Chapter 153 - Announce to the Public
Zhan Yuanfeng breathed a sigh of relief inwardly. As he looked at the two men kneeling together, he didn't sense anything unusual. Surprisingly, they seemed to complement each other well. He asked in a somewhat rhetorical manner, “What are your thoughts, everyone?”
The military officials already held Lu Zheng in high regard, so they were quick to express their support without any reservations.
Among the civil servants, there were those who remained silent, some who harbored reservations, and a few who were not entirely supportive. Nevertheless, even those who had reservations did not voice their opposition, merely showing it on their faces.
Zhan Yuanfeng wasn't seeking their endorsement; he simply wished to avoid objections. With a light-hearted tone, he remarked, “Haha… Since no one opposes, and the two parties are in love, we shouldn't obstruct their union. Someone, issue the decree…”
“Your Majesty…” Numerous officials exclaimed. Was the imperial edict truly going to sanction their marriage? This was an unprecedented development.
“Why?” Zhan Yuanfeng innocently looked at everyone, gestured towards Shang Xianyang, and inquired, “Mr. Shang, do you have any objections?”
Shang Xianyang, who headed the civil service, stood resolutely. Despite the expectant gazes on his back, he stepped forward and articulated his stance, “Your Majesty, this subject believes that Duke Zhen's remarkable contributions warrant such a request. Nevertheless, it's worth noting that this is an unprecedented occurrence in our history. This subject is concerned that it might set a precedent and lead to disorder.”
Zhan Yuanfeng casually waved his hand, dismissing the civil officials' concerns, “No need to worry; I will issue a decree. Marriages between men will only be permitted with an imperial decree.”
Shang Xianyang had weighed the pros and cons in his mind. Knowing the emperor's resolve in arranging this marriage, he nodded and complimented, “Your Majesty's wisdom shines brightly!”
Zhan Yuanfeng spared himself from listening to further arguments and directly addressed the civil officials, “As Mr. Shang Xianyang has just said, given Duke Zhen's exceptional service, it's fitting to arrange such an imperial wedding for him. I believe I've done him an injustice. How about we entrust the entire Ministry of Rites with Duke Zhen's wedding preparations?”
The Minister of Rites reluctantly accepted the decree with a grim expression.
“Very well, after the Ministry of Rites announces the remaining rankings for the Hall Competition, our students must be tired. Return to rest, but do not forget that the Julin Feast is scheduled for tomorrow at noon.” Zhan Yuanfeng deliberately disregarded Zuo Shaoqing's previous choices, leaving the students bewildered as they returned to the palace.
“Let's go,” Lu Zheng calmly guided Zuo Shaoqing through the crowd, paying no attention to the multitude of curious glances.
The Minister of Rites hastily intercepted Master Lu, “Master Lu, may I inquire when the Emperor would like to select an auspicious date for the wedding?”
“There's no need for all that formality. I've already decided on the date. It will be on the fifth day of the fifth month, and I'll send someone to coordinate with the Ministry of Rites. What are your thoughts on this?”
A collective sigh of relief swept through the officials. It was evident that this idea was not a spur-of-the-moment decision and had been meticulously planned.
Jiang Che's expression soured. From start to finish, he had refrained from expressing his viewpoint because he understood Zhan Yuanfeng's intentions better than anyone else. If he were to openly contradict Zhan Yuanfeng, it would be akin to losing the Emperor's trust.
At this point, Lu Zheng and Zuo Shaoqing's union was already a foregone conclusion. Zuo Shaoqing, who was soon to become the Duchess of Zhen, was not within his reach. However, he could only cherish what he couldn't obtain.
Zuo Shaoqing noticed his scrutinizing gaze and shot him a cold, frowning look. He thought to himself: It appears that Jiang Che has too much free time on his hands, using Zuo Shuhui to create discord in his own affairs.
Lu Zheng lifted Zuo Shaoqing onto the horse's back, then positioned himself behind Zuo Shaoqing. In full view of the onlookers, he led them away. It was only after the two of them had vanished from sight that a courtier regained his composure and remarked, “Duke Zhen's actions were quite improper. Only he has the privilege of riding a horse within the palace; how can he take others along?”
Shang Xianyang stroked his beard, gently tapped him, and advised, “I'll give you a piece of counsel: don't throw cold water on Duke Zhen Xing, can't you see that he's trying to garner support for his wife?”
Tutor Zeng, who had silently approached them, snorted disdainfully, “Marrying a man is absurd enough, and yet he dares to act so brazenly. What a disgrace!”
Shang Xianyang and Yu Shi Zhong turned to look at him, both thinking to themselves: If you had the courage, why didn't you speak up? Discussing matters behind someone's back is hardly a noble approach.
However, when they considered Young Master Ceng, who had once shone brightly but then retreated, both ministers chuckled simultaneously. The Zeng Family's future didn't appear promising.
Zuo Shaoqing was undeniably ecstatic today. Even after leaving the palace, a joyful smile remained on his face. The last rays of the setting sun bathed them in a beautiful scene that left the palace guards momentarily mesmerized.
Lu Zheng wrapped his arm around Zuo Shaoqing's waist and whispered in his ear, “Are you happy?”
Zuo Shaoqing blushed as he felt the warm breath caress his ear like a feather brushing against his heart. It tingled and tickled, and at the same time, he felt a bit embarrassed because it was as if his innermost thoughts had been laid bare.
He cleared his throat, suppressed the smile at the corner of his lips, and narrowed his eyes. “Master Lu, don't concern yourself too much. My happiness was merely due to my past academic achievements.” It had absolutely nothing to do with the imperial decree.
“Did I say anything about that?” Lu Zheng nibbled on his earlobe and playfully breathed into his ear canal. He inquired, “Then, are you upset with me for not informing you in advance and making our relationship public?”
“Isn't our relationship already known?” Zuo Shaoqing genuinely hadn't expected Lu Zheng to enter the palace and request marriage on such a momentous occasion. It was akin to openly acknowledging their love in front of all the officials, scholars, and the world.
He hadn't even had the time to be touched by the magnitude of the situation, so how could he hold any blame?
When he had first fallen in love with Lu Zheng and decided to fight for their relationship, he could never have fathomed that they would one day have a prestigious and honorable wedding ceremony.
With this royal decree, marrying Lu Zheng as a man would no longer carry the stigma of shame. No one would dare to label a marriage approved by the Emperor as incestuous.
And all of this had been accomplished by Lu Zheng for him. He could effortlessly erase his remarkable military accomplishments for that mere piece of paper. How could Zuo Shaoqing not feel deeply moved by it?
Zuo Shaoqing rested wearily against Lu Zheng's chest. He reflected on the past six months of their acquaintance, from his unexpected rescue to his deliberate manipulation and the mutual goodwill that had developed between them. The entire journey felt like a dream.
If he hadn't saved Lu Zheng and allowed him to sacrifice himself, would he have missed the opportunity to have this man in his life forever?
Perhaps he would have continued as he had in his previous life, casually marrying a woman and living a detached existence until someone broke into his heart and became the shackles of his life. However, that person might not necessarily have been himself.
Picturing that he and Lu Zheng were once strangers, and imagining that Lu Zheng might have been thinking of someone else, Zuo Shaoqing's heart ached. His Lu Zheng, his Master Lu, was so wonderful; how could he bear the thought of losing him to someone else?
Zuo Shaoqing lifted his head and gently placed his lips against Lu Zheng's chin. He closed his tired eyes and savored the moment.
Lu Zheng lowered his head and kissed the corner of Zuo Shaoqing's mouth. Then, he moved his lips to the corner of his eye and tasted a tear filled with bitterness.
He didn't understand why Zuo Shaoqing was shedding tears, but he could sense his happiness. It struck a chord within his heart, and he experienced a feeling he had never felt before.
It was dinner time, and there were fewer people on the road, though not completely empty. However, all onlookers seemed to be transfixed, gazing at the two men embracing on their horses without moving.
There were not many residents in the capital who were unfamiliar with Master Lu, and not everyone recognized the renowned Zuo Shaoqing. Nevertheless, the intimate posture of the two left little to the imagination regarding their identities.
Yet, what truly stunned the spectators was the expressions on their faces. It exuded an indescribable warmth, one that was captivating and evoked yearning.
The guards trailing behind remained vigilant, not letting their guard down despite the affectionate atmosphere between the two masters. Inwardly, they couldn't help but think, “We never imagined that Master Lu could be so tender.”
Reflecting on this, they held an even greater admiration for their future mistress. To be treated with such affection by Master Lu was something beyond the reach of ordinary individuals.
Gradually, Zuo Shaoqing opened his eyes. As he met Lu Zheng's tender gaze, a radiant smile gradually spread across his lips.
Lu Zheng gazed at his face for a prolonged moment. Whether it was those clear, expressive eyes or that flushed countenance, they both made him wish to preserve them forever.
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