RPAGF Chapter 21 The Idea of Proposing Marriage
Chapter 21 The Idea of Proposing Marriage
Just then, the eunuch announced:
"Your Majesty, Liu Ji, the Earl of Chengyi, has been summoned to an audience."
Liu Bowen stepped into the hall, his white beard meticulously combed, his eyes clear and bright.
He bowed and said:
"Your subject, Liu Ji, pays respects to Your Majesty, Your Highness the Crown Prince, and Your Highness the Prince of Chu."
"Rise, my dear subject."
Zhu Yuanzhang waved his hand, not in a hurry to talk about marriage, but instead brought up Zhu Mu's argument from earlier:
"Bowen, you've come at the right time. Mu'er just mentioned a method to combat corruption: significantly increasing officials' salaries to incentivize honesty, supplemented by severe penalties. He also said, 'High salaries may not guarantee honesty, but low salaries will inevitably lead to corruption.' What do you think?"
Upon hearing this, a glint of light flashed in Liu Bowen's eyes.
He savored it carefully, then stroked his beard and exclaimed in admiration:
"Your Majesty, His Highness the Prince of Chu's argument is truly insightful and hits the nail on the head! 'High salaries may not guarantee integrity, but low salaries will inevitably lead to corruption.' This statement is incisive and thought-provoking!"
"If we can establish a reasonable salary and oversight system based on this, it will surely be the cornerstone of a clean and efficient government in our Great Ming Dynasty!"
"Although His Highness the King of Chu is young, such insight is truly a great fortune for the nation!"
Liu Bowen's praise came from the bottom of his heart.
His gaze toward Zhu Mu was filled with admiration and amazement.
Zhu Yuanzhang felt reassured when he saw Liu Bowen praising his son so highly.
He coughed lightly, changed the subject, and put on a casual smile, completely unlike the imperial majesty he had displayed when discussing state affairs.
"Bowen, we invited you here today not only for matters of state, but also for a private matter we wish to discuss with you."
Liu Bowen's heart skipped a beat, and he quickly bowed:
"Your Majesty, please speak. I am all ears."
"Look,"
Zhu Yuanzhang pointed to Zhu Mu beside him,
"Our son has no one to care for him. The Empress and I are thinking it's time to arrange a marriage for him."
"After much deliberation, among all the officials in the court, in terms of family tradition and scholarship, your Liu family is the one we trust the most. We would like to establish a marriage alliance with you. What do you think, Bowen?"
These sudden words were like a boulder thrown into a calm lake, leaving Liu Bowen stunned on the spot.
His first reaction was to refuse.
What kind of place is the royal family?
It was a vortex of power, the pinnacle of glory, and an endless abyss.
His daughter, Wanyan, was the apple of his eye, a treasure he cherished. He believed that marrying into an ordinary family, being a good wife and mother, and living a peaceful life would be his ideal destiny.
Being a royal daughter-in-law sounds glamorous, but in reality, it's a life fraught with danger, where a single misstep could implicate the entire family.
However, before he could utter the words of refusal, his gaze involuntarily fell upon Zhu Mu.
Liu Bowen's mind was racing.
The only princes of His Majesty who are of marriageable age are the Crown Prince and the Prince of Chu.
The marriage of Crown Prince Zhu Biao has already been arranged. His Majesty has his eye on the daughter of Chang Yuchun, a founding hero of the dynasty, which is already a semi-public secret in the court.
Therefore, the son Your Majesty is referring to must be this Prince Zhu Mu of Chu.
This King of Chu...
It is indeed unique.
From offering high-yield crops to launching a surprise attack on Shangdu during the Northern Expedition, and now to the groundbreaking policy of high salaries to encourage integrity, every single one of these actions demonstrates wisdom and courage far beyond his years.
What's even more remarkable is that despite his great achievements, he remained humble and powerful without forming cliques. He steadfastly upheld the position of Crown Prince Zhu Biao, a loyalty and clarity that is truly rare among the royal family.
Liu Bowen could almost conclude that King Zhu Mu of Chu was a gentleman with great talent, benevolence, and an open mind.
If his daughter could marry him, she would not only not suffer any grievances, but she would probably have found the best support in the world.
This marriage is entirely beneficial to the daughter's happiness and the Liu family's future.
Seeing that he hesitated and remained silent, Zhu Yuanzhang assumed that he had some concerns, so he softened his tone and said with a smile:
"Bowen, we know that this is, after all, a major event in the children's lives."
"What I mean is, don't rush to issue an imperial decree. Let the young people meet and get to know each other first."
"If we're mutually attracted, then it's a match made in heaven; if not, we won't force it. What do you think?"
These words gave Liu Bowen a huge way out.
For the emperor to propose marriage and still say "I will not force you" is an unprecedented show of respect.
Liu Bowen's last remaining concerns vanished, and he knew he had no reason to refuse.
"Your Majesty's great favor is beyond my comprehension! This humble subject is deeply grateful!"
Liu Bowen bowed deeply, his voice tinged with excitement.
"It is a blessing that my daughter Wanyan has earned the favor of Your Highness. Your Majesty, I will obey your arrangements."
Seeing that the matter had been settled smoothly, Zhu Mu stepped forward, bowed to Liu Bowen with the respect due to a junior, and spoke earnestly:
"You flatter me, sir."
"In that case, tomorrow, I would like to take the liberty of inviting you and your family to the palace."
"I will request permission from the Empress Dowager to host a family banquet at Kunning Palace. Firstly, to thank you for your hard work for the country, and secondly, to formally introduce myself to Miss Liu, in order to fulfill the proper etiquette."
These words were spoken with humility and politeness, which pleased Liu Bowen even more.
Zhu Yuanzhang clapped his hands and laughed loudly beside him:
"Good! Well said! It just so happens that we haven't had lunch with Bowen in a long time. Let's go and join in the fun tomorrow at noon! We won't talk about state affairs, just everyday matters!"
Upon hearing this, Liu Bowen's heart, which had just settled down, began to pound again.
With the emperor himself present, this was no private banquet; it was clearly a job interview!
He felt immense pressure, but he could not disobey the imperial decree and could only bow in gratitude.
"Your Majesty, I thank you for your divine grace."
"Alright, if there's nothing else, you may leave now."
Zhu Yuanzhang waved his hand.
"Your subject takes his leave."
Liu Bowen bowed and left the Wuying Hall, his steps unsteady, his mind already calculating the details of his entry into the palace the next day.
……
When Liu Bowen returned to his residence, the lanterns were already lit.
He sat in the armchair in the study, his expression complex.
The steward served ginseng tea, but seeing the worry lurking in his eyes, he dared not say anything and quietly withdrew.
Before long, light footsteps were heard, and Liu Bowen's wife, Madam Fu, came in carrying a bowl of lotus seed soup.
Seeing her husband remain silent, she asked softly:
"My lord, did things not go smoothly at the palace meeting today? Did His Majesty punish you?"
Liu Bowen came to his senses, waved his hand, and gestured for his wife to sit down.
He took the lotus seed soup, but didn't drink it. Instead, he said in a deep voice:
"Madam, today in the palace, His Majesty... wishes to arrange a marriage for our Wanyan."
Fu was startled, and the fan in his hand almost slipped from his grasp:
"What? Which young master has it been assigned to?"
In her opinion, her daughter is only twelve years old, and it is too early to talk about marriage.
"It is the current King of Chu, His Highness Zhu Mu."
"The King of Chu?"
Fu was even more surprised, and then a deep look of worry appeared on his face.
"My lord, this...this is the royal family! Entering the palace is like entering a deep sea. Wanyan is gentle by nature and dislikes conflict. How could she possibly adapt to such a place?"
This was precisely what Liu Bowen had previously worried about.