Peasant Woman's Decreed Life as a Wife

Chapter 1488: Chapter 1485: Dowager Empress

“So your name is Ziluo? It’s truly lovely. I wonder if you are engaged?”

“Coincidentally, my family’s nephew is in his prime this year and is very suitable in age to Ziluo.”

“Madam Chu, what do you think?”

Ye Muyu pondered for a moment and understood Imperial Concubine Qi Zhao Yi’s intentions. She wanted to use marriage ties to win Ah Heng.

If she remembered correctly, Qi Zhao Yi’s sister-in-law’s family is the family of the Minister of Public Works, and the nephew doesn’t seem to have any titles. Moreover, the suitable nephew is not the first son; his future achievements are uncertain. Qi Zhao Yi’s thought of marrying into their family seems overly optimistic.

Clearly, there’s no sincerity in it.

However, Ye Muyu felt pained for her daughter. Naturally, she believed that those noble sons who only cared about eating, drinking, and playing were unworthy of her daughter.

Honestly, the Minister of Public Works’ young master is not worried about finding a marriage.

Yet Ye Muyu was deeply unsatisfied at heart. Nevertheless, through this affair, she was reminded that although Ziluo still seemed like a child to her, in the eyes of these noble ladies and even consorts, Ziluo was at the age to be casually betrothed.

Currently, Emperor Xuanming employs capable ministers and favors Ah Heng, making the Chu family’s life comfortable. But an emperor’s mind is unpredictable. Once Duke Zheng is dealt with, Ah Heng’s situation remains uncertain.

No matter what, even the most favored subjects face their irreducible constraints before the Royal Family.

Thus, Ziluo’s marriage must be settled first.

She cannot give people any more chances, nor let herself regret being in a difficult position.

Ye Muyu’s thoughts flashed by in an instant, yet she showed reluctance on her face and shook her head to refuse: “I truly appreciate your concern, Your Majesty. But I wish to keep Ziluo with me for a few more years. She is still young and has several years before her hairpin ceremony.”

“If Madam Chu thinks so, then it’s even simpler. We can arrange the engagement now and delay the marriage for two years; that’s not an issue.” Imperial Concubine Qi Zhao Yi smiled, but her words carried a hint of coercion.

Ye Muyu pretended not to notice and smiled, shaking her head: “I fully appreciate Your Majesty’s kind intention, but honestly, I am reluctant about this child, and I hope Your Majesty understands.”

Having already offended the Qi family, Ye Muyu was even less likely to sacrifice Ziluo to please them. She knew clearly how to choose. Her stance was firm.

Imperial Concubine Qi Zhao Yi felt a surge of anger in her heart.

Empress Lin noticed her change in mood and spoke gently to break the tense atmosphere: “Ms. Qi, Ziluo is still young. There’s no need to rush. We’ve already arrived at Cining Palace; it’s better to be cautious here.”

Having been repeatedly disgraced.

Imperial Concubine Qi Zhao Yi watched Empress Lin take Ye Muyu inside, grinding her teeth. She asked, “Has Consort Deng arrived yet?”

“Replying to Your Majesty, Consort Jieyu has not arrived.”

Suddenly thinking of something, a glimpse of keen light flickered in Qi Zhao Yi’s eyes. She suppressed her dissatisfaction towards Ye Muyu, remembered something important, then turned to instruct the palace lady beside her. Only once the palace lady left did she step into Cining Palace.

Within Cining Palace.

Ye Muyu first led Ziluo into the Dowager Empress’s sleeping quarters to pay respects.

The Dowager Empress was dressed in brown-red silk, wealthy and dignified, with a benevolent face marred visibly by the sickness.

“Madam Chu, please rise.”

The Dowager Empress kindly looked at the two, then instructed the palace attendants to offer seats.

Ye Muyu was a bit surprised by the Dowager Empress’s kindness.