The abstinent and powerful minister is cold and aloof during the day, but he adores her in his dream

Chapter 282 Marriage Grant
Lu Zhan looked down, frowned slightly, and said reassuringly, "It's alright."

Zhiwan snapped out of her daze and couldn't help but feel annoyed. "What do you mean 'nothing'? You're bleeding!" she said, pulling up his sleeve. Sure enough, the wound that had already scabbed over had reopened. "How could you be so careless?"

She hurriedly tried to get out of bed to clean his wound, but he stopped her, saying, "You're so weak, don't move around. I can take care of it myself."

How could Zhiwan be at ease? While he went to the clean room to clean his wounds, she went out and called Chen, the wet nurse, in.

Chen, the wet nurse, hurriedly went to the clean room to bandage Lu Zhan's wounds.

After bandaging her wound, Nurse Chen left.

Zhiwan took out the clothes her cousin had left there from the wardrobe and told him to change into them.

Lu Zhan changed his clothes and returned to the inner room.

When Zhiwan saw him come out, she quickly moved to lie down on the inside of the bed.

Seeing her obedient and natural behavior, Lu Zhan paused, a hint of a smile flashing in his dark eyes. "Cousin, do you want me to stay?"

Zhiwan was stunned for a moment before realizing that she had been too proactive.

Her eyelashes fluttered, and she stammered, "Look...look at my cousin himself."

Lu Zhan smiled and sat down by the bed. He wanted to reach out and touch her face, but he was afraid that the wound, which had just been bandaged, would bleed again, so he restrained himself.

He explained gently, "I have to go to court tomorrow morning. If I stay here, I might disturb you. I'll head back in a bit."

Upon hearing this, Zhiwan felt a slight sense of disappointment.

She hadn't seen him for many days and thought her cousin missed her and would let her stay overnight.

Zhiwan wanted to ask him about his uncle, but seeing the weariness he couldn't hide between his brows, she had to give up for now.

Thinking that her cousin had to get up early for court the next day, she said, "It's getting late, you should go back now."

"It's alright, I'll leave after you fall asleep," Lu Zhan said gently, then leaned close to her ear and whispered, "I'll come see you again after court tomorrow."

Seeing his handsome face approaching, Zhiwan paused, then couldn't help but kiss him on the cheek. "Mmm."

The soft touch on his cheek startled Lu Zhan.

When he came to his senses and looked at the girl, he saw that she had already closed her eyes, but her trembling eyelashes betrayed her.

Lu Zhan's eyes were filled with tenderness.

He got up and left after Zhiwan fell asleep.

In the alley behind the Zhi Mansion, there was an inconspicuous carriage parked, and on the roof of the carriage lay a person, Chen Jiu.

He rested his hands behind his head, leisurely gazing at the stars in the sky.

The prince rushed back to the capital without stopping, and then went to the palace to report back immediately, all in order to see his cousin as soon as possible.

Now that we've seen the person, the Crown Prince probably won't come out so soon.

Thinking about it, he closed his eyes, preparing to take a nap.

Suddenly, the carriage shook slightly.

He immediately opened his eyes and saw that the Crown Prince had actually come out.

"Prince?"

Lu Zhan didn't say anything and entered the carriage.

Seeing that he looked unwell, Chen Jiu knew something was wrong and immediately followed him inside.

Sure enough, as soon as he entered, he heard the Crown Prince order in a deep voice: "Secretly collect all evidence of the Crown Prince's crimes!"

Chen Jiu was startled and looked at him in surprise.

Why would the Crown Prince, who never gets involved in factional strife, suddenly want to collect evidence of the Crown Prince's crimes?

Is the Crown Prince preparing to deal with the Heir Apparent?

Chen Jiu was somewhat excited and quickly agreed, "Your subordinate understands."

"Let's go back to the manor first." Lu Zhan raised his hand to rub his temples, looking tired. "Yes." Chen Jiu immediately went out, grabbed the reins, and drove the carriage towards the Duke of Dingguo's manor.

Halfway there, the carriage suddenly changed course and headed towards the palace.

The next day, outside the palace gates.

As the court officials waited to enter the palace, Ouyang Lei walked up to Lu Zhan and whispered, "Old Lu, you know what happened at the Wei residence the other day, right?"

"Hmm," Lu Zhan responded softly.

Upon hearing this, Ouyang Lei knew that he already understood, so he didn't say anything more.

When the appointed time arrived, the officials entered the palace gates one after another.

Upon entering the council hall, the officials stood in two rows, waiting for the emperor's arrival.

At this moment, Crown Prince Xuanyuan Hongjun walked in.

As he passed by Lu Zhan, he paused and suddenly turned his head to look at Lu Zhan.

Lu Zhan raised his eyes and looked at him calmly, "What advice does the Crown Prince have for me?"

Xuanyuan Hongjun touched his nose, smiled meaningfully, then leaned closer and whispered, "Lu Siqing's cousin is very charming and has captured my heart. How about Lu Siqing gives her to me?"

Lu Zhan clenched his fist tightly beneath his sleeve, a fleeting, chilling killing intent flashing between his brows.

He suddenly took a step closer and said coldly in Xuan Yuan Hongjun's ear, "If you're tired of living, I can grant your wish!"

Xuan Yuan Hongjun's expression changed, "You..."

Lu Zhan smiled slightly, took a step back, and bowed slightly, saying, "Your Highness, the court meeting is about to begin. Please take your place."

Xuan Yuan Hongjun's face was gloomy and terrifying; he was certain that he had not misheard.

Lu Zhan has some nerve, daring to threaten him?

The tense standoff between the two was noticed by the other officials, who were alarmed and curious about what the two had said.

Lu Zhenbei, Duan Ling, and Ouyang Lei all had a look of worry in their eyes.

Xuanyuan Hongjun stared intently at Lu Zhan for a moment, then suddenly smiled, "Minister Lu has made many contributions in Jiangnan this time. In a little while, I will definitely ask the Emperor to grant you the marriage of Princess Chang Le."

Upon hearing this, all the officials looked at Lu Zhan with subtle expressions.

Lu Siqing has a bright future ahead of him, but if he were to marry a princess, his future would likely be limited to this.

Lu Zhenbei frowned, about to speak, but heard his son say calmly, "When did Your Highness become so idle that you're competing with matchmakers for a living? My marriage has already been arranged, so Your Highness need not trouble yourself."

As for the matter of bestowing a marriage upon me, I already requested Your Majesty's permission yesterday.

The wedding is set for the 23rd of this month. We cordially request Your Highness to grace us with your presence and attend the celebration.

Xuan Yuan Hongjun narrowed his dark eyes, "You've already asked Father Emperor for a decree to grant the marriage? And who is the woman...?"

Lu Zhan stared at the throne on the jade steps ahead with his dark eyes, his voice low and slow, "She is Zhi Wan, the daughter of Zhi Yu, who was the third-ranked scholar in the fifteenth year of the Qingli era! During his tenure as magistrate of Jurong County, Zhi Yu was diligent in his administration, honest and upright, and governed Jurong in an orderly manner. He was deeply loved by the local people. Moreover, he risked his life to collect evidence to expose corrupt officials. Unfortunately, he was a genius, and in the end, Lord Zhi died at the hands of corrupt officials."

The Emperor, moved by his service to the court, bestowed upon his daughter, Zhiwan, the title of County Princess and betrothed her to me!

Upon hearing this, everyone looked surprised.

Even Lu Zhenbei, Duan Ling, and Ouyang Lei looked surprised.

When did Jinzhi (Old Lu) receive the imperial decree?

Xuan Yuan Hongjun realized what had happened and stared at Lu Zhan with a gloomy expression. "When did this happen?"

"The Emperor has arrived!" At this moment, the eunuch's high-pitched voice rang out.

Upon hearing the sound, Xuan Yuan Hongjun suppressed his anger and turned towards the palace gate.

The next moment, the emperor entered the council hall.

After the emperor sat down on the throne, all the officials bowed down and shouted in unison, "Greetings, Your Majesty! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!"

"All of you, rise!" The emperor gestured with his hand.