Chapter 454: The Pure-Clad Dark Heir 4

On the other side, Jiang Yuantong was also given a hot bath at the Minister of Rites’ residence to ward off the chill.

Meanwhile, the Lin Prince, having received the news, hurried over.

When he heard that Jiang Yuantong had “jumped in to save” Tang Wan, his expression darkened.

Jumped in voluntarily?

Nonsense.

His grandson had once nearly drowned as a child and had feared water ever since. How could he possibly leap in to save someone on his own?

Someone must have pushed him—or tricked him into jumping.

…

Knowing that the Lin Prince had arrived, the Minister of Rites quickly went out to greet him with a smile.

Then, after a few polite exchanges, he cautiously brought up the matter.

“Well… the two of them were seen embracing in public. My daughter’s reputation has already been compromised. It would be inappropriate if they weren’t married…”

Hearing this, the Lin Prince’s thoughts shifted.

Because of his grandson’s condition, most noble families had refused to marry their daughters into the Lin household.

But now…

Although his grandson had been frightened, he had gained a wife in return.

Not a bad outcome.

With that in mind, the Lin Prince nodded solemnly. “What you say is reasonable. In that case, let us choose an auspicious date and proceed with the marriage.”

“Yes, yes!” the minister agreed eagerly.

Privately, he thought: Good—finally marrying off that troublesome girl!

…

Later, the Lin Prince brought Jiang Yuantong back home.

Once they returned, he mentioned the marriage.

“My dear grandson, you’re going to take a wife. Are you happy?” he asked with a smile.

Jiang Yuantong blinked at him, his eyes clear and innocent. “Take a wife?”

“That means you’ll have a bride,” the Lin Prince explained.

At once, Jiang Yuantong’s eyes lit up. He clapped his hands happily. “A bride! Tongtong wants a bride!”

Seeing his excitement, the Lin Prince smiled—but inwardly, he sighed.

His only hope now was that after the marriage, Tang Wan would be able to leave an heir for the Jiang family.

…

The next day, the Lin Prince’s residence sent a matchmaker to the Tang household to exchange birth details.

To the Lin Prince’s surprise, the fortune teller declared that the match was highly compatible—and that Tang Wan might even bring good fortune to the Lin household.

Originally, he had wanted to arrange the marriage quickly and be done with it.

But now, he changed his mind.

He decided to personally request an imperial decree of marriage.

That way, even if his grandson was considered lacking, others would see that he was still worthy of a match bestowed by the emperor.

And as for Tang Wan—since she was being married off due to damaged reputation, she might harbor resentment.

With an imperial decree, however, it would restore her dignity and silence any gossip, ensuring she entered the marriage willingly.

…

With the Lin household’s status, and the Lin Prince personally requesting it, the emperor had no reason to refuse.

He quickly granted the imperial marriage and even prepared generous gifts.

When news spread that the Lin Prince had personally sought an imperial decree, many were surprised.

It seemed he was truly satisfied with Tang Wan.

Otherwise, why go to such lengths?

The Minister of Rites was overjoyed—the imperial decree brought immense honor.

…

But not everyone was pleased.

When Tang Li heard the news, her expression darkened.

“That wretch is really lucky,” she said coldly. “After being caught in such a situation, she still gets an imperial marriage.”

She believed herself superior to Tang Wan in every way.

Yet because of her mother’s low status, she had always been overshadowed.

Now that she had finally arranged for Tang Wan to marry that “fool” from the Lin household—

She had somehow turned it into an opportunity to shine instead.