had their own plans, and the atmosphere was restless.
Unfortunately, in the past two days, there have only been decrees, not imperial edicts.
They were anxious day and night if they didn't see the imperial edict.
******
Those people could never have imagined that the imperial edict they had been dreaming of was now in the hands of Marquis Chu Tianze of Nanxiao.
Chu Tianze volunteered to go to the Marquis of Nan'an's residence to discuss the marriage between An Ran and Lu Mingxiu.
Over the years, since the previous Marquis of Pingyuan was imprisoned, his relatives had severed ties with him to avoid suspicion. After Lu Mingxiu regained his title, he naturally didn't bother with these people. However, some of them had only avoided him before and hadn't taken advantage of his misfortune. Now, feeling that they hadn't wronged the Marquis of Pingyuan's family, and seeing that Lu Mingxiu was favored by the emperor, they came forward again.
Lu Mingxiu didn't want to have anything to do with them, even if they were so-called relatives.
Even the emperor had to put on a show. Although the Grand Princess of Lin'an had sought refuge with Yun Xu to protect herself when the Crown Prince and his wife were in trouble, she had not participated in the plot, so Yun Shu could only tolerate it.
We can't let the world see that the emperor is cold-hearted and heartless, and has exterminated all the members of the imperial clan.
Even if it's disgusting, you can only pretend you don't see it.
Once Lu Mingxiu finalizes the marriage, these people who consider themselves relatives will surely swarm in, trying to get their hands on the Pingyuan Marquis's mansion.
Therefore, when Lu Mingxiu sought help from Chu Tianze, it wasn't simply to ask him to speak on his behalf to Yun Shu.
Chu Tianze realized he had boarded a pirate ship.
No wonder Lu Mingxiu took the initiative to call him Second Uncle! So that's what he was waiting for.
"My dear nephew, tell your second uncle what's in this camphor wood box you're giving to Miss An Jiu?" Chu Tianze asked curiously on the way to the Marquis of Nan'an's residence.
Today, Chu Tianze had agreed to accompany Lu Mingxiu to the Marquis of Nan'an's residence, as he had many gifts to bring. So, he went to the Marquis of Pingyuan's residence to meet Lu Mingxiu. When he arrived, Lu Mingxiu was having someone carry a heavy camphor wood box onto the carriage.
Chu Tianze asked casually, but Lu Mingxiu looked somewhat nervous and refused to tell Chu Tianze.
This made Chu Tianze even more curious.
He went to Qin Feng and Colin to inquire, but the two remained tight-lipped and refused to say anything. Under his persistent questioning, they only said that the Marquis intended to give it to Miss An Jiu.
Interesting, Chu Tianze stroked his chin.
It seems my nephew isn't entirely clueless after all!
No matter how Chu Tianze asked, Lu Mingxiu wouldn't say anything, letting him ramble on and on, leaving Chu Tianze completely exasperated.
Perhaps he could ask Lord Tan, General Sha, or General Shi... or even ask Chu Tianqi, the heir of the Duke of Dingguo, which would be much more reliable than his second cousin, Chu Tianze.
Chu Tianze took the imperial edict from Yun Shu and summoned two eunuchs to accompany him out of the palace to announce it.
The Marquis of Nan'an's residence.
Upon receiving the news that an imperial decree was coming, everyone in the Marquis's residence had made preparations early in the morning, and An Ran was finally sent back to the residence by Princess Yunyang.
Although Princess Yunyang was still somewhat reluctant to part with Jia Niang, it wasn't the right time yet. She couldn't rashly acknowledge Jia Niang as her daughter, and if she delayed any longer, Wu Shi might become suspicious. However, Princess Yunyang already knew about Jia Niang's living conditions and couldn't bear to see her suffer.
Therefore, Princess Yunyang sent someone to escort Jia Niang back, presented her with generous gifts, and told Wu that she liked Jia Niang very much and would invite her to visit in the future.
Therefore, if Wu wants to use Jia Niang, she must treat her well.
The four sisters, including Liu Niang, could not appear before the imperial edict arrived, so they could only wait in a side room in the main hall.
Today, An Ran, dressed in her finest attire to receive the imperial decree, wore clothes and headdresses gifts from Princess Yunyang, including two hairpins and a jade bracelet bestowed upon her by the Empress. Regardless of what others thought, the Dowager Lady and Madam Zhao were still mindful of the dignity of the Marquis of Nan'an's residence.
An Ran was afraid that the three sisters, Liu Niang and Liu Niang, would be jealous, so even if someone asked about the gifts personally bestowed by the Empress, she would usually give vague answers.