Chapter 63: Who knew the Emperor could be this romantic 2 (2/2)
The Emperor didn't have much hope for the plan set up by his imperial consort but he was glad that it all went on as planned. He wasn't happy with the Empress little play at getting his elder sister involved in his activities but thankfully this would keep her contained.
He shook his sleeve and looking to the crown prince of Chu state who stood a short distance away, smiled affectionately. ”Please be at ease General Lu, we are all Family aren't we. Don't act so strict, isn't this the maid you told me about. This silly boy, you are so bold on the battlefield.
”Why can't you be as bold with you love, didn't I tell you I would help you two love birds. I guess you just couldn't wait” the Emperor turned to the Empress and took her hands. ”My Empress don't be so shocked, General Lu is still young. We were youngsters too you know how it is with young love, you always like to be close to each other”.
The Empress's eyes narrowed when she heard that, she didn't know what this husband of hers was up to but since it concerned her Lu family, it wasn't anything good. The Emperor put her on the spot, she had no choice but to play along.
”Your Majesty, you mean that you are aware of Xiao Zhu's... Friend?
”I haven't met her my love but I have heard a lot of good things about her from General Lu. Since it has come to this, they are clearly in love. My love let's get them married”
”Ma_ma married? But she is a maid_”
”Don't worry about that my dear that can be remedied. My Empress ever since the first Princess got married far away, you have been a little down. Why don't you adopt her, Xiao Zhu is your favourite nephew and you know what they say about marrying a good daughter-in-law. When you get old, they will take care of you”
Empress Lu looked down at the scheming little bitch, she didn't like this plan one bit but the Emperor left her no choice. She let out a breath and replied ”your majesty is very wise, let us do as you say”.
”Good. Young lady, may I please have your name. Xiao Zhu this silly boy, was very secretive about you. He never revealed your identity, I don't know what he was afraid of. He is my precious nephew, I wouldn't hurt you now would I?”
Su Liya hands shook slightly, she rose her head up gently and looked to Lu Yaozhu as if to get his permission. When she didn't get any response from him, she swallowed silently and wetting her lips gently. ”Answering your majesty, this lowly one is named Su Liya”, she replied her head still resting on the ground.
”Liya, what a lovely name. Lu Yaozhu and Su Liya here my command. Su Liya is kind, beautiful and virtuous. She possesses all the characters expected of a young lady, I now confer her Princess Qin second-ranked princess
”General Lu is a strong backbone of the society, he and Princess Ping are a good match. He has made great contributions to the development of our nation. I now confer him the hereditary title of Maquis Yunzhu. They are good role models for the younger generation. They will be married in six days”
Su Liya looked up at the Emperor's eyes wide, Lu Yaozhu quickly took action to avoid her disrespecting the Emperor and Empress. He rose still on his knees and taking her hand helped her up. Su Liya got snapped out of her shock and quickly mirrored Lu Yaozhu's actions.
She stretched out her hands and clamping them close replied ”your majesty, this little one accepts your command. Long live the Emperor”.
The Emperor smiled and said, ”Caihong have the military of rites deliver the documents and gifts to the Maquis and Princess”.
The elderly Eunuch by the Emperor's side walked forward ”Yes your majesty”. He bowed and stepped back.
The Emperor turned to the servants and guards by his side and instructed ”it is getting late, please escort the princess to Jing palace”
The servants and guards replied, ”Yes, your majesty”.
Two maids helped Su Liya up and then led her away. The Emperor said a few miscellaneous things before leaving. The Empress glanced at Lu Yaozhu briefly before leaving. Everyone left one after another when they saw there was nothing more to see until it remained just the Lu family.
Lu Yaozhu didn't wait for anyone to talk and just left the room. ”Xiao... Zhu!” Madam Lu called out before walking to Zhu Fengyin and after glaring at her hissed ”Let us go”.