The Wealthy Eldest Sister Rules Supreme - Chapter 643

Chapter 643: Chapter 630: Wedding Dress

“Oh?”

Chu Shengrui looked at Chu Jinnian with a touch of curiosity.

This Chu Jinnian used to only discuss business. It was the first time he heard Chu Jinnian asking him to make a decision on his behalf.

Name-wise, it was Chu Yunzhao who was preparing the Submarine Fire Soldiers and the water guns, but Chu Shengrui knew well how much effort Chu Jinnian had put forth behind the scenes.

Without demanding any fame or credit, he had handed all of the benefits and credit over to Chu Yunzhao.

Although Chu Shengrui did not particularly agree with the practice of taking credit on behalf of others, the person who was benefiting was Chu Yunzhao…

As a father, especially being the current emperor, who wouldn’t want their son to appear wise and capable in front of the ministers and the world?

Chu Shengrui increasingly admired Chu Jinnian for his sense of propriety, and he looked at him with heightened interest, “Tell me, what do you want me to decide for you?”

Chu Jinnian lowered his head in respect, and loudly declared, “Your Majesty, I have reached a suitable age for marriage, but I am still unmarried, so, with great audacity, I would like to ask you to arrange a marriage for me.”

Arrange a marriage?

Chu Shengrui nearly lost his eyeballs in surprise.

Chu Jinnian usually never bothered about his own matrimonial affairs. Even when the Empress repeatedly urged him, Chu Jinnian remained indifferent and kept postponing the issue.

Previously, Chu Shengrui had heard from the Empress that Chu Jinnian claimed that Princess Qi had arranged a marriage for him, hence he did not let the Empress meddle in it. He said that he would marry the woman if he found her satisfactory upon meeting her.

The Empress had completely trusted Chu Jinnian’s earnest words. In Chu Shengrui’s view, this was just a mere excuse by Chu Jinnian to avoid being urged to get married.

Yet now, Chu Shengrui was hearing him request an arranged marriage.

Chu Shengrui felt that it would be less surprising to see the sun rise from the west!

“Hearing this from you is quite a surprise.” Chu Shengrui laughed, “But now that you’ve mentioned it, I am quite curious, who is the lady you have taken a liking to?”

“Your Majesty, I would like to ask you to arrange a marriage between me and the Lord of Ninghe County.” Chu Jinnian loudly replied.

The Lord of Ninghe County?

Chu Shengrui was taken aback again.

Not that he didn’t know this person, but he knew that the Lord of Ninghe County was originally just a farmer’s daughter.

Although he did not disdain those of humble farming origins, even believing that great talents can come from poor families, this was a minority case. Most of the time, farmers, due to their years of laboring, were somewhat lacking in vision and knowledge.

If such a woman were to become Chu Jinnian’s wife, would they be incompatible, with nothing to say to each other?

Just like him and the Empress…

In a moment of reflection, Chu Jinnian added, “I should not hide from you, Your Majesty, that this marriage was arranged by Her Highness the Princess before her death. I came to know about it only this year. I have met the Lord of Ninghe County and found her to be knowledgeable and sensible, diligent and intelligent. I have grown fond of her, which is why I am here to ask you to arrange our marriage.”

Only then did Chu Shengrui come back from his surprise, looking at Chu Jinnian with an intrigued smile playing at the corner of his mouth.

Needless to say, this Chu Jinnian, who has been cold and distant to everyone for so many years, was harmed greatly by the incident between the King of Qi and the former Princess Qi. Chu Shengrui had long thought that Chu Jinnian no longer knew how to get close to or show affection to others.

But now, as the marriage was arranged by the previous Princess Qi, he could directly ask the state media for a formal proposal, but Chu Jinnian specifically asked for Chu Shengrui to arrange the marriage.

Anyone could see that this was clearly Chu Jinnian’s way of glorifying the Lord of Ninghe County.

It seems that the Lord of Ninghe County, as he said, had truly captured his heart. Such a woman who could capture his heart should be no ordinary woman.

Moreover, it would silence the King of Qi and Mrs. Ruo.

After all, if the Emperor arranged the marriage, his word was law, and the King of Qi and Mrs Ruo would not be able to interfere with his marriage anymore.

Thinking about Chu Jinnian’s experiences since childhood, the King of Qi’s favored concubine’s plot to do away with his wife, and the machinations of the Qiao family hidden in the background…

“Since you have raised this matter, and it’s a joyous occasion, how could I refuse?” Chu Shengrui laughed. “However, instead of me arranging the marriage, it would be more appropriate if the Empress were to do it.”

Chu Jinnian was the Empress’s most beloved grandson, who had been raised by her side for many years. She was most concerned about Chu Jinnian’s matrimonial affair. Therefore, if the Empress arranged the marriage, she would be happier, and would surely add many gifts for the betrothal and the dowry for the Lord of Ninghe County.

More importantly, it would fulfill the Empress’s many years of wish.

“Don’t worry, although the Empress will arrange this marriage, I will not skimp on the rewards that should be bestowed on you.” Chu Shengrui laughed.

“This humble official thanks Your Majesty.” Chu Jinnian bowed in gratitude.

On the side, Chu Yunzhao laughed and said, “Father, you are being too partial.”

“How am I being partial? It’s rare to have a happy event in the palace, and it’s only right for me to bestow more rewards, isn’t it?” Chu Shengrui glanced at Chu Yunzhao and said, “Moreover, when it’s your turn to get married, I will not treat you unfairly.”

“Thank you, Father.” Chu Yunzhao also expressed his thanks with a smile.

The three of them, engrossed in the discussion of Chu Jinnian’s marriage, were all smiles, totally oblivious to the presence of Mr. Wei and Chu Yunhe.

At this moment, the faces of these two people were extremely unsightly.

Firstly, the way Chu Shengrui treated Chu Yunhe could only be described as courteous under the guise of authority. This was in no way different from how he treated ordinary officials, and was even less intimate than how he treated the officials he trusted deeply.

However, when Chu Shengrui faced Chu Yunzhao, his intimacy was palpable and natural. This was undoubtedly the real way a father interacted with his son. Seeing this, Chu Yunhe was filled with envy, jealousy, and resentment.

Secondly, it had to do with Chu Jinnian’s marriage.

The rank of Lord of Ninghe County was proposed by the two of them because of her contributions in creating the waterwheel. By that argument, the Lord of Ninghe County was supposed to be on the same side as them, their ally.

Chu Jinnian had requested to marry the Lord of Ninghe County, and he firmly declared this to be an arrangement made by the previous Princess Qi. Moreover, he had already met the Lord of Ninghe County in person!

That is to say, Chu Jinnian and the Lord of Ninghe County have been acquainted long ago. When they had previously proposed the title of Lord of Ninghe County, Chu Jinnian had enthusiastically agreed, further fueling the proposal. All because she was his bride-to-be!

So they both were essentially making wedding clothes for someone else.

Chu Jinnian walked away with all the benefits for free!

Chu Yunhe and Mr. Wei exchanged glances, immediately understanding each other’s intentions.

The Lord of Ninghe County, having been bestowed her title due to their proposal on account of her invention of the waterwheel, provided plenty of opportunities for them to cause trouble for her.