Chapter 349: A Heaven-sent Opportunity

A glint appeared in Prince Qi’s eyes. "That Shen Family’s daughter should be of a suitable age now. She would be a good match for you."

He still wanted a foothold among Duke Hu Guo’s former subordinates, if he could manage it.

Xiao Xuan gave a bitter laugh. "I am only remarrying, Father. And I don’t even have a noble title. Why would the Guardian Lady’s daughter deign to look at me?"

Prince Qi snorted coldly. "You are my son. Who could you possibly not be a match for?"

"Besides, in a year or two, I intend to petition the throne for a noble title for you. I’m sure my nephew will grant me that small favor."

Xiao Xuan snorted inwardly. ’You’ve said that countless times, but it’s always just talk.’

’Besides, what’s the use of an empty title with no fiefdom?’

Though he thought this, his expression was one of humility. "Even so, I’m afraid the Guardian Lady might still—"

Prince Qi waved his hand dismissively. "You needn’t worry about that. I will have the Princess Consort bring it up with the Guardian Lady."

Xiao Xuan smiled. "Then I must thank you, Father."

That night, Prince Qi stayed in the main residence. After a tender interlude, he held the Princess Consort in his arms and said, "There has been much to handle in the household lately. It’s been hard on you."

"But now, with both our sons needing marriage arrangements, I’m afraid you will be busy for some time to come."

The Princess Consort nestled in Prince Qi’s embrace and said coquettishly, "It is all part of my duty."

Prince Qi cleared his throat. "Since Yu’er is unwilling to marry the Shen Family’s daughter, I think we should let Xuan’er marry her instead."

The Princess Consort’s expression changed. She clutched the quilt, remaining silent.

Prince Qi continued, "Find some time to bring it up with the Guardian Lady and see what she thinks."

"Although Xuan’er would be remarrying, he has no children from his previous wife, so it’s just like a first marriage. You must explain this clearly to the Guardian Lady."

The Princess Consort suppressed her anger, but then abruptly turned her back on him. "I will not be the one to say it. If you want to ask, you can go yourself! A mere son of a concubine, daring to think he can marry the Guardian Lady’s only daughter as his second wife? I’d be afraid of the Guardian Lady spitting in my face!"

Prince Qi frowned. "What’s wrong with him being the son of a concubine? He is still my son! Besides, how can I be the one to broach such a topic? It’s naturally something for you women to discuss."

The Princess Consort snorted. "Then have your precious Sister Lin go and say it! I am not about to suffer that humiliation!"

As she spoke, she inwardly seethed at Xiao Yu. ’It was such a perfect marriage, and he just had to refuse. Now that mother-and-son pair gets to snatch up a huge prize!’

’Then again,’ she thought, ’it’s a prize they probably can’t get even if they try. The Guardian Lady and her daughter are proud enough to look down on everyone. Would they really consider the son of a concubine?’

Prince Qi sighed. ’Ah, this Princess Consort of mine is perfect in every way, except for her jealousy.’

’Forget it. I’ll just have Jade Lotus find an opportunity to mention it to the Guardian Lady.’

He reached out and pulled the Princess Consort back into his arms. "Look at you, getting so worked up. When will you ever learn to control that temper of yours?"

Meanwhile, in a side courtyard of the Prince Mansion, Xiao Xuan was discussing the very same matter with Consort Lin.

Consort Lin’s eyes filled with delighted surprise. "His Highness is truly willing to ask for the Guardian Lady’s daughter’s hand on your behalf?"

Xiao Xuan smiled and nodded.

Consort Lin said joyfully, "This is the best possible match! If His Highness hadn’t proposed it, I would never have dared to even imagine it."

"The Guardian Lady has only that one daughter, and she refuses to adopt a son to inherit the family estate and title. In the future, her immense fortune will all belong to Miss Shen. I heard the garden she’s having built recently cost several hundred thousand in silver! They say it’s part of her dowry!"

She lowered her voice. "And more importantly, the Guardian Lady still commands influence within the military."

Consort Lin suddenly grasped Xiao Xuan’s hand. "My son, this is a heaven-sent opportunity! We must make it happen, no matter what!"