The daily life of a cold and aloof general raising his wife

Seeing Jiang Shuwan's bright smile made Li Shu feel much better.

"I think you should smile more often, instead of acting like a sullen old lady at such a young age."

Jiang Shuwan, “...I’m just being composed.”

Although Jiang Shuwan and Madam Gu did not spend much time together, whenever they met, Madam Gu would say that a lady from a noble family should be dignified and composed. Not to mention, she often talked about Jiang Shurou, saying how sensible, obedient and well-behaved she was. The young girl wanted to get her mother's attention and praise, so her personality became more and more composed.

Li Shu stopped teasing her and said, "Yes, yes, yes."

Li Shu was a cheerful girl, and being with her made Jiang Shuwan feel much more relaxed.

***

Kunning Palace Main Hall

The Empress and the Grand Princess were chatting when Emperor Mingde arrived.

"Your Majesty, I pay my respects."

"Greetings, Your Majesty."

Emperor Mingde quickly went over and helped the Grand Princess up, saying, "Aunt, there's no need for such formalities."

After exchanging pleasantries for a while, the Empress made an excuse and left, leaving only the Grand Princess and Emperor Mingde in the room.

"Recently, I have heard some rumors about Wan'er. These people are truly outrageous. Wan'er is a young lady and cannot tolerate such slander. I have decided to bestow upon Wan'er the title of Princess, so that we can see who dares to gossip now. What do you think, Aunt?"

Emperor Mingde inquired about the Grand Princess.

The Grand Princess's eyes darkened slightly as she spoke, "Wan'er is too young and has not yet achieved any merit. How can she be granted the title of Princess?"

Emperor Mingde said, "How can she have no merit? Over the years, she has accompanied you to Mount Wutai to pray for the country. Even if she has no merit, she has still worked hard."

The Grand Princess had no idea what Emperor Mingde was planning.

"To tell you the truth, Your Majesty, I am already halfway to my coffin. Who knows when I will be gone? The person I will miss the most in this world is Wan'er. I do not ask for her to be rich and powerful, but only hope that she can live out her life in peace and tranquility."

"I know what my aunt is thinking, and I will bestow a good marriage upon Wan'er."

Emperor Mingde revealed the purpose of his visit today. To be precise, the Empress had invited the Grand Princess and Jiang Shuwan to the palace on Emperor Mingde's instructions.

At this moment, the Grand Princess understood. With a calm expression, she asked, "It seems that the Emperor has someone in mind."

Emperor Mingde smiled and said, "General Xie Huai'an is not only handsome but also brave and skilled in battle. I think he and Wan'er are a good match."

"General Weiyuan?"

The Grand Princess couldn't immediately recall who this person was.

"Your aunt may not have heard of him because she is away from home all year round, but he is an outstanding person. You will be satisfied when you see him."

Emperor Mingde's tone was full of admiration.

The Grand Princess could tell from the Emperor's expression that he had made up his mind.

"The Emperor said that General Weiyuan's surname is Xie. I know several Xie families in the capital. I wonder whose family the Emperor is referring to?"

"His home is not in the capital."

After Emperor Mingde finished speaking, fearing that the Grand Princess would be unhappy, he immediately said, "I have long wanted to grant him a mansion, but he is currently on the border and does not return often. I have already written to him, and he is already on his way back to the capital."

It's not appropriate to directly refuse someone who is the Emperor's Grand Princess.

"In that case, we can let the two children meet when General Xie returns to the capital."

"it is good."

Emperor Mingde smiled and agreed, trusting both his own judgment and that of his aunt.

***

After finishing their meal, the Grand Princess and Jiang Shuwan returned to their residence by carriage.

After remaining silent the entire way back to the mansion, the Grand Princess summoned Jiang Shuwan to her room and told her everything the Emperor had said that day.

"What do you think? If you're unwilling, tell your grandmother. She still has some influence with the emperor, and even if he's unwilling, he won't offend me."

Entering the palace today is already an act of courtesy from the Emperor towards the Grand Princess; if it were anyone else, the Emperor wouldn't have announced the marriage in advance.

Jiang Shuwan rejected her grandmother's suggestion without even thinking about it.

“Grandmother, you have already fought for me enough. The Emperor certainly did not grant this marriage on a whim. Since it is a decree, I cannot disobey it.”

Seeing that she seemed to know what was going on, the Grand Princess asked, "Then tell me, why did the Emperor bestow this marriage upon you?"

"Naturally, it's to balance the power; otherwise, His Majesty wouldn't have risked offending you to arrange this marriage for me."

The Grand Princess nodded in satisfaction. "I am very pleased that you could think of this. His Majesty is a good emperor. He handles both the court and the harem very well. The court may appear calm on the surface, but there are undercurrents beneath."

Jiang Shuwan analyzed, "Currently, the military generals in the court are mainly General Xue, the Duke of Xue. If the emperor continues to let this situation continue unchecked, he will really be unable to control it."

The Grand Princess nodded, "Yes, this General Weiyuan is probably the one the Emperor uses to check the Xue family."

Jiang Shuwan continued her analysis, “Born into a poor family, it’s not easy for him to gain a foothold in the capital. After I am made a princess and we get married, he will be the prince consort. With this status, it will be easier for him to get by, whether in the capital or in the army.”

"If we had known that coming back would cause so much trouble, my grandson and I would have preferred not to come back at all."

The Grand Princess really didn't want Jiang Shuwan to get involved in court affairs.

Jiang Shuwan comforted her, "Grandmother, I'm not afraid. I know that I've enjoyed blessings that others haven't even thought of, so naturally I have to make some sacrifices. I can't have all the benefits."

The Grand Princess looked at her and said, "You've really grown up. What you said today was very good. I'm relieved that you have such plans now."

Jiang Shuwan hugged her grandmother and said coquettishly, "That's all thanks to your good teaching, Grandmother. Without your careful guidance, I wouldn't be who I am today."

The Grand Princess laughed and said, "Hmm, your flattery skills have improved quite a bit."

After the grandmother and granddaughter talked for a while, Jiang Shuwan came out of the house so as not to disturb her grandmother's rest.

On the way back to Qingfeng Courtyard, Jiang Shuwan kept thinking about who this General Weiyuan was. After thinking about it all the way, she was certain that she had never met this person in her previous life.

She originally thought that after breaking off the engagement with the He family, she could go to Mount Wutai with her grandmother to continue her carefree life after New Year's Day. Unexpectedly, she was given an imperial marriage, and it seems that she can't leave the capital.

***

The palace banquet was held as scheduled. Those who came to the banquet today were either imperial relatives or court officials. Jiang Shuwan came with the Grand Princess, while the Marquis of Dongping and his wife came with Jiang Shurou.

When the Marquis of Dongping saw the Grand Princess, he stepped forward to pay his respects. Even in public, the Grand Princess still gave him face.

With a mix of trepidation and excitement, Madam Gu led Jiang Shurou up to pay their respects.

The couple had a big fight after returning to the mansion last time. Originally, she didn't want to come to this palace banquet, but Jiang Shurou persuaded her to come.

"Greetings to mother."

"Greetings to Grandmother, and greetings to Sister."

Jiang Shurou followed suit and bowed.

"Ah."

The Grand Princess responded with a lukewarm reply.

Jiang Shurou extended an invitation with a smile, "Sister, sit with me today. It's been a long time since we sisters have talked together."

Jiang Shurou wanted to drag her into playing the role of close sisters, but she had no interest.

"It seems like we've never sat down together and had a calm conversation."

Upon hearing this, Madam Gu's expression immediately turned sour, but she refrained from reacting because there were many people around.