The two of them walked together to the side hall of Xiangyun Hall and sat down. The maids had already served them fragrant tea and snacks.
Xue Shanqiu was young and very curious. He couldn't bear to sit for long, and looked towards the main hall from time to time, trying to find out what was going on there.
Jiang Shuxiu had something on her mind and ignored the snacks and tea on the table. She just held the teacup in her hand with a confused look in her eyes, not knowing what she was thinking.
Not long after, Xiangqin came hurriedly and entered the Xiangyun Hall. When she saw Jiang Shuxiu and Xue Shanqiu, she just nodded slightly and then walked into the main hall.
After waiting for another stick of incense, footsteps were heard outside, and the sound of Hong Yingrong escorting the eunuch out was heard again.
Jiang Shuxiu came back to her senses and looked up, only to see Hong Yingrong walking out of the Xiangyun Hall accompanied by Xiangqin and Mother Han, with a hint of worry between her brows.
"Mother." Jiang Shuxiu and Xue Shanqiu stood up at the same time and went to greet her.
When Hong Yingrong saw them, especially Jiang Shuxiu standing there with her bulging belly, she knew it must be her youngest daughter who instigated her to act up. "You're not feeling well, so why are you here?"
Jiang Shuxiu pursed her lips and asked softly, "My daughter-in-law is feeling uneasy. I wonder if the person who came to the palace is related to the prince? Did something happen to him outside?"
Hong Yingrong solemnly ordered Aunt Zhao, "Hurry and prepare the carriage. I want to enter the palace immediately."
Nanny Zhao left immediately, and Hong Yingrong turned to her daughter-in-law and said in a deep voice, "Shuxiu, Yuanchu came to the palace to see the emperor early this morning. He asked His Majesty to deprive him of his title of the Marquis of Xingyuan. This matter is of great importance, so Eunuch Chen sent someone to inform me."
Jiang Shuxiu was shocked when she heard this, but she quickly calmed down: "Mother, I want to go too. Yuanchu must have his reasons for making such a decision."
Hong Yingrong gently patted Jiang Shuxiu's hand, signaling her not to worry, and said softly, "You are pregnant, so you shouldn't overwork yourself. Just stay in the mansion and take care of your baby."
The youngest daughter, Xue Shanqiu, also eagerly interrupted, "Mother, let me go to the palace with you. I also want to know what happened to my eldest brother."
Hong Yingrong looked at Xue Shanqiu's young yet determined face. Since the matter was urgent, she nodded and said, "Okay, Qiu'er, come with me into the palace."
At this moment, Aunt Zhao came hurriedly to report: "The carriage is ready."
Hong Yingrong nodded, then hurriedly left Xiangyun Hall and headed for the palace.
Mother Han watched them leave, then turned to comfort Jiang Shuxiu, "Young Madam, don't worry too much. The prince is a sensible person and will definitely handle this matter well."
Jiang Shuxiu took a deep breath and tried to calm her worries: "Thank you, Mother Han, for your comfort. I know Yuanchu has his own plans, but I can't help but worry."
…
At this time, in the imperial study of the Qianqing Palace, Xue Yuanchu faced Emperor Li Longze with a firm expression and determination in his eyes.
Li Longze sat behind the desk, looking at the memorial he had written, frowning slightly, and glancing at Xue Yuanchu with sharp eyes from time to time.
This morning after court, the eunuch came to inform me that the prince of Xingyuan Marquis was waiting in the imperial study.
Thinking that he had not seen Xue Yuanchu for a long time, and hearing that he was once depressed due to a leg injury, Li Longze couldn't help but feel curious. He wanted to quickly see this prince of the marquisate whom he once admired so much. After not seeing him for so many days, what did he look like now?
This exploration and expectation made Li Longze's steps back to the imperial study much lighter.
Seeing that Li Longze had not made a decision on his request for a long time, Xue Yuanchu stood up from the chair he was given and took a step forward.
"Your Majesty, I, Xue Yuanchu, have come to ask for your permission." His voice was loud and clear, and every word was distinct. "I wish to resign the title of the Marquis of Xingyuan and serve my country at the western border."
Li Longze raised his eyebrows when he heard this. He put down the memorial in his hand, looked up at Xue Yuanchu, and asked in a deep voice, "Lord Xue, do you know what this means?"
"I understand," Xue Yuanchu nodded. "By resigning the title of Prince, I'm giving up the splendor and wealth of the Marquisate and entering the military. But I believe that as a man, I owe it to my country and my people. The western border is the barrier of the Great Zhou, and I'm willing to go and protect it, Your Majesty, and share your worries."
Li Longze listened to Xue Yuanchu's statement with a hint of admiration in his eyes.
However, he still politely refused, "It has not even been a year since the old marquis passed away. If you resign the title of Crown Prince at this time, I am afraid it will trigger discussions in the court, and people will think that I have treated the descendants of loyal and good people unfairly..."
"Your Majesty, you worry too much. I volunteered to go to the border." He explained anxiously, fearing that Li Longze would reject his request.
"I understand your thoughts," Li Longze said calmly, his words full of concern. "But life in the military camp is hard and dangerous. You'll be in danger if you go there..."
"I am ready!" Xue Yuanchu boldly interrupted Li Longze and declared his determination again.
Li Longze stared at his face full of determination, and a wave of emotion welled up in his heart.
After a brief moment of contemplation, he finally agreed: "Very well! Since you have made up your mind, I will grant your wish. From today on, you are no longer the heir of the Marquis of Xingyuan, but a steward of the military camp at the western border. I hope you can continue the glory of the Marquisate and serve the country with all your heart."
Xue Yuanchu's heart was filled with emotion. He bowed deeply and said, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your grace! I will do my best to live up to your expectations!"
When leaving the Qianqing Palace, Xue Yuanchu's expression revealed an excitement that was hard to conceal. A young eunuch followed him respectfully and escorted him out of the palace.
The moment Xue Yuanchu stepped out of the palace gate, he happened to meet his mother Hong Yingrong and younger sister Xue Shanqiu who had just got off the carriage.
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