After leaving the Jinyang Marquis's Residence, Dantai Mo returned straight to the Imperial Palace. Rather than seeking out Emperor Deyuan, he first went to Consort Yan's Snowsoft Palace.
Emperor Deyuan was with Consort Yan. Seeing him in ceremonial robes and crown, he asked in surprise, "Crown Prince, why are you dressed like this today?"
Dressed so grandly, yet you skipped morning court. What have you been doing behind my back?
Dantai Mo replied respectfully, "Imperial Father, I just went to the Jinyang Marquis's Residence to discuss my marriage."
"Marriage?" Emperor Deyuan froze, an odd expression crossing his imperial countenance. "The Jinyang Marquis's Residence... Minister Jian?"
Those words did not belong together at all.
Calm and composed, Dantai Mo nodded.
Emperor Deyuan asked, "Isn't Minister Jian compiling some sort of code of laws for women?"
Something about making women independent and self-reliant. She had even taken the lead in refusing to marry, leaving all the civil and military officials to swallow their objections. How could she possibly be getting married?
Crown Prince, have you lost your head?
Consort Yan was puzzled too. Fifth Miss was notoriously difficult to handle. Thanks to her interference, several families had recently broken off their engagements.
She had thought her son would remain single for life, yet now he had suddenly announced that he was getting married.
Was this really happening?
Emperor Deyuan did not believe it, and neither did Consort Yan.
Dantai Mo stood ramrod straight, unable to hide the smile in his eyes. "Your son just returned from the Jinyang Marquis's Residence. How could it be false? Imperial Father, you need only issue the decree granting our marriage."
Emperor Deyuan beckoned Dantai Mo closer and whispered, "Have you gotten some dirt on Minister Jian?"
Dantai Mo pressed his lips together. He did not know