Call of the Heroes of Chaos in Another World

Chapter 2581 The Emperor's Bestowal of a Marriage, the Pei Clan of Hedong

Chapter 2581 The Emperor's Bestowal of a Marriage, the Pei Clan of Hedong

Under Wang Yu's command, Su Wuming's promotion was not particularly fast, but it was certainly not slow either.

His promotion was not considered fast, but only compared to top talents like Xiao He and Gao Jiong. Compared to other ordinary officials, Su Wuming's promotion speed was definitely not slow.

Going a step further, those are the real high-ranking officials in the court. Although the chief officials of the Nine Temples are on average one rank lower than the chief officials of the Six Ministries, they are not subordinate to each other in terms of function. In terms of function, they can be considered to be at the same level.

That is why even Di Renjie took it very seriously.

If he could take another step forward in the future, even just a small one, Su Wuming would be completely different from before.

Hearing that the emperor knew so much about his affairs, Su Wuming felt a warmth in his heart, but also a little apprehensive. He hurriedly said, "Your Majesty is foolish and dull. I have made some progress only thanks to Your Majesty's boundless grace and my teacher's careful cultivation. I dare not accept such praise from Your Majesty."

Wang Yu smiled slightly, put down his teacup, and lingered on him for a moment, as if suddenly remembering: "Speaking of which, Su Qing is over thirty this year, isn't he? Have you settled down and started a family yet?"

The question came suddenly, and Su Wuming was slightly taken aback, but since the emperor had inquired, he had no choice but to answer.

He lowered his head and quickly replied, "Your Majesty, I...I have been preoccupied with official duties, and I fear that my talents are insufficient. I have not been able to take care of my family affairs, and I am still unmarried."

"However... I do have mutual feelings for a woman, but... we have not yet discussed marriage."

"Oh?" Wang Yu seemed intrigued.

"To win Su Qing's favor, she must be no ordinary lady. Which family's daughter is she?"

"Your Majesty," Su Wuming replied calmly.

"She is not from an official family, but... a female knight-errant from the Jianghu, surnamed Chu, named Yingtao. She is straightforward and has a chivalrous heart."

There was a moment of silence in the carriage. The ministers kept their eyes down, seemingly oblivious to the words of the wandering swordswoman.

Di Renjie paused almost imperceptibly in the teacup he was holding, then casually took a sip.

Among the officials present, Xiao He had the lowest social standing, but even in his eyes, the daughter of a wandering knight was somewhat unworthy of being a good match.

Although Su Wuming was not from a prominent family, he was from a minor one, and he had a mentor like Di Renjie. He was also a fourth-rank official in the imperial court.

In the eyes of the crowd, a wandering female knight was indeed not good enough for him.

Of course, most importantly, it would be of no benefit to one's future career.

However, these things have nothing to do with them, so naturally they don't care.

“Oh? Chu Yingtao…” Wang Yu repeated the name softly, seemingly lost in thought, and said with interest.

"She sounds like a straightforward woman. To win Su Qing's heart, she must have something special. A folk heroine, she has a unique charm."

Wang Yu paused, as if recalling something, and said, "However, I suddenly remembered something. At last year's annual banquet, Pei Xijun, the daughter of the Pei family of Hedong, performed her art before the emperor. She was excellent in both calligraphy and painting, and her speech was elegant. She left a deep impression on me."

"I've heard she's also unmarried. The Pei family is a scholarly family with an open-minded tradition. The Pei women are beautiful, talented, and of good character; perhaps you and I would find common ground." "I think if you haven't formally made a commitment yet, you might consider it. Of course, marriage ultimately requires mutual consent. As for that Miss Chu…"

Wang Yu hesitated for a moment, seemingly weighing how to be tactful, before continuing, "I know that you and Miss Chu have a deep affection for each other. Our dynasty is open-minded and does not necessarily adhere to the one-wife system."

"If you prefer the Pei family daughter as your principal wife, and Miss Chu is also unwilling to be separated from you, you can welcome her as your concubine in the future. Living together harmoniously would be a beautiful story. Of course, this matter still requires you to communicate frankly with both of the ladies, based on affection and righteousness."

Hearing the emperor's words, Su Wuming felt a surge of complex emotions.

Although these words did not directly impose a direct assignment, but left room for maneuver, in some ways they were no different from a direct assignment.

This matter itself will greatly benefit his future, after all, the Pei family of Hedong is a famous and powerful family in Hedong Province, and can be ranked alongside the Xiao family.

Pei Ju, a close advisor to the emperor and a minister who had followed the emperor into power, was more senior than his master and disciple.

Pei Yuanqing, a member of a collateral branch, was also an important general in the army, and there were countless other members of the Hedong Pei clan who entered officialdom during the Han Dynasty.

However, the arrangement of the so-called principal wife and concubines, though seemingly comprehensive, still acted as an invisible boundary, subtly incorporating the pure and equal feelings between him and Cherry into another order.

Su Wuming opened his mouth and said, "Your Majesty's kindness is deeply appreciated, but I and Yingtao..."

Before he could finish speaking, Di Renjie, who had been listening quietly to the others, suddenly raised his hand very naturally and gently tapped Su Wuming's sleeve with the scroll of the memorial that had just been discussed, as if he were just indicating to him to pay attention to the slight swaying of the carriage.

At the same time, Di Renjie turned his head and smiled at Wang Yu, saying, "Your Majesty has gone to such lengths for my disciple's lifelong happiness; I am deeply grateful on your behalf."

"The nameless one is young and may lack understanding of human relationships. His Majesty is far-sighted, and he should carefully understand this kind intention and guidance."

Su Wuming felt a sudden weight on his sleeve as his mentor's deep and peaceful gaze swept over him. There was no stern rebuke in his eyes, but rather a sense of worldly wisdom and a gentle admonition.

That was a reminder that the emperor's personal concern was a great favor.

Furthermore, although the emperor's words left room for compromise, what would become of the emperor's dignity if he were to refuse outright in public?

At that time, a good thing might turn into a disaster.

Even if they had any ideas, they should have kept them private, rather than directly and forcefully refusing them in the presence of officials from the other six ministries.

Moreover, Di Renjie had also met the Pei family woman from the river; she was indeed exceptionally talented. If he were to marry her, she would undoubtedly be a virtuous and helpful wife.

The emperor wasn't trying to break up the couple; he was just allowing him to take another wife. It wasn't a bad thing, and Di Renjie didn't know what his apprentice was being so hesitant about.

Furthermore, the fact that the emperor personally bestowed the marriage suggests that there must have been other political considerations and imbalances of interests behind it.

Seemingly understanding his mentor's signal, Su Wuming swallowed back the words that were on the tip of his tongue at the last moment.

"Your Majesty... is thoughtful and considerate. Your subject... will follow Your Majesty's teachings and will carefully consider and handle the matter properly." Su Wuming bowed helplessly to express his gratitude.

Wang Yu seemed oblivious to the subtle pause that moment. Hearing this, he nodded and said with satisfaction, "That's excellent. Marriage is a joyous occasion in life. I hope you find a good match, have a harmonious family, and can serve the court with greater peace of mind."