Wanye Zhang Shan Yu, the Duke of Yu, was the one who spoke. He sought an edict from his imperial brother, Emperor Zhang Liying, to secure a marriage proposal.
While both men possessed handsome features, their appearances were not comparable; Wang Ye Shan Yu exuded an extraordinary charm.
Upon hearing of his brother's proposal to marry one of the minister's daughters, the Emperor furrowed his brows, immediately questioning his brother's intentions.
"Was his brother attempting to gain support for an insurrection?" The Emperor, known for his suspicion, was wary even of his own sons, let alone a brother who did not share the same mother.
The Bai family had ascended in status over the past five years, largely due to Bai Kang's influential position in the Prime Ministry of Finance, where he had successfully doubled their trade earnings with Ka'an and Horun.
"Brother, you've finally made the decision to marry. I must say, it was long overdue. Your household lacks a primary wife." The Emperor smiled, though his expression lacked genuine warmth. "Why, Prime Minister Bai?"
In attendance at the court were Emperor Liying, Duke Shang Yu, and Bai Kang. The Emperor had previously dismissed everyone else.
Duke Shang Yu's demeanor remained unchanged. He was well aware of what his brother was insinuating.
"The daughters of Prime Minister Bai are the only eligible young ladies in the capital," he stated. "I considered other families, but then I recalled that my nephews have not yet taken wives."
Duke Shang Yu emphasized that only Bai Kang's daughters qualified for marriage, suggesting that he refrained from approaching other families due to the unmarried status of the princes.
"What about the women in your court?" the Emperor inquired.
"They are my concubines, daughters of a sixth-rank noble and various generals," Duke Shang Yu replied.
The Emperor exhaled in relief, realizing that the Bai family might truly be the only suitable option for his brother. A daughter from a low-ranking noble family and one from a fallen general could indeed be the best match.
"Minister Bai," the Emperor said, turning his gaze to Bai Kang. "You have three daughters, correct?"
Bai Kang bows respectfully. "In response to your Majesty, yes. My eldest is married, and I have two younger daughters at home."
"And their ages?" the Emperor inquires.
"They are sixteen and fifteen, Your Majesty."
Bai Kang feels a tingling sensation at the back of his head from the Emperor's probing question.
"Brother, which of the minister's daughters do you intend to marry? Have either of them caught your eye?" the Emperor asks Duke Shang Yu.
Duke Shang Yu shrugs and gestures towards Bai Kang. "The Minister has yet to respond to my proposal."
Under the intense scrutiny of two powerful gazes, Bai Kang begins to sweat profusely.
Whom should he engage to the Duke? Bai Lang or Bai Nuo?
Reflecting on his father's advice, Bai Kang realizes that Bai Lang is the more sensible choice, likely to cause less turmoil than Bai Nuo, who could potentially bring chaos to their household.
While Bai Nuo desires what is not suitable for her, both daughters possess their own unique qualities.
"My youngest, Bai Lang, will marry his Highness, as my second eldest is already considering engagement," Bai Kang declares.
The Emperor nods approvingly. "Excellent. In that case, we will proceed with this arrangement. However Prime Minister, your other daughter shall enter Zhao Jun's palace as a cefei."
Bai Kang is taken aback by this command. Is this destiny? The Emperor raises an eyebrow at Bai Kang's stunned silence.
"Yes, this servant expresses gratitude to Your Majesty."
Bai Kang is uncertain whether Bai Nuo's marriage to the Second Prince will yield positive or negative outcomes.
"You may leave now, Minister Bai. An imperial decree will be dispatched later today.
It would be wise to spend time with your family, as your daughters will soon be departing from home."
"Thank you, Your Majesty." Bai Kang bows once more to the Emperor and Duke Shangyu before taking his leave.
The Emperor gestures for Bai Kang to exit and then turns his attention to his brother, observing his expression closely.
"I must admit, I am taken aback by your desire to marry, Shangyu. Five years ago, when I proposed to arrange a match for you, you declined."
"My household is indeed in need of a wife. The recent marriage of my commander has rekindled my own yearning for companionship, especially now that his new wife is expecting." Duke Shangyu sighs dramatically.
The Emperor chuckles. "Why, Minister Bai? The daughter he offers you is significantly younger and from is shu born."
The Emperor aims to extract as much information as possible from his brother.
While he holds trust in Shangyu, he is also acutely aware that Shangyu could pose a threat to his throne.
Given his son's reputation, Shangyu's standing is becoming increasingly favorable in the eyes of certain ministers.
"As I mentioned, brother, although many dukes and generals have admirable daughters, Zhang Wei possesses only a second wife and Zhang Jun has none.
I had envisioned you would select wives and concubines from the more distinguished families available for them."
I am indeed interested in marriage, but my nephews take precedence. Moreover, no father would consent to allowing his daughter to relocate so far away. Minister Bai, however, is amenable to this arrangement since his pearl is already married in the capital.
His brother's reassurances provide a measure of comfort to the Emperor. "I will arrange Zhao Jun's marriage without delay. You may proceed with yours afterward."
It is evident that the Emperor wishes for his son to wed first.
"Yes, I will comply with your directives once your decree has been issued. However, I cannot remain in the capital for an extended period, brother."
With his concerns alleviated, the Emperor saw no need to continue the light conversation.
"The decree will be dispatched today. I shall arrange for the Empress to meet your intended at next week's ball."
Duke Shan Yu bows respectfully. "As Your Majesty wishes."