Qingming Pavilion.
Yu Pei was still lying on his rattan chair counting fallen leaves. In a blink of an eye, he saw a woman outside the door.
He quickly stood up and saluted: "Your Highness greets Jia Wanrong, and may the young lady be blessed with good fortune."
"Master Yu, it's just the two of us now, so let's skip the formalities!"
Wei Shuyi liked the scenery in his yard, especially the simple swing he had built right under the ancient tree in the center of the yard, which made it easier for her to think of her childhood.
Her father stayed by her side, pushing the swing for her again and again, and her sisters applauded and cheered beside her.
"My dear, have you encountered any troubles? Every time you come here, you like to be in a daze."
"No." She came back to her senses and said earnestly, "I want to ask Taoist Yu for a favor."
"My young master, you are too kind. You are the master, how can you ask me for help?"
"But, looking at the entire Yonghua Palace, only Taoist Yu can help me." Wei Shuyi sighed softly, "Right now, the Imperial Preceptor is not here, and the Emperor only trusts you when it comes to numerology. Plus, Taoist Yu also accompanied us on the ritual that day at Yiqing Terrace..."
"Young Master, just speak frankly."
"I want you to help me tell a lie, or lie to the emperor."
He put down the leaves of various sizes in his hand and said, "My lord, do you want me to commit the crime of deceiving the emperor?"
"Of course it's not that serious. I'm not someone who wants to drag Taoist Yu into this mess. It's just that the situation forces me to do so. I need a helper."
"My lady, please don't worry. I have no intention of questioning you. I have carefully considered this since entering the palace. From now on, I will do my best to protect you within my ability. Therefore, I agree."
She was surprised that things went so smoothly.
I thought I would have to spend more time explaining it, but he nodded so quickly that I completely skipped this step.
Wei Shuyi couldn't help but ask him, "Master Yu, why are you so good to me? From the beginning, I was willing to be castrated to enter the palace, and now I am involved in the crime of deceiving the emperor, and you didn't even ask for the truth..."
"My lord, have you forgotten? I am a fortune teller and can predict the future. I know that you will be very successful, so I will work for you in advance. Do you accept this reason?"
“But in my heart, Taoist Yu is not someone who covets fame and fortune.”
Yu Pei suddenly leaned in front of her, his beard fluttering in the wind, almost touching her cheek. He loved drinking as always, and there was an indescribable aroma of alcohol on his body, not the sour smell of a drunk on the street, but rather a pleasant smell.
The scars on his face took on even more bizarre curves and depths when observed up close, making her feel like a ghost walking out of purgatory, which made her feel a little scared.
"My dear, it's better to be more complex in your thinking. As long as you think of others as villains, you will live a happier life than anyone else."
“I’m trying, but I’m tired.”
Upon hearing this, Yu Pei took a step back and resumed his usual demeanor: "Hahaha! Practice more and you'll get used to it. Tell me, what do you want me to do?"
"Actually, it's very simple."
"Your Majesty, you only ate a small amount for lunch. Is your appetite poor? Would you like me to ask Dean Jiang to prescribe some medicine? Or is it that the dishes prepared in the imperial kitchen are not good and need to be replaced?"
Yang Mingrui was still as worried as usual about the emperor's daily diet and daily life, even counting in his mind the details of how many times he used his chopsticks to eat each dish.
Xie Yanci knew that he meant well, so he couldn't criticize him or show any annoyance. He could only explain patiently.
"Tonight I will go to the Imperial Concubine to witness the fleeting wonders of the night. The food in Chengqian Palace is far more sumptuous than that in Changsheng Palace. I must eat less so that I can fully enjoy the delicacies prepared by the Imperial Concubine at dinner."
Yang Mingrui slapped his forehead and said, "Look at my memory! The Imperial Concubine's..."
"emperor!"
Xiao Zhuozi rushed in at an inopportune time, and seeing his master still serving inside, he nervously stopped talking.
"Go away! You always make a fuss. What if you disturb the Emperor? Wait a minute and tell me what you want to say!"
Yang Mingrui was afraid that the emperor would blame him, so he took the initiative to issue an order to expel the guests.
Xiao Zhuozi stood there in embarrassment. "Your Majesty, it's Jia Wanrong who requested an audience. Master has been waiting nearby, so I dare not make the decision on my own. Jia Wanrong has been outside for quite some time. After much deliberation, I decided to come over and tell her."
"Next time she comes, just let her in." Xie Yanci waved his hand, signaling them to leave, "Let Jia Wanrong in."
So, Wei Shuyi walked in with a happy face.
She couldn't wait to tell the emperor: "Your Majesty! Taoist Yu gave me great news today! I hurried to the Palace of Eternal Life to share it with Your Majesty."
He loved seeing her like this, and his mood improved a lot: "Tell me about it."
"Master Yu said that tonight's midnight is a good time for Zhaohua to reincarnate. If her parents can release river or sky lanterns to pray for her, then she will surely be able to enjoy a carefree life in her next life! I have been looking forward to this day for a long time. If Zhaohua can really be reborn into a good family, I can finally put my heart at ease."
Hearing his beloved daughter's name, Xie Yanci naturally didn't neglect any details. "Really?! Did Yu Pei specify the exact time? What do I need to prepare? I'll arrange it immediately!"
"Just the thought is enough." Wei Shuyi's eyes flickered with tears. "I will go to Sangyuxuan this afternoon to start making river lanterns. Those girls are diligent and can finish them quickly. If Your Majesty has time, can we do it tonight at midnight..."
"Zhaohua is my most beloved daughter. Since it's for her, how can I refuse?" The emperor agreed without hesitation. "Don't worry, I will go with you. Whether it's releasing river lanterns or sky lanterns, I will have people prepare them, and there will be absolutely no problems."
"Okay! What does the Emperor say?"
She suddenly extended her little finger and motioned him to make a pinky promise.
Xie Yanci had never experienced anything like this before, so he curled up his pinky finger in confusion: "Is... that so?"
"We still need to seal it." She touched her fingertips with his again, and then revealed a satisfied smile, "Your Majesty has promised me this, and I can't go back on my word now."
He poked her forehead helplessly: "Even if I don't swear, I won't break my promise to you. Do you think I'm such a person who doesn't keep my word?"
"Of course not. I just want more assurances to give me peace of mind."
She rarely showed this little girl attitude, especially when she was sitting next to him with her arm around his, it seemed like a scene from another world.
Xie Yanci was mesmerized for a moment.
Of course, he didn't know what Wei Shuyi was thinking at this moment.
For example: The emperor of the Zhou Dynasty was about to become a person who broke his promise.
Because he was about to break his appointment with Concubine Jin.
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