At the end of the first month, the Second Prince's consort selection was settled.
Outsiders didn't know what kind of internal strife the Yang Family experienced, but at the end of the month, the Empress' decree was issued, which made many people let out a long "ah".
Although it was a bit unexpected, it wasn't completely unexpected.
When Empress Yang and Empress Dowager Yang left that day, everyone already had a lot of guesses, but these rumors only quietly spread in private. Unexpectedly, it was confirmed today.
The decree for marriage was always the same. Empress Yang first praised the female's virtue and talent, then finally decreed Dou Xiyin to be the Second Prince's consort and chose a date to complete the marriage.
Not long after the decree was announced, the Cheng Family sent a booklet to the palace. Cheng Yujin sent people to bring the Old Lady Cheng and the others to the East Palace. Old Lady Cheng said some polite words as usual, then tentatively asked, "The Crown Princess, the Second Prince's consort, is engaged to the young lady of the Dou Family?"
Cheng Yujin nodded, "Yes."
This "Yes" was too honest, and Old Lady Cheng didn't know how to continue. After a pause, Old Lady Cheng tentatively asked again, "Crown Princess, last year in the first month, the decree for your marriage with His Highness the Crown Prince was announced to the world. Because the Crown Prince is slightly older, the wedding was already rushed, and it took a full six months. The Second Prince is much younger than the Crown Prince, and the wedding was also announced in the first month. Why is the wedding in the fifth month? "
Last year, Li Seung-kyung and Cheng Yujin's wedding was announced on the 26th of the first month. As a result, on the 30th of the first month, the Second Prince and Dou Xiyin's wedding was announced. The imperial family really liked to do things together in the first month.
The only difference was that one was bestowed by the Emperor himself, and the other was bestowed by Empress Yang. Although the Empress's marriage was not disgraceful, Empress Yang was Dou Xiyin's aunt. Doing so was like giving face to Dou Xiyin. Even if he couldn't ask His Majesty, it would be better for Empress Dowager Yang to grant the marriage than for Empress Yang to do it.
Moreover, Li Seung-kyung was slightly older back then, and he was rushing to get married, so the six rites took a full six months. The Second Prince was only sixteen this year. His marriage was sanctioned at the end of the first month, and the wedding was to be held in May. The timing was so rushed that people couldn't help but wonder if Dou Xiyin had some inconvenience, so she was in a hurry to marry him.
It was said that Dou Xiyin had been grounded for the past few days. On the surface, it was because she was preparing for the wedding, but outsiders didn't know the truth.
What happened during the Lantern Festival? Why was it not Empress Dowager Yang who came forward to grant the marriage, but Empress Yang? Why was the wedding date so rushed? Perhaps only the Yang Family knew all of this. Cheng Yujin's expression was indifferent as she said, "The Empress is the Second Prince's birth mother. She can set the wedding date whenever she wants. Moreover, a prince's wedding is different from a crown prince's wedding. "
When Old Lady Cheng heard this, she quickly said, "This old one naturally knows. The crown prince's wedding is a national ceremony, and the ceremony is complicated. It can't be compared to an ordinary wedding. There are advantages to getting married early. Since the Empress personally decreed this, she must have thought about it. "
Cheng Yujin didn't say yes or no. She just smiled noncommittally, "The Empress naturally has her reasons for doing things."
Other than this, she wasn't willing to say anything else.
When Old Lady Cheng saw that she couldn't get any information from Cheng Yujin, she could only sigh and silently give up. She turned her attention to another matter. Old Lady Cheng moved closer and asked in a low voice, "Crown Princess, have you heard any news recently?"
Cheng Yujin was silent for a moment, then calmly and indifferently shook her head, "Not yet."
There was no need for Old Lady Cheng to say more. As long as Cheng Yujin heard similar questions, she would know what these people wanted to ask.
During the New Year, she had already been urged. Unexpectedly, at the end of the month, the Second Prince and Dou Xiyin announced their marriage. Cheng Yujin was urged again.
As expected, Old Lady Cheng anxiously clicked her tongue and couldn't help moving closer. She whispered to Cheng Yujin, "Crown Princess, you can't be so unhurried anymore. This old one knows that you and the crown prince are both people with plans. Right now, you just got married and don't want to have children. But today is different from the past. Miss Dou was often taken to live in the palace when she was young. She and the Second Prince are cousins and childhood sweethearts. Now that they are married, they are different from a married couple who followed their parents' orders. "
Cheng Yujin didn't feel comfortable hearing this. She couldn't help but say, "What's wrong with childhood sweethearts?"
She and Li Seung-kyung were uncle and nephew.
Old Lady Cheng saw that Cheng Yujin was unhappy and hurriedly said, "This old one didn't mean that. Childhood sweethearts only prove that they were close when they were young. Before and after marriage are two different things. As playmates, it doesn't mean that they can get along well as husband and wife. Crown Princess didn't understand this old one's meaning … Forget it, this old one might as well make it clearer. You can't wait like before. Second Prince and Miss Dou are getting married. Dou Family … Who knows what's going on with them? They are in such a hurry to get married. If Miss Dou gets pregnant right after she gets married, wouldn't their branch snatch the crown prince's eldest grandson? Even if it's not a boy, it's not a small matter. The first child is always the rarest. There hasn't been a child born in the palace for many years. If a newborn is born, the emperor will be very happy. "
Old Lady Cheng looked at Cheng Yujin. The deep meaning in her eyes was very straightforward, "Crown Princess, you and the crown prince are standing at a higher position, so the burden on your shoulders is heavier. Ordinary families fight for the crown prince, let alone you. You and the crown prince are the legitimate heirs. You can't give the crown prince to others. "
Cheng Yujin looked very calm, but in fact, she was very sad. She and Li Seung-kyung loved to fabricate their image. One was more pretentious than the other. She didn't expect that they would leave such an impression. The crown prince and Crown Princess just got married and didn't want children for the time being … Who said they didn't want children?
Was it because she didn't want children? Was it because Li Seung-kyung didn't want children? Clearly … they didn't make it happen.
Cheng Yujin sighed in her heart. On the surface, she nodded confidently and said, "I know. His Highness and I have our own plans."
Old Lady Cheng was very relieved to hear this. Sure enough, she said that the crown prince and Crown Princess didn't get pregnant. They must have other plans. Old Lady Cheng left the palace in satisfaction. Before she left, she quietly reminded Cheng Yujin, "Crown Princess, this old lady knows that you have been dignified and intelligent since you were young, but you don't have to be so rigid with your husband."
Perhaps seeing Cheng Yujin raise her eyebrows, Old Lady Cheng quickly remedied, "This old lady naturally understands that His Highness is dignified and awe-inspiring. He certainly doesn't like to be too coquettish. However, there is no one in the boudoir. Crown Princess, you can get closer to His Highness. Although His Highness is dignified and prudent, men generally … won't refuse. "
Cheng Yujin barely controlled the expression on her face. She endured the depression in her heart and nodded to Old Lady Cheng. Then she sent the Cheng Family out. After they left, Cheng Yujin's breath was stuck in her throat. She was so angry that she had a heart attack.
Why did everyone think that Li Seung-kyung was dignified and prudent, cold and restrained? It was clear that the person who was dignified and restrained was her! Cheng Yujin felt that she was carrying a big black pot. However, when she said it, no one believed her.
Cheng Yujin sat for a while. Thinking about Li Seung-kyung's usual behavior, she became angrier and angrier. Why did he always take advantage of her and then leave behind a good reputation? Every time, it was Li Seung-kyung who teased her. She was teased until her face turned red and she couldn't retaliate. In the end, others still thought that His Highness was dignified and prudent.
How could a young lady who fought for first place in everything endure this? Cheng Yujin was sullen to the extreme, but she calmed down. In her world, there was no second place. Cheng Yujin had endured for half a year. Today, she was determined to wash away the shame.
In the evening, Li Seung-kyung returned from court. When he was eating, he felt that the Crown Princess was different today.
He didn't think too much about it. He heard that the Marquis of Yichun came this afternoon. Perhaps, her family said something to Cheng Yujin.
After the meal, the palace servants in the hall cleaned up the bowls and chopsticks. They didn't wait for their master's order and consciously left the hall. Li Seung-kyung went to the inner hall to read as usual. However, he only flipped two pages before a slender finger pressed down on the page.
Li Seung-kyung raised his head and saw the beautiful and dignified Crown Princess smiling at him. "Your Highness, do you want to read?"
Li Seung-kyung held the book in one hand and tapped the table with the other. He smiled. "What does the Crown Princess say?"
"Grandmother came today and secretly urged me to get pregnant again."
Li Seung-kyung's eyes were full of smiles as he waited for Cheng Yujin's next words. Sure enough, without pressure, there would be no progress. Cheng Yujin really did have a bright future today.
Cheng Yujin tried to pull the book out with her hand, but she didn't have any trouble pulling it out. Cheng Yujin was a bit speechless. This person didn't have any strength in his hands, but she had to force him.
She hadn't attacked yet, but she found that the enemy didn't have any intention of resisting. Cheng Yujin was very good at keeping up appearances. She threw the book to the side and asked with a smile, "Your Highness, I learned a new game of Go today. Can I ask Your Highness for advice?"
"Since the Crown Princess has such a refined interest." Li Seung-kyung smiled. "It would be impolite for me to refuse."
The two of them walked to the chessboard and sat down facing each other. The two of them were very calm. No one spoke first. In the hall, only the sound of Cheng Yujin placing down the pieces could be heard.
Cheng Yujin set up the endgame and motioned to Li Seung-kyung. "Your Highness, please."
Li Seung-kyung rubbed the black pieces at his fingertips and looked at the game. He raised an eyebrow at Cheng Yujin. "It's just a simple game of Go?"
Cheng Yujin was a bit annoyed when she heard this. This person was simply … Was his voice filled with expectation or regret?
Cheng Yujin said with a straight face, "Of course it's a game of Go. Otherwise, what does Your Highness think it is? "
Li Seung-kyung secretly sighed. He knew that Old Lady Cheng's words wouldn't be able to enlighten Cheng Yujin. Li Seung-kyung held the black piece and was about to place it down when his fingers were suddenly stopped by someone. "Your Highness, although it's a game of Go, the rules are a bit different."
"Oh?"
Cheng Yujin's expression was still very proper. She said seriously, "If you lose a game, the loser will take off one piece of clothing. How about that?"
Although she was sitting upright, she still blushed halfway through her words. Li Seung-kyung was shocked when he heard this. He subconsciously turned his head to look out the window. That's right, the sun was setting in the west.
At this moment, it was completely dark outside. The lights were like beans and everything was silent. It was indeed a good atmosphere for a game of Go. Li Seung-kyung turned his head and smiled at Cheng Yujin. "A scholar who has been away for three days should be treated with new eyes?"
Cheng Yujin raised an eyebrow. "Your Highness only needs to say if you agree or not."
"How can I not agree to a beauty's invitation?" Li Seung-kyung took back the piece he was about to place and gestured to Cheng Yujin. "Crown Princess, please."
Cheng Yujin's eyes swept over his hand. "Take the black piece first. What does Your Highness mean by this?"
"Nothing else. Today's floor heating isn't hot enough. I'm just afraid that my beloved wife will catch a cold."
Cheng Yujin couldn't listen to these words. She gently smiled and opened her red lips. "I'm afraid it's still not certain who will lose."
Cheng Yujin had always been a person with a clear goal since she was young. She bore the title of a model young lady and naturally wouldn't let an accident ruin her reputation. Thus, she put in a lot of hard work to practice the four arts. When she was serious, she wasn't an easy opponent to deal with. Moreover, today's Go strategy was prepared by Cheng Yujin.
She had made all the preparations to make Li Seung-kyung lose.
Li Seung-kyung made two moves and realized that Cheng Yujin was serious. After a moment, he looked at the situation in front of him and sighed. "Beloved wife, it's just a boudoir game. Do you have to be so serious?"
"Who wants to have a boudoir game with you?" Cheng Yujin slightly raised her eyebrows, her eyes filled with condescension. "If you're willing to bet, then admit defeat. If you want to take off your clothes, then take off your clothes. Why are you changing the subject?"
Li Seung-kyung nodded. He very nimbly took off his outer robe and casually threw it to the side. "I've learned. The winner goes first. Madam, please. "
Cheng Yujin won two more games in a row. She saw that Li Seung-kyung was very cooperative and even faintly seemed to take the initiative to take off his clothes. She couldn't help but feel suspicious. "Your Highness, you're not deliberately letting me win, are you?"
"No." Li Seung-kyung had already taken off his outer robe, revealing his snow white inner robe. He said, "There's no need to doubt. This is my true level."
Cheng Yujin didn't believe him at all. She was a little unhappy. "Your Highness, a win is a win. A loss is a loss. I'd rather not have the victory."
"I know." Li Seung-kyung raised his head and looked at her with a smile. "But, I prefer to see you take it off in one go."
Arrogant. Cheng Yujin glanced at him and didn't say any more nonsense with him. However, in this game, Li Seung-kyung seemed to have figured out Cheng Yujin's way of playing chess. He changed his passive defense from the previous games to a wanton attack. In the end, he actually won against Cheng Yujin by half a stone.
Cheng Yujin was still sitting upright. After the game ended, she didn't move for a long time. Li Seung-kyung leisurely poured himself a cup of tea and said, "If you're willing to bet, you must accept defeat. That's what you said."
Cheng Yujin gritted her teeth. She thought that since it was winter, she was wearing several layers inside and outside. Why would she be afraid of losing a game? Just as Cheng Yujin's hands moved, Li Seung-kyung, who had been pouring tea, immediately looked over. Cheng Yujin was embarrassed, but she was the one who started this game. How could she not play? Cheng Yujin could only brace herself. Under Li Seung-kyung's piercing gaze, she moved her hands to her neck and slowly undid the toggle-and-loop button.
Li Seung-kyung rested his chin on one hand and enjoyed the scene in front of him. He still didn't restrain himself from fanning the flames. "Can I choose which piece of clothing to take off?"
"No." Cheng Yujin glared at him fiercely. She put aside her silver-red jacket, revealing the light red robe underneath. Cheng Yujin pursed her lips and said, "Again."
However, in the next few games, Li Seung-kyung seemed to have suddenly opened up his eight meridians. It was as if he had divine help in playing chess. Li Seung-kyung looked at the opposite side. Using his height advantage, he looked down and clearly counted how many pieces of clothing she had left. Li Seung-kyung asked, "Crown Princess, you're not wearing enough today. Do you want to take it off again?"
Cheng Yujin squeezed the chess piece in her hand, unwilling to admit defeat. However, after staring at it for a long time, she found that the white chess piece indeed had no power to fight back.
Li Seung-kyung smiled as he looked at his wife's reluctance. She was still holding on to the last glimmer of hope as she tried to break through. From his angle, he could see that the beauty's shoulders were flat, her neck was slender, and he could vaguely see her collarbone from her collar. She sat by the chess table, one hand holding a chess piece. She frowned as she pondered. Nothing more beautiful could be imagined.
Although the beauty was still wearing a thin layer of undergarment, it was faintly discernible. It was much more seductive than being directly exposed.
For Li Seung-kyung, the result was completely unimportant. Just this process alone was enough for him to enjoy.
Li Seung-kyung said leisurely, as if he was referring to something, "Actually, you can come and disturb me. Who knows, maybe I'll lose my mind and make the wrong move. "
Since young, Cheng Yujin had always believed that the winner was king. Of course, she didn't like this kind of behavior. She put down the chess piece and gritted her teeth, intending to admit defeat. Her fingers had just touched her collar when Li Seung-kyung said, "Wait. Although the inner hall has been burned, it's still the first month. I can't bear to let you stay outside with your arms exposed for too long. "
Cheng Yujin looked up and frowned in surprise. He let her go just like that? Was he such a gentleman?
Then, before she could finish her thoughts, she saw Li Seung-kyung put down the chess piece and walk towards her. "So, let me solve it. I said that I like to see you strip in one go, but I prefer to do it myself. "
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