Qi Yunxiao sent the braised meat made by Shen Qingyu to the palace, presented it to the imperial study, and took his leave without saying a word.

His Majesty the Emperor had heard that Qi Yunxiao and Consort Rong had met, and was surprised that Qi Yunxiao didn't ask any questions.

But Qi Yunxiao was always expressionless, and now that he wasn't speaking, no one could tell what he was thinking.

So the new emperor asked Qi Yunxiao about his plans.

Qi Yunxiao mentioned that the Mad Taoist had brought Erbao to the capital, saying that he would stay with Erbao for a few more days, and then leave after Erbao and the Mad Taoist left.

I couldn't detect any emotion in his words.

Upon hearing that the triplets had actually gathered, the new emperor was quite surprised. He moved his lips, as if he wanted to see the triplets.

But when a faint bell rang, the new emperor fell silent.

Qi Yunxiao lowered his head, concealing a hint of sarcasm at the corner of his mouth.

I wonder if Consort Rong was secretly watching me during those few meetings I had with the Emperor.

Did she think this was what love was?

After leaving the palace, Qi Yunxiao went to Guiyun Tower in the capital.

On the top floor of Guiyun Tower, he was listening to the intelligence gathered by his subordinates.

"Those who served the current emperor when he was still a prince say that this Consort Rong has been there for twenty-three years, but she has been bedridden for many years and never comes out to see anyone..."

Qi Yunxiao listened in a daze.

If we consider the timeline, this Consort Rong shouldn't be her.

But what if the original Consort Rong had quietly passed away, and she had taken over the title of Consort Rong?

It seems things aren't that simple.

After his subordinates left, Qi Yunxiao, though appearing calm, was inwardly struggling.

Does the truth really need to be revealed?

The shopkeeper came up to report.

Shen Qingyu and Zhao Yuzhu arrived with their three children.

"Are you going down now, or should you ask them to wait?"

Qi Yunxiao's expression hardened, and he stood up: "Let's go, let's go down."

Today's meal wasn't in a private room, but rather in a small booth by the window in the lobby of Guiyunlou.

Although the partitions are separated by intricately carved wooden panels, people outside can still easily see the people inside.

The three little ones were dressed in identical outfits, the girl in pink and the boy in blue. With similar heights, close and coordinated movements, and outstanding looks, they successfully attracted many people when they entered the lobby.

In particular, Da Bao and Er Bao look very similar, and their exquisitely beautiful appearances are even more eye-catching.

One curious female customer even asked the waiter, "Are these twins?"

The waiter, having received instructions, told the customer in a slightly louder voice, "These are triplets!"

"My God..."

The female guests were all shocked!

For women in those days, childbirth was like passing through the gates of hell; even giving birth to one child was a matter of life and death, let alone giving birth to triplets...

When everyone looked at Shen Qingyu, their expressions were full of admiration!

Qi Yunxiao's dark forehead was particularly noticeable, making it clear at a glance that he was the heir of the Qingping Marquis's mansion.

When the young master came out with his triplets, everyone inquired with the waiter and the news spread that "the young master of the Qingping Marquis's mansion is already married and has triplets."

The person was still sitting in Guiyun Tower when all sorts of people came to investigate.

Soon, it was impossible to find a seat at Guiyun Tower.

Qi Yunxiao was seemingly casually recommending dishes to Shen Qingyu, Zhao Yuzhu, and the triplets, but his eyes were subtly observing the people in the nearby seats.

At one of the tables, a middle-aged woman and a man dressed in brown clothes came into his view.

These two people looked like they were from the palace, and their postures unconsciously followed the rules of the palace.

And they kept glancing this way.

Before long, the man left, leaving only a middle-aged woman sitting there.

The middle-aged woman also called over the waiter, wanting a private room.

The waiter called the manager over, and after a brief discussion, they quickly arranged a private room next to Qi Yunxiao's table.

Qi Yunxiao smiled silently for a moment: As expected, you couldn't hold back anymore.

Shen Qingyu sensed the strange atmosphere, frowned, and tugged at Qi Yunxiao's sleeve: "Come with me."

Qi Yunxiao glanced at Shen Qingyu in surprise, but eventually followed her to the backyard to find a quiet place.

"I don't know what you're planning today, but I have only one request." Shen Qingyu looked up at Qi Yunxiao earnestly.

Qi Yunxiao nodded: "Go ahead."

"We must ensure the safety of the children!"

"I know. Don't worry," Qi Yunxiao immediately assured him.

Shen Qingyu nodded, then turned to walk out again.

Qi Yunxiao grabbed Shen Qingyu, his expression complicated: "Why... why do you never believe me, never give me a chance?"

Shen Qingyu tugged at her arm, but couldn't pull it out, and couldn't help but frown again: "The children are still waiting in the booth!"

Qi Yunxiao stubbornly refused to let go: "I've arranged for people to protect you, so don't worry. Just answer me, why won't you forgive me no matter what I do?"

Shen Qingyu lowered her eyes for a moment, then looked up and sneered, "You're good to me because I'm getting better and better. If I were still the fat and ugly person I was back then, would you still be so attached to me now?"

Qi Yunxiao: "..."

Undeniably, I am attracted to Shen Qingyu as she is now.

What about the Shen Qingyu who was once like that?

Will I not be able to let go?

Will you try again and again?

"If I were still the same, I'm afraid I'd be the one clinging on, right? You'd probably run as far away as you can, wouldn't you?"

"That's true, you've only come back twice in six years."

Shen Qingyu felt a dull ache in her heart.

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