Chapter 361: Volume 1, Chapter 361  The Elbow Bent Outward

Rong Luoge was startled; hearing love words so early in the morning was quite unexpected, and meeting Han Xinglan's serious expression, she pressed her lips together and said: "Bound by hair as husband and wife, love without doubt, may we share one heart in this life and grow old together."

Han Xinglan gently tightened his arms, pulling Rong Luoge into his embrace, and softly said: "Meeting the best of you is the greatest blessing of my life. I will not fail you."

Even if there were unparalleled beauties in the world, none could compare to her every frown and smile.

Rong Luoge listened to Han Xinglan's somewhat rapid heartbeat and let out a light laugh.

She didn't know what love was?

But after meeting Han Xinglan, she would gradually pay attention to a person, would involuntarily want to relieve his worries and difficulties; she didn't want to see him frowning, she only hoped for his peace and happiness, a hundred years without worry.

She didn't know if this counted as love, but she knew that now she liked him.

Whether liking is love she didn't know, but she knew love must be a great, great amount of liking.

The two rose hand in hand, first putting on their everyday clothes, washing simply and having breakfast, then changing into the Emperor's and Empress's coronation robes; layer upon layer, it took a full half hour to dress.

Shi An was already waiting outside; when he saw the Emperor emerge, he hurriedly bowed in salute.

Han Xinglan looked at Rong Luoge and said, "I'll go to the front hall first; if anything arises, have Yuan Bao go find Shi An."

Shi An, hearing this, quickly bowed to the Empress and promised.

Rong Luoge smiled in response, "You go quickly; today's court banquet cannot be late."

Han Xinglan looked at Rong Luoge; although they had been together for years, he still felt he could never get enough of her. After walking a few steps, he couldn't help but turn back to glance at her again.

Rong Luoge was a bit surprised by Han Xinglan's turn, and smiled at him.

Han Xinglan couldn't help but smile, then turned and walked away briskly.

Rong Xin and Que Cai were truly overjoyed; His Majesty and the Empress have a good relationship, and that is what makes people happy.

The only thing Rong Luoge felt regretful about was that no good news had arrived from Suizhou; if it came, it would truly be double happiness at the door—a very auspicious sign.

Life can never be perfect; although a bit regrettable, she was not fixated on it.

"Your Highness, Madam Chu has brought Miss Ling Shan," Que Cai, after hearing the palace staff, hurried to report.

"That fast?" Rong Luoge was a bit surprised, "Quickly let them in."

Soon Chu Ke arrived with her daughter, and upon seeing Rong Luoge, stepped forward to pay respects.

Rong Luoge waved her hand, and Rong Xin hurried forward to help Madam Chu up.

"Madam and Ling Shan, please sit; we're family, no need for so much ceremony." Rong Luoge was in a good mood, and seeing Chu Ke and Rong Ling Shan made her even happier, "Why come into the palace so early? Is there something?"

Rong Ling Shan immediately said, "I missed my sister and wanted to see her early, so Mother brought me here early."

"You're already a grown lady; you mustn't be so reckless in the future," Rong Luoge laughed.

Rong Ling Shan laughed happily, "It's not just that, big sister; I feel it's been ages since I saw you, I want to talk with you. If I came later, the palace maids would have entered and there'd be no chance."

Rong Luoge, unable to laugh or cry, looked at Rong Ling Shan and said, "These days have been busy, so I haven't been able to attend to you. What are you busy with at home now?"

"Not much, just studying and painting; sometimes I practice needlework." As a inner‑chamber lady, Rong Ling Shan had no other pastimes, much like other ladies, essentially just those few.

Rong Luoge heard this and said, "You and Rong Yan are of marriageable age; when Rong Yan marries this year, your wedding should be prepared as well."

Chu Ke was delighted at the sound, and immediately said, "Your Highness is right; I can't manage Rong Yan. As soon as I bring up marriage, he falls silent, and the court ladies truly leave everything to Your Highness."

Rong Luoge said, "After the Lantern Festival, I'll ask Rong Yan what's going on. Taking a wife is a big matter; regardless of background, the one who enters the household must have a good temperament."

Actually, Rong Luoge quite likes Kang Shufei, but now isn't the time to send Kang Shufei out of the palace; she fears they must wait another year until Han Xinglan has settled matters, then they can stir the harem.

Rong Yan cannot wait another year; moreover, even if he waited, he might not wish to marry Kang Shufei, and the Kang family might not consent to this marriage. Matchmaking isn't blind; both parties' wishes must be considered.

"Your Highness is right; I think the same," Chu Ke truly had suffered enough over marriage matters, so she hoped her son could marry someone he liked, but such perfect matches are rare.

Rong Luoge thought for a moment and said, "At today's banquet, Madam can first let the rumor spread, then see how things go."

Chu Ke nodded, "I'll follow Your Highness."

Rong Ling Shan looked at her mother, then at her elder sister, thought a moment, and said, "Actually I know, big brother has someone he fancies in his heart."

"Hm? You know? Then why didn't you tell me?" Madam Chu asked, surprised, looking at her daughter.

"I'm not sure which family's lady my brother likes, how can I say?" Rong Ling Shan said somewhat aggrieved, "I secretly asked him, but he wouldn't tell me and even scolded me."

"He has a crush but won't say…," Chu Ke's expression darkened; perhaps the lady's family background is too poor, or she is already married.

If the family background is only slightly poor, it's okay; as long as she's of good character, she could be accepted, but if the lady is already married…

Chu Ke, thinking this, felt darkness flicker before her eyes.

Rong Luoge, seeing Chu Ke's expression, quickly said, "Madam, don't be anxious; we'll discuss later."

Chu Ke steadied herself, took a deep breath, and said, "Your Highness is right, I'm not in a hurry, not at all. I'm just afraid…"

Rong Luoge could guess to some extent; if the lady were truly already married, there'd be nothing to do. She looked at Chu Ke and said, "The matter hasn't been asked yet; Madam, don't scare yourself, perhaps it's just Rong Yan being shy to speak."

Chu Ke quickly nodded, "Your Highness is right; it must be that he's embarrassed to speak."

He would rather his son be embarrassed to speak up.

Rong Ling Shan cleared her throat lightly, looked at her elder sister, "Big sister, two days ago Princess Chang'an came to me, asking me to intercede for Prince Shou, and she said she held a compromising document from Chancellor Su's family."

Rong Luoge was startled, "Princess Chang'an spoke to you?"

"Yes," Rong Ling Shan nodded.

Chu Ke looked at her daughter, "How did I not see this?"

Rong Ling Shan looked at her mother, "Of course such matters are told to the elder sister; telling you, Mother, is useless, isn't it?"

Chu Ke: …

This truly gave birth to an elbow that bends outward.

Rong Luoge laughed, looked at Rong Ling Shan and asked, "What compromising evidence did she mention?"

Rong Ling Shan shook her head, "She didn't say; she only said that if I were willing to help, she would then tell me."