Transmigration: The Little Chef Calls The Shots-Chapter 1487 - 306, Marriage Alliance (23)

Idle Tea House?

Shopkeeper Liu muttered to himself twice and nodded repeatedly, "Leisurely and released, refreshing tea, truly a good name."

Lin Yuan lifted the corners of her lips, her smile bending her eyes. She had racked her brains for a long time to come up with this name, naturally it was good.

Moreover, she had made a special trip to ask the Third Prince to write the calligraphy for her. The grand plaque at the entrance of Lin Mansion was inscribed by the current Emperor, and her tea house bore the calligraphy of a Prince—such honors were beyond the reach of ordinary people.

Lin Yuan arched her eyebrows and suddenly giggled. If her elder brother could someday become the Crown Prince and ascend to the throne, then the value of her signboard would multiply!

A thought was spinning in her mind, and Lin Yuan’s hands started to itch—should she, while her brother was not yet made the Crown Prince, ask for some treasured calligraphy in advance? Once her brother became the Emperor, she could surely sell these calligraphic works and paintings for a hefty sum!

If Zhao Hongde knew the little calculations going on in Lin Yuan’s mind, would he regret having acknowledged this little money-grubber as his sworn sister?

Returning from the tea house, Xia Zheng was already waiting for her in the Dong Tian.

As soon as she saw the uncontrollable smile on Xia Zheng’s face, Lin Yuan knew that he must have done something today in the palace.

Indeed so.

Xia Zheng chuckled and embraced her, then began to recount what happened at the morning court assembly.

When Xia Zheng publicly mentioned the Crown Prince of Xiliang’s initiative to propose a marriage alliance, the whole court erupted into discussion. Just as Lin Yuan and Xia Zheng had thought, everyone was speculating who should be sent for the marriage alliance.

Princess Cuiwei truly was the most suitable unmarried princess. However, Prime Minister Su cherished his sister and niece, and Su Tianyou was deeply infatuated with Princess Cuiwei, naturally not wanting her to be the one sent away for marriage.

As the head of the civil officials in the court, who would dare to propose this matter if Prime Minister Su did not speak?

Consequently, the selection for this marriage alliance fell on to the officials.

While some were delighted and others distressed, just as everyone was eager to recommend their own daughters, they were smashed into the mud by Xia Zheng’s words.

Xia Zheng said, "The Crown Prince of Xiliang claimed to hold our Dayong’s culture and etiquette in high regard, hoping to marry a woman of orchid-like grace, outward beauty, and inner wisdom. Such women are everywhere in Dayong; however..."

Pausing there, as everyone eagerly pressed him for more, he continued, "However, the Crown Prince of Xiliang also wishes this woman to possess both beauty and talent, unparalleled in our time. Tsk tsk, learned men abound in our land, but as for women who can claim both talent and unparalleled beauty, it seems they are indeed quite scarce."

Scarce? Practically nonexistent!

However, despite being few and far between, there existed some.

Thoughts racing, some people’s gaze promptly turned towards Graduate Yao Shijiang. His daughter Yao Hanai was acclaimed as the foremost talented woman in the Capital city—wasn’t she a woman with both beauty and talent, unparalleled in our time?

Graduate Yao’s heart skipped a beat. Wasn’t Xia Zheng’s description pointing to his own daughter? The foremost talented woman in the Capital, the foremost talented woman... Could it be that the daughter he had painstakingly raised was going to be married off to some desolate foreigner?

After listening to Xia Zheng’s words, Lin Yuan couldn’t help but raise her eyebrows, pinched his waist, and asked, "Did that Crown Prince of Xiliang really say that?"

Xia Zheng caught her mischievous hand and chuckled, "Does it matter whether he said it or not? In any case, now he is considered to have said it."

Lin Yuan curled her lips, Xia Zheng, this fellow, truly is a schemer!

But, she always felt that Yao Hanai, with her temperament, would absolutely not comply so easily.

Grand Scholar Yao’s House. fɾeewebnoveℓ.co๓

As soon as Grand Scholar Yao Shijiang returned home, he immediately called for his wife, Lady Meng, and Yao Hanai to the study. After he conveyed Xia Zheng’s words in the main hall, Yao Hanai was already reeling, barely able to stand.

Lady Meng was even more shocked; she couldn’t even care for her own daughter and fell to her knees beside Yao Shijiang, weeping and pleading, "My lord, we only have this one daughter, we must not let her marry into Xiliang, my lord!"

Grand Scholar Yao Shijiang naturally did not wish for this either; he had finally raised a daughter who was virtuous and talented, how could he let her marry off so easily? Even the prince was not to his liking, yet now she faced the prospect of a political marriage!

For some idle officials, this might be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but for him, the Grand Scholar, it was a humiliation.

Xiliang was far to the west, vast and thinly populated; those who had been there said the people were boorish and rude, akin to uncivilized barbarians.

Could a Crown Prince from such a place be worthy of Grand Scholar Yao Shijiang’s daughter?

Moreover, Xiliang had just engaged in a battle with Dayong, who could guarantee that marrying off his daughter would ensure the stability between the two countries?

Perhaps the moment his daughter is married off, war could break out again, would this not be akin to sending her to her death?

Lady Meng continued to weep, and Grand Scholar Yao Shijiang’s expression was also grim.

After the initial shock, Yao Hanai quickly regained her composure. Biting her lip, she kneeled in front of her father with a firm and calm demeanor, and solemnly bowed.

"Father, since your daughter is known as the Capital city’s number one talented lady, it is my duty to go forth for a political marriage for the safety and security of Dayong’s people. However, once I leave, it would be an indefinite time before I can see my parents again. Please receive my bow, and I hope my parents will treasure your health and live a long and peaceful life."

Her voice was resolute but filled with a choking sorrow, causing Grand Scholar Yao Shijiang’s throat to tighten involuntarily.

"Han Yan!" Lady Meng, clutching her daughter’s arm, covered her mouth with a handkerchief and sobbed loudly.

Grand Scholar Yao Shijiang’s brows furrowed tightly as he looked at his wife and daughter weeping together, feeling a wave of desolation. He had no legitimate son, and his only legitimate daughter was his entire pride; not to mention the commoners, even the Crown Prince of Xiliang wasn’t worthy of her.

"His Majesty has not yet finalized this matter, whether it is Han Yan who is to be married off is still uncertain. Moreover, it will take at least a month for the Crown Prince of Xiliang to arrive in Dayong. Within this month, if we can finalize Han Yan’s marriage, not even the Crown Prince of Xiliang nor His Majesty can arbitrarily change someone else’s marital fate."

Grand Scholar Yao Shijiang raised his hand to help Yao Hanai and Lady Meng up, his gaze intense and voice resolute.

However, upon hearing Grand Scholar Yao Shijiang’s words, Yao Hanai’s heart sank immediately; finalizing her marriage within a month, wouldn’t that mean she would have to marry Xia Zheng...

"Please, my lord, decide for Han Yan."

Before Yao Hanai could speak, Lady Meng had already grabbed her and pleaded with Grand Scholar Yao Shijiang, "Please, my lord, find a good match for Han Yan. As long as it’s not to Xiliang, anyone will do."

Grand Scholar Yao Shijiang spoke in a stern and frowning voice, "Nonsense! How can my daughter, Yao Shijiang’s, be married off just to anyone? Madam, rest assured, I will surely find her a marriage that is well-suited and of equal standing. Now, you both may leave, I have some matters to attend to."

"Yes," Lady Meng said, holding onto Yao Hanai’s hand, and immediately turned to leave.

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