Among the emperor's concubines, the one with the highest status was the Noble Consort Xuan, who was sitting in the second seat from the inside across from Xia Lin. Two years younger than the emperor, she was his childhood sweetheart. Having given birth to a son and a daughter for the emperor, she was highly favored. Moreover, as her son was a popular candidate for the crown prince, many people speculated that if the emperor were to choose a successor to the empress in the next few years, the Noble Consort Xuan would stand a good chance.
She had every reason to be favored. In her thirties, with a 17 - year - old son, she still looked as young as ever. Time seemed only to have bestowed upon her the charm of a mature woman. Originally, Xia Lin had nothing to do with this noble consort and would never have had any contact with her.
However, the daughter of the Noble Consort Wan was 15 years old. At 15, a young lady was of marriageable age. Coincidentally, the Noble Consort Wan had set her eyes on 16 - year - old Xia Lin as a son - in - law.
"Come to think of it, nephew, you're 16 now, aren't you? My daughter, the Third Princess, is 15 this year. She's just reached the age of debut. What do you think if I betroth the Third Princess to you?"
Xia Lin was completely dumbfounded. He had no impression of the Third Princess at all. It was impossible for him to have any feelings for a girl he had never even met. Moreover, with his modern - day mindset, he had no intention of marrying his own cousin!
Xia Lin looked at his parents, shooting them a pleading look. His mother stood up and said, "Your Highness should know that my son is currently learning martial arts under a master at the Xiaoshan School. He won't get married before he turns 20. We wouldn't dare to delay the princess's life."
The Noble Consort Xuan let out a charming laugh and said, "When my nephew turns 20, the Third Princess will be 19. It's a bit late for a girl to get married at 19, but as a princess, it should be acceptable to be a year or two late. I think the Third Princess and my little nephew are a perfect match, a talented young man and a beautiful lady."
Xia Lin whispered to his elder brother for help. His elder brother, quite reliably, stood up and said, "Your Highness, I've always admired the Third Princess. I wonder if I could have the honor of marrying the Third Princess in place of my younger brother!"
Xia Lin was shocked. Oh my god! For his sake, his elder brother was even willing to end his 18 - year - long single life. He was truly the world's best elder brother.
The Noble Consort Xuan was a bit displeased. Her daughter was of noble status and extremely beautiful. Once she became the empress in the future, her daughter would be the only legitimate princess. Yet, this whole family didn't even seem overjoyed. Instead, they dared to decline. They were really audacious! And this elder nephew was already 28 years old, much older than her daughter. She would never be willing to marry her daughter to such an old man!
At this moment, the emperor spoke up, "Alright, alright. Let's not talk about these things. Let's talk about something more pleasant! I heard that you, Xia Wen, defeated the Mighty General before. You're so young yet so capable. It's truly a blessing for our Great Zhou!"
Xia Lin's elder brother stood up and respectfully toasted the emperor, saying, "Your Majesty flatters me. It's my honor to guard the border for Great Zhou. I'm still far from my father's level!"
The rest of the banquet was filled with laughter and a pleasant atmosphere. After the noon banquet ended, Xia Lin's family couldn't leave yet. They still had to wait for the evening banquet.
So, Xia Lin followed his parents to the Empress Dowager's palace. Xia Lin's father was chatting with the Empress Dowager, but Xia Lin wasn't interested and found it more and more boring. The Empress Dowager then ordered her personal maid to take Xia Lin for a walk in the Plum Garden.
"Master Xia Lin, please follow this servant. The Plum Garden is in this direction. The plum blossoms are in full bloom this year. Master Xia Lin will surely like them."