Moma Liangshan

Chapter 81 Presenting Gifts and Finalizing the Marriage

The banquet in the Imperial Garden proceeded as scheduled. At the head of the table were three tables: Emperor Huizong in the center, Empress Zheng to his right, and Consort Wang to his left. To the right sat, in order, Crown Prince Zhao Huan, Prince Yun Zhao Kai, and Prince Su Zhao Shu; to the left, in order, were Princess Jiade Zhao Yupan, Princess Rongde Zhao Jinnu, and Princess Ande Zhao Jinluo. All six were married, and either sat with their princesses or their husbands. Princess Chengde Zhao Hu'er and Princess Roufu Zhao Duofu sat at the same table on the left; Wang Hao and Prince Xu Zhao Di sat at the same table on the right. Wang Hao drove to the palace gate, and then, led by Eunuch Chen, walked to the banquet. Eunuch Chen, his temples graying, walked with surprising speed. Wang Hao followed closely behind, asking, "Who is attending the banquet today?" Eunuch Chen smiled broadly and replied, "There are too many people; Young Master Wang, you should see for yourself!" Wang Hao was already nervous about the important matter of marriage, and hearing of the large number of attendees only made him more flustered. He said, "I am but a commoner; why should I warrant such a grand reception?" Eunuch Chen teased, "Young Master may be a commoner, but Princess Roufu is the Emperor's most beloved daughter. Imagine, the most favored Princess Roufu is about to be betrothed to a commoner like you, whose reputation is divided—how could this not cause a sensation throughout the entire palace?"

Wang Hao, utterly helpless, said, "In the past, when the Emperor bestowed marriages, it's said there was never a banquet?" Eunuch Chen suddenly stopped, scrutinized Wang Hao, and said, "Other princesses' engagements were indeed simply arranged by their parents and a matchmaker, but this time is quite different. Princess Roufu is the Emperor's most beloved daughter, you are the most controversial young master in the capital, and the matchmaker happens to be Miss Shishi. In such a situation, if we don't have an open and honest meeting beforehand, even the Emperor might complain. So, whether you like it or not, you must get through this!" After a brief pause, he added, "Does the young master understand?" Wang Hao let out a long sigh and said, "Please lead the way, Eunuch Chen!" Eunuch Chen suddenly turned around and said, "That's right, just past the artificial hill ahead, we'll be there!"

Wang Hao arrived early, but to his surprise, someone else was there even earlier. Eunuch Chen gently tugged at Wang Hao's sleeve, and then they both said, "Greetings to Her Majesty the Empress, Her Highness the Imperial Concubine, His Highness Prince Xu, Princess Chengde, and Princess Roufu." The Empress said gently, "Eunuch Chen, Minister Wang, you may rise!" The two rose, and Wang Hao looked at the two maids, who appeared to be of similar age, and wondered, "Which one is Princess Roufu?" Just then, he remembered, "Princess Roufu refused to bind her feet; a glance will tell!" He then looked at the two maids' feet. Just then, a little girl's voice suddenly rang out, saying, "The dress reaches the ground, so the feet can't be shown!" Wang Hao was quite embarrassed and said, "My little scheme was completely guessed by Princess Roufu!" Zhao Huan said, "There's no need to guess, it's obvious at a glance!" Seeing Wang Hao's astonished expression, Consort Wang said, "Huanhuan, don't be silly, it's all thanks to you, young master Wang, that you didn't have bound feet!" Zhao Huan looked at Consort Wang and said, "Since Father has granted me permission to come, then I will naturally have to consider my future husband myself!" Wang Hao was very surprised, not expecting this ten-year-old girl to have such mature thinking, and said, "I am willing to accept the princess's test!" Princess Roufu took a step forward and said, "Very good! What do you care about most?" Consort Wang and Empress Zheng exchanged a glance, and Empress Zheng signaled to wait and see.