Chapter 466 When the Moon is Full Again, I Will Definitely Return

"The time it will take to return after this journey..."

Pei Ji did not continue speaking.

But Sheng Sheng already understood what he meant.

The last trace of a smile faded from the little girl's face, her lips pursed into a shallow arc, and her once bright eyes were now veiled with a thin mist.

The hostage had no choice in his own destiny, and the political situation between the two countries was constantly changing. Pei Ji was originally a pawn to be discarded, but he managed to gain firm control of his own destiny step by step through his own efforts.

Since he had decided to accomplish great things, Pei Ji had to personally handle many matters.

It could also be said that Pei Ji squeezed out these two months for Sheng Sheng.

"But, but what about Father Emperor..."

He frowned. "Didn't they say that Father Emperor had only agreed to allow him to leave for a short time?"

Pei Ji suddenly smiled, revealing that lighthearted feeling that he only showed in front of her.

"So, Sheng Sheng, you have to keep this a secret for me."

Once he leaves, he has no say in when he will return; it may be three months, or half a year, or... longer.

“The old emperor is nearing his end. This time, when he returns to Song, he needs to pave the way and clear away all obstacles. Naturally, he cannot return on the original date.” Pei Ji said calmly, “Sheng Sheng, don’t worry.”

Her eyelashes trembled slightly, and looking into the sharp glint in his eyes, she suddenly understood.

He was never a hostage to be manipulated; every step he took was carefully planned. This journey was not only to fight for his own life, but also to lay the groundwork for the future.

This move should be considered crucial and of paramount importance.

"I...I understand." She sniffed, her small hands gripping his sleeve tightly, her voice soft yet firm, "I'll keep it a secret for you, I won't tell anyone."

Pei Ji felt a warmth in his heart, raised his hand to ruffle her hair, and smiled gently: "Good girl."

The atmosphere suddenly became heavy. Sheng Sheng shook her head and said, "Brother Pei Ji, let's not talk about this anymore. Today is your birthday!"

"Shall I take you to the lake to see the moon?"

"OK."

Pei Ji picked up the little girl, skillfully used his lightness skill, and darted out of Jingyue Pavilion.

As her clothes fluttered, the evening breeze carried the fragrance of grass and trees past her ears. She instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck, pressed her face against his warm shoulder, and felt the wind whistling beneath her feet. The eaves rushed past her, and in an instant, she landed on the shore of South Lake.

Sheng Sheng was unconsciously surprised; she hadn't realized that her brother Pei Ji had become so powerful.

All of this was for the ideal in his heart.

The night was as dark as ink, the lake surface shimmered with tiny silver lights, and a full moon hung in the sky, its clear light spilling across the lakeside, casting long shadows of the two people.

Pei Ji gently quieted down, smoothing her wind-blown hair with his fingertips. His gaze fell on the shimmering waves, and the gloom around him seemed to be somewhat diluted by the moonlight.

Sheng Sheng took his hand and walked a few steps forward, her skirt brushing against the green grass on the bank. Looking up at the full moon in the sky, she smiled and said, "Look, the moon is so round today, just like... just like the reunion cake for my brother's birthday!"

After saying that, Sheng Sheng turned around and, under Pei Ji's gentle and lingering gaze, said in a clear voice, "Brother Pei Ji, you have always been Sheng Sheng's brother, and an indispensable member of Sheng Sheng's family."

"Happy birthday, Brother Pei Ji. No matter how long I'm gone, I'll be here waiting for you to come back when the moon is full."

Pei Ji's heart skipped a beat. He looked down and met her clear and earnest eyes. Under the moonlight, the girl's expression was unbelievably serious.

His Adam's apple bobbed slightly. He raised his hand and gently ruffled the top of her hair, his voice soft yet solemn: "Okay, I will definitely come back when the moon is full again."

...

Sheng Sheng didn't know why, but ever since Pei Ji left, life seemed to have been put on fast-forward.

In less than three months, the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion was destroyed, and the only remaining member of the Qin family was the eldest son, Qin Yubin, in Nanli County.

Upon hearing about the Zhenguo Duke's Mansion, Qin Yubin wrote three memorials overnight and sent them to the palace. As a son, he used his many years of political achievements and his promise to stay in Nanli County for the rest of his life to plead for the emperor's mercy, even though he knew it was impossible.

Xie Yuxiao, of course, did not agree.

Although the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion was also deceived by Empress Zheng, their actions were genuine, and he could not forgive those who hurt his daughter.

However, Qin Yubin was still grateful to His Majesty for sparing his life, and he insisted on spending the rest of his life in the southernmost part of Yu State, willing to be a minor county magistrate.

The Zheng family also fell into ruin after Empress Zheng was deposed. Everyone in the family was investigated, including the second branch of the family who had helped Empress Zheng amass wealth in the Haijin area. They were all imprisoned.

If it weren't for the current Second Prince Xie Yun, the entire Zheng family might have ended up like the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion.

The Minister of War was replaced, but the entire Six Ministries underwent a major reshuffle due to the Minister of Agriculture's affair, with many changes, including promotions and demotions.

The Minister of Revenue, who is also Li Manyan's grandfather, was not affected by this incident. On the contrary, he inexplicably gained the praise and trust of the new crown prince.

Xie Yunchuan, the newly appointed crown prince, was already well-known for his excellence. After taking over the Eastern Palace, he acted swiftly and decisively, suppressing the remaining dissent in the court in less than three months.

Now that Xie Yunyang has been relieved of her responsibilities, she can finally keep her favorite cats and dogs in her palace as she pleases.

Aside from the occasional activities with everyone, Xie Yunyang's biggest hobby every day is to stay in a room he specially set aside for his cats and dogs and play with them.

There's also good news: so far, the Rejuvenating Herb in the Imperial Hospital is growing quite well, and there haven't been any problems yet.

If things continue like this, it shouldn't be a big problem for the Rejuvenating Grass to grow successfully, and Xie Yunwen's leg ailment can have a greater chance of recovery.

On New Year's Eve this year, everything was peaceful and harmonious, and Xie Yunchuan was finally able to do what he had been unable to do before.

He asked for a marriage decree at a palace banquet, and the bride was none other than Li Manyan.

Upon hearing the news, Xie Yunqi immediately began to howl and jeer.

Li Manyan blushed deeply, and Sheng Sheng and the others quickly stopped her, preventing a bigger commotion.

Fortunately, thanks to Consort Rong's relief and Xie Yuxiao's surprise, the arranged marriage went very smoothly.

Xie Yuxiao has always been open-minded and has never done anything like arranging marriages for his children. However, Xie Yuxiao was very happy that Xie Yunchuan was the first of his children to get married, and immediately said that the marriage should be arranged as soon as possible.

Moreover, it was Xie Yunchuan who took the initiative to propose, and judging from Li Manyan's reaction, the two were clearly in love.

Xie Yuxiao was even more satisfied. He immediately issued an imperial edict ordering the Imperial Observatory to select an auspicious day overnight. He also instructed the Imperial Household Department to take the lead in preparing for the wedding, ensuring that it was grand and respectable and that the future Crown Princess was not wronged in the slightest.

It wasn't until the imperial decree bestowing the marriage upon the Li family that Lord Li understood why the new crown prince had praised him so highly, despite their limited contact.

The sentiment isn't praising him, it's praising his granddaughter, right?