Chapter 451: Emperor Jing Sheng: I Intend to Take a Son‑in‑Law!

One can only say that ancient women were far more sensitive to marriage matters than modern ones, even the empress was no exception; before three sentences were spoken, she naturally shifted the topic to Jia Jing's marriage affairs.

Jia Jing's expression tightened, a chill rose in his heart, unsure whether this was merely Zhou Huang Hou's casual question or the Son of Heaven testing him through her.

However, the reason Jia Jing mentioned the scent of his home earlier was intentional.

He had long wanted to gauge Emperor Jing Sheng's thoughts on his own marriage, but had never found a suitable opportunity.

One must admit, after being granted the title of Second Rank Biaoqi Grand General and Minister of War Administration today, his choice of marriage has become less sensitive than before!

Because even a marriage alliance, however sensitive, is no more delicate than the position of a Minister who oversees all military affairs.

What is a Minister of War Administration?

That is indeed only a slight step away from the power to command all troops of the realm!

He possesses all the military orders of the Ministry of War, and the authority to command troops of the Five Military Governor's Office also falls under his control.

Although the Da Han Empire now has many local warlords, the armies are largely corrupt and of limited strength, at least in name they all fall within his jurisdiction!

Moreover, the present Prime Minister of War Administration Office is not the historic Military Affairs Office; several war ministers check each other.

The Prime Minister of War Administration Office is a military body headed solely by him; there is only one Minister of War Administration, with possible subordinate deputies and departments, yet none affect his supreme decisions.

In truth, it resembles later‑era Central Military Commissions, with unified authority and a separation of military and civil administration.

Thus, with such great power, speaking of marrying a civil official or a martial hero to boost his merit and cement his image as a powerful minister is rather untimely!

Because he is already a truly rare power broker throughout history; the authority in his hands can at any moment shake the imperial throne, even alter the world!

No matter which family he allies with, for his power it is merely a decorative flourish, offering no substantial aid!

Consequently, marriage matters are no longer as sensitive as before!

Of course, since Emperor Jing Sheng has placed such trust in him, he would not rush to trouble the emperor.

Therefore, his thoughts on marriage at this moment are simple.

If the emperor has a marriage decree or a candidate in mind, he will follow the emperor's arrangement.

If not, he will follow his own wishes, proactively avoid conflicts, and try to find a modest, unconnected "small household" as his principal wife, such as Lin Daiyu.

Thinking this, Jia Jing set down his tea cup, his expression calm, met Zhou Huang Hou's gaze without a hint of evasion, and bowed, saying:

"Your Majesty's concern touches me deeply. I will not hide from the emperor and you, Empress, that since I was ennobled, the matchmakers in my household have nearly broken through the threshold; the stack of name cards is thicker than my military reports."

He made a vague gesture from his sleeve, then straightened his expression:

"Yet I have been pondering repeatedly: now the external situation of the Da Han Empire has just stabilized, while internal currents surge; New Policies, military reforms, civil administration and other urgent matters are at a critical point. Discussing personal romantic affairs now does not seem appropriate!"

"An old saying from the former Great Xia Champion Marquis goes: 'If the Xiongnu are not eliminated, how can one speak of family?' I likewise think so; if the Da Han Empire does not prosper, why should I be eager to start a family!"

"Moreover, I… am a troublesome person. To say without fearing the emperor's or empress's ridicule, these years I have licked blood on the blade's edge, offending more people than the salt I've ever eaten."

"I do not know how many more overt spears and hidden arrows await in the future. If a fortune‑poor maiden were to marry me, I fear she could not bear this danger!"

"Furthermore, in my current position, countless eyes are watching. Whether I marry up or down, it is easy for people to gossip!"

He inhaled deeply at this point, his tone solemn, and bowed respectfully to the emperor and empress:

"I am ultimately a warrior and do not grasp all the twists and turns! So I think, if this matter still troubles me, I rely on the emperor and empress to give me a decision!"

"Whenever Your Majesty wishes to discuss, I shall discuss; whenever Your Majesty deems a certain maiden suitable, I will marry her, without hesitation! I trust Your Majesty's judgment more than my own!"

In Jia Jing's words, three layers of meaning were revealed.

First, he is not in a hurry to marry; with the court unstable, state affairs take precedence!

Second, he fully discloses his heart, laying his feelings bare to move others emotionally!

Third, he is willing to obey Emperor Jing Sheng's wishes, showing unconditional trust, dispelling any doubts the emperor may harbor.

At this moment, Emperor Jing Sheng had set aside his rinsing tea cup, his gaze lingered on Jia Jing's face for a moment, without speaking immediately.

How could he not have considered Jia Jing's marriage!?

To put it bluntly, he regards Jia Jing's marriage as more important than the Crown Prince Zhu Biao's marriage!

But previously he harbored two layers of worry, making it hard to speak openly.

First, even if he were to arrange a marriage, he must fully consider Jia Jing's wishes; he cannot force him to marry someone he dislikes or is unsatisfied with, which would chill Jia Jing's heart.

Second, given Jia Jing's status, a proper match would require at least a legitimate daughter from the Six Ministries and Nine Ministers, a dukedom household, or a princely residence.

But such families are heavily involved in major affairs and widely connected; in today's turbulent court, they could easily be drawn into various storms.

If one inadvertently chooses the wrong person, the situation becomes very passive!

In the end, Jia Jing's extensive connections cause Emperor Jing Sheng some anxiety, making it hard to decide!

Here it must be said that, in truth, Emperor Jing Sheng harbors an unexpressed thought.

That is, wait… a few more years until the court stabilizes, and his own little daughter Xiao Xi Zi grows older.

To see if Jia Jing can be taken as a son‑in‑law, fully joining the family—a thought he has weighed repeatedly.

The benefits of binding the royal house and Jia Jing are obvious.

Not only can it provide the successor with a pillar of support, but it also secures a path for Jia Jing to retire after achievements and enjoy wealth.

However, at this moment he cannot directly tell Jia Jing that he intends to take him as a son‑in‑law!

After all, Xiao Xi Zi is only eight years old; being so young, arranging a marriage would require at least six or seven years.

And Jia Jing is already twenty‑one; making him wait six or seven more years to marry is somewhat unreasonable.

Nevertheless… this is not without a compromise; the Jia Family's Ning Guo Fu had once been given a fallback.

If the principal wife position at Jing Guo Fu finds a suitable candidate, later it could also… serve that side!

Given that, it's best not to raise Xiao Xi Zi's matter for now, lest Zi Jie overthink!

In an instant, myriad thoughts flashed through Emperor Jing Sheng's mind!

After a moment of silence, Emperor Jing Sheng lifted his tea cup, sipped slowly, his gaze again wandering over Jia Jing's face, as if weighing something and confirming something.

The cup lid lightly clinked against the rim, a crisp sound.

Setting down the tea cup, Emperor Jing Sheng smiled lightly and said warmly:

Zi Jie's intention, I understand! Your marriage, being both a major personal matter and a state affair concerning the court, will be taken to heart by the Emperor and the Empress.

In the coming days, let the Empress gather the unmarried maidens from the various families in the capital for you to see; if a suitable candidate is found, I will personally arrange the marriage for you.

If you meet someone you like, regardless of which family, bring them into the palace for the Emperor and the Empress to see; we will both keep an eye out for you.

I trust you! Do not let any mental pressure or hesitation trouble you over this matter; feel free to choose boldly and without worry.

Now that you are of age, you cannot focus only on state affairs; I also hope you will soon start a family, for there is someone in the household who knows your every need.

Jing Sheng Di's words, both spoken and implied, displayed full support, trust, and tolerance.

Zhou Huang Hou glanced at Jing Sheng Di, her beautiful eyes flickering, and smiled, saying:

Your Majesty is right. Zi Jie's marriage will be handled by me. I have a general idea of the young ladies from the capital families; I will later draft a list and we can view them slowly.

Rest assured, I will select for you a lady of proper appearance and gentle temperament, and will not wrong this Grand General of yours.

Jia Jing's eyes flickered slightly, and in a deep voice he said:

Then I trouble the Empress! As for my marriage, I do not demand a noble lineage or beauty, only the character "peace". A stable household, a clean inner palace; whether I am at the front fighting or at the rear training troops, my mind will be at ease.

The meaning of this statement is that he will not marry into a high‑status family, voluntarily avoids conflict of interest, and indicates he is already prepared to be a solitary minister!

Zhou Huang Hou pressed her lips in a smile, her phoenix‑like eyes shining, and said:

Your words are sincere; living together is ultimately a matter for two people. Since you trust the Emperor and me, I will search carefully on your behalf.

The prominent families in the capital may not suit you; rather, those households with upright family traditions and simple members might better match your temperament.

Jing Sheng Di smiled, his gaze deep, and said:

Then let's settle this first! Zi Tong, you go attend to your duties; I and Zi Jie will discuss military matters!

By the way! In the evening have Xiao Si Zi come to dine with me; I have been missing her.

Zhou Huang Hou was momentarily stunned by the words, her beautiful eyes turning toward Jing Sheng Di, her gaze carrying a hint of contemplation!

What does it mean that my husband mentions Xiao Si Zi at this moment?