Chapter 313: What Do You Think?
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
“I quite like it. By the way, if I want some tea, do I need your wife’s permission?”
Yuan Jiaqi nodded awkwardly. It was then that the emperor realized he hadn’t met the lady of the house yet.
“Where is she? You said she was in the kitchen, but I didn’t see her when I went there. Could it be that she dislikes me and doesn’t want to see me?”
“No, she should be busy with something. Your arrival has everyone in my house on edge.”
The emperor didn’t believe his excuses. Yuan Jiaqi usually appeared honest and straightforward. He hadn’t expected him to be so slick.
“Hurry, go call your wife. I will taste some fruits.”
The old emperor sat down at the table. “Continue. I’ll taste the fruits here.”
Yuan Jiaqi reluctantly stood up and went to Yuexian Residence to invite his wife.
The emperor watched as Chuan’er introduced and tried one thing after another, savoring what he hadn’t eaten before.
Soon, Qiao Mai and Yuan Jiaqi stood side by side in the front hall.
“Greetings to the Emperor.”
Qiao Mai merely offered a slight bow, but the old emperor felt a sudden wave of perspiration, a pressure emanating from Qiao Mai that compelled him to scrutinize her.
Why did she look so familiar? He couldn’t recall where he had seen her before.
“Rise, Madam Qiao. I’m a guest in your home today.”
Qiao Mai smiled, “It’s only right.”
“This is my youngest daughter, Princess Jiamei.”
“Greetings to the princess.”
Jiamei quickly stood up, using her hands to support Qiao Mai’s bowed hand. “Even though I’m a princess, you are my elder. Jiamei has met Madam Qiao.”
Qiao Mai gave Jiamei a score of 80 for being modest, gentle, and sensible satisfactory qualities.
The five of them sat around the table.
The old emperor enjoyed his meal. “Madam Qiao, are these items all imported?”
“More or less.’
“The kitchenware in your kitchen seems different.”
“That’s called stainless steel. It’s made by adding other metals to iron, making it harder than iron and more resilient.”
The emperor had a sudden realization. The food in his mouth no longer tasted as good.
“What if it’s used for weapons?”
“It’s several times sharper than iron. Iron tools are no match for it.”
“Wow.” “Do you have the making method?”
“Yes.”
“Why not present it?”
“I am a merchant, Your Majesty. You must understand that I can use the money I earned to help the people through my husband, but I won’t give away my knowledge for free.”
The emperor swallowed. “What do you want in return?”
“Grant my husband a title, like an honorable prince or something.”
“Don’t you want anything?”
“I am a woman; what use do I have for such a title?”
“I’ll consider it. No, as long as your knowledge proves useful, I will immediately decree the confer the title of Duke of Blessings upon Yuan Jiaqi.”
“Alright.’
Qiao Mai took a stack of paper from her sleeve and handed it to the emperor. “Remember to keep your promise.”
“I am the sovereign of a nation.”
Qiao Mai didn’t hum any longer. The emperor stared at the paper, absorbed. At this moment, he had no appetite for food and was eager to return, sending people from the Ministry of Works to try it out in the palace.
“Since you’re here, Your Majesty, enjoy your meal in peace. The things on this paper can’t fly away.”
“Of course.
Although he said so, his mind wandered as he ate. Yubao, tasting dishes by his side, knew the emperor the best.
“Your Majesty, we’ve endured so many years. Take it easy today. You’ve finally left the palace. Enjoy yourself a bit?”
The old emperor sighed, “I want the kingdom to be strong and the people prosperous.”
“There will be such a day.”
After lunch, the emperor asked the princess to stay with the Qiao family. He instructed Chuan’er to escort her back before the palace gates were locked. Then, he hurriedly left with Yubao.
Jiamei sighed lightly, “Father is like this. He always has national affairs on his mind. The food today was so delicious, but he ate it tastelessly.” “I should have given him the papers after he finished eating.”
“It’s because he asked.”
“Princess, would you like to rest in the guest house?”
“No, I’ll return to the palace. I’ve been out for a day. I’m afraid Mother is worried.”
“Alright, let Chuan’er escort you back.”
“Aunt Qiao, thank you for your hospitality. Jiamei takes her leave.”
Outside, several carriages were prepared for the princess. Chuan’er and Jiamei rode in the same carriage.
“Your home is beautiful. Aunt is also very kind. The palace food can’t compare to your home.”
“Thank you for the compliment, Princess.”
“Can I come to your house often in the future?”
“Well, it might be inconvenient. My family and I are busy and not at home during the day. My mother is about to return to Tianshui Town to inspect her business and won’t be back until the end of the year.”
“Oh, it’s okay. Whenever you’re not busy and Aunt is back, I’ll come then.”
“Sure.”
Chuan’er glanced at her and lowered his head. He was satisfied with the princess’s performance today.
Like Yuan Jiaqi, he didn’t care much about appearance, only valuing character.
If a person’s character is unkind, it won’t work, no matter how good-looking they are. After all, the household would eventually be handed over to the wife. If she had a wicked heart, the family’s fortune would decline because of her.
Also, they would have to serve their parents, and a person with a bad character couldn’t sincerely attend to his elderly parents.
With several carriages of gifts, the princess returned to the palace. She had the servants move everything into her room and checked them with her mother.
“Mother, the food from her family is delicious. These are all fresh. Fortunately, it’s cold now, so they can last a few days. When you’re free, try some.”
“They all look tempting.”
“Of course, these can’t be bought with money.”
The princess sliced fruits for Consort Rui, and the mother and daughter sat at the table talking.
“Jiamei, have you seen Mr. Yuan’s son?”
“Yes, I saw him today. He also introduced his family to me.”
“How is he?”
“What?”
“How is his personality and looks?” “He’s quite good, a rare talent.”
“That’s good.”
Consort Rui finally breathed a sigh of relief. She hadn’t expected the emperor to arrange such a good marriage for her daughter.
Princess Jiamei selectively shared only the less important details with her mother and kept quiet about the stainless steel.
She knew the emperor disliked talkative people, especially in the harem. She didn’t mention it to her mother, siding with the emperor. “Mother, what’s wrong with you today?”
“Silly girl, why did you think your father took you out?”
“To visit Mr. Yuan’s family?”
“That was to set you up for marriage. He was afraid you wouldn’t get along with each other, so he didn’t make it clear.”
Jiamei blushed. “Really?”
“Why not? It must be. If you don’t believe it, wait and see.”
Now Jiamei felt a little flustered. She tried hard to recall what had happened. To be honest, she had a good impression of Chuan’er.
The more she liked him, the less she wanted to leave a bad impression on her future in-laws.
If she had known, she wouldn’t have talked so much. She saw many rare things, asked many questions, and didn’t know if Chuan’er would find fault with her.
On the other side, when Chuan’er returned, Qiao Mai and Yuan Jiaqi summoned him to Yuexian Residence.
“Chuan’er, what’s your impression of that girl?”
His face turned red. “It’s alright. I didn’t take a good look at what she looks like, but her character should be acceptable.” “In that case, we will decide for you?”
“Huh?”
“The emperor is pushing for this marriage. If your mother disagrees, he won’t let it go. He will decree the marriage.”
“Son has no other thoughts. Everything is up to my parents.”
“Good, that settles it.’
Indeed, while busy with the stainless steel affair, the emperor still took some time to inquire about Jiamei’s feelings.
He also called Yuan Jiaqi and asked about Chuan’er’s opinion. Hearing that both sides had no objections, he immediately decreed the marriage.
As Jiamei had just reached marriageable age, the emperor wasn’t in a hurry. He set the wedding for a year later, on Jiamei’s sixteenth birthday.
This way, it would allow this young couple to spend more time together and get to know each other better.
The emperor also had ulterior motives. Using this reason, he could legitimately go to the in-laws’ house for a meal anytime he wanted..
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