Chapter 290 - Mo Xuetong Refuses a Marriage in Cining Palace (2/2)

“Mother has always been in Cloud City and in poor health. She did not keep in contact much with her family in the capital and only mentioned it to Second Uncle before. After that, she pa.s.sed away…” Mo Xuetong’s eyes were filled up with tears as she spoke. She wiped the corners of her eyes with her handkerchief and sniffed before continuing, “Father said that since that whether the engagement will work out cannot be determined right now, it would not be too late to speak about it after we end the mourning for Mother.”

There should not be any auspicious events while they mourned for her mother. Mo Xuetong had spoken about it politely. She had not only mentioned why they did not speak about it, but she had also indicated that she was still in mourning. Discussing this was not something a filial daughter should do. The Empress Dowager forcing her to talk about her marriage today was simply too unreasonable.

“Get up!” The Empress Dowager could not say anything at this moment. There was a sharp glint in her eyes as she spoke coldly to Mo Xuetong.

Mo Xuetong stood up with tears in her eyes and bit her lips. Her hands fell by her sides and she looked extremely aggrieved. However, no one discovered the flash of light in her eyes.

“I am tired now, you can all go,” said the Empress Dowager coldly. Even though the Empress Dowager was still smiling, she did not seem as benevolent as before. She seemed a little cold and she picked up the rosaries and thumbed through it. She looked slightly displeased. The matter was already almost set, but then she realized that reality conflicted with her plans. She no longer felt in the mood.

The others did not dare to say anything else. They answered in affirmative and left.

After everyone left, the doors of the palace closed behind them.

“Zhen’er, what do you think?” The Empress Dowager put down the rosaries she was holding and turned to look at the drapes in the corner.

The heavy drapes moved slightly and a tall young man wearing light purple robes emerged. He went up to the Empress Dowager and bowed politely. Then, he said with a smile, “This Princess Anping is indeed different.”

It was rare for a woman to be so intelligent. She had been able to handle the matter earlier very graciously, even in such a situation before the high and mighty Empress Dowager. From where he was standing, Feng Yuzhen could see Mo Xuetong’s lips lifting up slightly when her eyes filled with tears and shyness.

If he had not seen that, even he would have thought that the young lady was shy and very cowardly and was forced to say something that young ladies should not. He would have believed that what she said in that situation was true. The fear on her beautiful face had almost tricked even him.

A young girl who was not even 15 had an expression that did not befit her age. She put on a facade before different people. Which one was she truly? Perhaps that was what made her different. How many sides did she have…?

“Grandmother, if she really agreed just now, what will happen to w.a.n.g Xiuiu?” Feng Yuzhen reigned his running thoughts and asked with a smile. He did not tell the Empress Dowager what he saw earlier.

“Grand Secretariat w.a.n.g is still being very careful and has not indicated where he stands. You do not need to worry about w.a.n.g Xiuxiu. I have already spoken to her. There is only be one consort. If she loves you, she will let the position go. I promised that she can have the position if she wants in the future once the matter is done.” The Empress Dowager’s voice did not shake at all. She spoke so lightly it was as if what she was saying had not concerned her at all.

Feng Yuzhen fell silent. w.a.n.g Xiuxiu was an ambitious woman. Feng Yuzhen knew that his grandmother would not agree to this matter if she did not need the support of Grand Secretariat w.a.n.g. His grandmother still favored the cousins from the Ding General Manor. However, this was not the best time to act.

He could not marry the daughters of the Ding General Manor, he also had to let the position of his main consort off to marry a p.a.w.n that would be of use to him. He was a prince, and even if he were a hostage son, the position as his main consort was not low. Mo Xuetong, the new princess met all the criteria as his main consort.

Princess Anping did not seem as if she had any real power, but her position was a good one. However, when she considered the power she had backing her, the Empress still chose her amongst all the other n.o.ble ladies in the end.

Even though Fu General Manor had been keeping a low key in recent years, they still had power. They had power both in the army and in court and they could settle any matter that arose quickly. They were also an old and n.o.ble family with strong roots. Even though the Ding General Manor had promised to stand by the Empress Dowager, they were hesitant about the Empress’ chosen heir. They were waiting to see who was stronger.

Considering the other side of the argument, this meant that Ding General Manor was not reliable!

With the help and support of Fu General Manor, the power of their faction would definitely increase. Furthermore, Mo Huawen was doing well as an official lately and he was in charge of the safety of the capital. He was also a close subject of the Emperor. He would be able to send them the information quickly if anything was to happen. They would be able to find things out before anyone else did. Even though Grand Secretariat w.a.n.g had Emperor Zongwen’s trust, it was obvious that there were some things that the Emperor would rather let Mo Huawen settle and not the Grand Secretariat.

A person in a position that was average and not eye-catching was the best.

“Grandmother, let’s talk about my marriage later. The matter of the two factions is more important. Who will the Emperor favor?” Feng Yuzhen said with a frown. The marriage could not be rushed. They might as well wait and set this up first. Then, they could appear before all with a good excuse.

“The matter of the two factions is just a struggle between King Chu and King Yan. On the surface, it looks as if King Chu’s power has been affected but this incident happened on such a large scale. Half the people in court are involved in this. Anyone can see that someone is stirring the matter behind the scenes. The Empress thought that she had dealt with the matter seamlessly but never thought that the Emperor knows everything.” The Empress Dowager’s appearance seemed a little blurry behind the smoke of the incense.

“What will happen to the Ding General Manor? If they are to be involved…” Feng Yuzhen said hesitantly.

“I will take care of the Ding General Manor and tell them not to be involved in these murky waters. The Empress was in too much of a hurry. The matter is not yet settled!” The Empress Dowager sighed and a smile slowly stretched on her lips.

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