Chapter 176: What Status

Chapter 176

What Status

Xian Fei thought of Mu Rongying’s beautiful face and graceful demeanor. This young woman was elegant, with speech and manners that were proper and well-balanced. Her family background from both sides was nothing short of remarkable. Marrying Mu Rongying alone could unite ties with both the Mu family and the Nie family. Most importantly, her son seemed to be deeply in love with her. After thinking for a moment, Xian Fei finally nodded.

“Stand up, Wuqian. I will allow it. Whether our ambitions are fulfilled or not, the Zheng family won’t blame you. Regardless of who takes the throne, the Zheng family is ready to support them as loyal and devoted officials. But what about you? Have you spoken clearly with Mu Rongying yet? She seems strong-willed. She might just focus on business and refuse to marry you.”

When Kang Wang heard his mother’s reply, he was so overjoyed that he repeatedly kowtowed in excitement. Xian Fei had to stop him. By the time he raised his head, his forehead was reddened comically.

“Thank you, Mother. You are so kind and merciful to me.”

Kang Wang’s eyes sparkled, and his face was bright with a radiant smile, making him look like the fourteen- or fifteen-year-old boy. Xian Fei’s heart warmed when thinking of his youth, remembering how long it had been since she had seen such a joyful smile from him.

“There’s no need to keep thanking me. When I say something, I mean it. If you want to go tell her the news, then go on. No need to hang around here.”

His mother teased him lightly, knowing that if she didn’t send him off, he likely wouldn’t sleep at all tonight. Young love was like that.

“Thank you, Mother, for understanding me.”

Kang Wang expressed his gratitude once more before leaving with a heart full of joy.

Meanwhile, Mu Rongying was about to go to bed. She had just blown out the lantern and lay down but couldn’t help thinking of Kang Wang. Over time, she had grown used to him being by her side every night. Now, being alone left her feeling a bit lonely.

Before she could fall asleep, she heard the door open, and a cold wind blew in, making her pull the blanket tighter. She glanced out of the bed curtains but couldn’t see anything.

“Chunmei? What is it?”

The bed curtain was pulled back, and a large figure sat down on the edge of the bed, making it sink slightly. Mu Rongying spoke in surprise.

“Kang Wang? Weren’t you supposed to stay at the guest palace tonight?”

He pulled her into his arms, blanket and all, his face burying into her fragrant neck.

“My bride...Yingying, you are my Wang Fei.”

His deep voice trembled with emotion as he whispered in her ear in the darkness. The joy in his voice was palpable, and Mu Rongying wanted to hug him back, but his embrace was so tight she couldn’t move. They smiled at each other in the dark, staying close until, after a while, Kang Wang spoke again.

“My father and mother have given their permission. I couldn’t wait until tomorrow, so I came straight to you. Yingying, are you happy?”

“Your Highness, am I dreaming?”

She had been about to fall asleep, and suddenly he appeared with such wonderful news. It all felt like a dream. Her response was so endearing that Kang Wang laughed softly, then leaned in to kiss her gently. The sweet scent of affection filled the air. The two of them became lost in their closeness behind the bed’s canopy, and soon the atmosphere turned heated with passion. Kang Wang, unable to suppress his desire for his future Wang Fei, playfully indulged her many times, even though they had to present her at court the next day.

The next morning, Mu Zhao Yi woke up with a sullen expression. The Emperor had not spent the night with her, and even by morning, she had not seen him. A maid reported that the Emperor had gone fishing early in the morning. Moreover, the news that Kang Wang intended to marry Mu Rongying filled her with jealousy. Upon questioning her personal maid, she learned that after speaking with the Emperor and Xian Fei the previous night, Kang Wang had left the palace with a cheerful face. It was now certain that the marriage between Kang Wang and Mu Rongying would indeed take place.

Later in the morning, Kang Wang’s carriage arrived at the summer palace. He stepped out, carefully helping someone down with great tenderness. At that moment, Mu Zhao Yi, who had gone for a walk to relieve her boredom, saw them. Upon realizing it was Mu Rongying, her face turned pale. She no longer dared to provoke her. Kang Wang’s warning from the previous day had not been an idle threat; even though she was Consort Zhao Yi, he could have her killed at any moment.

When Mu Rongying saw Mu Zhao Yi, she bowed respectfully.

“Greetings to Consort Zhao Yi.”

Mu Zhao Yi snapped out of her thoughts and quickly bowed to Kang Wang, who only gave a brief acknowledgment before guiding Mu Rongying into the palace. Mu Zhao Yi could only watch the two from behind—one tall and strong, the other graceful and delicate—perfectly suited for each other. Not wanting to witness anything that would further wound her pride, she hurriedly walked away.

Xian Fei sat in a chair, gazing at the beautiful mountain scenery from the veranda. The palace was built on high ground, offering a view of a green, emerald-like lake below. A book of poetry lay on her lap, left unfinished. When she saw her son, she sat up straighter.

"Wuqian..." she greeted him, then noticed the person accompanying him. "Oh, Young Miss Mu."

Mu Rongying curtsied gracefully, and Xian Fei waved for a maid to bring another chair. Then she turned to both of them.

“Sit down. You’ve come all the way here—what’s the matter?”

Xian Fei feigned ignorance, while Kang Wang, barely able to contain his smile, spoke to his mother.

“Mother...in just one night, have you already forgotten? Today I’ve brought your future daughter-in-law to meet you.”

Mu Rongying smiled quietly as she watched the mother and son tease each other. At least Xian Fei wasn’t as heartless as she had feared. She seemed to love Kang Wang very much. Xian Fei turned her gaze from her son to scrutinize her future daughter-in-law. Today, Mu Rongying was dressed modestly in a simple light-blue outfit—neither showy nor shabby. She hadn’t used any of the precious jewelry from the palace that Kang Wang had gifted her, out of concern that it might offend her future mother-in-law. Upon seeing her, Xian Fei posed a question that left everyone momentarily speechless.

“Yingying, will you marry him as Nie Ying or as Mu Rongying? You surely understand—choosing one surname over the other has significant implications.”

Kang Wang looked at his beloved with concern, afraid she might struggle to answer the question.

“Once married, I will bear the surname Zheng. Whatever status His Highness prefers, I will gladly accept, Your Highness.”

Xian Fei smiled upon hearing the answer, impressed with the young woman’s wit. She had clearly shown that she valued Kang Wang’s mother’s family. Kang Wang seized the opportunity to add,

“In my heart, I wish to marry her as Nie Ying, but the Mu family would never agree. They’ve already lost her to me; they won’t want to lose the opportunity to ally with us as well.”

Xian Fei gave her son a sharp look, reminding him that Mu Rongying was still a member of the Mu family, and it wasn’t appropriate to speak ill of her natal family.“The Mu family is not the main issue. How will you explain to your father how Mu Rongying became Nie Ying and ended up in Huangjing?”