Tianliangyuan

Chapter 392 First Improper Act

Xu Zhaozhao was genuinely surprised.

A young man from the Qu family actually wants to marry Xie Juan?

After looking at it more carefully, Xu Zhaozhao finally understood.

This young man from the Qu family is a member of the same clan, but he probably doesn't even belong to a collateral branch.

To put it simply, this Mr. Qu's great-great-grandfather was a cousin of the direct line of the Qu family.

So, it's actually quite far.

But in fact, they are also members of the Qu clan.

"Does Second Aunt recognize this young man?"

Madam Yu shook her head: "I'm a bit older. I might recognize a young lady, but I really don't remember a young man."

"What does Grandmother mean?"

"The old lady doesn't object, but as I said before, we're not familiar with this young man, so we're asking for your opinion. If you have no objections, then send someone to investigate him thoroughly, at least to find out what kind of person he is, before deciding whether to discuss this further."

"Very well, let's do as Grandmother wishes."

There was no rush to meet, so Xu Zhaozhao took the little tiger to the Hundred Fruit Garden.

Xie Zheng only stayed here for one day before returning to the capital.

The little tiger was noticeably more excited and happier in the orchard.

Xu Zhaozhao could understand. Children are naturally fond of small animals, and they are more likely to develop curiosity and a certain preference for things they have never seen before.

However, they couldn't stay there for more than a few days, firstly because there was news from the Qu family, and secondly because Xu Junqing's wedding date was approaching.

The little tiger didn't want to leave, so Xu Zhaozhao coaxed him for a long time and finally promised that she would bring him here to stay for a while after his fourth uncle got married. Only then did the little tiger agree.

The little tiger is still young, but it has already grown quite sturdy.

It's not just simple fatness, but the kind of person who is full of energy.

In Xu Han's words, this is definitely a potential military general.

As the heir apparent, Xu Jun'an was always kept out of the way when Xu Han went to war, and the requirements for Xu Jun'an were obviously higher than those for his other two sons.

A gentleman of upright character, skilled in both literature and martial arts, this perfectly describes a young master like Xu Jun'an.

Now that his son is so young, he is already showing signs of becoming a military general, which naturally makes Xu Han very happy.

This is the eldest son and grandson, who will inherit the Anxin Marquis's mansion in the future.

So, although the little tiger is still young, Xu Han and Xu Jun'an have already been consciously or unconsciously instilling some common sense in him.

I'm afraid that in a few years, the little tiger won't be able to play so freely anymore.

Thinking about it this way, Xu Zhaozhao felt quite sorry for the child.

Yu and Xu Zhaozhao went to the Qu residence together, but not to meet, but to clarify things.

"Madam Qu's willingness to consider the younger generation is a sign of your kindness as an elder. However, in matters of marriage, it is essential that both parties are willing. Since that young master already has someone he loves, we should not take away his love. Let's drop this matter. What does Madam Qu think?"

Madam Yu's words were already very kind to Madam Qu.

After all, it was Madam Qu who wanted to act as matchmaker, but who knew that the good-for-nothing would be caught in the act of pulling and tugging at a woman.

Since that's the case, then we can't blame anyone else.

“Sister Yu, what you said is a slap in my face. I didn’t know that the boy already had someone he liked, and it’s my fault for not asking clearly. To be honest, I haven’t seen the boy for two years. It was only when I was talking with his mother last time that the topic of marriage came up. This is my fault. When I have time later, I will prepare a good feast to apologize to you.”

Ms. Yu repeatedly said she dared not.

Xu Zhaozhao smiled and said, "Madam Qu, there's no need for apologies. However, I've long heard of the skill of your cook. If I have the chance, I'll definitely come over and ask for a drink."

These words pleased Madam Qu: "Your words are so pleasing to the ear, no wonder His Majesty and the Empress like you so much, especially the Empress. Whenever I enter the palace, I inevitably mention you within three sentences. Oh dear, speaking of which, I don't have much red tea left here."

The last sentence was clearly meant to tease Xu Zhaozhao.

As the group chatted and laughed, the initial awkwardness dissipated, and the event finally came to a satisfactory conclusion.

But Madam Qu couldn't let her guard down. She quickly changed her clothes and went to the palace to pay her respects.

After hearing the whole story, the Empress only felt that it was that good-for-nothing scoundrel who was incompetent.

Such a good marriage proposal fell through before it even got a chance to be discussed.

"Have you had someone inquire about this matter? Is it truly the case that our Qu family was impolite first?"

"Your Majesty, I have already inquired and found out that Liu Lang is indeed entangled with a woman outside. However, I heard that the woman comes from a poor family and Liu Lang's parents do not agree to the marriage. But Liu Lang insists on marrying her and has even declared that he will marry no one but her in this life."

So it seems we really are not meant to be.

"Alright, since that's the case, let's pretend we never mentioned it. However, Anle is a good child, and Sanlang has always been highly regarded by His Majesty. Even if the marriage doesn't happen, we shouldn't become enemies."

"Yes, ma'am."

The Empress took a deep breath, and thinking of Prince An, she felt another headache coming on.

“The Prince of An has been clearly at odds with the Prince of Zhong lately. Although I am the Empress, it is not appropriate for me to keep summoning him to the palace to talk. Besides, he is a father now, and he may not listen to me. I will have to trouble you, sister-in-law, to go back and talk to my brother, so that he can teach the Prince of An a good lesson and not lose his dignity.”

“Your Majesty is overthinking it. The power struggle between Prince An and Prince Zhong is not a recent development. Moreover, Prince Zhong is a son of a concubine and should know his place. However, since Your Majesty has spoken, I will certainly convey your message. My husband is also considering whether to find a few more tutors for His Highness Prince An.”

Although Prince An is married.

However, His Majesty has not yet established a crown prince. Even if Prince An becomes a father, he still needs to study.

Of course, the gentleman we've invited is nominally a mentor, but in reality, he's a staff member.

"I don't understand these things outside, so it's best for my brother to make the decisions. However, we still need to report to His Majesty and not act on our own."

Although Qu Shiji was the maternal uncle, Prince An was the emperor's son, so some things required His Majesty's approval.

"Your Majesty, there is actually another matter I would like to ask for your opinion on."

"You said."

"Do you still remember the master's fifth son?"

"I have some recollection of it, but it's faded a bit."

Qu Wulang was Qu Shiji's illegitimate son, and due to health reasons, he was never able to enter the court as an official.

However, Qu Wulang's own talent was not lacking.

Do you think Wu Lang and the seventh daughter of the Xie family are a good match?

This really stumped the Empress.

One was the illegitimate son of a powerful official, and the other was the illegitimate daughter of a duke. By all accounts, they were a good match in terms of status.

However, given that this incident has just occurred, it would be inappropriate to bring up Qu Wulang again now.

"Let's wait and discuss it after the wedding at the Marquis of Anxin's residence."

"Yes, ma'am."