Free Web NovelChapter 408: Chapter 408: Marriage
Consort Ru dabbed the corner of her mouth with a handkerchief.
"Cheng Xuan has been sensible since he was a child and never gave me any cause for concern. But lately, for some reason, he just keeps finding trouble."
For some reason, she felt that things hadn’t been going smoothly for Xiao Chengxuan this past year.
Just recently, he had angered Your Majesty several times—something that would never have happened before.
If her father hadn’t been there to keep things in check at court today, Cheng Xuan would have likely caused trouble again.
Xiao Lansi pressed her lips together and offered a gentle reassurance, "Second Brother is accomplished in both literary and martial arts. Father Emperor has always valued him, which is why his standards are so strict. Mother Consort, you needn’t worry. Second Brother knows what he’s doing."
Her words were exactly what Consort Ru needed to hear.
The tension in her brow eased slightly as she let out a soft sigh.
"If that were the only issue, it would be one thing. But with the recent assassination attempt on Prince Lie at the hunting grounds, how could Your Majesty possibly be in a good mood? As a result, things have become difficult for Cheng Xuan as well."
Xiao Lansi lowered her gaze, hiding the look in her eyes.
’Of course, she could also see that after the assassination attempt on Prince Lie, Father Emperor’s first suspect was her dear Second Brother.’
’Under these circumstances, with Huo Yucheng’s case being brought up again, how could Xiao Chengxuan, who was in charge of it, possibly stay out of it?’
After a pause, she looked up again.
"Brothers are of one heart. With Third Brother being attacked, Second Brother must be extremely worried. It’s just a pity he happened to fall ill and can’t do much. One can only hope the truth behind Third Brother’s assassination attempt is uncovered quickly."
A flicker of understanding crossed Consort Ru’s eyes.
’That’s right!’
’By claiming illness and staying home, Cheng Xuan has conveniently avoided this whole mess!’
’Since Your Majesty suspects him, it’s best he does nothing at all and just lets them investigate.’
’He didn’t do it, so this can’t be pinned on him.’
’In this situation, the best choice is to wait and see how things develop!’
At this thought, Consort Ru suddenly felt much more relaxed.
She leaned back against a gold-threaded silk pillow, her mind finally clear enough to properly consider Xiao Lansi’s situation.
Although Xiao Lansi was not her biological daughter, she had raised the girl for several years, so there was a bond between them.
Most importantly, Xiao Lansi had lost her mother at a young age and, because she wasn’t favored by Your Majesty, had been bullied quite a bit in the palace as a child.
Life only got better for her after she came to live with her.
Xiao Lansi was obedient and well-behaved. Though her personality was a bit timid and soft, she was ultimately sensible and was very reliant on and close to her.
Xiao Lansi listened to everything she said.
Thinking of this, Consort Ru softened her tone and asked with a smile, "Enough about your Second Brother. What about you? You’ve been back in the capital for some time now. Is there anyone you’ve taken a liking to?"
The smile on Xiao Lansi’s lips faltered slightly.
She immediately lowered her head, biting her lip gently as if in shyness.
Consort Ru laughed. "I know it’s natural for a young lady to feel embarrassed talking about such things. But there’s no one else here, just us. You can tell your Mother Consort. If there’s truly someone you like, I will certainly make some inquiries for you."
She spoke with sincere words and a relaxed expression, appearing completely genuine.
’But if she were truly willing to consider Xiao Lansi’s own feelings, she wouldn’t have asked those questions at the hunting grounds in front of Your Majesty, the Eldest Princess, and the others.’
Xiao Lansi was quiet for a moment before shaking her head gently. "Lanxi has been away from the capital for a long time and hasn’t been able to fulfill her filial duties to Mother Consort. For now, I only want to stay by your side, as long as you don’t find me a bother."
Consort Ru patted her hand. "You are a dutiful daughter, but what young lady doesn’t get married? You’re already seventeen this year. We can’t delay any longer."
Xiao Lansi blinked, then smiled, pressing her lips together as she said jokingly, "I believe the Ye Family’s second daughter is also seventeen, isn’t she? Hasn’t her marriage been arranged yet either?"
