Chapter 366: The Empress Acts as Matchmaker

Volume One, Chapter 366  The Empress Acts as Matchmaker

"Letting Ling Shan marry first isn't impossible, but you must understand that doing so will expose Ling Shan to gossip, which isn't friendly to her," Rong Luoge said, looking at Rong Yan.

Ancient thought differs from later generations; later times are tolerant and open, but ancient society was a strictly hierarchical feudal system that often severely constrained people.

Rong Yan fell silent again.

Rong Luoge didn't press him, letting him think it through; after all, he is the one taking a wife, and if he does so unwillingly, wouldn't it be unfair to the woman marrying him?

"Has the Empress chosen a good match for Ling Shan?" Rong Yan suddenly looked up and asked.

Rong Luoge nodded, smiled at Rong Yan and said, "What do you think of Tai Yong Yuan?"

Rong Yan was startled; of course he's good. But would the Tai family consent to this marriage?

Perhaps because Rong Yan's expression was too vivid, Rong Luoge saw through it at once and smiled, "Now you, the Earl of Yong'an, are heavily favored by His Majesty, and you completed this mission exceptionally well, proving you have genuine ability. Therefore Ling Shan, as your half‑sister, carries a different weight, especially since she also has me, her elder sister. When I was younger I asked Lady Tai for her opinion, and the Tai family showed no sign of refusal."

So it can be done. Rong Yan felt a hard‑to‑describe feeling inside; Tai Yong Yuan is considered one of the most reputable young masters in the capital, and countless refined ladies have been eyeing his marriage prospects. He never expected it to fall to their family.

This marriage must not be missed—that was Rong Yan's first thought.

He thought for a moment, then looked at the Empress and said, "Empress, I plan to take Liuli out again; would it be okay if I set the engagement first and marry after I return?"

"Of course," Rong Luoge smiled, "Do you have a particular refined lady in mind for your marriage? If you do, I can ask on your behalf."

Rong Yan shook his head, "My marriage will be decided by my mother and the Empress."

Rong Luoge nodded, "Alright, I understand. If Madam Chu learns that you are willing to take a wife, she'll be delighted. Go tell her the good news."

Rong Yan nodded in response, rose to take his leave, and before departing bowed to the Empress, "Thank you, Empress."

He knows clearly that their family's current standing is all thanks to the Empress. Therefore, when His Majesty allowed him to travel with Liuli, he accepted without hesitation, wishing to repay the Empress in some measure.

After Rong Yan left, Rong Luoge smiled; Rong Yan's experiences have truly transformed him.

Madam Chu, upon hearing the news, was not just pleased—she burst into tears on the spot.

Rong Yan, seeing his mother like that, felt instant guilt, handed her a handkerchief and whispered, "Mother, please be happy during the New Year."

"Happy? Mother, why wouldn't you be happy." Madam Chu was overjoyed, clutching her son's hand, "I was truly afraid you'd never want to marry in this life; those days I'd worry whenever I thought of it, all because I caused you trouble."

"Mother…"

"Mother knows, Mother knows you certainly wouldn't think that, but I still feel guilty. My selfishness back then has now implicated you all, making people mock and sneer at you."

"Mother, we've come this far; days will only get better."

Chu Ke covered her face, tears falling one by one, "Yes, we'll get better and better."

After she'd cried enough, Chu Ke recovered, then suddenly looked at her son, "You said earlier the Empress had her eyes on someone for your sister?"

"Tai Yong Yuan." — Chu Ke: …

The Tai family's young master?

How could that be possible?

Rong Yan looked at his mother now, suddenly recalling how the Empress had looked at him then, likely feeling the same as he does now. He smiled and said, "Mother, the Empress herself said it, and Lady Tai is also willing; she has set her sights on our Ling Shan."

Chu Ke, lying on a soft pillow, cried even harder.

Rong Yan: …

Seeing his mother like that, his heart was very painful, very painful.

"Don't worry. I've been bottling this up for too long; I'm overjoyed. Your sister's marriage has always been a worry of mine, I can't tell you how concerned I've been. When you take a wife, you bring a girl into our household, but your sister will be sent out. If she ends up with a bad family, her life would truly be… The Tai family is good, the Tai family is good; the Tai household is upright, and Young Master Tai's reputation has always been fine. Princess Consort Liang's relationship with the Empress is also good; with that connection, if your sister truly can marry there, life won't be bad."

"What about you? Which lady have you set your eyes on? Tell Mother, and Mother will look into it for you." Chu Ke was truly delighted; once the new year began, everything turned into good news.

"I'll follow your advice." Rong Yan laughed.

"Listen to me. I don't have a good candidate right now; no, I must ask the Empress. My eye for people isn't great, but the Empress is sharp—let her assess you. We don't need a prestigious family, just a lady of upright character." Chu Ke muttered to her son.

"Alright." Rong Yan had no objection; after his wedding he'll likely be sent on assignments abroad, so taking a wife must please his mother, ensuring harmonious relations.

Chu Ke sent her son away and herself gathered refined ladies from across the capital, pulling one after another; for a moment she truly didn't know which family's lady was best.

Elsewhere, Rong Luoge was also pondering Rong Yan's matter; she recalled another issue: the palace concubines are to be released, at least the group including Kang Shufei must be let go, and their marriages must be handled carefully.

Rong Luoge thought of Kang Shufei; she has a good temperament and handles affairs steadily, adept both in the hall and the kitchen. If she were to marry Rong Yan, their personalities would complement each other—a good match indeed.

Moreover, if Rong Yan travels again this year and marries next year, it would coincide with the time when Han Xinglan releases people from the palace—a truly win‑win situation.

Rong Luoge, thinking so, summoned Kang Shufei, wanting to ask her opinion.

Kang Shufei was stunned; she hadn't expected the Empress to act as her matchmaker, and her face flushed instantly.

Rong Luoge looked at Kang Shufei and said softly, "Don't feel burdened. I'm merely asking; if you think Rong Yan is suitable and catches your eye, consider the marriage carefully. If you don't like him, that's fine too—after all it's your lifelong matter, and you shouldn't feel unable to refuse just because I suggested it."

Kang Shufei, of course aware, hesitated and said, "Empress, may I think it over before answering you?"

"Of course." Rong Luoge smiled, "It's your lifelong matter; you must think it through."

Kang Shufei, after pondering, asked, "Empress, if I marry out, can I still come out to work?"