The next day, the sky was overcast and it started snowing again. Qi Xiao put on his clothes, rolled up the bed curtains, and got up to look at the heavy snow outside the window.

After a while, he turned his head and said in a low voice, "Don't go back. The snow from the previous days hasn't melted yet and has turned to ice. With this additional layer of snow, the roads will be even more difficult to travel on. The horse carriage definitely won't be able to move, and even the sedan chair won't be stable."

Bairen had been thinking about Roujia's matter late into the night and slept late. At this moment, he was half-squinting, looking like he hadn't slept enough. Qi Xiao walked over and smiled, "If you're sleepy, keep sleeping. Anyway, you're on sick leave now, so you can relax."

If he were in his own residence, Bairen would have gotten up early. But at Qi Xiao's place... Bairen couldn't help but indulge himself. If he could sleep a little longer, he would sleep a little longer. Anyway, no one else would know.

Qi Xiao's couch was covered with a fox fur mattress, which was warm and comfortable. The brocade quilt was also aired out every day, making it fluffy. Lying in it, one's whole body would feel softened.

Bairen couldn't resist and lay down again. Qi Xiao smiled and lowered the layers of bed curtains, ordered someone to make the incense burner more vigorous, and also asked someone to leave a gap in the window. Only after giving all the instructions did he go to the front.

Since Bairen had already taken a liking to He Zichen, it was time to let Princess Dunsu get busy. He also needed to make arrangements at the Hanlin Academy. Even if Princess Roujia was no longer favored, it would be unacceptable to let her marry a destitute scholar.

Qi Xiao rubbed his temples and squinted at the few people standing outside the hall. He felt that two of them looked very unfamiliar. He turned his head to look at Jiang Deqing, "They are..."

"Your Highness, these are the two people the Emperor previously assigned to you. The one in the front is Shen Xin." Jiang Deqing gave Qi Xiao a deep look. "The second one on the right is called Huo Rong."

Qi Xiao understood and nodded with a smile. He then instructed Jiang Deqing to go and convey something to Princess Dunsu. Jiang Deqing agreed and left. Qi Xiao turned and went inside, changed into his court attire, and went to attend the morning court.

In the princess's manor, Princess Dunsu was happy to know that Qi Xiao and Bairen were both very satisfied with He Zichen. She gladly accepted the role of matchmaker. After sending Jiang Deqing away, she ordered someone to invite Madam He to the manor and told her everything that had been said before.

Madam He was overjoyed and said with a smile, "I was wondering why Zichen was suddenly asked to go to the Crown Prince's residence. I thought it was because the princess wanted him to show his face in front of His Highness the Crown Prince, but I didn't expect it to be for his marriage."

Princess Dunsu smiled, "It wasn't settled before, so I didn't tell him for fear that he would be restless. But I had anticipated that with Zichen's appearance and manner of speaking, the prince would definitely like him. Sure enough, he was chosen at once. Now I want to ask for your opinion. Are you still fond of Princess Roujia of Lingnan?"

Madam He said with a wry smile, "Princess, you're teasing me again. She is a noble princess. What's there for me to dislike? I'm just afraid that the match might be unequal and unsuitable for marriage."

"You don't need to worry about that." Princess Dunsu let the people in the room leave and said softly, "To be frank with you, the King of Lingnan has been favoring his concubines in recent years and doesn't value the queen and Princess Roujia very much. Naturally, Roujia has suffered a lot since childhood because of this. You understand these matters within the family without me having to say it..."

Madam He quickly nodded. Princess Dunsu smiled faintly, "The Prince of Lingnan is a sensible person. He also sees through it. No matter how high the position or power, it's not as good as sincerely treating his sister well. That's why he just wants to find someone from a simple family who is willing to live a good life together. Didn't I think of you?"

Madam He's eyes were full of gratitude, "Over the years, it's all thanks to the princess's repeated assistance. I didn't expect the princess to go to such trouble for Zichen's marriage..."

"You and I have been close since childhood. Why bother with these formalities?" Princess Dunsu held Madam He's hand and patted it with a smile. "Besides, it's better to keep it within the family. I have already sent someone to inquire about Princess Roujia. She is indeed a good person, with a gentle and obedient temperament. She and Zichen are a match made in heaven. You can rest assured."

The more Madam He listened, the more satisfied she became. She smiled repeatedly, "That's the best then. Coincidentally, when it was mentioned, Zichen also said he wanted a wife with a gentle temperament."

Princess Dunsu smiled, "The Crown Prince can also be considered half a matchmaker in this matter. He told me before that if both families are satisfied, he is willing to give Zichen a hand. You know, next year when the scholars are dismissed, it's still uncertain whether Zichen will stay or leave. If he gains the Crown Prince's favor, then there's nothing to worry about."

Madam He was overjoyed, "What good fortune has Zichen encountered to have the Crown Prince's assistance?"

Princess Dunsu shook her head with a smile, "Since you have nothing much to say, consider it settled. I will choose a day to enter the palace and mention it to the Emperor, and also request the Emperor to bestow a marriage. Then the matter will be considered perfect. You don't need to worry about the betrothal gifts. There's also the prince consort and me. Not to mention that I watched Zichen grow up, but just based on our friendship since childhood, I should help you."

Madam He's heart was both happy and overwhelmed. She turned her head, pressed the corner of her eye with a handkerchief, and sighed, "Princess, how can Zichen and I repay your great kindness..."

"Why say such things?" Princess Dunsu comforted with a smile. "Go back and have a good talk with Zichen. Prepare what needs to be prepared. Zichen is not young anymore. My intention is to start the preparations once it's settled. Zichen's own success is not enough. The family needs to prosper for you to truly catch your breath."

Madam He nodded repeatedly, "We will do as the princess says."

After the morning court, Qi Xiao directly returned to his residence. Jiang Deqing had been waiting at the ceremonial gate early and came to greet him from afar, telling Qi Xiao about the matters at the princess's manor.

Qi Xiao nodded, "Where is the prince? Is he up?"

Jiang Deqing smiled, "He's been up for a while. He had some food, stood by the window in a daze for a while, and now he's gone to the back courtyard."

Hearing this, Qi Xiao didn't enter the room. He directly turned past the main hall and went to the back courtyard.

Bairen didn't bring anyone with him. Qi Xiao spent quite some effort to find him. Finally, he saw him in front of the Falling Plum Residence.

In front of the Falling Plum Residence, a large area of wintersweet was planted. The plum blossoms were about to bloom. Bairen was wearing a fox fur coat, holding a small hand warmer, and slightly raising his head to look at the flower buds. Qi Xiao walked over and said with a smile, "Wait another day or two, and they will probably bloom."

Bairen didn't expect Qi Xiao to be back at this time. He was stunned for a moment and asked, "Did you tell the princess?"

Qi Xiao couldn't help but laugh, "You're still thinking about this matter?"

Qi Xiao took Bairen's hand and walked back, slowly explaining his plan to Bairen. Bairen slightly frowned, "Will the Emperor... agree?"

This was the inconvenience of aristocratic families. It wasn't enough for just the two people to be willing when getting married, the Emperor also had to be satisfied.

Qi Xiao sneered, "The Emperor previously sent two maids to my room, which offended my aunt. The Emperor is just looking for an excuse to appease my aunt now. If my aunt goes to request the Emperor to bestow a marriage at this time, he will agree."

Bairen bit his lower lip and said softly, "The Princess is willing to help like this all for Your Highness's sake, I understand that. This matter... I originally didn't expect Your Highness to go to such lengths, I... I'll remember it."

Qi Xiao turned his head to look at Bairen and chuckled, "It was agreed before, you use yourself to pay the debt, and I'll let your sister go. If you're obedient enough, I'll find a good husband's family for your sister. Bairen..."

Qi Xiao took Bairen's hand and gently caressed it, laughing softly, "I've done everything I promised you. What about what you promised me?"

Bairen's face instantly turned red. He looked around uneasily and said, "I... I did promise, but..."

Qi Xiao chuckled, "Alright, I'm not planning to do anything to you right away. As long as you understand in your heart and are willing to listen, that's enough."

Seeing Bairen's blushing face, Qi Xiao couldn't help but tease him. He lowered his voice and said, "Besides... even if I wanted to do something, I'm afraid your small body couldn't handle it. Did you eat the medicinal porridge this morning?"

Bairen nodded. Qi Xiao satisfactorily kissed his face. Suddenly, from the corner of his eye, he looked straight at the wax plum forest in the distance.

A flash of cruelty passed through Qi Xiao's eyes. He knew someone was getting impatient.

"I just told them to steam you a bowl of cheese curds, it should have been sent over by now. You go back first." Qi Xiao smiled gently at Bairen, "I still have some matters to attend to, I'll come find you in a bit."

Bairen didn't suspect anything and agreed, turning to leave. Qi Xiao watched Bairen get on the corridor before turning around. He left the inner courtyard in one go.

Jiang Deqing had been waiting in front the whole time. Seeing Qi Xiao come out, he hurriedly went up to greet him. Qi Xiao lowered his eyes, "Tell Huo Rong to come to my study."

Jiang Deqing paused. Qi Xiao sneered, "I've been too busy to deal with them. He's asking for death, coming to provoke me. I'll clean them up together today."

Jiang Deqing understood in his heart and nodded before leaving.

In Fenghua Palace, after hearing the report from her trusted palace maid, Empress Feng was stunned for a long time, muttering in a daze, "The Emperor... the Emperor agreed to betroth Princess Roujia to that young Hanlin scholar named He something Chen?"

The palace maid forced a smile, "Your Majesty, that Hanlin scholar is called He Zichen. The Emperor... the Emperor also told the Princess Dunsu... that he would have the Imperial Household Department help with the wedding arrangements."

"On what basis?!" Empress Feng flew into a rage. "The Emperor clearly knew that I wanted to betroth Roujia to Hua'er! If Qi Xiao had taken the lead, I would have accepted it! Where did this He Zichen come from?! On what basis did the Emperor betroth her without a word?!"

"Your Majesty, calm your anger!" The palace maid knew Empress Feng would be upset upon finding out. The Emperor hadn't breathed a word to the Empress beforehand, and now the entire palace knew before telling the Empress. Naturally, Empress Feng couldn't swallow this insult.

The palace maid persuaded repeatedly, "Don't blame the Emperor... It was the Princess Dunsu who came to the palace to request this marriage from the Emperor. Your Majesty knows, the Princess's words have always carried weight. The Emperor just agreed."

"Yes! This Princess's words have always been more effective than mine!" Empress Feng had been holding in her anger to begin with.

Now that the Emperor had ignored her intentions and casually betrothed Roujia, it was equivalent to slapping her in the face. Old and new grievances gathered together, Empress Feng was furious beyond measure.

"Just because she is Emperor Wen's biological sister, everyone respects her! When she enters the palace, even I have to show her courtesy! But on what basis does she also interfere in the marriage of a princess? In the future, will the marriages of the princes and princesses also be decided by her? What use is my phoenix seal then?! No one takes me seriously. What use is my position as Empress then?!"

The palace maid persuaded with difficulty, "Your Majesty, don't say such things... Be careful of eavesdroppers. The Princess must not have done it on purpose..."

"Hehe... She didn't do it on purpose?" Empress Feng laughed coldly, "Previously, I personally brought generous gifts to Yuxiu Hall, asking her to help mention the matter of Roujia and Qi Hua to the Emperor. It would have been fine if she didn't help, I didn't expect anything from her anyway! But what did she do?! She turned around and sent Roujia to the He family! Hehe... fine, what Qi Xiao doesn't want, she won't give to Hua'er either... Hehe..."

"Your Majesty... The Emperor probably has his own considerations too. Lingnan's power is immense, betrothing Princess Roujia to any prince could easily give rise to unnecessary issues. It's better to betroth her to the son of an aristocratic family." The palace maid persuaded softly, "Although that He Zichen is also surnamed He, I heard his family has long fallen. Even if he gets such a marriage, he can't stir up big waves."

"Just because he has his considerations, he can disregard my dignity..." Empress Feng took a deep breath and laughed coldly, "Fine, I'll remember this matter...!"

The palace maid felt uneasy and persuaded in a low voice, "Your Majesty... It took great effort to turn the Emperor's heart around. We can't displease the Emperor again at this juncture..."

"I know. I won't be foolish enough to clash with the Emperor again. I can't touch the Princess either. But..." Empress Feng laughed viciously, "Bairen... I can still deal with him. He's also one to flatter those in power and belittle those beneath him. At first, he fawned over Qi Xiao, and when that plan failed, he went to curry favor with the Princess Dunsu.

"Hehe... ignoring Hua'er, the legitimate prince, and going to support others instead. I'll teach him a lesson and let him see clearly whose world the palace will belong to in the future!"