Chapter 83 A Fair Conclusion
Mountain's rear garden anyway. So it just happens to suit us.” Ye Tianqing slowly spoke up; he had heard someone report that Rong Jing, Yun Qianyue, and Yu Ning were going to Southern Mountain earlie...Chapter 83:還算圓滿
Rong Jing's words sidestepped the main issue, placing the pros and cons squarely before the old emperor. He feigned helplessness over Yun Qianyue's drunken antics, while in reality, he was warning that if the old emperor insisted on taking action, not only would the Royal Secret Service be affected, but all of the civil and military officials present would suffer consequences as well. The repercussions for them could lead to paralysis beyond their control. This situation might not just involve minor indiscretions like Prince Night Tianyu and Zhao Kehan's breach of decorum during daylight hours; it could escalate into a major national issue.
The old emperor was already in a state of mind clouded by anger, and upon hearing this, he felt a chill run through him.
No one dared to respond or even breathe audibly.
Everyone was thinking that although Miss Yun Qianyue was drunk, she spoke with coherence and acted without hesitation. Her appearance did suggest intoxication, but the emperor's determination to execute the two individuals had left Yun Qianyue unmoved and resolute in her stance. It seemed clear today she would go to any lengths to protect Prince Night Tianyu and Zhao Kehan.
If the emperor persisted, she might truly resort to wiping out the Royal Secret Service with bloodshed. Despite being a single woman who appeared weak, no one doubted her capability or resolve to carry out such threats. This blind faith was odd, yet even crafty individuals like Prince Duking and Prince Xiang would not doubt her ability.
There was no need for any basis other than the name Yun Qianyue and the numerous audacious acts she had undertaken over the years!
Openly clashing with the old emperor was commonplace, slapping concubines without hesitation when dealing with princes, enduring ten years of hardship behind Prince Night Tianqin (former Crown Prince), chasing a fire fox in freezing conditions for three days and nights until it could no longer run. Such extraordinary feats were carried out by her as if they were mundane.
Today’s events, where she dared to challenge the emperor's authority and disregard his words, would be seen by others as madness. But with Yun Qianyue, such actions seemed normal.
Might many secretly believe that wherever she appeared, something extraordinary was expected from her
"Your Majesty, think it over!" Rong Jing paused momentarily before slowly uttering another sentence.
These words sent a shiver down everyone's spine; Miss Yun Qianyue had the support of the Prince Shi. The Yong王府 was immensely wealthy, and the Prince Shi, though not yet twenty, was already praised by all for his exceptional talent. This generation could hardly comprehend him. If today’s situation escalated to killing Prince Night Tianyu and Zhao Kehan, leading Miss Yun Qianyue to spill blood over the Royal Secret Service, the Prince Shi would not stand idly by. Then Seventh Prince, Young Marquis Yan, and those entangled with them would be involved, making it hard to predict the consequences. The only certainty was that the Fourth Prince's mansion would see a river of blood, as would this Heavenly Capital, and perhaps even all of Tian Sheng.
The old emperor’s veins on his forehead bulged and throbbed intensely; he stared grimly at Yun Qianyue without speaking.
Yun Qianyue stood there with blurred vision from her drunken state, looking compliant as Rong Jing shielded her hand. The coldness and killing intent she had shown earlier seemed to have vanished instantly with his words and gesture, making one doubt whether she was merely a drunk woman.
"Uncle Emperor, think it over! Prince Shi is correct; Yun Qianyue is indeed drunk. Since the Fourth Prince and Miss Zhao are mutually affectionate, despite their breach of decorum, there is some understanding to be given for such emotions. Your punishment is too harsh and should be reconsidered." Night Qingran spoke up when Yun Qianyue no longer looked at him, lowering his head with a darkened expression amidst the silence.
"Your Majesty, I agree with Prince Shi; Miss Yun Qianyue is not someone to be easily intimidated or controlled," Duking Prince quickly added. He feared that if matters escalated to violence today, the consequences would be dire.
"Your Majesty, I too think Prince Shi's words make sense!" Xiang King also hastened to voice his agreement.
"Your Majesty..."
Seeing Duking and Xiang Princes speak up, the civil and military officials present quickly followed suit, eager not to be left behind. They feared that if they were late in supporting, it might lead to involvement when matters turned violent.
The courtyard soon filled with earnest pleas, each more heartfelt than the last.
After about two cups of tea's time, the voices gradually ceased, leaving only Night Tianyi, Cloud King, and Rong Feng silent.
Night Tianyu held Zhao Kehan tightly, facing death but believing Yun Qianyue would intervene. He felt his father’s killing intent and realized he might be executed if no one stopped him, yet he had faith in Yun Qianyue’s ability to stop it. Therefore, fear did not grip him; instead, he was chilled by the ruthlessness of family members turning on each other.
The courtyard fell silent once more.
After a while, the old emperor's veins calmed down as he looked at Night Tianyi, Cloud King, and Rong Feng. He asked solemnly, "Rong Feng, give your opinion."
Rong Feng responded calmly to the emperor: “Your Majesty, our great nation of Heavenly Sheng upholds propriety; the indiscretion of Prince Night Tianyu and Miss Zhao during daylight hours requires punishment. But with the flooding in Phoenix Pass affecting Green Mountain City for over twenty days, Prince Night Tianyu worked tirelessly day and night to save thousands from peril. This is a significant merit. Therefore, considering both merits and faults, I believe Your Majesty should pardon Prince Night Tianyu this time but issue strict orders to prevent future such incidents.”
The crowd nodded in agreement: "Prince Feng’s opinion is correct; the merits can offset the faults!
The old emperor nodded and looked at Yè Tiānyì, saying in a solemn voice, "Tiānyì, what do you think"
All eyes turned to the Seventh Prince, who had remained silent throughout. Everyone knew now that the Seventh Prince was the designated heir by the Emperor's will. Although Empress was currently in residence with her unborn crown prince, everyone knew that this prince was merely a stepping stone. The Emperor was now visibly wasting away and the crown prince hadn't even been born yet; when it came to talent, capability, and reputation, there was no second choice but for the Seventh Prince. Therefore, every word he spoke carried as much weight as the emperor's words.
"Your son believes that Yuè drank far too much wine! If she were to marry me in future, I wouldn't let her drink anymore," Yè Tiānyì unexpectedly blurted out a sentence.
All those present froze in shock.
Róng Jǐng looked at him with a calm face but said nothing. Yu Qianyue seemed to be about to pass out and appeared not to have heard anything.
"Even if she doesn’t drink, she’s still like this! So be it, you can manage her from now on!" The old emperor coldly snarled at the Cloud Prince.
Everyone followed the old emperor's gaze and saw that the Cloud Prince was hanging his head low, looking worse off than even the kneeling Minister of War. Everyone couldn’t help but sigh in sympathy; how could a weak and incompetent Cloud Prince give birth to such an unafraid daughter as Yu Qianyue It was truly baffling! But then everyone thought about Lady Yun, and it made sense that she would have such a daughter. They were all suddenly enlightened.
"Brother Yun, what a good daughter you have!" The old emperor said with a sinister tone.
"Old minister... Old minister is fearful..." the Cloud Prince’s voice was hoarse as he trembled.
The old emperor gave him a deep look and ignored him, turning back to Yè Tiānyù and Zhào Kehan who were kneeling on the ground. "Yè Tiānyù, what is your surname"
Upon hearing this, Yè Tiānyù calmly replied, "Answering Your Majesty: whatever Your Majesty's surname is, my surname is also."
"It’s good that you know you are the son of this emperor!" The old emperor looked at him with his deep black eyes. "Miss Zhào is not virtuous and dignified; she does not cherish herself. Today, her actions do not reflect a lady's virtue. I won’t pursue your matter today, but for Miss Zhào, I will sentence her to death by slicing as an example to the noblewomen of this country."
"Impossible!" Yè Tiānyù said resolutely when he heard the old emperor speak: "She was forced by me. In my heart, she is the most virtuous and dignified woman who cherishes herself. Your Majesty cannot kill her; if you do, I’ll let you kill me too! Since she’s going to die anyway, so am I!"
Zhào Kehan suddenly lifted her head up from where it had been hanging low, looking at Yè Tiānyù. Her calm expression shattered to reveal a gentle and touched look. At this moment, she felt no one could understand the feelings in her heart, her regret was worthwhile for the loyalty of this young man who risked his life.
Yu Qianyue praised what Yè Tiānyù said; today’s help wasn’t for any other reason, but just to repay these words!
"Are you trying to go against me" The old emperor asked with a sharp look in his eyes.
"Father, you are the ruler and I am your subject. You are my father and I am your son. I only admire one woman; you insist on treating this private matter as a national affair, then there’s nothing more to say," Yè Tiānyù calmly said.
The old emperor narrowed his eyes slightly.
"Your Majesty, Fourth Prince is right! Your Majesty has yet to have a concubine; having someone you admire and acting against propriety is understandable. Everyone can make mistakes sometimes. This matter concerns the imperial family; I think we should let Fourth Prince and Miss Zhào continue their love," The Virtuous Prince pleaded once again.
"I also feel this is what should happen!" The Filial Prince stated his stance again.
"Your subordinates..." all the ministers spoke up one after another.
"All of you stop talking!" The old emperor waved his sleeve to stop everyone from making further arguments.
Everyone fell silent.
"I will follow my minister's advice. Fourth Prince, while you have violated the rules, I will forgive you for your meritorious service in curing the flood disaster of Green Mountain City; hence, no punishment will be meted out," The old emperor solemnly said.
"Your son thanks Your Majesty’s grace!" Yè Tiānyù thanked him.
The old emperor didn’t look at Yè Tiānyù but turned to the Minister of War, his tone turning again. "However, as the teaching of a daughter has been inadequate by the Minister of War Zhao Yi and due to recent negligence in management, this is intolerable. From today on, Minister of War Zhao Yi will be dismissed from office and not allowed back into service. This edict is issued with imperial approval!"
"An old minister thanks the emperor for his grace!" Upon hearing this, the Minister of War prostrated himself on the ground to thank the emperor. He had originally thought that his family would be wiped out, but this was already the best possible outcome.
"Return to the palace," the elderly emperor said without looking at anyone again and turned to leave.
"Father Emperor, wait a moment!" Ye Tianyu called out.
The old emperor stopped in his tracks and turned around to look at Ye Tianyu. His old eyes narrowed, "Ye Tianyu, are you not satisfied with my decision What else do you want"
Ye Tianyu shook his head, "Son thanks Father Emperor for the satisfaction of his handling. Son only wishes to ask Father Emperor and me to grant a marriage between me and Haner. I wish to give her status. Since she has followed me, I cannot委屈了她。
(I cannot make her suffer.)
The old emperor looked at Zhao Kehan upon hearing this.
Zhao Kehan lowered her head and obediently leaned against Ye Tianyu without making a sound.
After a moment of silence, the elderly emperor spoke again, "The commoner girl, Zhao Kehan, is too lowly to match the position of the Fourth Prince's principal wife. From today on, I grant her marriage as the Fourth Prince’s concubine. The wedding will be held on an auspicious day. This decree is hereby issued!"
"Father Emperor, son does not wish to marry another woman; only this one shall be my principal wife, not a concubine," Ye Tianyu hurriedly said.
"A prince of the royal family cannot take a commoner as his principal wife. Ye Tianyu, for a woman, you have offended and disobeyed your father emperor, which is unforgivable. Now that I am sparing you, are you still unsatisfied" The old emperor coldly looked at Ye Tianyu.
"Father Emperor, Uncle Cloud King also married a commoner girl. Palace's Bright Consort was also..." Ye Tianyu gave examples.
"Ye Tianyu!" The elderly emperor interrupted Ye Tianyu.
Ye Tianyu looked at the old emperor with dissatisfaction.
"Zhao Kehan, do you want my son to offend me for your sake" The old emperor turned to Zhao Kehan.
Just as Ye Tianyu was about to speak again, Zhao Kehan pulled his sleeve. Her voice was gentle and soft, "This commoner girl thanks the Emperor's grace! Long live Your Majesty!"
The elderly emperor saw that Zhao Kehan had thanked him and snorted coldly without lingering any longer. He flung his sleeves aside and turned to leave. Wenlai and an entourage quickly followed, surrounding him as he left, seemingly forgetting about Yun Qianmo's major injury and the matter of the Hidden Master. He did not speak another word to her.
The leader of the Royal Household’s hidden guards waved his hand, leading all the hidden guards to retreat in unison.
With the withdrawal of the hidden guards, the oppressive atmosphere in this courtyard dissipated like a receding tide.
Seeing that the emperor had left, everyone naturally did not remain. They exchanged glances and also exited the yard. In an instant, most of the people who were densely packed in the courtyard withdrew, leaving only a few individuals behind.
"Miss Yun Qianmo truly displayed outstanding courage today!" Duke De patted Lord Cloud’s shoulder as he remarked with admiration: "Brother Cloud King, you have a remarkable daughter. I’m impressed!" With that, he turned and walked away.
Duke Xiao cast a glance at Yun Qianmo but did not speak like Duke De; instead, he also turned around to leave.
With the departure of both men, Lord Cloud straightened his body and shook his head in disappointment towards Yun Qianmo. He seemed to have reached the point where words could no longer express his helplessness for her. After a long while, he left without saying anything else.
Inwardly rolling her eyes, Yun Qianmo thought that this father of hers was really too immersed in acting!
"Congratulations, Fourth Brother!" Ye Tianyi said with a smile as he looked at Ye Tianyu.
"Seventh Brother is being polite. You've had to witness a farce," Ye Tianyu replied indifferently while helping Zhao Kehan stand up.
"Fourth Brother having someone who will be by his side until the end of life is indeed joyful news; how can it be considered a farce" Ye Tianyi seemed unaffected by today's events and smiled as he turned to pat the Minister of War lying on the ground, "Minister Zhao, you've had to endure too much!
Zhao Yi stood up, feeling reborn after narrowly escaping death. The experience of being on the brink of death left him speechless about what had just happened. Facing Night Tianyi's smiling gaze, he took a moment to say, "This old minister failed in raising my daughter and deserves this outcome."
"Minister Zhao, you did well in teaching your daughter," Night Tianyi chuckled, flicking his dust-free sleeves before turning around and walking away without another word.
Zhao Yi twitched the corner of his mouth, watching Night Tianyi's back, at a loss for what to say next.
"Minister Zhao, stepping down from power after reaching your peak isn't such a bad thing!" Ye Qingran approached and patted Zhao Yi on the shoulder.
"Yes, Little Prince Ren is right," Zhao Yi seemed suddenly much older as he hurriedly nodded his head.
Ye Qingran remained silent, looking at Yun Qianyue. Yun Qianyue didn't look back but leaned her head against Rong Jing's shoulder, her eyes drooping as if she was about to fall asleep. His gaze darkened and he slowly turned around, walking outside with heavy steps.
Rong Feng also walked over to Zhao Yi's side, smiling, "Little Prince Ren is correct; stepping down from power can be a blessing. Minister Zhao, unlike those who struggle in the political arena without any freedom of action, you are fortunate and should rest assured, enjoying your twilight years."
"Thank you, Eldest Young Master Feng," Zhao Yi nodded slowly.
Rong Feng said no more and left with a step.
"Father, I caused you trouble. Go back to the mansion, pack up your belongings, and return home!" Zhao Kehan looked at her father, her eyes red-rimmed. "From now on, if I am alive, I belong to Fourth Prince; if dead, I am his ghost. Just pretend as though you never had a daughter."
Zhao Yi opened and closed his mouth, seemingly wanting to say something but in the end didn't, only nodding before walking off with slow steps.
Only Night Tianyu, Zhao Kehan, Rong Jing, Yun Qianyue, and Night Tianqing remained in the courtyard.
"Thank you for your help today, Sister Moon!" Night Tianyu looked at Yun Qianyue, suspecting that if it weren't for Rong Jing's support, she would have collapsed on the ground.
"No need to thank me. Just send back the leftover pear blossom white wine in my carriage," Yun Qianyue waved lazily, leaning her whole body against Rong Jing and grumbled, "Rong Jing, I want to sleep."
"Alright, let me take you home for a nap," Rong Jing smiled as he picked her up. Unlike when they left with the others, he didn't walk towards the Fourth Prince's residence but instead walked out of the courtyard in a flash.
"Fourth Brother, we owe much to Sister Moon today!" Night Tianqing watched them leave, his expression dark and uncertain. "Without Sister Moon's intervention against Father Emperor, you and Miss Zhao would have had difficulty surviving. Not only that, but even if the Minister of War hadn't been dismissed from office, it could be possible for his family to be destroyed."
"Eldest Brother is right! Father Emperor truly has a heart of stone. Now, he cares solely about Seventh Brother; we are not his sons, but obstacles preventing him from passing on the throne to Seventh Brother," Night Tianyu said with a solemn expression.
"Haha, but it was truly refreshing today. Even if we don't win in the end, as long as Sister Moon and Eldest Young Master Jing remain by our side, Father Emperor and Seventh Brother won’t feel at ease either. That's all right! We have gains and losses. Although the Minister of War has been dismissed from office, you will be accompanied by Miss Zhao with her heart set on you; it isn't a total loss," Night Tianqing smiled and said, "Compared to us, Father Emperor might suffer even more when he returns to the palace."
Night Tianyu also laughed, tightly holding Zhao Kehan's hand and gently saying, "But this is too hard on Han'er!"
Zhao Kehan shook her head and tenderly replied, "Now that the political situation isn’t in your favor, regardless of whether Father is the Minister of War or not, his fate could change with a single word from Emperor. With him stepping down now, while it may not help you much, it secures my mother and family’s safety. As for me, as long as you remain devoted to me, I don't mind if I'm your principal wife or concubine."
"There will be no principal wife in the Fourth Prince's residence," Night Tianyu said gently.
"Father Emperor might soon appoint a principal wife for you since he has made Miss Zhao your concubine," Night Tianqing reminded him.
"Even if there is one, she won't matter to me," Night Tianyu’s voice was cold. "He can arrange my marriage, but he cannot dictate the women in my residence or influence whom I love. No woman who enters this household will mean anything to me except Han'er."
Zhao Kehan's smile spread with joy and gratitude as well as satisfaction.
Night Tianqing nodded and said with a smile, "Why do you all now imitate Sister Moon and Eldest Young Master Jing in their single-wife devotion First was Yun Li and Seven Sister; even though she is still in prison, Yun Li claims to divorce her wife. We know that Father Emperor won’t agree, but even if he did, Yun Li wouldn't truly write a certificate of divorce. Now it’s you and Miss Zhao doing the same. If everyone follows suit, perhaps we will change the political climate of Heavenly Saint."
"It's not necessarily bad to make such changes!" Night Tianyu replied with a smile.
"Since His Majesty mentioned choosing a date for the wedding, you should go to the Imperial Astronomical Bureau to pick a day. I think His Majesty will be preoccupied with today's events and won't have time to choose the date for you personally. However, you can ask Mother Empress to handle your wedding arrangements in the palace. She has been resting these days and her pregnancy is stable, so she doesn’t need to do anything, but a word from her would still carry weight. Mother Empress treats us well and will likely agree to officiate our marriage. Even though you are currently close with Miss Zhao, it’s best to settle the matter of your official engagement soon to avoid any complications." Ye Tianqiong spoke seriously.
Ye Tiandyu nodded. "Elder Brother is right! I’ll go see Mother Empress in the palace tomorrow."
Ye Tianqiong nodded, not saying anything further and left without further pleasantries.
In the courtyard, Ye Tiandyu and Zhao Kehan were left silent for a while. After some time, Ye Tiandyu picked up Zhao Kehan in his arms. Her face turned red: "You... "
"I’m taking you back to your room to rest. Then I’ll deal with the mess at home. This birthday has been the most rewarding so far." Ye Tiandyu said smilingly.
Red-faced, Zhao Kehan nodded: "Miss Qianyue is really impressive!"
Ying Qingran laughed out loud: "Did you just find that out She’s always been impressive. I’ve always said only Prince Jing can rein her in. If His Majesty could do anything to her, he would have killed her many times over the years when she enraged him. Why hasn’t he done so yet if it’s not because he can't"
With a nod, Zhao Kehan spoke enviously: "Miss Qianyue lives life on her own terms; I admire that."
"How many people are like her Don’t envy her. Some things come naturally and aren’t something to be envied." Ye Tiandyu smiled, leaning in close to ask softly: "Does it still hurt"
Initially just blushing, Zhao Kehan’s neck turned red as well, shyly nodding then shaking her head.
Ye Tiandyu was puzzled. "Do you have pain or not"
Blushing and hiding in his embrace, she whispered like a mosquito: "It hurt at the beginning but it doesn't now."
Sighing with relief, Ye Tiandyu found it somewhat amusing and sighed as well. He didn’t say anything more and carried her into the main chamber of their quarters.
Ying Jing’s movements were incredibly swift; he returned to Cloud Manor's Qianyue Pavilion within moments after carrying Yun Qianyue there.
In the eastern wing’s main room, Ying Jing set Yun Qianyue down and patted her head with a grin. "You can’t be deterred by a little alcohol You’re awake now! Stop pretending to sleep."
"Didn’t you say I was drunk and acting crazily I only wanted to sleep when I was drunk, who acts crazily while drunk It’s undignified!" Yun Qianyue opened her eyes without any trace of drunkenness. She snorted.
Ying Jing laughed softly and sat beside her, asking gently: "Are you angry at me"
Another snort from Yun Qianyue but no words.
"I know you wanted to kill the head of His Majesty’s covert agents and even had real murderous intent to eliminate them. But today wasn’t the right moment for that. Moreover, with Ye Tianyi and Ying Qingran around, even if I acted, my chances wouldn’t be high. It would have been better to stop at what we achieved. Otherwise, do you really want the entire Yun family implicated" Ying Jing raised an eyebrow.
Yun Qianyue pursed her lips: "Who said it’s only you and me My dad is here too!"
"You want Uncle Yuan to be exposed The matter of the twin siblings hasn’t even been resolved yet, these days Emperor has kept a close watch on everything. Cloud Prince can’t leave Yun Manor just yet. All we could see is dark. If Uncle Yuan’s martial arts were revealed, the Southern Liang nation's grandmaster would also be exposed in turn. Ultimately, it will result in a chain reaction of exposures and complications. It’s not a good outcome." Ying Jing held her close, stroking her hair as he said: "His Majesty has his reservations; we do too. Taking one step back from each side isn’t bad."
"I know that! Don’t treat me like I’m clueless and overly cautious!" Yun Qianyue opened Ying Jing’s hand on her hair.
Ying Jing raised his eyebrows at her: "Am I being overly cautious"
"Yes, you are an old lady!" Yun Qianyue deliberately stretched out the words.
Without saying anything more, Ying Jing turned her over and pressed his lips heavily onto hers. He kissed and licked repeatedly as if punishing her.
Panting, Yun Qianyue couldn’t speak anymore. She thought this person was truly not to be provoked but also found it somewhat amusing. Regardless of how she had opposed the old emperor today or injured the head of covert agents, she had gotten her revenge and that sufficed for a satisfying conclusion. One can't bite off more than one can chew.
Ling Lian and Ye Xue returned from the residence of the Fourth Crown Prince half an hour later, bringing back five vats of leftover pear blossom white wine.
An hour later, news came from the palace that the old emperor had smashed up the Imperial Study upon his return.
When Yun Qianyue heard this, she chuckled. "That's great! Why didn't he burn down the Imperial Study They say a tiger doesn’t eat its own cubs; who is he to be called a father"
Rong Jing replied with a faint expression, "If he smashed up the Imperial Study today, tomorrow he'll probably end up lying in bed ill!"
Yun Qianyue blinked her eyes.
Rong Jing glanced at her and said with a smile, "All thanks to you! Who has ever dared to challenge the emperor’s authority You have continually challenged him and even openly defied him. As an emperor, he can't do anything to you. Such anger and frustration is particularly harmful to his already exhausted body."
"It's better if he dies sooner," Yun Qianyue said nonchalantly.
Rong Jing’s gaze flickered with something before he smiled indifferently, "You're right. It would be better if he died earlier!"
Yun Qianyue felt that Rong Jing's tone seemed off; she raised her eyebrows and looked at him, but he no longer spoke.
The incident at the Fourth Crown Prince’s residence spread throughout the capital within a short time. However, unusually, nobody discussed it. Whether they were commoners or high-ranking officials, everyone kept their mouths shut, knowing that this matter was not to be talked about.
That night, nothing else happened.
The next day, as expected, the old emperor fell ill and couldn’t attend court. A decree was issued: "The Seventh Crown Prince Yedianyi will act as regent; Jing Shizi of Rongwangfu shall assist in governance."
With this imperial edict, even though the old emperor was bedridden, the early court session wasn't delayed. Everything proceeded as usual, except that a physician from the Imperial Medical Bureau stood outside Holy Sun Hall and one official, the dismissed vice-minister of war, was absent among the civil and military officials.
During the morning court session, the Seventh Crown Prince, acting in his capacity as regent, appointed an aide named Zhao to be vice-minister of war. This move essentially meant that he was performing the duties of the emperor. Naturally, Yitianqiong and Yitianyu were unhappy, but before they could protest, Yedianyi presented a decree drafted beforehand, effectively silencing them.
The two looked at Rong Jing, who showed no objection, leaving them with no choice but to let it go.
The new vice-minister of war took office and moved into the former residence of his predecessor. The previous vice-minister left for his hometown.
After court, Yitianyu personally escorted Zhao Kehan to see off Zhao Yi outside the city gates. At the Ten-Mile Pavilion ten miles from the city, Zhao Kehan clenched her teeth and didn't shed a single tear, while Zhao Yi finally showed his paternal side by shedding tears onto his clothes.
After Zhao Yi left with his family, Zhao Kehan cried in Yitianyu’s arms. He tenderly led her back to the palace.
In the afternoon, Yitianyu went to the palace but didn't visit the ill old emperor; instead, he headed straight for Ronghuagong. The palace that had been closed off and not seen anyone recently opened its gates to let in Yitianyu. Soon after entering, he brought out an imperial edict from Empress Dowager and went to the Astronomical Bureau.
The Astronomical Bureau received the edict and quickly selected a good day for their wedding. The wedding would take place one month later.
Yitianyu was satisfied with this date because he felt that Zhao Kehan deserved more, so he wanted to make up for it by providing her with an extravagant wedding. A shorter time wasn't enough to prepare, while a longer time might lead to unforeseen circumstances, making one month just right. He took the chosen good day and hour from the Astronomical Bureau to pay his respects to the old emperor but was not received; he simply told Wenlai that he hoped his father would recover soon so that his younger brother could take over sooner. Regardless of what he said, he returned to prepare for their wedding.
After Wenlai relayed Yitianyu's words to the old emperor, the latter flew into a rage and spat out blood before falling unconscious.
The author is truly worried that this person might fall ill and never recover... Haha!
Note: Monthly votes are resetting at month-end. Those with monthly votes, don't waste them! Kisses to you all!
Thank you everyone for the monthly votes, diamonds, flowers, and all your love!un Li, which courtyard is yours" asked the young man over his shoulder to Yun Qianyue."Western Maple Garden! Walk straight ahead; it's the last one," replied Yun Qianyue.The young man nodded and strod...