“He is an all-around talent, and his cultivation is also excellent for his young age. We regard him with good prospects. If you are willing, then We will take charge for you and let you two meet.” The queen dowager added with a smile, “If you aren’t interested in him, then We will help you seek out other young men.”
“Queen Dowager.” Commandery Princess Yi’an’s expression stiffened before switching to a bashful smile, and the arm with which she had wrapped around Her Majesty the Queen Dowager’s also involuntarily froze before she quickly spoke, “Yi’an only beseeches that she may accompany the queen dowager always.”
“Ay, what nonsense are you spouting.” The queen dowager cast her a glance before saying with a harrumph, “There’s only me, so it’s fine with just Feng Gu accompanying me. You are still young, so of course you need to find a good family to marry into. What is there to be bashful for. That youngest granddaughter-in-law of mine is not yet 15 years old, yet my grandson has already confirmed their engagement. That is why it is suitable to be early and not late in regards to marriage. If you’re late, the good matches will already have been selected by other people.”
Behind her, Elderly Nanny Feng Gu couldn’t resist teasing with a chuckle, “Your Majesty, young unmarried ladies are all thin-skinned. How is the commandery princess to answer when you ask like this?”
“Alright, alright, then I’ll take charge for you, okay.” The queen dowager kept nodding with a chortle. “In a few days, we’ll invite the Countess of Jian’an for tea, as well as have her bring that young chap into the palace. So our Yi’an can take a look.”
Feng Gu complied with a smile. “Yes, yes, yes, Your Majesty. This old servant has taken note of this appointment.”
Commandery Princess Yi’an’s fair hand that was hanging by her side gripped tightly before letting go. She then revealed a sweet-tempered but bashful smile, showing a gentleness that was just right.
The party of people soon returned to the Longevity Palace after they accompanied the queen dowager in a stroll around the small garden for an hour.
After Yi’an took her leave and departed, Feng Gu presented a cup of tea to Her Majesty the Queen Dowager.
Holding the cup as she watched Yi’an’s departing back figure, the queen dowager shook her head lightly. “Feng Gu, what do you say this child is thinking about on the inside.”
Feng Gu quickly replied, “Your Majesty has already done your utmost for Commandery Princess Yi’an. The commandery princess will definitely understand.”
“Today, We only casually mentioned that the crown prince would probably also like these well-made pastries. Yet for her, it turned into she went to the Eastern Palace to deliver pastries on ‘imperial orders.’”
If the crown prince wasn’t quick-witted enough, perhaps he would even harbor a grudge against her.
Feng Gu nodded lightly. “Your Majesty has penetrating insight. Nothing can escape Your Majesty’s notice.”
“It is not like We are unaware. All these years, Yi’an has always wanted to gradually get close to the crown prince, but… if the crown prince was truly interested in her, would there be a need to wait until now?”
“Your Majesty is most wise.” Feng Gu nodded as she handed a hot hand towel to the queen dowager for her to wipe her hands. She then spoke her mind, “Then about the young sir from the Count of Jian’an’s Estate, that was also Your Majesty sounding out the commandery princess on purpose?”
“Actually, no.” The queen dowager shook her head, taking the hand towel to wipe her hands. “I have watched Yi’an, this child, grow up from a young age, so I also hope that she will be able to find a good husband, and a good family to marry into, in the future. The Count of Jian’an’s family has good moral standards, and the Count of Jian’an and his wife are also accommodating people.”
“The most important thing is, his family doesn’t have concubines that make matters messy. The Count of Jian’an has only ever had his madam, just as it was when he had married her all those years ago. How good is this! The Count of Jian’an’s son, Pei Yidao, is also a young and promising man and has never partaken in unhealthy indulgences! As a young man that the crown prince regards highly, his future prospects will naturally be boundless.”
“We truly want to betroth her to the Count of Jian’an’s son.” The queen dowager sighed as she lamented, “But seeing her like that, it will probably fall through.”
