Even Gong Yeji's drowsy head jolted awake after hearing these words.

Um?

What's going on?

The candidate for daughter-in-law that you have chosen is going to run away?

He couldn't help but look at his son, with a look of disappointment in his eyes.

Two years!

In the past two years, he had created countless opportunities for the two of them for the sake of his son, but this son was like a piece of wood! He only knew how to silently wait on the girl, giving her money when she asked for it and giving her the girl when she asked for it, but he never took the initiative to say that he liked her.

When this girl first came, he supported her behind the scenes a lot.

The girl is leaving now!!

Gong Yeji straightened his face and said, "Could it be that Master Ji has neglected you in some way here? Is he dissatisfied with the courtyard? Or are the servants not serving him wholeheartedly? Just tell me! I'll take care of it for you!"

Ji Changying shook her head: "I believe the emperor has received my letter from Dali. You have treated us very well. However, it is time for us to return. We have already stayed in Beiyan for a year longer than originally planned. We came here today just to say goodbye."

Gongye Ji turned his head and winked at Gongye Siheng, "Say something, boy!"

But Gongye Siheng only stared at Ji Changying and didn't even glance at him.

Gongye Ji was so angry that he lost all mood to attend court.

"Let's discuss this privately. I suddenly feel sick to my stomach, so I'll stop here for today's morning court session. Prince! Help me get some rest."

Gongye Siheng turned his head to look at his father, whose face was flushed. He did not expose his father, but silently stepped forward and helped him walk to the side hall where he could rest.

When they got to the palace, Gong Yeji immediately shook off his hand and looked at him angrily: "You're almost twenty this year! When are you planning to get married? I'm waiting for you to take over this position so I can visit your mother and move her here. How long are you going to put it off? You unfilial son!"

In the past two years, the father and son have gotten along quite well, and Gong Yeji's true nature has gradually been revealed.

He is a person who disregards rules and acts freely and unrestrainedly.

To put it bluntly, he is a person who acts on his own accord and doesn't like to be bound by rules and regulations.

He was forced to take the position back then, and now that he finally has a successor, he is naturally looking forward to taking over his position as soon as possible.

As a result, even he couldn't understand the thoughts of this older boy who appeared halfway.

"What's the hurry?" Gongye Siheng saw his father's furious look. He sat on a chair, poured a cup of tea and drank it slowly.

"What's the rush? The girl is about to leave. Do you like it or not? If you don't like it, I will announce to the world that I will choose a concubine for you, and you will get married next month!"

"dream!"

"So what do you want?! You tell me, even if it's the moon in the sky, I'll find a way to get it for you!"

"I have my own plans! Don't worry about it."

Gongye Siheng put down his teacup and walked out the door, leaving Gongye Ji glaring at him angrily: "You little bastard! You stubborn donkey!"

The eunuch who had followed him since childhood shrank his neck: "Just like when you were young..."

······

Ji Changying didn't care whether the emperor of Beiyan agreed or not, she was determined to go back.

Because the day before Zuo Zhengxian came to her with the letter, she received a letter from Zhong Lizhou.

The people he sent out with the black dog traveled almost all over Dali, collecting all the gold, silver and treasures hidden by the previous dynasty, making the national treasury much more sufficient.

But... Jiang Qianruo's health is not very good, so she should come back as soon as possible.

Although the words were subtle, Ji Changying had a bad feeling in his heart.

So after Zuo Zhengxian packed up her things, she counted the number of people and immediately set off with the team, preparing to return to Dali.

Unexpectedly, as soon as she left Yuncheng, she saw Gongye Siheng riding a horse and waiting for her with a bag on his back.

"I didn't see you when I went to the Prince's Mansion. I thought you were out. I didn't expect you to be waiting for me here."

Ji Changying looked at him with some emotion. They had known each other for so many years, and she had watched Xie Siheng transform from a gloomy and unstable boy to the thoughtful crown prince he is today.

"I know you will come to me to say goodbye, but you don't have to. I also received a letter from Zhongli Zhou. I will go back with you this time."

Ji Changying raised her eyebrows, a little surprised.

Given how much Gongye Ji values ​​him, would he let him return to Dali?

Gongye Ji certainly wouldn't do that. He was worried that his son would have the same personality as him and would run away during the Dali period!

But he didn't expect that his son would act first and report later. The person had already left, leaving only a letter for him.

The two simple sentences above: "Whether it works or not depends on this time. If you want a daughter-in-law, don't chase me."

Gong Yeji laughed angrily after reading the letter: "Retribution! It's really retribution!"

What he did back then happened again to his son, but this time the target of his anger was him.

The eunuch next to him buried his head in his chest and didn't dare to respond.

——

The group traveled day and night and returned to the capital after two full months.

As soon as he arrived in Beijing, he was taken to the palace by Zhonglizhou's people.

Looking at Jiang Qianruo lying on the bed in Yanfu Palace, Ji Changying could hardly believe his eyes.

In just two years, Jiang Qianruo had become emaciated.

The whole person was lying there, so thin that she seemed like she could be blown away by a gust of wind. Emperor Mingde, who was sitting beside her bed, had a bent back, gray hair, and many wrinkles on his face, making him look much older.

Sitting there he looked like an ordinary old man, totally different from the mighty Shenwu he was two years ago.

When Emperor Mingde saw her and Gongye Siheng come in together, a look of relief flashed in his eyes.

Prince Ping and his wife, Ji Fengshou and his wife, Ji Changchuan, Zhonglizhou and the others all stood by the bed, watching Ji Changying's eyes flash with joy, but they restrained themselves.

"Xiao Ruo, A Ying and Heng Er are back, go and see them."

Emperor Mingde grabbed Jiang Qianruo's hand and spoke softly.

Jiang Qianruo, who was in a daze, heard the voice, struggled to open his eyes, and immediately felt that there were two more people in the room.

Her dim eyes suddenly brightened a little and she looked up.

"Grandma!" Ji Changying felt her gaze and rushed over to grab her hand: "I'm back! I should have come back earlier, but I was delayed on the way."

Jiang Qianruo forced a smile on his face: "I'm glad you're back. I've been waiting for you."

As she spoke, she looked behind Ji Changying.

"Grandma!"

At this moment, Gongye Siheng seemed to be the child who grew up under Jiang Qianruo's care. He knelt on the ground with his knees bent, holding Jiang Qianruo's other hand tightly.

"Okay, you're all back!"

Jiang Qianruo's happiness didn't seem fake: "I finally didn't persevere for this period of time in vain. Seeing that you have all grown up now, I am very relieved. It's a pity that I can't see you get married..."

Ji Changying said softly, "How could that be? Ah Ying will find a husband for herself next year, and then grandma will have to check on me!"

"Grandmother! Heng'er was raised by you, and now that he has lost his mother, Heng'er would like to ask you to grant him a marriage. When the time comes, you will take the main seat. We bow to you!"