Zhao Yi waved his sleeve, signaling the others to leave first.
The imperial physicians, who were prostrate on the ground, quickly retreated upon receiving the order. After leaving the hall, they breathed heavily and exchanged knowing glances, realizing that their heads had been saved.
At the same time, they were extremely grateful to the woman and the little child who had just appeared, because if they hadn't arrived in time, they would probably be dead by now.
Seeing that all the irrelevant people had left, Zhao Yi bent down, took Yun Xuan's hand, and gestured for Yun Xiao to step forward. He choked up and said, "Talk to your father. You may never see him again."
"Father, he's going to—" Yun Xiao pulled his hand out of Zhu San Niang's grasp, his eyes clearly brimming with tears, yet he tried to keep them wide open. It seemed that as long as he didn't blink, the tears wouldn't fall.
His gaze lingered on Shen Hanshan's pale face, his small hands clenched into fists, and he remained silent.
Yunxuan, however, clung to Shen Hanshan and cried loudly, "Daddy, Daddy, don't you want Xuan'er anymore? Xuan'er will be a good girl and listen to Daddy from now on. Daddy, Daddy, please wake up and talk to Xuan'er, Daddy?!"
Zhao Yi noticed tears welling up in Shen Hanshan's eyes, and his hands, which had been hidden under the blanket, had clenched into fists. He quickly picked up Yun Xuan, gently stroking her back with his large, warm hands, and comforted her, "Xuan'er, you still have your uncle and aunt from now on. We will treat you and Xiao Xiao as our own children."
As he spoke, he looked at Zhu Sanniang, who gave him a meaningful look before turning her gaze to Shen Hanshan on the couch.
She reached out and took Yunxuan from Zhao Yi, and said softly, "Xuan'er, shall we leave with your aunt first?"
Yunxuan nodded, sobbing.
She leaned on Zhu Sanniang's shoulder, her vision blurred by tears, and saw her younger brother Yun Xiao suddenly kneel down in front of Zhao Yi, solemnly saying, "Uncle, Your Majesty, Father is gone. From now on, Xuan'er and Xiao Xiao will listen to Uncle. Whatever Uncle tells us to do, we will do."
Looking at the young child who had lost his father's protection, Zhao Yi felt an indescribable pity and tenderness welling up in his heart.
He crouched down, his gaze level with Yun Xiao's, gentle yet firm: "Xiao Xiao, Xuan'er, remember this: from now on, the palace is your home, and your uncle is your support. No matter how strong the storm, your uncle will always be there to protect you."
You don't need to worry about anything. Just grow up happily, learn skills, and become useful people in the future. Your uncle promises you that he will do everything in his power to protect you and ensure you live a peaceful life.
As he spoke, Zhao Yi gently patted Yun Xiao's shoulder, as if conveying endless strength and comfort.
Yun Xiao looked up, her eyes filled with tears but also with strength and gratitude, and nodded: "Thank you, Uncle Your Majesty. Xiao Xiao and Xuan'er will definitely be obedient and study hard so that Uncle won't worry."
A month later, Zhao Yi announced to the world that his consort, Shen Hanshan, had bravely protected him but unfortunately died. Princess Chaoyang, missing her husband, was heartbroken and bedridden. From then on, she devoted herself to Buddhism at her residence in Chaoyang County to express her grief.
At the same time, it was announced that Zhao Yunxiao would be made crown prince and Zhao Yunxuan would be granted the title of Princess Huai'en, to show the emperor's boundless grace.
The court was in an uproar. The civil and military officials were also reassured.
Although the newly established crown prince is the son of Princess Chaoyang, he is also of royal blood.
Moreover, since the prince consort is dead, there is no need to worry about the crown prince becoming a puppet or being interfered with by the maternal relatives.
Meanwhile, in Dunyang City, at the Fu'an Teahouse.
"Lord Lin, when did your esteemed residence come to possess such an extraordinary treasure?" Li Mu leisurely sipped his tea, his gaze lingering on Minister Lin Qin, who sat in the corner.
Upon hearing the news, Lin Qin immediately stood up, held a teacup, and raised it to Li Mu from afar to show his respect.
"Mu Han is a child who always likes to keep a low profile. I never expected that he would one day gain His Majesty's favor. This is undoubtedly a great opportunity for him," he explained humbly.
Immediately, the people around started talking about it.
"To be honest, Lin Muhan was originally just an unknown copyist in the Wenyuan Pavilion. Unexpectedly, His Majesty took a liking to him at first glance when he visited the Wenyuan Pavilion that day."
Not only was he promoted to a close attendant, but there were also plans to bring him into the harem, making him His Majesty's consort.
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