mtl008 Chapter 146 Urging marriage
Chapter 146 Urging marriage
The political situation in the capital could change in an instant. Shen Yanchu had been ordered by the emperor to rest at his residence for the past few days, forbidden from leaving without permission. He had, in fact, guessed the emperor's intentions. He had been missing without cause for over two years, and now, with the chaos in the northern frontier, he had conveniently returned to the capital. How could he not be suspicious?
The eldest princess sat in the palace, clutching the investigation report tightly in her hand, tears welling in her eyes. Her son, that young and brave prince, had endured so much hardship and suffering along the way.
Her heart was filled with endless heartache and hatred for those who were hunting him down. She couldn't understand why they wouldn't let him go, why they had to subject him to such torment.
The princess recalled her son's former smiles and happiness, now replaced by pain and fear. She vowed to seek justice for him and make those who had harmed him pay the price.
At the same time, she was heartbroken that her son's advances had been rejected. She knew her son truly loved that woman, but had been rejected. She hoped her son could recover from his heartbreak soon and find his own happiness.
The eldest princess decided to go to her son in person to offer him comfort and support. She wanted him to know that no matter what happened, she would always be by his side, protecting him.
As soon as Shen Yanchu finished dressing and opened the door, he saw his mother waiting outside. He quickly stepped forward and bowed, saying, "Your son greets Mother. If Mother has anything to say, she can send someone to summon me. Why bother coming all the way here in person?"
The eldest princess smiled gently and said, "Alright, there's no need for such formalities between mother and son. Please get up!"
Shen Yanchu stood up and helped his mother into his room to sit down, while he obediently stood by her side. The Princess smiled wryly at this; the child was still so rigid and formal. They were family; why be so distant?
Shen Yanchu rarely had a free day, so he knew his mother must have something to discuss with him today. He stepped forward and respectfully asked, "What brings you here, Mother? I'm currently on leave at home, so please feel free to ask me anything."
The eldest princess looked at him with loving eyes and smiled, saying, "Yan'er, you're not getting any younger. It's time to think about your marriage."
Shen Yanchu was taken aback; he had never considered this question before. The Princess continued, "Your father and I have discussed it and think that Miss Lin Wan'er from the Lin family is quite good. She is gentle, kind, well-educated, and a good girl. We would like you to meet her. If you like her too, we will arrange this marriage."
Shen Yanchu was silent for a moment, then said, "Mother, I know you mean well, but I don't want to get married right now. I want to focus on my career first, and then think about these things."
The princess was somewhat disappointed by his words, but she didn't force him. She said, "Alright, since you have your own ideas, I won't force you. But you must remember that marriage is a major life event, and you should consider it carefully."
Shen Yanchu nodded and said, "Mother, I understand. Don't worry, I will think it over carefully." The Princess sighed and said, "Alright then, think it over carefully yourself. I'll be going now." With that, the Princess turned and left.
Shen Yanchu watched his mother's retreating figure, feeling a pang of guilt. He knew his mother meant well, but he didn't want to get married yet. He wanted to focus on his career first before considering such matters. Besides, he was still thinking about Miss Shi, and now wasn't the right time to bring her up with his mother.
Shen Yanchu sat at the table, intently flipping through the military treatise in his hands, his eyes revealing determination and perseverance. His brows were slightly furrowed, as if he were pondering the strategies and tactics within the book.
The eldest princess, standing to the side, instructed the servants to take good care of Shen Yanchu, her eyes filled with love and worry. She knew her son was fond of that girl, Shi, whose kindness and intelligence deeply attracted Shen Yanchu, despite her humble origins.
The eldest princess sighed softly. She hoped her son could be happy, but she also worried that he might get hurt because of love. She decided to find an opportunity to have a good talk with her son and make him understand his responsibilities and mission.
He is a member of the royal family, and his marriage is not something he can decide at will. At that time, the girl's background was not good enough. After Yan'er got married, he could take that girl as a concubine. That girl is kind-hearted and very intelligent, a good match for his son. He could then find his son a virtuous and gentle noblewoman, someone who would be tolerant and forgiving.
That put her mind at ease. Her son had always been rather aloof and not very close to them, but he was polite and intelligent. She had recently been looking for a woman who would be a good match for him.
"Someone come here! I intend to hold a plum blossom viewing banquet. Granny, go and investigate to select eligible noblewomen from the capital. Invite them to attend, and be sure to do so carefully!"
Granny Liu understood the princess's meaning; this was about choosing a wife for the young master. "Your Highness, rest assured, this old servant will personally arrange this matter and will certainly not disappoint Your Highness."
Having said that, he immediately withdrew to make arrangements. The young master is not young anymore; no wonder His Highness is anxious.
Shen Yanchu frowned deeply. He learned from the servant that his mother had arranged the plum blossom viewing banquet for him with the intention of choosing a wife for him, which made him very unwilling. He hurriedly went to his mother's residence, wanting to explain his thoughts.
When the eldest princess saw her son arrive, she already understood a bit of what was going on. She smiled at Shen Yanchu, a hint of expectation in her eyes.
Shen Yanchu took a deep breath and said, "Mother, I know the purpose of your plum blossom banquet for me, but I have no intention of getting married at the moment." The princess sighed softly and earnestly advised, "Yanchu, you have reached the age to settle down. I just hope that you can find a suitable woman to accompany you for life."
Shen Yanchu was silent for a moment, then said, "Mother, I understand your good intentions, but marriage is not a trivial matter. I hope to make my own choice." The Princess nodded and said, "Alright then, I won't force you. But you can also go and meet some people first; perhaps you'll find someone you like."
Shen Yanchu reluctantly agreed, but he was still unwilling. He knew his mother meant well, but he longed to be free to choose his own wife.
Seeing his resistance and stubbornness, the eldest princess felt somewhat helpless. This child...
“Yan’er, don’t be anxious. I know you are in love with the girl who saved you, but she is just an ordinary woman. No matter how intelligent she is or how good she is to you, I know you are strong-willed, but you must understand that your marriage and your principal wife are not something you can decide. If you choose an ordinary woman, your imperial uncle will definitely not agree.”
Shen Yanchu looked up in a daze. His mother knew, and he understood. It would be difficult for them to be together, but he just couldn't let her go. After so many years, he had finally met a woman who moved his heart. He wanted to be with her, but Miss Shi was strong-willed and would not become a concubine.