Chapter 781: Her Highness Is Afraid of the Cold

In the inner palace’s emerald lake pavilion, Her Highness Anya sat quietly, lost in thought as she gazed at the tranquil waters.

After learning that her father was going to issue an imperial decree for marriage, she couldn’t dare to go to the Qin Mansion. She didn’t even know how to face Qin Feng.

At this moment, she anxiously awaited news.

Because she knew that the decree of marriage would be delivered to the Qin Residence today, into the hands of Qin Feng.

“What kind of feelings will he have when he receives the decree? Will he think that I forced the Emperor to issue it?”

“And Jianli and Feilan, how will they view this matter?”

“If I truly marry into the Qin Residence, how will I get along with them?”

Marrying Qin Feng had been her heartfelt desire, and naturally, she was overjoyed. But with joy came many questions.

Her inner turmoil made her expression fluctuate between excitement and furrowed brows.

Several palace maids nearby couldn’t help but whisper among themselves.

“Her Highness seems so different from her usual self. How could she show such expressions?”

“The Emperor suddenly arranged a marriage, betrothing Her Highness Anya to Qin Feng of the Qin family. If it were me, I’d react the same way. What do you think?”

The other palace maids looked at each other, hesitant to answer immediately.

It wasn’t until one bold woman chuckled and replied, “If I could marry Young Master Qin, I’d be overjoyed beyond measure. Young Master Qin is not only handsome but also renowned throughout the Imperial City. Who wouldn’t know him? If such good fortune fell upon me, I’d wash myself clean that very night and lie in Young Master Qin’s bed, waiting for his favor.”

“Pfft.” Several palace maids blushed and spat out in embarrassment.

Though crude, they all secretly agreed.

If Liu Jianli was considered an excellent match for the men of the Great Qian Imperial City, then Qin Feng was the dream lover for the women of the Imperial City.

His appearance needs no embellishment, and his remarkable achievements and extraordinary deeds are enough to stir the hearts of those who hear about them.

To achieve what many couldn’t even dream of in their lifetime at such a young age—how many women wouldn’t be moved by such a man?

“Since Young Master Qin is so outstanding, Her Highness should be happy to marry him. Why would she furrow her brows? Could it be that she doesn’t like him?”

“Not like him?” The bold palace maid shook her head dismissively.

Qin Feng had visited the palace before and had seen Her Highness. Although there was nothing obvious between them, the tenderness in her eyes couldn’t be faked.

Jiang Guang looked embarrassed and said, “I was being presumptuous, my apologies. But I heard that Her Highness Anya is an independent woman. With the Emperor arranging this marriage, would she hold any grudges?”

“Not at all,” the Minister of Rites immediately replied.

“Hmm? Why are you so certain, Minister Zhang?” Jiang Guang asked.

Minister Zhang was about to speak but then held back his words.

Last time when he went to the Qin Residence to propose marriage, he heard that strange mouth of Dragon Ancestor uttering the thoughts of Her Highness.

How could he have the nerve to say such a thing after he had just criticized the other party?

“Her Highness Anya is reasonable and understanding. Since this marriage is the Emperor’s decree, she naturally wouldn’t have any objections. It’s you who has become bolder, daring to gossip about the princess behind her back!” Minister Zhang scolded.

Jiang Guang chuckled dryly, “We’re all friends here, I just said it casually.”

Just as the conversation ended, a voice outside the hall announced, “Her Highness Anya has arrived!”

Jiang Guang shuddered at the news, cold sweat breaking out.

The group sat in the study, and the Minister of Rites ordered someone to pour tea. They chatted for a while, but everything was fine.

Jiang Guang, who was nervous, couldn’t help but ask cautiously, “What brings Her Highness here?”

Anya lightly blew on the tea in her cup and subtly inquired about auspicious dates.

The Minister of Rites and Jiang Guang exchanged glances, both feeling relieved.

“As it is the princess’s wedding, we must be extremely cautious. Not only do we need to prepare in advance, but we must also meticulously choose the date,” the Minister of Rites respectfully said.

Then they both noticed a slight frown on Anya’s brow.

Jiang Guang’s heart skipped a beat, and he hurriedly asked, “Is Your Highness dissatisfied with the date?”

Anya replied calmly, “It’s not that I’m dissatisfied, it’s just that winter is approaching, and the weather is getting colder. While choosing an auspicious date is important, we must also consider other factors. What do you all think?”

“Your Highness speaks wisely. Then, should I choose a date before the middle of next month?” the Minister of Rites cautiously suggested.

Anya nodded slightly, her expression unchanged. “I’m afraid of the cold.”

In other words, the sooner, the better.