The Fifth Prince said to Consort Yi, “Mother, I have never felt that you owe me anything. Although I could not grow up by your side, you have always cared for me. Moreover, I have received the love of my grandmother, and I am very content!”

My grandmother is getting old. She accompanied me as I grew up, and I want her to enjoy her old age in peace.

Moreover, my residences are next to those of my ninth and eleventh brothers, so I can visit you anytime!

Consort Yi felt that what the Fifth Prince said made sense, and that the Empress Dowager truly loved the Fifth Prince. She didn't see any need to damage her mother-son relationship with him, so she readily agreed.

So the Empress Dowager went to the Fifth Prince's residence in high spirits.

The date for Emperor Jingning's enthronement ceremony has been set. Emperor Jingning requested that He Xue's empress coronation ceremony be held together with his enthronement ceremony, so that He Xue could receive the congratulations of the officials with him.

No sooner had Emperor Jingning finished speaking than someone stood up to object, "Your Majesty, this is unreasonable!"

"I allow you to have opinions, but I will not listen. Holding the empress's coronation ceremony and the enthronement ceremony together will save money. What's wrong with that?" Emperor Jingning said with a stern face.

“This servant thinks Your Majesty’s suggestion is excellent!” Suhetai said.

Those who opposed it found Sukhtha's actions shameless; the queen was his daughter, and Sukhtha must have agreed to it.

“Prince Cheng, Prince Yong, could you two please say something?” Someone looked at the Third Prince and the Fourth Prince, hoping they could stop Emperor Jingning.

"I will follow my elder brother's arrangements!" the Third Prince and the Fourth Prince said, exchanging a glance.

They knew that when Emperor Jingning said this, he had definitely made up his mind, and no one could change it.

"Your Majesty, I have something to say!" the eldest prince said.

[Could it be that the Grand General disagrees?] Everyone looked at the eldest prince expectantly.

"Brother, please speak!" Emperor Jingning said.

"Why waste words with them? Anyone who disagrees can try to see how fast my sword is! Are you taking advantage of the fact that the Emperor has just ascended the throne and want to manipulate him?" the eldest prince asked, pointing at the men.

"Your servants dare not!" those people immediately knelt on the ground and said.

"Since no one objects, it's settled then. Ministry of Rites, please prepare for the enthronement and empress's investiture ceremonies! Court adjourned!" Emperor Jingning said, then turned and left.

Some people went directly to Emperor Kangxi. Although Kangxi did not quite agree with such a thing, he did not step in to stop it. Since he had delegated power, he would no longer interfere. So those people could only leave dejectedly.

When He Xue heard about this, she was curious about how Emperor Jingning had managed to get those old fogies to agree. Would they really allow a woman like her to be worshipped at such a solemn and serious occasion as the coronation ceremony?

Emperor Jingning held He Xue's hand and said, "Don't worry, I'm here for you. I will always stand in front of you and protect you from the wind and rain!"

We're going to walk through life hand in hand; this is a part of our lives, so of course we'll walk together!

"Alright!" He Xue nodded vigorously and said, "You fight in the imperial court, I will secure the harem for you. We trust each other and will spend our lives together."

During the coronation ceremony, amidst the resounding cries of "Long live the Emperor!", Emperor Jingning, holding He Xue's hand, walked firmly forward, together receiving the homage of civil and military officials.

He Xue looked at Emperor Jingning with tears in her eyes, only to see him smiling at her with eyes full of doting affection.

After Emperor Jingning ascended the throne, there were suggestions that he should select concubines, since his harem consisted of only one empress, which was far too meager compared to the harem of the retired emperor.

Emperor Jingning made it clear that he would not sell himself and did not need to use the harem to balance the court.

Many people envy He Xue's good fortune in being favored by Emperor Jingning.

"Crown Prince...please spare me!..." He Xue cried and begged for mercy.

Emperor Jingning did not let He Xue off the hook. After a long time, Emperor Jingning held He Xue with a satisfied look on his face and said with tender eyes, "I also like it when you call me Crown Prince Brother!"

He Xue turned her head away, ignoring Emperor Jingning, "Liar, you said you'd let me get a good night's sleep tonight!"

"How about tomorrow? Remember you promised me you wouldn't participate in the talent show, so you have to keep my promise!" Emperor Jingning kissed He Xue's cheek, then pulled her into his arms. "Sleep now!"

[The Crown Prince has finally escaped his historical fate, how wonderful!] He Xue happily went to sleep! (The End)