# Chapter 112: Side Story 1
In the main hall of the Qianqing Palace, Princess Dunsu was beaming, shaking her head as she spoke. "Your Majesty, please don't keep praising those two. Their father-in-law is driven to distraction by them every single day. It's not that I'm trying to speak ill of them, but Zijun's studies are somewhat presentable. As for Ziren... hah..." She laughed heartily. "These past few years at the academy, he's nearly driven all his teachers to early retirement. If it weren't for my husband and I having some little influence, he would have been chased out long ago. What studying? What scholarship?"
Qi Xiao smiled warmly. "Aunt overestimates her own humility. This cousin favors martial pursuits over literary ones, so there's no need to be so hard on him. For now, send him to the military for a few years to gain some experience. In time... he'll do just fine."
Princess Dunsu instantly grasped Qi Xiao's veiled meaning. Go to the military first to gain experience and prestige, and if he could accumulate some military achievements, that would be ideal. With Qi Xiao watching over him, he would gradually be promoted. In the future, while not as distinguished as civil officials, he would still bring honor to the family. And since Ziren truly had no aptitude for scholarship, Princess Dunsu had never expected much from him. Her heart was deeply touched, and she shook her head with a sigh. "It's hard for Your Majesty to think so much for him."
Qi Xiao laughed lightly. "This isn't mere familial obligation. These two cousins have grown up alongside me since childhood. For that reason alone, I cannot stand by and watch my cousin suffer daily beatings from his father-in-law for failing to memorize his lessons."
Princess Dunsu couldn't help but laugh. "Please, don't even mention it... A few days ago when I went to visit the elderly Prince Chun, I caught sight of his little granddaughter. It had only been half a year since I'd last seen her, and she'd grown into such a beauty. What was even more remarkable was her dignified, graceful, and courteous manner—neither arrogant nor overly shy. That poise and confidence was truly wonderful. I was absolutely charmed. I won't hide it from Your Majesty... I've been wanting to find a daughter-in-law like that for Ziren. Someone as gentle and lovable as Roujia would be nice too, of course, but I'm afraid she wouldn't be able to manage my foolish boy. Then this wonderful girl fell into my lap from heaven, and I immediately started making subtle inquiries. The girl is fourteen this year and still unbetrothed. The Princess Consort of Chun Prefecture probably caught on to my intentions. She seemed willing as well, but she's been accompanying the Prince to his fief for the past few years and has long forgotten what Ziren looks like. She wanted to see him first. I hurried back to arrange for Ziren to go pay respects to the elderly Prince Chun, but then..."
Princess Dunsu found it both amusing and infuriating. "The husband dug out some trashy books from that good-for-nothing's study and nearly blew his beard off with rage. By the time I returned to the mansion... Ziren was scrambling around the entire estate like a frightened rabbit, trying to hide. He'd already gotten a date-sized bruise on his forehead from the husband's beating. And so... the matter of the arranged meeting came to nothing."
Qi Xiao broke into laughter, then smiled after a pause. "If Aunt likes the young lady from the Prince of Chun's household, I shall simply decree a betrothal for you."
"No, no." Though the Princess felt reassured by these words, she declined with a smile. "Let's wait until that good-for-nothing of mine has healed from his injuries first. Let them see him, then. If they like him, then Your Majesty can bestow the marriage. That would be the best outcome. But if they don't take a liking to him... the Prince and Princess Consort wouldn't dare say anything, but it would still be rather awkward."
Qi Xiao nodded with a smile. "Very well, then let's wait until Aunt has discussed things with the Prince Chun's household."
"Mm. Your Majesty has already bestowed such a great favor upon him, giving him such an excellent appointment. The Prince of Chun will surely be satisfied. Actually..." Princess Dunsu's voice dropped. She gave a rueful laugh. "From what I've heard from the Princess Consort of Chun, she's also eager to settle her youngest daughter's betrothal early. The elderly Prince Chun's health... is truly not well at all."
Qi Xiao set down his teacup and spoke quietly. "I already inquired with the imperial physicians. They said... if he can survive through this summer, there is hope for a full recovery by autumn."
Princess Dunsu shook her head with a sigh. "But from what I saw a few days ago, never mind autumn—I doubt he will make it through this summer... Alas, such is fate."
The elderly Prince Chun had once interceded on Qi Xiao's behalf in his youth. Later, when Qi Xiao released