Luoyang, inside Zhaoyang Hall.
Empress Dowager Guo sat expressionlessly in the seat of honor. It was still early, precisely the hour when she felt most pleased with herself.
Zheng Xiaotong sat respectfully to one side, while a young woman sat opposite him.
Zheng Xiaotong's clan was exceedingly weak, and all his family lived with him in Luoyang.
The Empress Dowager had barely even glanced at his granddaughter.
Zheng Xiaotong's granddaughter did not look very old, probably only a few years older than Cao Mao.
She had inherited Zheng Xiaotong's build. Unlike Empress Dowager Guo, who resembled a little bird nestling against someone, she was tall and sturdy, standing a full head above the Empress Dowager.
Her face was delicate and lovely, and she looked clean and neat. Facing the Empress Dowager, she seemed little constrained, her eyes bright as she freely surveyed the furnishings in the hall, lively and bold.
She was a quintessential Wei-Jin beauty.
Empress Dowager Guo looked at Zheng Xiaotong and asked unhappily, "Why did I know nothing about this betrothal?"
Zheng Xiaotong gave a bitter smile. "I only learned of it yesterday myself."
"Attendant Lord Zhong, Minister of the Imperial Clan Cao Yu, General of the Central Army Xiahou Xian, and the others approached me, so I came to pay my respects to you, Your Majesty."
He was explaining to the Empress Dowager that he had not sought this marriage connection himself. Those men at the imperial court had proposed it to him, and he had no way to refuse.
Hearing their names, Empress Dowager Guo's expression eased somewhat.
"His Majesty's marriage cannot be treated lightly. Is this your granddaughter?"
Empress Dowager Guo turned a scrutinizing gaze upon the young woman beside him.
Zheng Xian met the Empress Dowager's gaze without any intention of shrinking back.