freenovelworld Chapter 294 Finally, they relented!
Chapter 294 Finally, they relented!
"Father, this won't do!" Duanmu Chuze immediately stood up from his seat.
"Father, you promised me! I fought for three years, and no matter how difficult or unbearable it was, I never complained. Father, whenever I think of Mu Xin Nuan, I no longer have the heart to complain about being tired or suffering. Just thinking that I can return and marry her after I have made great contributions makes me feel like the happiest person in the world."
When the Emperor saw that Duanmu Chuze spoke sincerely and was earnest in his attitude, he was filled with emotion.
He valued this son the most. Not just because he was the youngest, but also because he was the most sensible among his sons!
Although she was playful before, she never caused him any trouble. And whenever she was in the capital, she would never go more than three days without coming to the palace to pay her respects to the two elders. Whenever she came, she wouldn't beat around the bush and ask for anything. She would say what she wanted directly. Moreover, most of the time, she would just come in to talk to them and rarely made any demands. It was precisely because of this that when he proposed to go to the border for training, and to bestow Mu Xin Nuan upon him as his wife upon his return, he agreed.
Now that the Emperor has thought about it, he realizes that he is hesitant and has indeed let his son down.
Thinking about it more deeply, just as this son said, he is a prince, and whether his future offspring are numerous or not is really not that important.
The emperor felt much more at ease at this moment. His youngest son clearly had no desire for the throne, which pleased him greatly. At least among his brothers, there was one who made him feel at ease.
Moreover, although he seems to be neglecting his official duties lately, he has done a good job in fulfilling the tasks assigned to him by the Crown Prince. Furthermore, even when he is away from home, he never forgets to protect the Crown Prince. It is clear that this son is still on the side of the Crown Prince.
If it's because Duanmu Chen took a liking to Mu Xin Nuan and married her as a concubine, wouldn't that be too disheartening for his youngest son? What if he... in the future?
After a moment's thought, the Emperor immediately had an idea. "Don't worry. Of course, I haven't forgotten what I promised you. Otherwise, do you really think that Mu Chang'an's achievements are enough to warrant me bestowing a title upon him?"
Upon hearing this, Duanmu Chuze immediately smiled and said, "Your subject thanks Your Majesty."
"Alright. Speaking of which, Mu Chang'an is indeed quite capable. In the past few years in the Ministry of Works, his talents have been somewhat buried. However, you were at the border at that time. A large part of the equipment for the Ministry of War was made by the Ministry of Works. In addition, he had made meritorious contributions to flood control, which saved many people from being displaced. In my heart, I do value him."
"Mu Chang'an is an honest man, at least he hasn't formed any cliques. Otherwise, I wouldn't dare to suggest that Your Majesty give him an important position. Although I like his daughter, it doesn't mean I have to support her family. Take her second uncle, Mu Changping, for example. He's talented, but his character is problematic. Such a person is not suitable for important positions. That's why I've never spoken a good word about him in front of you, because I don't want to let personal feelings interfere with public duty."
"Good! As expected of the fourth son. His words are different. This is my good son. Only now can I rest assured. Don't worry, I have already spoken to Mu Chang'an today. He has no intention of currying favor with the rich. When I mentioned that Mu Xin Nuan should marry the Prince of Ming as a concubine, he even threatened to resign his post to force me. It seems that he truly loves this daughter."
Duanmu Chuze appeared slightly surprised, but deep down he was delighted.
He rushed to the palace to pay his respects to the Empress because he knew the Emperor had kept Mu Chang'an there. He knew that once the Emperor knew he had entered the palace, he would definitely come to Kunning Palace. Unexpectedly, he arrived quickly.
"Father, what's wrong?"
The Emperor waved his hand, "Don't worry. You are my precious son. Since you've taken a liking to that girl, I will naturally grant your wish. However, you still need to reconsider the matter of becoming a concubine. After all, Mu Xin Nuan is still young. She will have to wait another two years. But you are already twenty."
"No rush. I'm not a lecherous man. Two years is nothing. I endured three years back then, so what's two more?"
The Emperor was slightly displeased, his brows furrowed. Duanmu Chuze, seeing this, quickly smiled and said, "Father, let's talk about the concubine later. I think we should marry the principal wife first. I want my marriage with Anuan to be joyful. If I'm happy, she'll be happy too."
The Empress laughed upon seeing this, "Look at you! You child, you haven't even done anything yet, and you're already calling people so affectionately? If you do this in front of outsiders, won't you ruin their reputation?"
The Emperor chuckled at the Empress's change of topic. "You child, you're really outrageous."
Duanmu Chuze scratched his head sheepishly. "Father, since you see how anxious I am, why don't you just issue an imperial decree to grant us this marriage?"
Upon hearing this, the Emperor burst into laughter. The eunuchs guarding outside exchanged glances, secretly pleased; the Emperor had been unhappy for several days. Now, they finally heard his laughter again. With their master in a good mood, their lives would be easier.
The Emperor was pleased and invited Duanmu Chuze to have lunch with him. The family of three enjoyed the meal very much.
However, the Emperor was still somewhat annoyed by Mu Chang'an's bold actions today. After drinking some wine, he laughed and said, "That blockhead Mu Chang'an, humph! He's just an old pedant. He's clearly younger than me, yet he can't understand anything and doesn't know how to think things through! Humph! I'll have to teach him a lesson later."
"Does Father intend to make things difficult for him?" Duanmu Chuze seemed unconcerned, even smiling faintly. His behavior pleased the Emperor.
He felt much more at ease knowing his son wasn't in a hurry. His only worry was that his son might become too attached to the girl. Wouldn't that leave his son being led by the nose by that girl?
"That's not true! He's a good man when it comes to court affairs, and he's quite intelligent. It's just that he's sometimes a bit clueless. I really scared him today. I didn't issue any decrees, and I was lukewarm in court, letting him suffer for a few days. Let him experience what it's like to live in fear."
Upon hearing this, Duanmu Chuze merely raised an eyebrow and said nothing, but a sly glint flashed in his eyes. It seemed he would have to make a trip to the Mu residence tonight.