Prince Jia colluded with barbarians, betrayed the country, and even started a war for his own selfish reasons, causing the people to be scattered and suffering. His crimes were heinous. Xie Lang dealt with him first and then showed no mercy to him.
Xie Yong was executed by slow slicing, while the rebellious princes were each given a cup of poisoned wine, dying swiftly and decisively without any chance of reversal, leaving everyone trembling with fear.
But that's a rebellion! Who would do something like that for no reason? His Majesty's methods aren't aimed at them, so what's there to be afraid of?
With this in mind, the court officials quickly felt relieved.
Although Xie Lang had been eagerly anticipating his marriage to Wen Hemian even before returning, and had made almost all the necessary preparations, he was soon held back by post-war affairs. He met and held talks with different ministers every day, and also had to take care of the matters that Wen Hemian had put aside.
Wen Chengyuan had returned in a hurry last time and hadn't gone out for sightseeing, while Qin Yi hadn't been back to the capital for many years.
All the changes in Beijing were new and exciting to her.
Wen Hemian spent two days with her, and Qin Yi was delighted: "Suddenly I feel that staying in the capital in the future is not a bad idea."
At least for now, the young emperor and his scoundrel father seem to have nothing to do with each other. Qin Yi was born into a wealthy family, and the bustling capital city was naturally more attractive to her than the desolate border region.
"It depends on what you and Father think. If you find it noisy, I have also bought a house in the suburbs. It is nestled against the mountains and by the water, and is very beautiful. You should feel more comfortable living there."
Wen Hemian had considered all the possibilities in advance.
"My dear Shuang'er, how can you be so sensible?"
Qin Yi patted her shoulder with pity, feeling even more that the years she and Wen Chengyuan had been absent were such a pity.
Qin Yi was reluctant to bring up these sad topics. She sighed and quickly changed the subject: "Your father and I have made up our minds. This time we're back, we're not leaving again. The military is ultimately a young man's world. It's time for those little guys to take over."
If he hadn't been so unable to bear it any longer, the Prince of Huailing would never have volunteered to guard the border.
After the situation on the border calmed down a bit, Wen Chengyuan trained a large number of subordinates who shone brightly in this war and were able to shoulder heavy responsibilities.
Moreover, it is estimated that there will be no more fighting on the border for the next one or two decades, and their presence is sufficient.
Wen Heming paused for a moment: "That's good."
Not only Xie Lang, but also Wen Chengyuan suffered many hidden injuries. It's a good thing that they can rest and enjoy their old age.
"It's alright." Qin Yi gently hugged her. "This time, staying is different from when the late emperor was alive. We also need to confirm whether the young emperor is worthy of your entrusting your life to."
I may acknowledge their abilities, but time will tell. Seeing it with my own eyes will put my mind at ease.
Sensing the deep concern in Qin Yi's words, Wen Hemian wanted to say not to worry, but her voice choked as she said, "...Okay."
...
With the matter in the north settled, the happiest among the court officials was none other than the Minister of Revenue.
With fewer freeloading princes and members of the royal family, and with a considerable amount of money extracted from their fiefdoms, the amount of silver available for expenditure suddenly increased, allowing them to barely recover after the war.
That's why they say murder and arson bring wealth; raiding this place brings in money.
Upon their victorious return, the entire palace rejoiced. Upon hearing the news, Lai Xi had already ordered the palace to be cleaned again.
They weren't here during the holidays, but they still made sure to put up plenty of couplets and window decorations, saying it was for good luck. Now that they've come back and I see them again, it feels strangely lively.
Xie Lang diligently handled various complicated matters for several days, eagerly awaiting Wen Hemian's return to the palace. He stopped reading the memorials and focused his attention on her, following behind her and chattering on and on.
"I was thinking that if the Grand Tutor doesn't come to the palace soon, I'll go to the Prince's residence to find him."
Xie Lang's words contained an implicit accusation, expressing slight dissatisfaction with Wen Hemian's abandonment of him.
Wen Hemian ignored him, his expression unchanged as he picked up his teacup, took a sip, and said in a calm voice, "I spend more than half of each month in the palace. Your Majesty, do you even know the meaning of restraint?"
From another perspective, when she was not in the palace, Xie Lang would most likely go out with her, which meant they were practically inseparable every day.
"Of course I understand," Xie Lang said shamelessly, "I just don't want to hold back in front of the Grand Tutor."
Wen Hemian helplessly pushed his head away as it kept getting closer: "...You have no shame."
If his private tantrums and unreasonable behavior were shown to the court officials and common people who admired him, they would be astonished.
Xie Lang seized the opportunity and kissed her twice on the cheek, then revealed a triumphant smile, repeating like a broken record: "How dare you."
"Just say what you have to say, stop beating around the bush."
Wen Hemian, who knew Xie Lang very well, immediately noticed something was amiss.
Xie Lang was more straightforward than her, whether in matters of the heart or in other aspects; it was rare to see him so hesitant.
"Hanshuang, you're so clever." Xie Lang smiled and nuzzled her cheek, his voice drawn out, low and melodious, "The wedding dress is finished, shall we go try it on?"
Over the past year, he had been collecting Wen Hemian's favorite items intentionally or unintentionally. With the help of the palace embroiderers, he had the items inspected on the first day of his return. However, he didn't see anyone wearing them in person, so the feeling was different.
Wen Hemian was still angry, but after thinking about it all the way, she couldn't find a suitable way to punish him, so she had to put it aside for the time being.
Just like now, even though she knows that Xie Lang is most likely acting cute and pitiful in front of her, she still can't help but soften her heart.
This was a joyous occasion, and she couldn't bear to disappoint him.
"Okay, let's go take a look."
Xie Lang, beaming with joy, pulled Wen Hemian to the side hall.
Wen Hemian hadn't been to the side hall since returning, so he didn't even know that people had placed things there—a classic case of being blind to what's right under your nose.
Xie Lang had clearly already looked through it once. He stepped forward and accurately lifted a box, inside which were neatly folded bright red wedding clothes.
There was even a large bronze mirror that had been moved there at some point, which could clearly reflect the two of them. It probably served as a dressing mirror. Wen Hemian glanced at it but didn't pay any attention to it.
Her attention was focused on the wedding dress.
Xie Lang dismissed the palace servants early on and stood there eagerly: "These clothes are not easy to wear, I will serve the Grand Tutor."
The words were spoken in a grand and dignified manner.
Wen Hemian was too lazy to expose him. Fortunately, the hall was still heated by the underfloor heating, so she wasn't afraid of the cold. She took off her outer robe, calmly walked up to Xie Lang, opened her arms, and said leisurely, "Come on."
The emperor's dark and deep gaze was fixed on her, his Adam's apple bobbing, and he surprisingly remained honest: "Hmm."
He skillfully held the clothes and dressed Wen Heming, and even when his fingers accidentally brushed against her skin, he did so carefully and restrainedly.
Wen Heming lowered her eyes, remaining silent and letting him do as he pleased.
So much so that when they finally saw her reflection in the bronze mirror, both of them were stunned.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com