Chapter 567 - Chapter 567: Chapter 554: Going Together (1/2)
Chapter 567: Chapter 554: Going Together
“But Mother, there are reasons behind this matter…” Chu Yunzhao hurriedly defended.
“No matter what reasons there might be, let this matter rest, you need not utter another word,” Concubine Hui sternly reproached.
“But…” Chu Yunzhao wanted to argue more but, seeing the forbidding expression and fierce gaze of Concubine Hui, he could only halt his words and helplessly look towards Chu Shengrui, “Father, you see mother…”
He swallowed hard, halting mid-sentence, biting his lip, his eyes reddening.
Chu Shengrui patted Chu Yunzhao’s shoulder and motioned for him to sit down before turning to Concubine Hui, “It is quite rare for you to react so emphatically, what has agitated you today?”
“Your Majesty, please forgive me,” Concubine Hui sighed, her eyes also reddening, “I am left with little choice. Yunzhao is interested in Miss Luo and it seems that she reciprocates. They would be a perfect couple, but, unfortunately, their horoscopes…”
“This matter concerns the empress dowager’s health. Naturally, I dare not relent. Yunzhao has kept silent because of this, and upon knowing about this, Miss Luo has been constantly worried, and has been ill for a while.”
“She also argues that she would be at fault if Yunzhao were reluctant to discuss a prospective marriage because of her. In such a case, she instances that she would spend her remaining life in retreat in a temple. It is truly regrettable. Her father, Mr. Luo, despite having two sons, cherishes his only daughter like a pearl in his palm. If Miss Luo were to take that action, Mr. Luo may fall gravely ill.”
“If this matter cannot be salvaged, I thought about helping Yunzhao abandon the idea completely. It might seem difficult for the two now as they are emotionally attached, but I believe with enough time, they will forget.”
“Recently, the Ministry of Rites has selected several good individuals. While their family background is somewhat low and their temperaments not as good as Miss Luo’s, I find that their looks are quite pleasant and two of them dance and sing quite well.”
Chu Shengrui frowned deeply.
She came from a humble background, yet she is talented in singing and dancing…
How would someone like this be fit to be the mistress of the household? I fear that after she marries into the family, she would prove to be narrow-minded, shallow, and incapable.
Just like the current Empress.
When Chu Shengrui thought of the treatment he received from the previous Empress, looked at the current Empress’s actions and the helpless situation of Concubine Hui and Chu Yunzhao, his heart filled with rage towards the Empress and sympathy for Concubine Hui and Chu Yunzhao.
Concubine Hui is the most favored imperial concubine, and yet she is in such a predicament. One can only imagine the hardship the other consorts and princes endure.
Chu Shengrui opened his eyes and said in a deep voice, “I also feel that Miss Luo is quite excellent. I have met her a couple of times and found her to be a well-educated and understanding lady. She would be a suitable consort for our royal family.”
“Yunzhao, was that what you wanted to discuss with me?”
Chu Yunzhao’s eyes reddened and he nodded, his voice choked with emotion, “I acknowledge that this matter is of great importance and concerns the peace of grandmother’s old age. For this reason, I have refrained from bringing it up.”
“Today, Father has promised to fulfill my wish, so I wished to mention it to you. I do not presume that you would definitely agree, but I want Miss Luo to know that I have fought for her, and it is not that I haven’t done anything to hurt her.”
Chu Yunzhao sniffed, “I have had the audacity to speak so much about this matter today, I beg father for punishment.”
“If you speak from the heart, why should you be punished?”
Chu Shengrui said, “As the Emperor, my word is law. Since I promised to fulfill your wish, I would not go back on my word. I will decide the matter of your marriage to Miss Luo.”