Chapter 443: Chapter 430 Absolutely not!

Upon seeing the person kneeling on the ground, Princess An Le sneered, “Since you know you have offended me, you should be aware of the punishment for such an offense. Now, kneel here for half an hour.”

Kneel for half an hour?

Liang Xuelin immediately collapsed on the ground.

At today’s banquet, there were numerous princes and nobles coming and going. What if someone saw him kneeling here…

Moreover, Liang Xuelin was well aware that those who treated him kindly today were only doing so out of respect for Concubine Liang. They merely exchanged pleasantries and didn’t actually respect him; in their hearts, they looked down on him. They even resented his overly high-profile display today.

If they saw him punished and kneeling, wouldn’t they revel in his humiliation and ridicule him?

“Princess An Le, please forgive ..…” Liang Xuelin opened his mouth to explain.

“Add another half an hour.” Princess An Le’s languid voice sounded again.

Liang Xuelin’s heart immediately shuddered, and he quickly shut his mouth.

His heart was filled with fear and anger. He couldn’t help glaring at Princess An Le.

However, upon a closer look, Liang Xuelin couldn’t help but be taken aback.

It was said that Princess An Le was born with a beauty that could overturn empires, however, Liang Xuelin initially thought that was merely flattery from those who wanted to curry favor with her. Even though this Princess An Le was born into royalty, at best, she was just a bit more attractive than the average person.

Unexpectedly, Princess An Le had apricot eyes and willow eyebrows, which were exceptionally beautiful. Along with her royal demeanor that no one could match, her already captivating beauty was further enhanced. It gave her an otherworldly air of unapproachable aloofness, adding a touch of cold seduction.

Liang Xuelin thought that if his two beautiful concubines were compared to Princess An Le, they would seem like common carp contrasted against a precious pearl.

However, such a beauty was not someone he could yearn for, especially considering that she had just severely punished him.

Liang Xuelin lowered his head, “Princess An Le, your instruction is indeed…”

Princess An Le didn’t speak this time, but rather, she lowered the light veil she had been twirling.

Then, her languid voice sounded again, “Add another half an hour…”

How vile!

Was she trying to suffocate him?

Liang Xuelin almost gritted his teeth to pieces. As he watched her gradually retreat, he cursed bitterly.

Kneel for an hour?

Pretend that he was stupid? Kneel just because she ordered him to, with nobody around to witness it. He wasn’t such a fool to obediently kneel here.

Liang Xuelin stood up from the ground and dusted off his knees.

She was merely a princess, yet acted so high and mighty. Did she regard him as a commoner with no status, to punish him as she pleased!?

Sooner or later, he would make her pay.

Cursing under his breath, Liang Xuelin stormed off in a huff.

—-

Chu Jinnian and Chu Yunzhao visited the Empress together.

The Empress was surrounded by several elderly ladies and was chatting about mundane and amusing topics, a warm smile on her face.

“Grandson greets imperial great-grandmother.”

Upon reaching the Empress, Chu Yunzhao and Chu Jinnian bowed, “Greetings to all ladies and madams.”

“Get up quickly.” Upon seeing the two of them, the Empress’s grin widened. She beckoned them over, “You two, come sit here.”

Seeing the Empress obviously wishing to speak to Chu Yunzhao and Chu Jinnian, Consort Xian rose and led the others away to admire the flowers in the garden.

With nobody left at her side, the Empress’s words became much freer. She pulled Chu Yunzhao and Chu Jinnian close, seating one on her left and the other on her right.

“It is to be expected of Yunzhao, as he is always in the palace and we see each other often. But as for you, Jinnian, don’t you even think to pay a courtesy visit to me? Have I been completely forgotten in your eyes?”

Chu Jinnian smiled faintly, “I was busy with public affairs and didn’t get the chance to visit the imperial great-grandmother. It’s my mistake.”

“The emperor is to blame too, making you so busy while you’re still so young. He doesn’t even fear that you’ll be exhausted. I should bring this up with him later. While it’s good for the capable to shoulder more responsibilities, it’s not fair to rely solely on you. If it wears you out, that wouldn’t be good.”

The Empress sighed, “I feel like you’ve lost some weight recently.”

“Imperial great-grandmother, thank you for your concern. I’m just happy to be able to contribute to court affairs and be loyal to the emperor,” replied Chu Jinnian.

“This is indeed the spirit of a man of the Chu family.”

The Empress continued, “Since you feel this way, building a career is indeed a good thing for a man. I won’t dissuade you any further.”

“But, ‘get married before you start building a career’ is an old saying. Considering your age, it’s time for you to consider marriage.”

“Everyone says, ‘build homes and careers.’ Usually the order is getting married first, followed by establishing a career. This is something you should consider.”

“I know that your mother passed away early and Mrs. Ruo from Duke of Qi’s mansion is incapable and can’t be relied on. Although Concubine Hui is very fond of you, she also has to take care of Yunzhao’s affairs and is too busy to help. How about I handle this matter for you?”

“With me here, you don’t have to worry about anyone interfering. And, if you don’t agree, I won’t press either. What do you say?”

The Empress’s intentions were very clear; she intended to find a wife for Chu Jinnian.

It was understandable. Chu Jinnian had spent several years in the palace growing up, half of which was spent with the Empress. The Empress loved Chu Jinnian more than her own grandsons.

Seeing her beloved grandson, who had been slighted by his father and lost his mother early, finally grow up through all the hardships, she naturally wanted to arrange his marriage as soon as possible, while she was still healthy and capable. It would be a significant worry off her mind.

Chu Yunzhao could understand the Empress’s feelings and thought it reasonable.

But…

Hadn’t he already promised the Emperor that when Chu Jinnian gets married, he would also have to get married?

If Chu Jinnian agreed to this and arranged his marriage early, the wedding would be just a year or half a year away. In that case, he and Miss Luo… there might not be enough time.

This wouldn’t work, absolutely not!

Chu Yunzhao quickly said, “Imperial great-grandmother, we don’t need to rush this matter. Jinnian is still young. If we follow the order of age, it should be my turn to get married before it’s Jinnian’s turn.”

“I haven’t even arranged my marriage yet. If we discuss Jinnian’s marriage now, wouldn’t it be too early?”

“If we wait for you to get married, wouldn’t all the good brides be taken?” The Empress glanced at Chu Yunzhao, “I know your nature very well. Because your marriage with Miss Luo didn’t work out, I don’t know if you would want to agree to another marriage. If you keep delaying, it might take several years. Are we supposed to let Jinnian wait with you?”

“Jinnian, don’t listen to Yunzhao’s nonsense. Just listen to me.”

“Speaking of that, the Empress held a banquet today. Among those who attended, many of the girls have good family backgrounds and they are of marrying age. I have seen a few who are quite suitable…”