The Xuan Emperor nodded, pleased. "Ning Chen, does the robe fit?"

"The sleeves are a little long."

Ning Chen said it honestly.

The Xuan Emperor laughed lightly. "Ning Chen, do you know why this emperor called you here?"

Ning Chen shook his head. "Your subject does not know."

The Xuan Emperor said, "Before spring opens, this emperor wants you and Huai'an married."

Ning Chen was taken aback. Was there any need to rush it like this?

The Xuan Emperor went on. "This emperor knows that the girl Yudie has been at your side all along... Once you and Huai'an are married, this emperor will strike her from the slave register, and the woman called Zisu will be released along with her."

Just as he had guessed. The Xuan Emperor would not allow another woman into the Ning residence ahead of the Ninth Princess.

Ning Chen bowed at once. "Your subject obeys. Your subject leaves it all to Your Majesty."

The Xuan Emperor inclined his head slightly.

Ning Chen hesitated, then asked sheepishly, "Your Majesty, may your subject ask a question?"

"Speak."

Ning Chen asked with great care, "That is... how much of a bride-price and how many betrothal gifts does it take to marry a princess? Your subject's household is poor, and he is afraid he can't lay hands on that much silver."

Eunuch Quan's expression froze. He truly had not expected Ning Chen to ask a question like that.

The corner of the Xuan Emperor's mouth twitched. The boy actually dared to plead poverty to him?

What he had given Ning Chen alone was enough for a lifetime of rank and riches.

The Xuan Emperor said, "This emperor has already set the Ministry of Rites to preparing it. If there is anything you don't understand, you may go and ask Shen Min."

Ning Chen gave a flat oh. "Your subject obeys!"

Out of the palace, Ning Chen rode to the Ministry of Rites.

The guards at the gate of the Ministry of Rites saw the silver python on black that Ning Chen was wearing, took fright, and dropped hurriedly…