Chapter 42 Entering the Palace to Request an Edict

Guo Shi held her daughter, constantly trying to comfort her.

"Things haven't reached the worst stage yet, what are you so anxious about?" Guo Shi, afraid her daughter would worry herself sick, quickly soothed her, "Listen to Mother, there might still be a turn of events."

Li Zhao'er raised her head, her eyes streaming like pear blossoms, and softly asked, "Mother, are there any other ways? No matter what, I'm not marrying that Xiao Yu."

"Alright, Mother knows. You must let Mother think for a while." Guo Shi pondered, then said, "There are two possible solutions to this matter."

Li Zhao'er eagerly asked, "What solutions?" The news had already spread everywhere, saying she was immodest and threw herself at Xiao Yu. She was too ashamed to face anyone.

"One is to find someone to marry in her stead, and the other is to find someone of high reputation and virtue to vouch for this matter."

Li Zhao'er wiped her tears. She understood the first suggestion, but the second one was a bit confusing.

Guo Shi then explained, "Think about it. Everyone is now spreading rumors about you and Xiao Yu. If Master Du'e of Gan Zhao Temple could speak up for you, would this little matter even be a problem?"

Master Du'e?

Li Zhao'er's eyes suddenly lit up. "Mother, if Master Du'e could truly speak a word for your daughter, then..." Then she wouldn't have to marry Xiao Yu, and her reputation would soar, perhaps even making her the most sought-after noble lady in the capital.

Back then, when Princess Wuyou was still a commoner, she chanced upon Master Du'e and received his pronouncement of 'noble character.' It was this that led to her being adopted as a goddaughter by the Empress Dowager, being enfeoffed as a princess, and thus soaring to prominence.

If she could also receive such a pronouncement of 'noble character' from Master Du'e, then this misfortune would turn into a blessing.

"You mustn't entertain any ill ideas. Don't you realize how many years it's been since Master Du'e last appeared?" Guo Shi sighed. "Even the Empress Dowager can't get an audience with him, let alone you."

The light in Li Zhao'er's eyes gradually dimmed. "Then what should we do? Must I just let myself be married off to that Xiao Yu?"

"I want to ask you too, what exactly happened? How did you end up falling onto him?"

Li Zhao'er's cheeks burned with embarrassment and annoyance. "Ah, I was walking just fine when I suddenly stepped on my skirt hem and tripped. It just so happened he was right in front of me, and we fell together." After all, she was an unmarried maiden. To be in an embrace with a man in broad daylight was indeed improper.

Guo Shi had initially suspected some conspiracy, but upon hearing it was from her own tripping on her skirt, she was instantly speechless. Just as she was about to say something else, she was informed that Li Shu had arrived.

Li Zhao'er immediately jumped up upon hearing this, grabbing Guo Shi's sleeve and asking, "Mother, what should I do? Will Father beat me?" She addressed Li Shu casually in private.

"Don't worry, it'll be alright. It's not your fault," Guo Shi reassured Li Zhao'er. "When you see your father later, be a bit pathetic, understand?"

Li Zhao'er quickly nodded. "I understand."

Just then, Li Shu entered the room. Guo Shi hurried to greet him. "Marquis, why have you returned at this hour?"

Li Shu first shot her a glare, then angrily fixed his gaze on Li Zhao'er. "It's all thanks to your good daughter; she's completely disgraced our Li family."

Li Zhao'er, having been doted on since childhood, had never heard Li Shu speak such harsh words. Tears fell uncontrollably, and her body began to tremble.

Guo Shi sighed, her voice trembling. "Marquis, your words are too harsh. This is my daughter, and I know her character best. Zhao'er grew up under your eyes; is she really the kind of person who causes trouble and has no manners?" This was a subtle jab at Li Man'er, but Li Shu had heard such remarks for many years and was accustomed to them, not realizing Guo Shi's hidden meaning.

A man's thoughts were all on the imperial court. Li Shu, being a military man, how could he possibly understand the intricate thoughts and tricks of women?

"Father, I truly didn't do it on purpose." Li Zhao'er's tears flowed as if they were free. "If you feel I've disgraced the family, then I'll shave my head and become a nun. It's better than being ridiculed by others."

Guo Shi also wiped her tears. "Are you trying to kill your mother? What nonsense you speak! Marquis, Zhao'er merely lost her footing. Are you going to force her to her death because of this? Furthermore, this matter might have had others involved. They knew they couldn't scheme against us."

Li Shu felt immensely vexed. Guo Shi had always been gentle and cautious in his presence, rarely displaying such an aggressive demeanor as today, which made him feel a sense of unfamiliarity.

"Then what do you suggest? The entire capital knows about her and Xiao Yu... Everyone is waiting to see our family become a laughingstock!" Li Shu originally intended to say 'had an affair,' but the words were too harsh, so he swallowed them.

"Then, according to Marquis, what should be done?"

Li Shu was also troubled.

The Xiao family had guarded the northern frontier for generations, developing deep roots and extensive influence. If the Emperor had no suspicions about the Xiao family, a strong alliance between the two families would have been a fortunate matter. But now, the Xiao family was the Emperor's thorn in his side. To form an alliance with the Xiao family at this juncture was akin to seeking one's own demise.

"I will immediately go to the palace and request an imperial decree for a marriage," this was the plan Cui Shi had devised for him, and currently the most secure course of action.

The Emperor's attitude would reveal many things. If he approved the marriage, it would mean that in the Emperor's eyes, Xiao Yu was an abandoned son of the Xiao family, and even if the Xiao family were to fall, Xiao Yu might be pardoned. Of course, such a scenario was highly unlikely.

The Emperor was currently in need of capable individuals and would not allow the entire Li household to be implicated because of one Xiao Yu.

However, if the Emperor did not approve the marriage, the signal would be very clear.

The Emperor still trusted the Li family greatly. As long as the Li family did not rebel, there should be no issues within three generations. Disapproving their marriage was tantamount to protecting the Li family, and it would also allow him to silence the gossip using the Emperor's decree.

His personal visit to the palace to request the decree was also a way of demonstrating loyalty to the Emperor. Whether he lived or died, it would be decided by the Emperor, which was the duty of a subject.

With a plan in mind, Li Shu immediately said, "Change my clothes, I am going to the palace."

Guo Shi's heart trembled. "Marquis, please reconsider. If you insist on going to the palace, you are forcing Zhao'er to her death."

Servants entered with official robes.

"You don't understand. My going to the palace is saving her," Li Shu said as he changed into his official attire. "You must not act rashly. We'll discuss anything else after I return."

Li Shu adjusted his belt, hung his jade pendant, and immediately walked out, shouting as he went, "Prepare the horse."

Guo Shi's eyes turned red with anger. Seeing the meek maidservant nearby, she lost her temper and slapped her, shouting, "You vixen! You can barely walk when you see the Marquis, just eagerly coming to serve, you shameless creature."

The maidservant dared not say a word, covering her face as she knelt down.