Mid-Autumn Festival arrived in the blink of an eye. Yuwen Chu hosted a grand feast for his courtiers, while Mingzhu hosted a banquet in the palace to entertain the noblewomen from inside and outside the palace.
This banquet was the first grand event since Yuwen Chu ascended the throne. Therefore, Mingzhu had put a lot of effort into it beforehand. Whether it was singing and dancing performances, acrobatics and fireworks, or storytelling, everything was top-notch. The guests were thoroughly entertained and couldn’t take their eyes off the spectacle.
Halfway through the event, there was suddenly good news announced. It was said that His Majesty had arranged a marriage for Little General Shen, who had just arrived in the capital to report on his duties. The bride-to-be was none other than Miss Zeng Yaqiu, the granddaughter of the former Grand Academician Zeng Zixi. For a moment, everyone’s attention shifted to Madame Zeng and her granddaughter Zeng Yaqiu, with congratulations and envy filling the air.
Everyone knew that Shen Ruilin was highly favored by Yuwen Chu. Although serving at the border was hard, it couldn’t compare to his good family background, good character, and outstanding talent. In his early years, he even had a sibling-like relationship with the Empress. With his achievements, he was destined to be ennobled sooner or later. Everyone was guessing who would have the luck to marry General Shen, and there were rumors that General Shen was actually favored by Princess Funing. But unexpectedly, it turned out to be bestowed upon Zeng Yaqiu.
Zeng Yaqiu blushed slightly. Although she was shy, she remained graceful and composed in the face of everyone’s teasing and congratulations. Mingzhu had been observing Zeng Yaqiu since the beginning of the banquet, and seeing this, she was very satisfied. Yuwen Chu intended to use Shen Ruilin’s talents again, so he wouldn’t let Princess Funing harm him. The Zeng family had several generations of scholars, and their family was strict and well-educated. Both men and women had excellent reputations. Zeng Yaqiu’s appearance was not inferior to Shen Ruilin’s. If Shen Ruilin could marry into a good family, she could also let go of her worries.
However, while Mingzhu felt relieved, Princess Funing’s mood deteriorated. She found out that she was the last person to know about this marriage, and not only did Mingzhu refuse to help her, but even her mother, Empress Dowager Min, had kept it from her, which made her very unhappy.
She first sought comfort when Empress Dowager Min was changing clothes, hoping to change something, “Mother, please beg the Emperor. He must have made a mistake. I clearly told him before that Shen Ruilin is mine.”
Yuwen Chu had previously discussed this matter with Empress Dowager Min. Although Empress Dowager Min also thought highly of Shen Ruilin, she changed her mind after hearing from Yuwen Chu that serving at the border was too arduous and dangerous for Shen Ruilin. Therefore, she ruthlessly refused Princess Funing, “What’s yours and mine? A young lady like you shouldn’t say such improper things. I and your brother have your affairs in mind, and we will surely choose someone better for you. Don’t make a scene.”
Princess Funing was furious, “Everyone knows that I like him, but now he’s said to be taken by that girl from the Zeng family. Won’t I become a laughingstock?”
Empress Dowager Min’s face turned stern, “Your brother’s words are final. Even if it’s a joke or a bitter pill, you have to swallow it. This matter ends here.” With that, she left.
Princess Funing was trembling with anger, but she knew she couldn’t get any good from her mother and brother. She didn’t dare to provoke Mingzhu, but she had to let out this anger somehow. She returned to her seat with a gloomy face, staring at Zeng Yaqiu, feeling increasingly annoyed. So, she came up with a plan — while the imperial decree couldn’t be changed, what if the Zeng family dared not accept this marriage?
Dong Hui, who was watching from a distance, whispered to Mingzhu, “Princess seems very unhappy, she’s been glaring at Miss Zeng.”
Mingzhu, sitting at the head of the table, had noticed everything and smiled, “It’s fine, I’m aware of it. Just keep an eye on her, and make sure Miss Zeng doesn’t get into trouble.”
Suddenly, a palace servant laughed, “General Shen is here to pay his respects to the Empress.”
The crowd erupted in whispers and giggles, teasing Madam Zeng and Zeng Yaqiu.
“Quickly, please come in.” Mingzhu was very happy. She had long known that Shen Ruilin had returned to the capital and wanted to see him, but living in the deep palace made it inconvenient. She couldn’t meet him until she begged Yuwen Chu for this opportunity, which was really rare.
Shen Ruilin was dressed in a crimson robe, broad-shouldered and narrow-waisted, with long legs, standing upright with a wheat complexion. His gaze was deep and steady, his nose straight, and his jaw square and strong. He walked in calmly, as stable as a mountain, arousing countless admirations. The more Mingzhu looked at him, the happier she became. General Shen was no longer the impulsive youth he used to be; he was indeed a resolute and decisive general, yet also tender-hearted. He exuded charisma all over!
Mingzhu clapped the table with force and laughed heartily as she poured wine for him herself, “General Shen, what a remarkable presence! Three cups for you!”
Shen Ruilin smiled faintly, knelt down and bowed three times, then took the wine handed to him by Mingzhu and drank it in one gulp, looking directly at her. Seeing her radiant appearance and joyful eyes, he knew she was doing well, so he smiled contentedly and said, “Thank you, Your Highness, for the wine!”
Knowing that you’re doing well is enough. There’s a kind of feeling in this world that transcends romantic love; it can be sibling-like or intimate, but it’s about sharing blessings and hardships, and being there for each other in life and death. Mingzhu also stared at Shen Ruilin. She was sure she understood the many emotions that flashed through his eyes. She couldn’t help but extend her right hand, smiling at Shen Ruilin.
Shen Ruilin was stunned for a moment, then smiled and raised his right hand, giving her a firm handshake. The sound was crisp, just like it used to be. Back then, they were both very young; he was a sensible and obedient child, and she was a naughty and mischievous girl. But whether doing something bad or good, they were always the most understanding partners, pledging together with their handshakes, with no regrets.
This time, he wasn’t asked to do anything for her, nor was she asked to do anything for him. It was just that things had settled down, and because she was doing well, he should too. So, she gestured for Shen Ruilin to sit down, “You haven’t met Miss Zeng yet, right? Well, that girl over there in the goose-yellow dress with her hair tied up is her.”
Shen Ruilin blushed at just a glance, feeling extremely embarrassed as he said, “Your Majesty’s taste is always excellent.”
Zeng Yaqiu was a gentle beauty, and Mingzhu thought that Yuwen Chu had indeed made a good choice. “His Majesty is really kind to you. This girl is very nice; I’m sure she will be able to capture your heart.”
“His Majesty’s favor is like a mountain, and I, Shen Ruilin, can only repay it with my life.” Shen Ruilin chuckled. Of course, His Majesty the Emperor is jealous and has a complicated mind. If he doesn’t pick out the very best, how can he be at ease? It’s best to make him obsessed. Even if he doesn’t like her, he must treat her very lovingly. Otherwise, His Majesty will throw a fit. If he doesn’t love such a good wife, is he still thinking about someone else? Fine, should I bring you another one? You don’t love two, how about three or four more? Don’t you want to live happily ever after?
Mingzhu urged him, “Go and pay your respects to Madame Zeng. The decree has been issued, and it would be rude to ignore it.”
Shen Ruilin got up and left as instructed. Princess Funing watched his figure with mixed emotions, and casually remarked to Mingzhu, “I’ve heard that General Shen’s feelings for sister-in-law is different from others’. Seeing them today, it’s indeed true.”
