A five-year-old goddess, raised to become an emperor for all time through a bronze mirror.

Chapter 148 Zhang Taifu's Daughter...

Then, with a slightly teasing smile, he said to Pei Nanxing:

"Nanxing, it's been a long time since we brothers have sat together so relaxed and comfortable, enjoying tea and chatting!"

Thinking back, the last time I felt like this was probably back in that peach grove in your mansion.

Upon hearing Pei Chuan's words, Pei Nanxing smiled slightly and nodded in agreement.

A faint, almost imperceptible smile always graced his handsome face, making him seem both approachable and mysterious.

Then, he slowly replied, "What Your Majesty says is quite right. However, you should know that I came to this Imperial Garden today not just to enjoy tea and admire the flowers."

Actually, I've come here to discuss a very important matter with you.

Seeing Pei Nanxing speak so solemnly, Pei Chuan couldn't help but feel curious, but on the surface he pretended to know nothing at all.

He raised his eyebrows slightly and asked in a low voice with interest, "Oh? What important matter could make you go to such lengths to seek me out for a discussion?"

"Tell me, I've been busy with state affairs these past two days and haven't heard of any major events that have occurred."

In fact, Pei Chuan already knew the truth. He had received news that Pei Nanxing had rejected the Empress's request and instead wanted to arrange a marriage between Nian Nian and Pei Yun Jing.

This matter caused quite a stir in the palace, but as the emperor, he could not express his opinion before the matter was clear, so he pretended to be unaware of it.

Pei Nanxing glanced at Pei Chuan, seemingly seeing through his thoughts, but didn't point it out. Instead, he cut straight to the point:

"Your Majesty, I have made a decision regarding the betrothal between Niannian and Yun Jing."

I know this might cause some unnecessary misunderstandings and trouble, but I believe it's the best arrangement for Nian Nian.

Pei Chuan glanced up and down, his eyes filled with suspicion. He didn't know why Pei Nanxing had chosen Pei Yunjing; this decision seemed to have taken him somewhat by surprise.

He asked after some deliberation, "What does Consort De think about this matter? After all, she is Yun Jing's birth mother, so her opinion is naturally important."

Pei Nanxing smiled slightly and replied, "Consort De is broad-minded. She said that this matter still needs your permission, Your Majesty! She believes that this is a good thing for the two children and also a blessing for our royal family."

Upon hearing this, Pei Chuan pondered for a moment.

He knew in his heart that the Empress and Pei Huai-ren's forces were indeed too great at the moment;

If this marriage could bring Pei Nanxing closer to him, it would undoubtedly be a good thing for balancing the power structure in the court.

General Bai Zhong had always been her loyal supporter, and Consort De's affection for her was a well-known fact.

Thinking of this, Pei Chuan slowly nodded, his expression gradually relaxing, tacitly agreeing to the matter:

"Since Consort De has said so, I have no reason to object. Let's do as you say."

The next day, the news spread like wildfire throughout the capital.

Everyone knows that the Pei Prince's Mansion has a six-year-old princess named Nian Nian who is to be betrothed to the eight-year-old sixth prince, Pei Yun Jing.

This event became a hot topic of discussion on the streets, with people talking about this seemingly sudden political marriage.

In the palace, the Empress's face was ashen. She hadn't expected Pei Nanxing to dare to openly refuse her proposal, and that the Emperor would agree to such an arrangement.

Pei Huai-ren, however, harbored resentment in his heart, knowing that this meant his position in the court was being further challenged.

The Empress gracefully moved her lotus-like steps and slowly walked to the chessboard. Her figure was elegant, and every step she took exuded a noble and refined air.

She gently lifted her skirt and sat down gracefully, the whole movement flowing smoothly and naturally, without the slightest hesitation or delay.

The Empress remained calm and composed, with a faint smile playing on her lips, as if the clamor and strife of the outside world could not disturb the tranquility within her heart.

Pei Huai-ren, sitting opposite the Empress, was a completely different person.

He pressed his lips together, his face as gloomy as a cold pool in winter, so cold it was almost dripping water.

His narrow eyes were fixed on the chessboard, his gaze sharp as a sword, as if he wanted to see right through it.

At this moment, he was only focused on the outcome of the chess game and anticipating the Queen's next words.

The Empress spoke leisurely, "Ren'er, since there's no hope with Pei Nanxing, I naturally have other suitable candidates..."

Her voice was clear and melodious, like a nightingale singing in a valley, but the deeper meaning it contained was hard to fathom.

Upon hearing this, a look of surprise flashed in Pei Huai-ren's eyes, as if he had suddenly seen a faint light at the end of a long, dark tunnel.

He pressed on eagerly, "Mother, who exactly is this person? Could you please tell me a thing or two beforehand, so that I may have some idea?"

However, the Queen did not immediately respond to his question. Instead, she calmly extended her slender hand and slowly picked up a black chess piece from the chess box.

She first gently stroked the edge of the chess piece with her delicate fingertips, feeling its texture and warmth—

Then he carefully placed it in a seemingly inconspicuous, even somewhat insignificant, empty space.

The moment that black stone was placed, a miracle happened!

The black side, which was originally at a disadvantage and in a precarious situation, was suddenly given a new lease on life thanks to the queen's brilliant move.

The black stones, which had been suppressed by the white stones and had no chance to fight back, seemed to have received a magical command and quickly launched a counterattack, making the whole situation complicated.

A fleeting look of admiration flashed across Pei Huai Ren's deep eyes, like a shooting star streaking across the night sky.

His sharply defined lips curved slightly upward, forming a faint smile that was as captivating as a flower blooming in spring.

Immediately afterwards, he eagerly asked again, "Mother, I am truly curious, who exactly is this woman? I hope Mother can tell me."

The Empress finally stopped keeping her in suspense. She parted her lips slightly and spoke softly, "She is the beloved daughter of Grand Tutor Zhang, named Zhang Wan'er. She is now over twelve years old and in the prime of her youth."

She was not only intelligent, clever, and charming, but also possessed stunning beauty and profound knowledge, making her a renowned talented woman in the capital.

Furthermore, Grand Tutor Zhang is highly respected and holds a prestigious position in the court, wielding considerable power. If my son could marry into such a prominent family, becoming in-laws, it would be a tremendous boost to your chances of becoming crown prince!

Upon hearing this, Pei Huai-ren felt an overwhelming surge of joy.

A look of joy quickly spread across his face, making him radiate a unique glow.