Chapter 923: The Peasant Girl’s Splendid Manor
Chapter 923: Love, Hate, and Poaching (4)
Madam An saw this and became even more convinced that Mo Yan might not be satisfied with the arranged marriage. She continued, “The Cui family has been a distinguished clan for hundreds of years. While not exceedingly prominent, their descendants have achieved much, earning respect wherever they go. Moreover, the men of the Cui family have gentle temperaments and are easy to get along with. At the very least, they are not crude and inconsiderate…”
At this point, Madam An realized her words were inappropriate and abruptly stopped, but her meaning was already clear.
Now, Mo Yan finally understood Madam An’s intentions and couldn’t help but feel exasperated. She had spoken so plainly, yet Madam An was still openly trying to poach her away. Where was the supposed noble demeanor and magnanimity?
It turned out she had been overthinking—this was a problem that needed fixing!
Seeing Mo Yan’s shifting expression, Madam An mistakenly thought she was tempted and felt a sense of triumph. She had always believed that no one could refuse a marriage with the Cui family. Even if the Cui family had some scandals, the Seventh Master Cui was still a good match. At the very least, he had a grandmother who genuinely cared for him. As long as his wife lived peacefully after marriage, the old lady would surely protect her well. How much suffering could there be?
Thinking of this, Madam An felt quite pleased. Her husband’s family was dependent on the Cui family. Though the Cui men didn’t hold high official positions, they had extensive connections, which could bring many benefits.
Just as she was about to make her final persuasive push to sway Mo Yan’s heart, a young girl came running in, panting. “Sister Yan, an imperial decree has arrived—quick, prepare to receive it!”
Mo Yan immediately stood up and asked, “Sheng’er, are you sure an imperial decree has arrived?”
Sheng’er nodded her small head, her big eyes wide. “It’s true, Sheng’er wouldn’t mistake it!”
As she spoke, footsteps sounded in the courtyard, followed by a sharp voice announcing, “The imperial decree has arrived—County Princess, receive the decree!”
Mo Yan finally believed it. Without time to ponder why there was an imperial decree, she quickly instructed Sheng’er to call Li Xiu and the others to come receive it. After Sheng’er left, she turned to the stunned Madam An and said, “Madam An, I must prepare now—please make yourself comfortable.”
Though the decree was addressed to Mo Yan, everyone present had to kneel in respect. Madam An, naturally, could not avoid it.
Madam An snapped out of her daze and quickly said, “Your Highness, please proceed, don’t mind me.”
Mo Yan said no more and went outside to welcome the eunuch delivering the decree. After inviting him in, she carefully asked a couple of questions. Upon confirming it was not bad news, she felt relieved and began preparing the incense table.
Once everything was set, Mo Yan knelt at the front, with Madam An and the others behind her, all bowing their heads to receive the decree. Madam An, in particular, listened attentively, but the more she heard, the worse her expression became. By the end, she barely remembered how to stand up.
The eunuch read aloud, “By the Mandate of Heaven, the Emperor proclaims: Having heard that County Princess is respectful, virtuous, and of outstanding character… and that Xiao Ruiyuan of the Xiao clan is a man of integrity and exemplary conduct, making them a match ordained by fate—hereby bestowing marriage upon you both. Accept this honor and bring everlasting glory to your household. Thus is the decree given.”
After finishing the decree in a formal, rhythmic tone, the eunuch glanced at the stunned Mo Yan, who was clearly still processing the situation. He couldn’t help but remind her, “County Princess, please accept the decree.”
In his heart, he found it unfortunate that such a bright and refined young lady was being married off to that terrifying war god.
Mo Yan was indeed momentarily stunned by the sudden marriage edict. She couldn’t understand why Emperor Hui’an had suddenly changed his stance. However, this was ultimately good news—now that there was an imperial decree, no one could interfere in her and Brother Xiao’s engagement any further.
Hearing the eunuch’s prompt, Mo Yan quickly kowtowed to accept the decree and discreetly slipped a prepared pouch into his hand.
The eunuch felt the pouch and immediately knew what was inside. His smile became even more genuine as he bowed slightly and said, “This servant offers early congratulations to Your Highness.”
“Thank you, Eunuch,” Mo Yan replied with a bright smile, her genuine happiness evident—she was clearly satisfied with this marriage.
The eunuch was briefly puzzled but quickly dismissed his thoughts. It was none of his concern. After exchanging a few pleasantries, he left Mo Manor with his attendants.
Having received Mo Yan’s gift, the eunuch later returned to the palace and deliberately described to Chief Eunuch Liang how delighted County Princess had been upon receiving the decree. He hoped that Liang Gonggong would mention it before the Emperor, indirectly flattering His Majesty for his wise matchmaking. This would also leave a good impression of Mo Yan in the Emperor’s mind.
Liang Gonggong merely smiled without commenting. Having served the Emperor for many years, he didn’t claim to fully understand him but knew that His Majesty originally had no intention of granting Mo Yan to General Xiao. After writing the marriage decree earlier that day, his expression had remained grim. If Liang dared to bring up this matter, wouldn’t he just be asking for a beating?
Mo Yan put away the decree and turned to see Madam An’s ashen face, realizing she had finally given up. She let out a sigh of relief—at least now she didn’t have to think about how to send her away.
Madam An, seeing the unconcealed joy in Mo Yan’s eyes, assumed she was thrilled to marry into a prestigious family and gain a promising husband. She couldn’t help but feel some disdain.
She had thought Mo Yan was someone who could remain steadfast and unmoved by worldly temptations. But it turned out the previous match just wasn’t attractive enough. Now, with this imperial decree, she had immediately discarded her previous engagement. In the end, she was just another woman who coveted wealth and status.
Never mind the bloodthirsty war god—just the scandals within the Marquis of Weiyuan’s household alone could fill a basket. Did she really think she was heading into a good place?
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