Chapter 102: The Arranged Marriage Gift

Tan Qingjiu looked surprised. “Tell Prince Duan?”

“My father planned this entire scheme precisely to clear up the rumors about me from six years ago in front of Prince Duan and His Majesty. If I were to inform Prince Duan beforehand, wouldn’t that be openly admitting that this was a contrived act between my father and me? Wouldn’t that ruin all our painstaking efforts?”

Tan Yun frowned, realizing the reasoning was sound.

Apart from Prince Duan, Tan Qingjiu hadn’t seen anyone else in the past two days. And in this capital, she knew no one else capable of bribing the second-in-command of Forget Worry Mountain in prison.

Then it really shouldn’t be Tan Qingjiu.

Could it be, as she said, an enemy of Tan Yunge who bore a grudge?

Tan Yunge’s temperament indeed needed some adjustment.

Over such a minor matter, without any clear evidence, she had immediately accused Tan Qingjiu, claiming favoritism and threatening to sever their father-daughter relationship.

She had even nearly exposed their secret.

Tan Yun’s expression grew cold. In the past two years, Tan Yunge had become increasingly unruly, relying on her status as the Crown Prince of Ding’s consort.

It was time to teach her a lesson and let her understand that although she was married, her natal family was the only support she could truly rely on.

With that thought, Tan Yun lifted his gaze to Tan Qingjiu. “Alright, I understand. Don’t worry; this matter has nothing to do with you. I won’t let your sister pin this on you.”

Tan Qingjiu nodded slightly, brushing her hair back to conceal the gloom in her eyes, and spoke softly, “I actually understand my sister. The incident today must have been quite a blow to her.”

“I’ve also learned how hurtful rumors can be, even six years ago. Father, please don’t blame her too harshly.”

Hearing this, Tan Yun felt a sudden warmth in his heart.

This daughter was truly more sensible; he had neglected her and never truly understood her before.

He was about to speak when someone hurriedly reported, “Master, Second Young Lady, Prince Duan has arrived.”

Tan Yun was stunned. “Prince Duan? Didn’t Prince Duan get poisoned? How could he come all of a sudden?”

“Quick, please invite him in!”

Soon, the servant ushered in Shen Yingjue.

Still wearing his golden mask, Shen’s gaze was heavy as he entered and bowed to Tan Yun. “Lord Tan.”

“I greet Your Highness, Prince Duan. May I ask the purpose of your visit...”

Shen Yingjue lifted his chin towards Tan Qingjiu. “For my future Princess Consort, of course.”

Tan Yun was taken aback, glancing at Tan Qingjiu. His hand concealed in his sleeve trembled slightly. Future Princess Consort?

Had Prince Duan become this brazen?

“I have already heard about the execution today,” Shen said.

“Yesterday at the teahouse, I heard from the storyteller that the Crown Prince’s consort repeatedly bullied my future Princess Consort. I was furious. Who could have imagined that the mountain bandit executing today would reveal such a big secret?”

“My future princess consort had suffered such grievances, and it was the Crown Prince’s consort who did this.”

Tan Yun hurriedly said, “Your Highness, please don’t be angry. There must be some misunderstanding.”

“What misunderstanding?” Shen interrupted, giving no chance for explanation. “I don’t care about misunderstandings. I intend to investigate thoroughly what happened to Ah Jiu six years ago.”

“If Ah Jiu was truly harmed then, suffered such great injustice, was slandered, even wrongfully accused by Lord Tan, and almost lost her life—then I absolutely cannot tolerate it.”

“I have just reported to His Majesty to reopen the investigation. His Majesty has agreed. I hope Lord Tan will cooperate and not shield anyone.”

Tan Yun felt a wave of panic. He never expected things to escalate this way.

“Of course, I will not shield anyone. I just think that after so many years, it will be difficult to investigate.”

“No matter how difficult, I will see this through. If I find the culprit behind it all, I will not let them off lightly.”

Shen raised his chin slightly. “Lord Tan, do not try to persuade me otherwise. Just cooperate fully; I will personally handle the investigation.”

“...Yes.” Shen Yingjue was truly mad. For now, just agree.

If he found anything, Tan Yun would find a way.

After securing Tan Yun’s promise, Shen turned to Tan Qingjiu. “Ah Jiu promised the Emperor yesterday to move into the Prince Duan’s manor to serve me closely. I have been anxiously waiting but haven’t seen her come. Is Ah Jiu perhaps refusing to obey imperial orders?”

Tan Yun cleared his throat. “Regarding this, I also wish to enter the palace to discuss with His Majesty.”

“Discuss?” Shen raised an eyebrow. “What is it that Lord Tan wishes to discuss with His Majesty?”

Tan Yun felt oddly guilty under Shen’s gaze and cleared his throat again. “I think that although Qingjiu is a doctor, she is still a woman, and unmarried.”

“Prince Duan is unmarried, and Qingjiu is still unmarried. Moving into Prince Duan’s manor so suddenly might harm Qingjiu’s reputation.”

“Six years ago, Qingjiu’s reputation was destroyed by rumors because of that incident. Now, after clearing her name at the Meridian Gate today, moving into Prince Duan’s manor might once again damage her reputation.”

Shen looked at Tan Qingjiu. “What’s the difficulty? Without Lord Tan saying a word, I like Ah Jiu and will naturally consider everything for her.”

From his sleeve, Shen produced a bright yellow scroll and tossed it to Tan Yun.

“What is this...” Tan Yun’s eyes focused on the scroll, his voice trembling. “An imperial edict?”

Tan Qingjiu was also surprised. An imperial edict? What edict?

“This is the marriage decree I requested upon entering the palace, granting Ah Jiu to me as my Princess Consort. Since I was coming over, I brought it along. I said before, Ah Jiu is my future Princess Consort. I do not say this lightly.”

Tan Yun trembled all over, hastily took the edict, and knelt down. “This...”

“Enough,” Shen said, his figure casual. “Lord Tan, you should gather the others from your household to receive the edict together. Such a joyous occasion should be shared with everyone.”

“Ah Jiu, don’t you agree I’m right?”