Chapter 273: Chapter 216: You Are Not Suitable

Shen Ruoxi slightly frowned, lost in thought, as if there was something more she wished to say.

At this moment, the Yang Family suddenly clasped her hand, speaking earnestly, “Ruoxi, let’s not entangle Yan Zhen into this matter.

I believe in Prince Zhan. Anyone he selects won’t be inferior.

It’s merely about finding a man who can be a pillar for the Shen Family. As for matters of love, dear sister-in-law, I’ve long stopped yearning for them.

As long as he has upright character and is wholeheartedly devoted to the Shen Family, it doesn’t matter who he is. We must not complicate matters further.”

The Yang Family knew well that Shen Ruoxi was aware of her lingering feelings for Yan Zhen, and she would certainly try her best to assist.

However, with the intricate relationships at play now, she truly didn’t want Yan Zhen to be drawn into this murky waters, nor did she want to cause trouble for Prince Zhan because of this.

They were essentially one, and if accused of forming factions with ulterior motives, others would seize the chance to suppress Prince Zhan’s overwhelming achievements, which would be uncontrollable if it escalated, with unimaginable consequences.

Shen Ruoxi gently nodded in agreement, “Alright, sister-in-law, I’ll follow your lead on this.

But since the Yan Family already knows about it, would you like to personally say a few words to Yan Zhen? After all, we have no way of knowing his true thoughts.”

The Yang Family shook her head decisively, with a trace of resoluteness in her expression, “No need to speak with him, what he thinks no longer matters. We are no longer the same people.”

Ruoxi, you’re aware that I can’t compare to your fifth sister-in-law. If she were still here, perhaps the entire Shen Family wouldn’t change much. But myself…”

Shen Ruoxi hurriedly interrupted her before she could speak the words “powerless,” comforting, “Sister-in-law, don’t belittle yourself like that. You’re not inferior to anyone.

In fact, when the fifth sister-in-law was around, I wanted to find someone reliable for you all. You’ve been through such hardships over the years.

Having someone to talk to at night is also good, so don’t burden yourself with any anxiety, and ignore gossip.

I’ll discuss it with my husband when I return. This can’t be rushed; we need to find someone who’s suitable in every way.”

The Yang Family understood that her situation differed markedly from Shen Ruoxi’s.

After Shen Ruoxi parted with Xiao Chengyi and returned home, she was still a young maiden with unparalleled beauty. The Emperor favored her greatly, elevating her to a Marquis and allowing her descendants to inherit the title.

So, even high-ranking noble families were eager to offer their sons.

But her age was advancing, and she was a widow with a child.

She didn’t desire young men, and there were few older unmarried ones. Finding a widower was no easy feat!

At this thought, the Yang Family sighed deeply, filled with helplessness and melancholy, “No rush, actually I…”

The Yang Family paused, swallowing the words that were at the tip of her tongue.

She originally wanted to say she didn’t wish to change her current life or seek another marriage. Yet, deep down, she knew she was overworked and exhausted.

“Ruoxi, if you remember your sister-in-law and the Shen Family, come stay for a while.” The Yang Family gently shifted the topic, her gaze filled with anticipation and warmth.

“I will.” Shen Ruoxi smiled, her expression as bright and warm as a spring sun.

At this point, the news of the Yang Family choosing a husband spread like wildfire, being the Emperor’s decree.

In the solemn hall, the Emperor announced directly that Shen Ruoxi was married to Prince Zhan, and Zou Family’s daughter went as a marriage envoy, leaving only the Yang Family.

The Shen Family couldn’t lack a man to support its house, and the Emperor was exceedingly generous.

Since Shen Ruoxi became Princess Consort Zhan, the title of Marquis Shen would be bestowed upon the husband taken into the Yang Family.

This person was required to bid farewell to their ancestral hall, be removed from their family genealogy, earnestly worship the Shen ancestors, be granted the Shen surname, written into the Shen genealogy, recorded under the Old Marquis, and inherit the marquisate.

Once this news spread, the entire hall seemed to explode.

To ordinary families, this was undoubtedly an immense honor, with some even considering divorcing their wives to become a son-in-law.

However, the Emperor’s subsequent words shattered their unrealistic fantasies.

The selection favored unmarried men primarily, supplemented by widowers. The candidate must be of age, with a clear family background and upright character. Those interested could apply at Prince Mansion.

With these conditions out in the open, everyone fell silent.

Although this was supreme glory, after all, a son taken into another family would no longer belong to theirs. Besides, given Yang Family’s age, she might not want someone younger.

Jun Moling, seeing that the Emperor had already announced, felt somewhat relieved.

After the court dispersed, he planned to have the steward manage the registration, ensuring a clear understanding of the candidates’ family backgrounds and undertakings, preventing those with impure intentions from infiltrating.

After court, the ministers filed out of the hall.

Jun Moling had taken only a few steps when he heard footsteps behind him, followed by a low voice, “Prince Zhan, please wait.”

Jun Moling turned back to see that it was Yan Zhen.

Yan Zhen approached with a few steps and respectfully saluted, “Your Highness.”

Jun Moling casually waved, playfully asking, “No need for formalities, General Yan. What is it?”

Yan Zhen, always direct, got straight to the point, “It’s regarding the First Young Madam of the Shen Family choosing a husband.”

Jun Moling sighed inwardly, thinking how straightforward this person was.

“Alright, let’s talk as we walk.”

Yan Zhen silently nodded.

Along the way, perhaps because Yan Zhen didn’t know how to broach the topic, the two walked in silence.

As they approached their respective carriages, Jun Moling, with a calm expression, broke the suppressed silence first, “If you don’t speak soon, General Yan, I’ll return to the Prince Mansion.”

Upon hearing this, Yan Zhen hastily bowed solemnly before speaking slowly, his voice carrying sincerity and urgency, “Your Highness, I grew up with the Yang Family. Our families were both noble, and we were betrothed.

Yet, I fell severely ill back then, almost losing my life, and regrettably had to break off the engagement. Now, since she’s single and seeks a husband, and I’m also single with matching conditions, there’s no need to consider others. How do you find me?”

Jun Moling originally found it troublesome to be involved, especially since the current Emperor intended to cultivate him as a confidant. He didn’t want to cause unnecessary complications at such a pivotal time.

But since he’d been asked, he couldn’t avoid answering.

“General Yan doesn’t fit.” Jun Moling said without hesitation, plainly and straightforwardly.

Yan Zhen froze in place, full of confusion, “Your Highness, why don’t I fit?”

Jun Moling, with a cool demeanor, slowly explained, “You are Yan Family’s eldest legitimate son, now holding a second-rank position.

Though you’d go to the Shen Family with a marquis title, you should clearly know that the Shen Family now only has an empty name, completely devoid of real power.

Going there simply means living a peaceful life, doing essentially nothing.”

Yan Zhen’s expression grew more urgent as he hurriedly said, “Your Highness, I haven’t married all these years because I always had her in my heart.

Do you think I care about those empty titles? Among us soldiers who’ve fought in battles for years, who still clings to that so-called fame after the wars end? I just want a carefree life.

I know Shu deeply, we truly are the most suitable match!”

Before marriage, Yang Family was named Yang Yishu.

Jun Moling remained unmoved, coolly stating, “You’re not suitable. You are Yan Family’s eldest legitimate son, responsible for inheriting everything in the Yan Family. Removing your name from the family record, changing to the Shen surname, is impossible, right?

Even if your parents agree, the rest of your family certainly won’t. This matter, you shouldn’t involve yourself further.”

Jun Moling’s words were resounding and indisputable.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep