novelSusiti Chapter 23 Engagement
Chapter 23 Engagement
After several rounds of drinks and several dishes, Empress Ma, seeing that the time was right, smiled and said to Liu Wanyan:
"Wanyan, you're twelve this year, right? What do you usually like to do at home?"
coming.
Liu Wanyan understood, but maintained a calm demeanor and respectfully replied:
"Your Majesty, besides learning needlework, I also enjoy reading books."
"Oh? What kind of books do you read?"
Zhu Yuanzhang became interested.
After a moment's thought, Liu Wanyan replied:
"My mother taught me 'Rules for Women' and 'Inner Instructions,' and I also enjoy reading historical books and local gazetteers."
These words shocked everyone present.
Ordinary young ladies from prominent families might at most read some poems and songs, but she was surprisingly interested in the dry subject of history and geography.
Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Biao exchanged an approving glance, and even Zhu Mu, who had been eating quietly, looked up at her with interest.
Empress Ma was overjoyed. She took Liu Wanyan's hand, turned to Liu Bowen and his wife, and with a solemn yet gentle smile, formally began to speak:
"Lord Chengyi, Madam, there is something I, as an elder, must ask today, taking advantage of my seniority."
Liu Bowen and Madam Fu quickly stood up, bowed, and said, "Your Majesty, please speak. We dare not."
Empress Ma gestured for them to sit down before slowly speaking:
"My Mu'er is not young anymore, and her marriage has been undecided for a long time."
"I find Wanyan to be a well-educated, reasonable, gentle, and intelligent child, and I can't help but like her very much."
"The reason I've invited you here today is to shamelessly ask for a marriage for Mu'er. I wonder if you two would be willing to betroth Wanyan to Mu'er and make her my daughter-in-law?"
These words, spoken by the Empress Dowager herself, not only gave the Liu family immense prestige but also conveyed the affection of an elder for a younger generation, making them a hundred times more tender than a direct marriage decree from the Emperor.
Liu Bowen and his wife exchanged a glance, and the weight that had been hanging over their hearts finally lifted.
They immediately rose from their seats, knelt down, and exclaimed excitedly:
"This is an immense blessing for my daughter, and a source of glory for our Liu family for generations! Your Majesty and Your Majesty, I thank you for your divine grace!"
Even though Liu Wanyan was usually very composed, she blushed with embarrassment and her heart was pounding like a deer.
"Hey, get up!"
Empress Ma smiled and helped Lady Fu up, then turned to her son and asked with a smile:
"Mu'er, as your mother, I've taken the liberty of choosing such a wonderful princess for you. Are you willing?"
Zhu Mu stood up, first bowing deeply to Liu Bowen and his wife to express his respect for his future father-in-law and mother-in-law, before turning to the Emperor and Empress, his gaze falling openly on Liu Wanyan, his tone steady and sincere:
"What Mother Empress has done for me is naturally the best decision. My sister Wanyan is intelligent and kind-hearted; it would be my blessing to marry her as my concubine. I am willing."
His statement completely calmed Liu Wanyan's heart. The initial amazement and excitement at their first meeting transformed into peace of mind and shy joy.
"Hahaha! Great! Great! This is wonderful!"
Zhu Yuanzhang clapped his hands and laughed heartily, and Empress Ma also laughed so hard that tears welled up in her eyes.
This marriage, arranged by the Empress Dowager herself, was finalized in the warm atmosphere of this family banquet.
……
The family banquet ended, and everyone was in high spirits. Liu Bowen and his family rose to take their leave.
As they reached the palace gate, Zhu Yuanzhang suddenly called out to them:
"Wanyan, wait a minute."
Liu Wanyan stopped and turned around, somewhat puzzled.
Zhu Yuanzhang took out a warm, smooth ivory waist token from his sleeve, handed it to her, and said in a gentle tone:
"Take this sign."
The ivory plaque felt slightly cool to the touch, with a delicate texture. The front was engraved with two exquisite lotus blossoms in a courtly style, while the back featured four flowing seal characters.
Smooth and unobstructed.
This is one of the highest-level passes for the inner palace, representing the privilege of freely entering and leaving the palace without needing permission.
Zhu Yuanzhang looked at Liu Wanyan and smiled:
"These past few days, Mu'er has been kept in the palace by us, staying in his elder brother's East Palace, helping to handle some government affairs."
"When he gets busy, he forgets the time and doesn't even have time to eat. If you want to come and see him or bring him some food or snacks, with this token, no palace guard will dare to stop you, and you can go straight to the East Palace without any hindrance."
These words are both a sign of favor and a gesture of closeness, like that of family.
It clearly tells everyone that Zhu Yuanzhang has accepted Liu Wanyan, the future Princess Consort of Chu, and cherishes her as if she were family.
Liu Wanyan took the warm, smooth ivory token with both hands, feeling her palms burning.
She curtsied, her voice sweet and clear:
"Your Majesty, I thank you for your grace."
Even after they boarded the carriage to return home, Liu Bowen and his family still felt as if they were in a dream.
Looking at the ivory token in her daughter's hand, Mrs. Fu felt both joy and emotion.
Liu Wanyan clutched the plaque tightly, as if the emperor's warmth still lingered on it.
Upon returning to his residence, after dismissing the servants, Liu Bowen summoned his daughter to his study.
"Father."
Liu Wanyan bowed.
Liu Bowen looked at his daughter, whose face was calm and composed, nodded in satisfaction, and said in a deep voice:
"Wanyan, do you know why His Majesty gave you this ivory token?"
"My daughter is slow-witted."
Liu Wanyan answered softly.
"I only know that it is His Majesty's high regard and favor towards me."
"That's just one aspect."
Liu Bowen stroked his long beard, his gaze deep and profound.
"His Majesty's actions are also a way of showing an attitude to the outside world, especially to His Highness the Prince of Chu."
"He is 100% satisfied with and supportive of you as his future daughter-in-law. This elevates your status."
He paused, then continued:
"Therefore, now that His Majesty has given you the ivory token, you cannot treat it as an inanimate object. You should go to the palace tomorrow."
Liu Wanyan was slightly taken aback:
"Going tomorrow?"
"Yes, I'll go tomorrow."
Liu Bowen's tone left no room for argument.
"You don't need to do anything earth-shattering. You can make some of his favorite snacks by hand and send them to the East Palace."
"This is not just a gift of food; it represents the Liu family and you in responding to His Majesty's favor."
"You must let everyone in the palace see that you value His Highness Prince Chu and that your future relationship is intimate. This is not only for the sake of your husband's family, but also to lay the most solid foundation for your own future status."
Liu Wanyan was exceptionally intelligent and immediately understood the deeper meaning behind her father's words.
This is not merely about personal feelings, but also about deeply entrenched political wisdom.
She nodded solemnly:
"I understand. Tomorrow, I will go to the Eastern Palace to pay my respects to His Highness the Crown Prince and visit His Highness the Prince of Chu."
"That's excellent."
Liu Bowen smiled with satisfaction.
……
Nighttime, the Eastern Palace.
The side hall next to the Wenhua Hall was decorated elegantly and comfortably; this was Zhu Mu's temporary residence.
The moonlight outside the window was like water, casting a layer of frost through the lattice window.
Zhu Mu lay on the couch.
Liu Wanyan's image appeared uncontrollably in his mind.
With a peaceful smile, he slowly drifted off to sleep.