Chapter 426: Chapter 413: A Man Should Get Married

This made Chu Shengrui feel somewhat regretful, especially when he occasionally saw some ministers in the court having a close and uninhibited relationship with their sons. He would feel a tremendous sense of envy.

Therefore, among his numerous sons, only Chu Yunzhao could behave frivolously in front of him, which gave him a taste of common folk sentiment within the palace.

Consequently, Chu Shengrui was very partial to Chu Yunzhao.

Even now, as Chu Yunzhao spoke, Chu Shengrui knocked lightly on his forehead and said, “You’re such a big fellow, how could I possibly not see you?”

“Is Father suggesting that I have put on weight?” Chu Yunzhao continued to jest.

“Not exactly. You’ve grown taller,” Chu Shengrui replied with a laugh, “I remember when I saw you and Jinnian before, Jinnian seemed to be a bit taller. Now it seems you two are more or less the same height.”

“Naturally. After all, I am the older brother. It wouldn’t look good if I were to be shorter than my younger brother,” Chu Yunzhao laughed, “But it’s probably because I’ve been practicing martial arts every day recently.”

“Practicing martial arts will of course benefit your physique,” Chu Shengrui laughed back, patting Chu Yunzhao on the shoulder.

He did feel a bit more solid than before.

“Stop your antics, you’re tiring your father by making him stand out here,” chimed in Concubine Hui, as she offered her arm to Chu Shengrui, “Let’s go inside and chat.”

Chu Shengrui placed his hand on Concubine Hui’s and nodded affectionately before walking in. Seeing that the food was still on the table, he laughed and asked, “Having lunch?”

“Yes, it is late but we’re almost finished. Allow me to order the food to be cleared away. Let’s go to Yinlu Pavilion instead,” Concubine Hui suggested.

“No need. I have yet to have lunch today. Why don’t I just have something here, besides, Yunzhao and Jinnian are here too. It’s been quite some time since I’ve dined with the two of them.” Chu Shengrui replied with a laugh.

“Then I will order the kitchen to make a few more dishes,” Concubine Hui smiled and continued, “Perhaps they could prepare a few of your favorite dishes.”

“Jinnian recently brought back some fresh ingredients that I believe you have not yet tasted. I find them quite delicious. Why don’t you try some?”

“Alright,” Chu Shengrui agreed with a nod.

Concubine Hui promptly ordered the dishes to be made and new tableware to be brought out.

“I wonder how His Majesty found the time to visit my quarters today. I recall that you mentioned yesterday you haven’t visited the Empress in a while and planned to have lunch with her today.”

“I initially intended to, but received a message from the Empress saying that the Princess Qi suddenly decided to pay a visit to the palace today. In addition to that, she has to deal with Yunhe’s matter of taking a concubine. She was feeling weary and I didn’t wish to disturb her, and just so happened to be craving the meatballs from your kitchen, so I came here for lunch,” explained Chu Shengrui.

Chu Yunzhao and Chu Jinnian exchanged glances.

The Princess Qi, Mrs. Ruo, is visiting the Empress?

Although it’s ostensibly a courtesy visit, it’s likely that she’s come to vent her grievances and discuss countermeasures with the Empress behind closed doors.

This Mrs. Ruo was initially from a poor family. By hooking onto the Empress, she gained some reputation and started catching the eye of the King of Qi.

When Mrs. Daqiao and Mrs. Xiao Qiao became imperial concubines and Princess Qi respectively, it was a significant event. The Emperor was especially fond of Mrs. Daqiao, and the King of Qi was initially harmonious with Mrs. Xiao Qiao.

The Empress has been wary of Concubine Hui because of her outstanding background and the support from her younger sister. She continuously set traps for them. Even Mrs. Ruo being able to secure her status as Princess Qi could be attributed to the Empress’s efforts.

Even now, the Empress is probably displeased with the close relationship between Chu Jinnian and Chu Yunzhao. She’s worried about Mrs. Ruo’s current predicament and naturally wants to help Mrs. Ruo strategize and solidify her position, figuring out how to deal with Chu Jinnian and Concubine Hui, who are thorns in her side.

It’s understandable that she cannot attend to the Emperor.

As for Chu Yunhe taking a concubine, they’ve secretly arranged it.

After the rumors started spreading in the capital city, the Empress and Chu Yunzhao almost immediately decided on it. They even announced this joyous news during the Empress’s birthday banquet a few days ago.

In the royal family, expanding the family tree is a normal thing, especially for a princely son like Yunhe. Moreover, this would also promote the Empress’s health and wellbeing?

The Emperor and Empress both greatly approved of this arrangement. Everyone in the palace and the capital city praised the Empress for her virtue and Chu Yunhe for his filial piety.

The Empress is now actively preparing for this event. Chu Yunhe’s concubine will be wedded to him by the end of the month.

“The Empress must be truly exhausted. I feel apologetic that I cannot help to share her burdens. However, I beg your pardon for saying so, but I believe the Empress is preparing to welcome a new daughter-in-law. I suspect she’s busy but delighted,” Concubine Hui tactfully suggested while serving Chu Shengrui some chilled tofu skin salad.

“This is cause for celebration, it’s only natural that the Empress be delighted.”

Chu Shengrui glanced back and forth between Chu Yunzhao and Chu Jinnian, squinting his eyes, “Speaking of which, while Yunhe is getting married, neither of you two have any marriage plans. What are your thoughts on this matter?”

“It would have been fine if you hadn’t mentioned this, Your Majesty. Now that you have, it’s giving me a headache.”

Concubine Hui sighed in resignation, “You’re well aware of Yunzhao’s temperament, always evading serious matters, yet when it comes to this topic he’s unexpectedly particular and picky. Many young ladies from reputable families have come forward, yet not one has caught his eye.”

“Finally Yunzhao developed affection for Miss Luo and I was delighted to prepare for their betrothal. But then I heard that their birth charts weren’t compatible and the union could lead to disaster for our Elders, so the matter was dropped.”

“I’ve considered finding someone else for Yunzhao, but he’s dealing with an allergy at the moment. I worry that his maladies are caused by his vexations, so I haven’t rushed him…”

“If it doesn’t work out, we can merely wait another year or two. Yunzhao is still something of a child. I’m worried that if he were to marry too soon and move into the mansion, he might not be able to take care of himself.”

Concubine Hui had been prepared to stall as long as possible. If she could buy one or two years, then so much the better. The world is ever-changing, and perhaps things will change for the better.

“Father, Please don’t rush me. I don’t want to get married too soon. Let’s wait a little longer,” Chu Yunzhao began to whine.

“Nonsense, it’s time for you to get married as a grown man. Producing offspring is your duty as a prince,” Chu Shengrui reprimanded.

Although the words were severe, there was no anger in his tone.

“I have three older brothers, so it doesn’t matter if I marry or not,” Chu Yunzhao continued to act jovially.