Asking for hand.

Yusheng was suprised at the sudden arrivals of the elders and zhu mama. She was also confused as the servants were running around and preparing the manor as if it was a festival.

The most strange thing was she was always lead off when she asked about their arrival and the ongoing preparation. She clearly knew they were hiding something from the way they avoided the eye contact or just run away when they saw her.

Each one seem to remember something when she tried to ask. Feeling annoyed she goes to her study making all the people sigh with relief. They really feared of having spilled everything.

Beside the master everyone knew that today the royal couples were coming for betrothal hence they were preparing grandly. The elders had clearly stated it to be a suprise for master and they were not allowed to spill the matter on any condition.

The elders also patted their chest and cursed Pei Jin who had informed at short notice and even giving them a hard task to keeping the matter as secret. But each of them were happy and bouncing.

Soon the guard informs of the people arriving near the gate. The elders with zhu mama and other servants go to receive the royal couples. Soon stream of carriages enter the villa.

They were now seated at the receiving hall and served with tea and snacks. Royal couples were over the moon making elders more reassured, Pei Jin was excited and searching for Yusheng making others lips twitch.

Pei Zhang's face was like that of seating on pins and needles confusing the elders of his fear. Prime minister had a very happy and content face. Though everyone knew of the purpose still had to behave as being unknown.

Elders were waiting for the emperor to break the ice hence acted with ease and confidence. Emperor knowing their intentions speaks "uhumm.. respected elders Zhen has come today with family to request for betrothal of crown prince and esteem lord.

Zhen and the inner court decided and in all's favor has entitled crown prince. Crown prince has asked Zhen for this betrothal. Though it was hasty on our part first we humbly apologize and present these small gifts as apology.

Zhen comes with sincere heart and hope to have esteem lords hand for Zhen's son. Not sticking gold on ones face but Zhen's son is capable to ensure the safety and happiness of esteem lord.

It would be an honour for Zhen's clan and entire Nanling to have a crown princess and future empress from the great Liu of the valley."

Elders and zhu mama felt good with the sincerity of the emperor, but to make sure first elder answers "holy one... thank you for the sincerity and honour you have given by appearing personally.. but as you know esteem lord is the only heir left by liu.. we have some concerns which we also had placed before crown prince back when he was qinwang..

He had provided us some solutions and promises.. we want to know if you know of the matter and also want to know if you all are in consent to his promises. Only then we can push forward the matter."

Emperor smiles "indeed he has shared with us.. and we are in full consent.. elders it is true that being a royal comes with price.. one cannot be seated without blood and worries on their hands..

But because Zhen and Zhen's empress know ..we as parents want our children not to land in similar troubles..esteem lord is also benefactor of the family hence even given 10 lives dare not slight her.. Zhen might not be a great ruler but always have been a repay good with good person..

The promises of crown prince also goes with our wishes and not in any way a forced consent... elders Zhen promises.. till left with breath..will never allow esteem lord be slighted.. even if a day comes when Zhen sons go crazy and turn crooked.. Zhen will be there to support and protect esteem lord.."

Elders feel their heart settle but still look at the docile empress to express her view. As she would be a mother in law. The relation between mother and daughter in law had always been bitter sweet some even ending with tragedy.

They definetly don't want their precious jewel to suffer and be crushed under a viscious mother- in law in name of filial piety. Hence it was must for them to know empress feelings towards this marriage.