Tang Zhuyun was utterly baffled by Linlin's choice of Lang Xuan.
Before this conversation with Xiu'er, she had thought about it many times and given many reasons, but none of them seemed to hold water.
So when Tang Zhuyun Zhujun heard Xiu'er say that, she actually had expectations.
For example, Lang Xuan is simple and easy to get along with; for another example, the Lang Family has already declined and will not become powerful relatives in the future; it is even possible that Lang Xuan is beautiful and, like 99.99% of men in the world, Linlin people by their appearance, which would not surprise Tang Zhuyun.
But no.
Xiu'er said, "Because Linlin is too busy."
Tang Zhuyun was filled with questions.
What kind of reason is that?
Does marrying Lang Xuan Linlin will have thirteen hours in a day?
"Your Linlin, have you ever worried about Linlin?"
"No," Tang Zhuyun replied honestly.
If we're really talking about things to worry about, Linlin probably worries about her more.
It's both shameful and a source of pride.
"Then think about it again, does Linlin ever have any free time?"
Tang Zhuyun: "... No."
Studying, practicing martial arts, going on expeditions, assisting Emperor Wen in handling state affairs, fighting in the east and west—this child was truly as busy as a spinning top.
Yanran said that she played for two people, playing one share for her brother as well.
"Think about it, wasn't the time when you and the Emperor were all lovey-dovey precisely the period when the Emperor was out of favor, and even had nowhere to spend his time, so he was forced to go to the Court of Judicial Review?"
That may sound hurtful, but it's true.
Think back to when the late emperor used marriage to keep Emperor Wen occupied and prevent him from doing any work. He must have been wary of him.
"When the late emperor went to the Northwest and met Xiao Wu, it was also during a time when he was feeling frustrated and unfulfilled."
Xiu'er continued, "To put it bluntly, it just means you've become idle. But do you think, in the foreseeable future, will there ever be a day when the Emperor and Linlin, father and son, turn against each other?"
Tang Zhuyun: "No."
The premise for a father and son to turn against each other is that there is an irreconcilable conflict of interests between them.
The Emperor Wen did not cherish the throne and even wanted to depose it is unfounded.
"That's why," Xiu'er said, "Linlin doesn't have time for romance!"
He didn't even have time to interact with women.
Tang Zhuyun suddenly realized. "You mean, we didn't give him enough time, right?"
That's certainly true; they should reflect on their actions.
Because he hadn't met many girls, he treated Lang Xuan like a treasure?
The question is, if we give Linlin more time now, can this marriage still be considered invalid?
It seems too late...
"That's not what I meant," Xiu'er said. "It means, Your Highness, the person Linlin wants to choose must first and foremost love you."
Choosing someone who likes you is never a bad idea.
Then, based on that, it's much simpler to examine whether the other person is compatible with you.
Isn't this better than arranged marriages or finding a needle in a haystack?
"Your Majesty, Linlin has always been different from others. He has sharp eyes and a clear mind; if he thinks Lang Xuan is suitable, then she must be suitable."
To put it more bluntly, not everyone considers romance as the most important thing in their life.
Linlin's primary consideration was suitability.
He doesn't intend to expend too much energy on romantic relationships.
At least that's how it seems for now.
Tang Zhuyun: "So, according to you, he'll have three wives and four concubines in the future?"
"If Lang Xuan changes in the future, it's not impossible."
This kind of relationship, without too much entanglement, is less likely to hurt people.
Xiu'er added, "Your Majesty, the reason you didn't think of this is because you always judge others by your own standards. But Linlin might not need that."
Tang Zhuyun was shocked by Xiu'er's idea.
But upon closer reflection, it does make sense.
When it comes to choosing a wife, Linlin puts feelings aside; "suitability" is his primary consideration.
He probably doesn't think that feelings can be cultivated as long as the person is right for you.
That's probably how it is...
Xiu'er continued, "I said Lang Xuan might be more suitable to be Empress than you because she tends to be less influenced by her own emotions and is more likely to consider things from Linlin's perspective..."
Lang Xuan may not be smart enough, but that's because she lacks experience; that girl, by all accounts, doesn't seem stupid or foolish.
Besides, Linlin is so good at training people, she can even make an iron tree bloom.
I don't have many tricks up my sleeve when it comes to Linlin, which makes things so much easier for me.
Aren't the affairs of the court and the country troublesome enough? Must I go home to face palace intrigue as well?
Clearly, Lang Xuan is not that kind of person.
Therefore, Xiu'er felt that Lang Xuan might really be the right person for her.
If it doesn't work out, then change it; she was just giving Tang Zhuyun a heads-up, telling her to accept Linlin's approach, instead of limiting him with their old ideas.
Tang Zhuyun: I'm really getting old...
Okay.
All she can do is try her best to be a mother who won't hold her son back.
I wonder what the situation is like in Liaodong now.
Linlin said he is still very busy, and someone is helping him prepare for the wedding.
Yanran: Mother, I'm very busy, extremely busy.
Busy shopping, busy eating new and exciting things, busy traveling around.
While I was busy, I met Lang Xuan.
Well, that's just a coincidence.
Lang Xuan initially wanted to pretend she hadn't seen it—she was afraid of Yanran —but Yanran stopped her.
Lang Xuan tried to walk to the left, Yanran blocked her way to the left; Lang Xuan tried to walk to the right, Yanran blocked her way to the right. In short, she wouldn't let her go.
He was a complete scoundrel who harassed respectable women.
Lang Xuan finally got angry, glaring at Yanran: "Princess, what are you doing?"
Yanran grinned mischievously, "Sister-in-law."
Lang Xuan was so startled she almost tripped, but Yanran caught her steadily.
Lang Xuan took two deep breaths and finally found her voice, "Princess, please don't joke around. I haven't married the Prince yet."
"We'll be family sooner or later, so it's no big deal for me to get to know my sister-in-law a little better beforehand."
Lang Xuan: Fine! I'm afraid of you! I just ask you to stay away from me.
She only wanted to help Yuwen Duo; she never expected Yanran to come to Liaodong as well.
If she had known this would happen, she probably would have gone ahead anyway, even if it meant gritting her teeth.
After all, Wei Zihan...
Oh, right, Wei Zihan!
Lang Xuan had a sudden inspiration and said softly, "Princess, I happen to have something I want to tell you."
"Oh? Okay then." Yanran was eager to learn more about her future sister-in-law.
The two sat facing each other in the teahouse, while Jiang'er retreated to guard the door.
"Princess, do you know Wei Jun?" Lang Xuan asked tentatively.
"I know," Yanran said casually. "Isn't he my brother's best friend? They're practically inseparable!"
Lang Xuan: "..."
"Don't misunderstand, I didn't mean anything by it. I was just saying they have a good relationship; it's not that their relationship is inappropriate."
Lang Xuan looked completely bewildered.
What constitutes an abnormal relationship?
Yanran: "..."
Forget it, explaining it will only make things worse; let's not make things more complicated.
"Just tell me. What's wrong, Wei Jun?"
(I have some things to do today, so I'll be a bit late. Sorry~)