# Chapter Thirty-Five
The next day, the sky was overcast and snow began to fall again. Qi Xiao draped a robe over his shoulders and drew back the bed curtains, standing at the window to watch the heavy snowfall. After a long moment, he turned his head and said softly, "Don't go back. The snow from a few days ago hasn't even melted yet—it's all turned to ice. With another layer on top, the roads will be even worse. The carriage definitely won't make it, and even a sedan chair would be unsteady."
Bai Ren had been thinking about Roujia's affairs late into the night and had slept late. At this moment, his eyes were half-closed, looking as though he hadn't gotten enough sleep. Qi Xiao walked over and smiled, "If you're tired, just go back to sleep. You've taken sick leave, after all—this is your time to relax."
If he had been in his own residence, Bai Ren would have gotten up long ago. But here at Qi Xiao's place... Bai Ren couldn't help but indulge a little. A bit more sleep wouldn't hurt. No one else would know anyway.
Qi Xiao's kang was covered with a fox fur mattress, warm and comfortable, and the brocade quilt was aired in the sun every day, fluffy and soft. Lying in it made a person feel relaxed all over. Unable to resist, Bai Ren lay back down. Qi Xiao smiled, drew the layers of bed curtains back down, ordered the warming braziers stoked higher, and had someone leave a gap in the window. Only after giving all these instructions did he go to the front hall.
Since Bai Ren had already set his sights on He Zichen, they could let Princess Dun Su get busy with the matchmaking. He himself needed to make arrangements at the Hanlin Academy. It wouldn't do for Princess Roujia, no matter how neglected she was, to be married off to a failing commoner scholar. Qi Xiao rubbed his brow, squinting as he looked at the several servants standing in the outer hall. Two of them seemed unfamiliar. He turned to Jiang Deqing, "Who are they?"
"Your servant replies, these are the two men the Emperor assigned to you previously. The one in front is Shen Xin." Jiang Deqing cast a profound glance at Qi Xiao. "The one standing second from the right is Huo Rong."
Understanding dawned on Qi Xiao. He nodded with a smile and went on to instruct Jiang Deqing on what to tell Princess Dun Su. Jiang Deqing acknowledged and left. Qi Xiao turned back inside, changed into his court robes, and went to court, which need not be mentioned further.
At the Princess's residence, Princess Dun Su was delighted upon learning that both Qi Xiao and Bai Ren were very satisfied with He Zichen. She agreed to take on the role of matchmaker with a beaming smile. After dismissing Jiang Deqing, she had Mrs. He summoned to the mansion. She related everything that had been discussed, word for word. Mrs. He was overjoyed and laughed, "I was wondering about this! Before, Chen was puzzled why he was suddenly asked to go to the Crown Prince's residence. I just thought Your Highness wanted him to make an impression before His Highness, but I never imagined it was about his marriage!"
Princess Dun Su smiled, "We hadn't finalized anything yet, so I was afraid he'd get ahead of himself if we told him. But I knew it would work out—someone with looks and bearing like Chen's, the young lord would definitely like him. And sure enough, they took a liking to him right away. Now I need to ask for your opinion: the Prince of Lingnan's Princess Roujia—would you be amenable?"
Mrs. He苦笑 smiled wryly, "Your Highness is teasing me again. She's a proper princess. Why wouldn't I be amenable? I'm just afraid that marrying above our station might not work out well."
"You needn't worry about that." Princess Dun Su dismissed the servants in the room and said softly, "Let me be frank with you. Over the years, the Prince of Lingnan has been deeply partial to his concubine. He doesn't dote much on the Princess Consort or Princess Roujia. Because of this, Roujia certainly didn't lack for grievances growing up. You understand how things are in noble households..."
Mrs. He nodded hastily. Princess Dun Su smiled faintly, "The young lord of that household is a sensible one. He's seen through things too—whatever high position or power, it all means nothing compared to someone who genuinely treats his sister well. Therefore, he only wants to find someone from a simple family who will live an honest life. Who did I think of but your family?"
Mrs. He's eyes filled with gratitude, "All these years, we've relied on Your Highness's constant assistance. I never thought Chen's marriage would also trouble Your Highness so much..."
"We've known each other since childhood. There's no need for such formalities." Princess Dun Su patted Mrs. He's hand with a smile. "Besides, one might as well keep the benefits in the family. I've had people investigate Princess Roujia, and she's genuinely a good one—gentle and yielding by nature. She's a perfect match for Chen. You can rest assured."
The more Mrs. He heard, the more pleased she became. She laughed repeatedly, "That would be ideal. When we mentioned it before, Chen also said he wanted a wife with a gentle temperament."
Princess Dun Su smiled, "His Highness the Crown Prince is also half the matchmaker in this. He told me before that if both families are satisfied, he'd be willing to help Chen. As you know, next year when the officials are reassigned, whether Chen stays or goes hasn't been decided yet. If he gains His Highness's favor, he needn't worry about anything."
Mrs. He was overjoyed, "What luck Chen has run into—actually receiving the Crown Prince's help."
Princess Dun Su shook her head with a smile, "Since you have no objections, consider it settled. I'll go to the palace soon and bring it up with the Emperor, then ask His Majesty to grant the marriage. That will make everything official. You needn't worry about the betrothal gifts either—there's the Imperial Princess Consort and me. Setting aside that I watched Chen grow up, our childhood friendship alone compels me to help you."
Mrs. He was both delighted and embarrassed. She turned away and pressed her handkerchief to her eyes, sighing, "Your Highness's great kindness—how can Chen and I ever repay it..."
"What's there to talk about?" Princess Dun Su smiled consolingly. "Go back and talk it over with Chen properly. Get whatever needs preparing ready. Chen's not young anymore. My suggestion is to move forward quickly once it's settled. It's not enough for Chen alone to succeed—the family needs more children before you can truly say you've turned a corner."
Mrs. He nodded repeatedly, "I'll do exactly as Your Highness says."
After court, Qi Xiao returned directly to his residence. Jiang Deqing had been waiting early outside the ceremonial gate and came forward to greet him from afar, reporting on what had happened at the Princess's residence. Qi Xiao nodded, "And the young lord? Is he up?"
Jiang Deqing smiled, "He's been up for a while. He ate some food, stood by the window in a daze for a while, and has now gone to the back courtyard."
Upon hearing this, Qi Xiao didn't even enter the house. Instead, he turned from the main hall and headed for the back courtyard.
Bai Ren had come without his own servants, so Qi Xiao had quite a bit of trouble finding him. Finally, he spotted him in front of Luo Mei Ju.
A large grove of winter plum trees had been planted before Luo Mei Ju. The plum blossoms were on the verge of blooming. Bai Ren, wrapped in a fox fur cloak, held a small hand warmer, his face tilted slightly upward as he gazed at the flower buds. Qi Xiao approached with a smile, "Give it another day or two and they should bloom."
Bai Ren hadn't expected Qi Xiao to return at this hour. He startled, "Did you speak with the Princess?"
Qi Xiao laughed, "You're still thinking about this?"
Qi Xiao took Bai Ren's hand and walked back with him, gradually explaining his plan. Bai Ren furrowed his brow slightly, "Will the Emperor... agree?"
This was the inconvenient part about noble families. Even if both parties were willing, the marriage wasn't done until the Emperor was satisfied. Qi Xiao冷笑 sneered, "Before, the Emperor sent two serving girls to my quarters. That matter offended my aunt's taboos. The Emperor is looking for an opportunity to appease her. At this time, if my aunt goes to request an imperial marriage grant, He'll agree."
Bai Ren抿了抿嘴唇 pressed his lips together and said softly, "The Princess is helping so much, all on Your Highness's account. I understand all of this. This matter... I never imagined Your Highness would put in such tremendous effort. I... I'll remember all of this."
Qi Xiao turned to look at Bai Ren, smiling gently, "I said it before—you offered yourself as payment, and I'd let your sister go. If you're obedient enough, I'd give your sister a good match. Bai Ren..."
Qi Xiao took Bai Ren's hand and stroked it gently, speaking with a low laugh, "Everything I promised, I've done. What about what you promised me?"
Bai Ren's face instantly flushed red. He glanced around uneasily and said, "I... I did promise, but..."
Qi Xiao smiled gently, "Alright, I'm not planning to do anything to you right now. Just understand in your heart and be obedient—that's all I ask." Qi Xiao couldn't resist teasing him when he saw Bai Ren's reddened face. He lowered his voice, "Besides... even if I wanted to do something, your little frame probably couldn't handle it. Did you eat the medicinal porridge this morning?"
Bai Ren nodded. Qi Xiao looked satisfied and kissed his cheek. Suddenly, his gaze shifted, fixing intently on the distant plum grove.
A flash of murderous intent crossed Qi Xiao's eyes. He knew someone couldn't hold themselves back any longer.
"I had them steam a bowl of milk custard for you just now. It should have been delivered by now. Go back first." Qi Xiao smiled warmly at Bai Ren. "I have some matters to attend to in the front. I'll find you in a while."
Bai Ren had no suspicion and turned to leave. Qi Xiao watched him go up onto the covered walkway before turning back. He walked out of the inner courtyard, where Jiang Deqing had been waiting. Seeing Qi Xiao emerge, Jiang Deqing came forward quickly. Qi Xiao垂眸 lowered his eyes, "Have Huo Rong come to my study."
Jiang Deqing hesitated. Qi Xiao冷笑 sneered, "I've been putting off dealing with them all this time, but he insists on rushing to his own death. Today I'll dispose of them cleanly once and for all."
Jiang Deqing understood in his heart. He nodded and left.
In the Fenghua Palace, Empress Feng couldn't recover from her shock for a long time after hearing her trusted attendant's report. She murmured in a daze, "The Emperor... the Emperor agreed to betroth Princess Roujia to that little Hanlin scholar—What's his name? He something?"
The trusted attendant forced a smile, "Your Majesty, the scholar is named He Zichen. The Emperor... the Emperor also told Princess Dun Su... that the Imperial Household Department would help organize the wedding."
"On what grounds?!" Empress Feng flew into a rage. "The Emperor knows perfectly well that I intended to betroth Roujia to Qi Hua! If it had been Qi Xiao getting there first, I could accept that! But who's this He Zichen? Where did he come from? How dare they quietly arrange an imperial marriage decree without a word?!"
"Your Majesty, please calm yourself!" The attendant knew Empress Feng would fly into a rage upon learning this. The Emperor hadn't breathed a word about this to the Empress, and now the whole palace knew before telling her. Of course Empress Feng couldn't swallow this insult. The attendant pleaded repeatedly, "It's not the Emperor's fault... Princess Dun Su came to the palace to request the marriage. Your Majesty knows, the Princess's words carry great weight. The Emperor simply agreed."
"Yes! This Princess always has more influence than I do!" Empress Feng had been bottling up resentment already. Now the Emperor had ignored her wishes and casually betrothed Roujia to someone, which was like slapping her face right in front of her. Old grievances and new hatreds combined, and Empress Feng was furious beyond measure. "Just because she's the Emperor Wen's true-blooded Princess, everyone respects her! When she enters the palace, even I must defer to her! But on what authority does she get to interfere with a princess's marriage? Does that mean she'll have a say in every prince and princess's marriage from now on? What's the use of my Imperial Seal?! No one respects me. What's the point of this Empress's throne?!"
The attendant pleaded desperately, "Your Majesty shouldn't say such things... walls have ears. The Princess surely didn't mean any harm..."
"Hehe... she didn't mean harm?" Empress Feng连声冷笑 laughed coldly repeatedly. "Before, I personally brought gifts to Yu Xiu Palace and asked her to mention the matter of Roujia and Qi Hua to the Emperor. She wouldn't help, fine—I didn't really count on her anyway! But what did she do?! She turned around and sent Roujia right into the He household! Hehe... wonderful. Whatever Qi Xiao doesn't want, she won't give to my son either... Hehe..."
"Your Majesty... the Emperor probably has his own considerations. The Lingnan faction is powerful. Betrothing Princess Roujia to any prince could easily create unnecessary trouble. It would be better to give her to a noble family's son." The attendant pleaded softly. "Although this He Zichen also has the surname He, I've heard his family fell into ruin long ago. Even with this marriage, he can't make any waves."
"Just because he has his considerations, does that give him the right to ignore my dignity?!" Empress Feng深吸一口气 took a deep breath and冷笑 laughed coldly. "Fine. This matter... I've noted it down!"
The attendant's heart sank. He pleaded softly, "Your Majesty... it took such effort to win the Emperor's heart back. We can't act rashly and displease the Emperor at a time like this..."
"I know. I won't be foolish enough to argue with the Emperor again. I can't touch the Princess either. But..." Empress Feng狠声一笑 laughed savagely. "Bai Ren... I can still deal with. He's the type who climbs whoever's rising. First he ingratiated himself with Qi Xiao, then when that didn't work, he went currying favor with Princess Dun Su. Hehe... Ignoring Qi Hua, the legitimate Crown Prince, he goes to boost others instead. I'll teach him a lesson. Let him see clearly whose palace this will be from now on!"