Three years ago.

King Mu led his army to a triumphant return. The Emperor, delighted, bestowed upon him a blank imperial wedding decree.

All unmarried women in the capital are eligible to be chosen by Duke Mu as his wife.

That day, the gates of Lord Jun's mansion were wide open.

All the unmarried sons, from the Jun family and even their relatives from all over, gathered in the front hall, making quite a lively scene.

"Have you heard that Lord Mu will be coming to marry Third Sister?"

"He's definitely coming. Last year, at the eldest sister's funeral, Duke Mu took a liking to our third sister right away!"

"Yes, yes, yes. That token of affection King Mu gave to Third Sister back then. Third Sister carries it with her everywhere. Where would King Mu find someone as devoted as this?"

“When Sanjie becomes the Princess Consort of Mu, our Jun family will be relatives of the imperial family from then on, hehehe…”

Suddenly, a discordant voice piped up: "What's with all the daydreaming going on in broad daylight?"

Everyone followed the sound.

The one who just spoke, is none other than Jun Ru Ning, the second young lady of the Jun family, who's sitting alone in the corner shivering and not acting properly.

"A mouthful of saliva flew over: 'I thought it was someone farting, it turns out it's the second sister!'"

"Second sister, you're getting better and better at saying grapes are sour just because you can't have them!"

"Isn't that right? Not only is our third sister beautiful, but she's also proficient in everything: music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. If the prince doesn't choose our third sister, he wouldn't choose you, a useless person!"

"Humph," Jun Ru Ning scoffed, "Then just wait and see if a carriage from the palace will stop at our doorstep."

Everyone gave him a look of disdain and then ignored him.

Jun Ru Ning was too lazy to argue with them. She leisurely picked up a bunch of grapes and popped some into her mouth.

My goodness, this family is really making things difficult for themselves.

As soon as they heard that the Emperor had bestowed a blank marriage decree upon Duke Mu, everyone immediately gathered in the front hall to await the imperial edict.

It's like expecting a royal decree to fly right into your house, which is just not realistic.

To speak of the grievances between your family and Duke Mu, we have to go back to last year——

Last year, Jun Ru Yun, the twin sister of Jun Ru Ning, the eldest lady of the Jun family, used her brilliant strategies and tactics to defeat a hundred thousand enemy troops in one fell swoop.

Later, the enemy attacked again. My sister was unfortunately captured. She refused to yield and ultimately gave her life at the age of 17.

After the event, the emperor posthumously awarded Sister the title of "Heroine of the Nation" and held a grand state funeral for her.

On the day of the funeral, Duke Mu came in person to condole at the Jun family. Seeing that his sister's coffin was soiled, he used his handkerchief to wipe it, then threw the handkerchief away.

Sān Mèi, upon recognizing the item as belonging to King Mu, treasured it dearly and excitedly went to return it. However, King Mu didn't even acknowledge her.

This white lotus flower, being self-important, claimed that this handkerchief was given to her by King Mu as a token of trust. She would flaunt it whenever she met someone.

Now that King Mu has been bestowed upon by the emperor, this white lotus flower and even the entire Jun family have gone mad with glee.

Of course, only Junru Ning remained sober.

After waiting and waiting, someone finally came to report—

"Madam, a carriage from the palace is coming this way!"

"Like Jun immediately grabbed Lady Liu's hand: 'Mother, the Wangye is finally going to marry me! I knew that Wangye would never forget me!' "

Liu shi was also moved to tears, "Ru, my good son, after you leave Mu Wangfu, be sure to serve the Wangye well and never disgrace our Jun family's reputation, do you understand!"

"Well, I'll definitely do it!" Junru nodded emphatically, as if she were already the wife of Prince Mu.

Lady Jun, beaming with pride, said, “Ru'er, all these years haven't been in vain. In the future, when facing Lord Mu, you must bear more responsibility for our Jun family.”

"Junru nodded obediently: "As you know..."

Oh my god, is this family okay?

That road outside is very long, and there are many wealthy houses along it. It's not necessarily coming to your house...

If Junru Ning can't bear it any longer, he will go outside.

When Jun Ru was beside her, she suddenly splashed a basin of cold water: "Youfu Street is where the carriage would stop. It's not guaranteed that it will come to our house. Third sister, you're getting ahead of yourself."

Jun Ru immediately darkened her face and retorted, "What do you mean, Second Sister? Are you displeased that your own younger sister is about to become the wife of the Duke of Mu, or are you hoping Jun family won't prosper in the future?"

As Jun Ru Ning stopped her steps, a smile played on her lips with a hint of meaning:

"Third sister, you misunderstood. I just wanted to remind you that blind confidence can lead to ignorant arrogance and ultimately backfire, embarrassing yourself."

"Liu shi protects her heart deeply: 'Jun ru Ning, if you don't speak, people will think you're mute!'"

"Even Old Madam Jun looked displeased. 'Second Miss,' she said, 'if you have nothing better to do, go back to your room and wait. Otherwise, when people from the palace arrive later, they'll see that you're in a bad mood!'"

Just like Ning lazily stretched, walked towards the door and said, "Alright then, I'll go back to my room to rest."

Alright, I'm out. ~

As soon as I stepped to the entrance hall, a sharp voice suddenly rang out: "The Imperial Edict has arrived!"

Wow!

Jun Ru Ning's knees buckled, and she fell to the ground.

No way?

The sister protected the man on the battlefield with her own life, and he's so blind to see this, really going to marry Junru, this white lotus flower?

Then, everyone in Jun's family jumped up excitedly, especially Madam Liu and Jun Ru.

"Mother, the imperial decree has arrived! I'm going to be the Princess Consort of Mu!"

"My dear son, your mother is also happy for you..."

"Good heavens! Stop your commotion," the old matriarch cried, using her cane to forcefully strike the floor as she tried to feign composure. "What are you making all this noise about? The imperial edict has arrived; kneel down at once, or do you wish to lose your heads?"

Then, everyone came to their senses and knelt down.

Only after everyone in your household had knelt did Chen Gonggong open the imperial edict.

By imperial mandate, Heaven's decree is fulfilled. I hereby proclaim to bestow upon Jun Jia Ji, the title of "Consort Mu" for Jun Ru Ning, and arrange their marriage on a chosen auspicious day. Let this be known throughout the land!

As soon as the words left his mouth, the vast hall fell silent, not even a bird chirped.

Jun Ru Ning's mind went blank for a few seconds, unsurely asking, "Chen Gonggong, the name you just read was..."

Master Chen chuckled and gazed at her lovely face: "Miss Jun, you heard right. King Mu wrote your name."

Junru Ning: "..."

No, this isn't true, it must have been misheard!

Not only was it unbelievable, but the group of people following could not accept this fact either.

Junru knelt and crawled over, urgently saying: "Chen Gonggong, did the Prince get my name and my second sister's name mixed up? I am Junru, not Junru Ning."

Mr. Chen's face suddenly turned cold: "Are you suspecting that I misread the imperial decree, or are you questioning that the prince wrote the name wrong?"

As if a chill ran down his spine, he hurriedly bowed his head and said, "The subject dares not!"

Chen Gong hummed softly, turned his head to look at Jun Ru Ning's face, and his attitude instantly changed to one of respect.

"My Lady Jun Er, Eunuch Chen wishes you and Lord Mu an early blessed offspring, a hundred years of harmony. In the future, please do take care of Eunuch Chen in front of Lord Mu."

"...He's as quiet and peaceful as a sleeping cat."

This old geezer talks so sweetly.

Go to your Mu Wangfei!

I don't want to marry into the royal family at all!

Think about those shops they've painstakingly built up. After marrying into the Mu Wangfu, won't all their hard-earned wealth be confiscated?

Damn it!

Understood!

King Mu suddenly wants to marry, he must have his eyes on the little treasury...

Too despicable, I'd rather die than marry!

Seeing no reaction, Chen Gonggong forcefully winked: "Madam Mu, Madam Mu, quickly accept the imperial decree..."

***Aside***

I've started a new book! This is my first time writing ancient Chinese fiction. My writing style is relatively simple and straightforward, focusing on romance and fun. There are no major plot twists, love triangles, or excessive descriptions. The protagonist is career-driven and ambitious. Please note that this story is purely fictional and may not be historically accurate. If you find any shortcomings, please bear with me and refrain from harsh criticism.