After giving his instructions, Xie Lang stood there for a moment before finally speaking in a hoarse voice, "Let's go back to the palace."
Huo Ping sighed inwardly.
He had practically watched this young emperor grow up, but who would have thought such a turn of events would happen.
When Lord Wen was in power, His Majesty would occasionally throw a tantrum, but even without anyone to appease him, he would calm down on his own. Now, however, he has become much more subdued. It is only when he is at the height of his spirits that he is gloomy and cold all day long. I wonder how he will get through the long years to come.
I just hope he can come to his senses soon.
Xie Lang returned to the palace.
This time, after much persuasion, she didn't run around in just a single layer of clothing. However, after such a night of running around, she developed a slight fever upon returning to the palace.
The Imperial Physician examined him and prescribed two doses of medicine.
As he left, he kept shaking his head and whispered to Lai Xi, "His Majesty's condition is not good. Please take good care of him."
Lai Xi's life these past few days has been full of ups and downs, and her mood has also been fluctuating wildly. First, she learned that Lord Wen was actually a woman, and then she thought about His Majesty's unspeakable feelings, which made her extremely worried.
Upon hearing the imperial physician's words, he quickly replied, "Don't worry, I understand."
The Imperial Physician hesitated, then ultimately said nothing more.
The relationship between His Majesty and Minister Wen is different from that of most monarchs and imperial tutors in history. The mutual support and assistance during his humble days is even more unforgettable. In addition, over the years, everyone has seen how much His Majesty relies on Minister Wen.
How could I let it go so easily?
We can only hope that His Majesty will recover soon.
Those imprisoned were either executed or exiled. The court gradually stabilized, and the common people had to go on with their lives as usual, since the joys and sorrows of those in power were mostly unrelated to them.
So when the first firework lit up the sky, it instantly shattered the tranquility of the entire capital. Then, more beautiful fireworks shot into the sky, illuminating the night and creating a lively atmosphere.
Originally, it was supposed to be Lord Wen who returned to eat with His Majesty for the New Year's Eve dinner, but unfortunately that plan has fallen through. Lai Xi simply ordered the Imperial Kitchen to prepare some simple dishes, thinking that His Majesty probably wouldn't be in the mood to eat anyway.
Stripped of his agreeable demeanor in front of Lord Wen, His Majesty's thoughts are becoming increasingly difficult to fathom.
Lai Xi felt uneasy, but at least she had eaten the meal properly today.
After finishing his dinner, Xie Lang raised his eyes and calmly ordered, "Go find some paper money."
Lai Xi was caught off guard and startled: "Your Majesty..."
The young emperor gave a light, mocking laugh: "What if? I don't want her to have a bad time over there."
Lai Xi became mute.
Indeed, His Majesty was unwilling to accept the bad news that Lord Wen might have passed away, but the chances of survival were slim. In the worst-case scenario, His Majesty certainly did not want Lord Wen to suffer any injustice.
"Yes, this servant will go and prepare it immediately."
Lai Xi took a deep breath, bowed, and stepped back to prepare.
As night fell, Lai Xi sent everyone out beforehand, then stood quietly to the side, watching His Majesty burn paper money with his back turned.
The bright flames licked at the paper money, turning it to ashes in an instant. The ashes were carried upwards by the cold wind. Even in the snowy weather, the temperature of the flames was scorching. Several times, Lai Xi saw the fire almost burn the dragon robe, and he felt his heart pound with fear.
If he hadn't known that His Majesty wasn't the impulsive type, he would have thought that Xie Lang would have perished along with the flames.
After a long while, Xie Lang's hand, which had been reaching for the paper money, found nothing. He then patted the dust off his clothes and asked in a low voice, "Grand Tutor, if you really... could you come back and see me?"
"...Even in a dream is fine."
You promised to have New Year's Eve dinner with me, but you didn't keep your word. You said you wouldn't break your promise.
"I was wrong, I'm sorry, please don't be angry with me, okay?"
I've rambled on and on, but no one will answer.
Xie Lang knew this, of course.
Perhaps because he had been numb for too long, when he thought about it again, all he felt was a dull ache in his heart. Xie Lang stared at the flames in the basin burning away little by little before slowly looking up at the fireworks in the sky.
It's very beautiful; he and Wen Heming have seen it many times together.
He didn't regret his feelings, but rather that he was just as she said—too impulsive and naive, forcing her to make a choice and leading her into an extremely narrow situation.
If he could do it all over again, he would be more careful and thoughtful in his consideration and treatment of this relationship.
Instead of continuing to pressure her.
...
Everyone says that the land beyond the Great Wall is bitterly cold, but for Wen Hemian, the scenery here is uniquely beautiful.
Qin Yi caught a cold a few days ago and specifically told Wen Hemian not to get close to her, seemingly thinking that she was still the same weak child she used to be and still needed special care.
Wen Heming was both moved and bittersweet.
She didn't blame the system. After all, without this deal, she wouldn't have been able to go to another world or continue living here. There's no such thing as a free lunch, so this was already a perfect outcome.
Wen Chengyuan pointed to the distant hills and said, "Shuang'er, look there. When I came here before, the barbarian camp was already set up there. A few miles ahead, there was the border city and tens of thousands of people. I led my men to drive them inch by inch into the depths of the desert, and only now have they dared not come out and act arrogantly for so many years."
Wen Hemian nodded: "Father is very capable, and the border guards are also very capable."
"It's all earned with our lives." Wen Chengyuan smiled slightly, then suddenly changed the subject, "Actually, your father is very proud to have a daughter like you."
His tone became more serious: "The late emperor was muddleheaded, neglecting state affairs and distrusting the Wen family. If your mother and I hadn't gone to guard the border, the entire Wen family would probably have been implicated. The first few years were difficult, but we managed to get through them by gritting our teeth. Things only got much better after the young emperor ascended the throne."
Wen Heming seemed to sense something and looked at him.
Wen Chengyuan smiled and said, "What Dad meant was that you are very capable."
"You protect the country and support the young emperor, so that your parents can stay at the border without any worries. You have done so much, which is beyond the reach of ordinary people."
"A gentleman would rather die than regret it, and so should a woman. Trust your choices, don't be too hard on yourself, or your parents will be heartbroken."
After going around in circles, the key point is finally here. Wen Hemian chuckled: "Thank you for your guidance, Father. Han Shuang understands."
Those involved are often blinded by their own perspectives, and even experienced opinions can be wrong. Once Wen Hemian was enlightened, she felt much more relaxed, and the awkwardness of not seeing each other for several years was completely dispelled as they spent time together.
Her parents treated her very well.
"That's fine then."
Wen Chengyuan suddenly breathed a sigh of relief.
Having led troops in battle for many years, he had long forgotten most of the Confucian classics he had read before. It took him several days just to organize his thoughts, and he was even ridiculed by his wife. He dared not fall behind.
"You've fulfilled your duties. From now on, you can stay here or go somewhere else. Your parents won't force you to get married or not. As long as you live a peaceful life, that's enough. Do you understand?"
It must be said that Wen Chengyuan and Qin Yi's ideas were quite advanced for this era.
Wen Hemian raised her eyebrows, genuinely pleased: "Okay."
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