ushernet Chapter 180 Engagement
Chapter 180 Engagement
Fan Junyu, who had been secretly observing He Mingning's every subtle movement and change in expression, was like a seasoned and sharp-eyed hunter, instantly and accurately capturing her deeply hidden intentions. He Mingning moved slowly towards him, her steps as light as a butterfly's flutter. Watching her approaching figure, Fan Junyu's mind became crystal clear—this charming young girl must be harboring some intimate words that she couldn't say in public, wanting to whisper them only to him, like the melodious song of a nightingale.
Thinking of this, Fan Junyu immediately revealed his gentle, considerate, and understanding side. He seemed to transform into a soft and pleasant breeze, naturally and proactively leaning down slightly, carefully treating his ear as the most precious and rare treasure in the world, gently bringing it close to He Mingning's pink and delicate lips, just like cherry blossoms, preparing to listen intently to the words that were about to be uttered by her, words that would be like heavenly music.
Just as Fan Junyu approached He Mingning, a voice, barely audible yet clearly audible, reached his ears. It was He Mingning speaking softly, with a slightly shy and anxious tone, "He's your father, after all. If I call him 'Grand Tutor' directly, wouldn't that seem too formal? Or… how about I call him 'Uncle'? But will he think I'm being impolite?" Hearing He Mingning's worried words, Fan Junyu couldn't help but smile slightly, then gently comforted her, "Don't worry, absolutely not! My father's affection for you is as intense and enduring as the warm spring sunshine. Whatever you call him, I believe he'll be delighted." He Mingning's beautiful eyes sparkled like dazzling jewels, radiating a bright and captivating light. She stared intently at Fan Junyu, a smile as clear and melodious as a silver bell, and said sweetly, "Really?" Her voice seemed to penetrate one's soul, captivating all who heard it.
At the same time, the Emperor and the Grand Tutor, who had been conversing, simultaneously stopped talking. The Emperor smiled, a smile as gentle as a warm spring breeze rippling across a calm lake. He looked at He Mingning with kind and gentle eyes and asked in a friendly tone, "Ning'er, do you know why I summoned you here today?"
Upon hearing this, He Mingning moved gracefully and slowly walked to the center of the palace again. She lowered her head slightly and replied softly, "Your Majesty, I understand that you have summoned me here because of my marriage." After speaking, she raised her head, and her gaze met the Emperor's.
The Emperor nodded in satisfaction upon hearing He Mingning's answer, and then slowly said, "Hmm, not bad. Your Uncle Fan and I intend to set a wedding date for the two of you, so we would like to hear your thoughts."
Upon hearing this, He Mingning's face immediately showed a hint of doubt. She asked softly, "Me?" She was clearly somewhat surprised by this. Seeing this, the Emperor smiled slightly and continued to patiently explain, "That's right, it's you. After all, this is a major matter concerning your lifelong happiness, so naturally we need to hear your opinion."
With a gentle smile, Grand Tutor Fan's gaze fell upon He Mingning, and he softly inquired, "Your Highness, I have come today to ask what your opinion is of A-Yu. What do you think of him?" He Mingning nodded slightly, and after a moment's thought, replied in a soft and melodious voice, "Grand Tutor Fan is kind-hearted, humble, polite, and elegant; moreover, he is always willing to help others and cultivate good relationships. He can be considered a truly virtuous person." Upon hearing her high praise, the Emperor was taken aback at first, then exchanged a glance with Grand Tutor Fan, and the two of them simultaneously threw their heads back and burst into laughter, their laughter echoing throughout the hall.
He Mingning was taken aback by their sudden burst of laughter, as if she were in a fog, her face full of confusion. She blinked her beautiful eyes repeatedly, staring at the two people laughing so hard in front of her, completely unable to understand what was so funny about what she had just said. At this moment, the Emperor finally stopped laughing. He looked at his bewildered daughter and explained with a smile, "My dear daughter, haven't you heard what people outside are saying about A-Yu?" Hearing this, He Mingning became even more curious and quickly asked, "Father, please tell me! What do people say about him?" Seeing this, Grand Tutor Fan quickly chimed in, still smiling, "Haha, Princess, you don't know! In the eyes of outsiders, A-Yu is a cold-blooded and ruthless person! He's like an iceberg that never melts, so cold that he's unapproachable! We never expected that you, Princess, would give him such a high evaluation; it's truly surprising!" He Mingning's eyes widened, her face filled with astonishment, her gaze fixed on Grand Tutor Fan, as if she couldn't believe what she was seeing and hearing. Then, as if suddenly snapping out of her daze, she quickly turned her head and looked at the Emperor high above her, asking in a trembling and doubtful voice, "Father, is...is this true?"
The Emperor nodded slightly in affirmation, a helpless smile appearing on his face, and slowly said, "It's absolutely true, my son. That A-Yu is truly a cold and incorruptible person! Moreover, he doesn't give face to anyone, no matter whose it is. Sometimes even I, as his father, am often driven to the point of exasperation by him!"
Upon hearing this, He Mingning was so shocked that her jaw nearly dropped, her mouth agape, wide enough to fit an egg. After a long while, she recovered from her shock, her eyes sparkling with admiration and respect. Overjoyed, she said to Fan Junyu, "Wow, you're amazing! You even dared to anger my father! That's truly incredible!"
Fan Junyu smiled slightly, the corners of his mouth curving upwards into a faint arc. His gaze was gentle as water as he looked at He Mingning's face, which was flushed with excitement, and he explained softly, "Your Highness, you flatter me. I did not mean to anger the Emperor. It's just that sometimes, when I encounter important matters, I have to explain my views and thoughts to the Emperor."
Upon hearing this, the Emperor burst into laughter. He then deliberately put on a stern face and feigned anger, saying to He Mingning, "Hmph, look at you, girl. You hear that someone dared to anger me, and instead of standing up for me, you're praising that person. Aren't you worried that your father might get sick from all this?"
He Mingning chuckled and moved lightly, like a nimble little swallow, to the Emperor's side. Then, she affectionately took the Emperor's arm, shaking it playfully, and said with a coquettish smile, "Oh dear, Father, don't be angry! I know you are a magnanimous person and won't hold such a grudge! Besides, even if you were really angry, with your broad-mindedness, you'd calm down quickly!"
The Emperor, a hint of doubt in his eyes, stared intently at He Mingning, eagerly pressing for an explanation: "What is the reason for this?" He Mingning's lips curved into a captivating smile, and she calmly continued, "The reason is actually quite simple. You see, this is a talent personally selected by Your Majesty! When Your Majesty chose and appointed Lord Fan, you must have conducted a thorough and meticulous investigation and understanding of him, probably knowing all aspects of him, at least a good eight or nine out of ten, before confidently entrusting him with such an important task! Furthermore..." "In my opinion, Father Emperor must have always paid attention to Lord Fan, and it's no exaggeration to say that he has personally witnessed his growth step by step! Because of this, Father Emperor must have long been aware of Lord Fan's character, abilities, and skills. Otherwise, why would he trust him so much, not only arranging for him to serve in the crucial Dali Temple, but also, without hesitation, sending him to the important position of Governor when he had just become Vice Minister of Dali Temple? Even the position of Vice Minister of Dali Temple was specially reserved for him."
Upon hearing this, the Emperor couldn't help but laugh heartily, then looked at He Mingning with loving eyes and said slowly, "Haha, you little rascal, what you say makes perfect sense! Indeed, your father thinks he is quite outstanding, so today I want to ask you if you are satisfied with this marriage. If you have any dissatisfaction, just tell your father the truth." He Mingning smiled sweetly, walked gracefully to the Emperor, bowed slightly, and said in a charming voice, "Father, if I am truly dissatisfied with this marriage, what will you do? Will you really annul the marriage?" The Emperor looked solemn and dignified, and slowly spoke, his voice deep and powerful: "Of course, if you are not happy, then this marriage will be called off."
Upon hearing this, He Mingning's beautiful eyes flickered, revealing a hint of cunning and playfulness. She said with a half-smile, "But Father, aren't you afraid that the ministers of the Censorate will accuse you of being faithless and going back on your word?" After speaking, she deliberately winked at the Emperor playfully, looking extremely cute.
Upon hearing this, the Emperor's lips curled up slightly, forming a faint smile. He replied with a similarly amused tone, "Hmph, let them talk! I am the supreme ruler, possessing unparalleled power. What can they do to me? They can only gossip and complain behind my back."
Upon hearing this, He Mingning couldn't help but chuckle softly, her laughter as melodious as a flower blooming in spring. She parted her lips slightly and said, "So, Father Emperor is willing to break the agreement for my sake?" The Emperor nodded without hesitation and replied, "Why not? As long as my precious daughter is satisfied and happy, what is a mere marriage contract?"
At this moment, He Mingning's face blossomed into an incredibly radiant smile, a smile that illuminated the entire palace like warm sunshine. She cheerfully said, "Since that's the case, I naturally have complete faith in Father and Mother's judgment. You are like Bo Le, skilled at recognizing horses, able to discern a true steed. I have absolutely no objections to this marriage." Upon hearing this, the Emperor's face immediately lit up with a radiant smile, as warm as the spring sun. He eagerly pressed, "Is that truly so? If you have no objections, then I will begin arranging the wedding date! By then, if you wish to back out, it will likely be too late!"
He Mingning looked serious and solemn, like a rock as steady as Mount Tai, and answered firmly, "Your subject naturally understands the advantages and disadvantages involved, please rest assured, Father."
The Emperor gazed at the dignified, composed, and unsmiling He Mingning before him, and a sense of satisfaction welled up within him. He nodded in approval and said with a smile, "In that case, very well. I had already ordered the Imperial Astronomical Bureau to carefully calculate several auspicious days for the wedding. You may take a look." With that, he gently beckoned, and a eunuch beside him quickly presented a piece of yellow paper.
He Mingning nodded slightly in agreement. She took the yellow paper and examined it carefully. After a moment, she replied softly, "Your subject has no objection to these dates." After speaking, she slowly turned her head and looked tenderly at Fan Junyu standing to the side, as if waiting for his statement.
Upon seeing this, Fan Junyu quickly stepped forward and replied respectfully, "Your Majesty, I also feel that these few days are quite appropriate. Everything is up to Your Majesty to decide."
Seeing the two so in sync and harmonious, the Emperor was overjoyed. He waved his hand and said loudly, "Very well, since neither of you has any objections, then go out for a stroll. As for the specific wedding date, I will discuss and determine it with Grand Tutor Fan."
Upon hearing this, He Mingning and Fan Junyu bowed in unison and said, "Thank you, Your Majesty (Father)!" Then, they turned around side by side and left the palace with light steps.
After the two left, the Emperor and Grand Tutor Fan exchanged a smile and began to seriously discuss the wedding date. After careful consideration, they finally chose the most auspicious day and immediately issued an imperial edict. The edict swept through the capital like a whirlwind. In an instant, people in the streets, alleys, teahouses, and taverns were discussing the upcoming grand wedding, making it the talk of the town.