Upon hearing Xiao Yanzi's words, Ziwei's hand, which had been holding Xiao Yanzi, gradually lost its strength and slowly fell down.
Yes, she had been on this path of recognizing her family for a long time. Was she really going to give up all her efforts? No, she was unwilling. Her biological father had not yet acknowledged her, and she could not marry into Mongolia.
Seeing that Ziwei was gradually convinced, Xiaoyanzi had no more worries and ran straight towards the Emperor.
Ziwei watched Xiaoyanzi's retreating figure with worry in her eyes. She didn't know if what she was doing was right or wrong. But now, they could only gamble on the Emperor's mercy.
Fu Erkang tightly wrapped Ziwei's trembling hands in his own, and said earnestly, "Ziwei, no matter what the outcome is, I will never let go of your hand."
"Erkang!" Ziwei called out excitedly, looking intently at the man before her. The two gazed at each other tenderly for a moment.
Ziwei ultimately decided to accompany Xiaoyanzi, and Fuerkang followed closely behind.
*
The Imperial Garden is bursting with spring colors, with flowers in full bloom, lush green grass, and birds singing in the azure sky.
The Emperor was discussing their return journey with Ziker.
"Thank you for Your Majesty's hospitality these past few days. We will depart for Mongolia early tomorrow morning," Ziker said frankly, his eyes clear. "We must also thank Princess Yong'an for her care and understanding towards Saiya these past few days."
Anke and Qing'er were chatting with Saiya behind them, somewhat reluctant to say goodbye.
"I originally intended for Princess Saiya to choose a suitable husband in the Qing Dynasty. However, I have been busy with state affairs these past few days and have neglected the matter somewhat," the Emperor said, declining the offer. He truly hadn't expected their departure to be so hasty.
"Haha, no, Saiya is my most beloved daughter. She said she wants to go back and choose someone who will be good to her. In the end, I spoiled her." Ziker said indulgently, without a trace of blame in his tone.
"But you've only stayed in the Qing Dynasty for a very short time. I still have fine wine to share with you." The Emperor's words were deliberate, but he did indeed feel that Ziker's stay in the Qing Dynasty this time was too short.
"Haha, then next time, next time I come, I'll drink to my heart's content with His Majesty again." Ziker cheerfully promised that next time he came to the capital, he would definitely drink with His Majesty until they were both drunk.
"Alright, it's settled then." The Emperor agreed.
The group strolled along, stopping frequently. The Emperor and Ziker discussed state affairs in front, while the Empress Dowager, the Empress, and Consort Yu admired the scenery and flowers on the side. Anke and the others, on the other hand, were even more relaxed, quietly discussing how to entertain Saiya on their next visit to the capital.
But the more quiet it is, the more likely someone is to break the atmosphere.
As Little Swallow ran, she called out, "Father Emperor, Father Emperor!"
The Emperor frowned repeatedly as he watched Xiao Yanzi kneel before him. With a headache, he asked, "Xiao Yanzi, do you even know the rules?" Ever since the Mongol prince arrived in the capital, Xiao Yanzi had caused one trouble after another.
Is Little Swallow just incompatible with the word "Mongol"? She always seems to appear and cause trouble whenever he summons a Mongol prince to discuss matters. And weren't guards already assigned to watch over Shufangzhai? How did Little Swallow manage to break out again? Didn't anyone report this to him?
"Father, Little Swallow has something important to say this time." Little Swallow bowed respectfully, following the etiquette that Granny Fang had taught her these past few days.
Ziker, standing to the side, felt somewhat embarrassed and at a loss for words. Why was it that every time he discussed matters with the Emperor, there were always endless entanglements? Now it seemed to be nothing more than the Emperor's family affairs.
Ziker felt the timing was poor. The Emperor's festivities weren't something one could just watch whenever they wanted; they'd either glance at Saiya behind them or at the flowers and trees nearby. (People always find something to do when they're embarrassed.)
Ziwei and Fu'erkang arrived leisurely from behind. Looking at the scene before her, Ziwei, who had already convinced herself, now had the thought of backing down.
After bowing respectfully to everyone present, she heard the Emperor call out to her, "Ziwei, quickly take Xiaoyanzi back to Shufangzhai. We can discuss this tomorrow." The Emperor was somewhat annoyed; he didn't want his family affairs to be discussed in front of the Mongols.
I also hope that Ziwei has some sense and can persuade Xiaoyanzi to return to Shufangzhai. As for what she said, I will go to Shufangzhai tomorrow to hear Xiaoyanzi's explanation.
Ziwei quickly stepped forward to pull Xiaoyanzi up, gently persuading her, "Princess, why don't you come back to Shufangzhai with me first?" At the same time, Ziwei also used some force to try to pull Xiaoyanzi up.
But something touched a nerve with Xiao Yanzi, and she said again, "Father Emperor, you can't marry me and Ziwei off to Mongolia."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Yanzi seemed to have been relieved of a heavy burden, Ziwei was stunned and froze on the spot, while Fu Erkang was overjoyed behind her. In short, the reactions of the three of them were very strange.
Anke: Didn't we communicate beforehand? Three people, three different expressions.
The Emperor was completely bewildered. When had he ever said that he would marry Xiao Yanzi and Ziwei off to Mongolia together? Qi Ke'er, standing to the side, looked displeased. Indeed, it was strange that Qi Ke'er would have a good expression if anyone said that they didn't want to marry into Mongolia and were crying and wailing like that.
The Empress Dowager looked somewhat surprised, and at the same time, a ruthless glint flashed in her eyes. Yes, it was the Empress Dowager who spread the word, but she hadn't expected them to lose their composure so quickly.
The prince had hoped to resolve these two troubles on his return journey, but instead, things turned out even worse than before.
The Emperor was furious and shouted, "Little Swallow, what nonsense are you spouting? Guards, take Princess Huanzhu back to Shufangzhai!"
Ziwei sensed something was wrong; the situation was different from what they had imagined. She quickly pulled Xiaoyanzi up and anxiously said to her, "Princess, now is not the time to talk about this. You should come back to Shufangzhai with me first."
As Ziwei spoke, she glanced at Fu Erkang behind her, her eyes filled with expectation, hoping that Fu Erkang would come with her to take Xiao Yanzi back to Shufangzhai first.
But Fu Erkang had already given up all hope today. Besides, if he didn't speak up today, would he have another chance to speak up tomorrow? Fu Erkang stood aside, turning his face away, no longer looking at Ziwei's expectant gaze.
Xiao Yanzi felt that whether she stuck her neck out or not, she was going to get hurt anyway. Besides, this was Ziwei's biological father, and she had been taking him for herself for a long time. Moreover, she had finally mustered up the courage to come here today, and if she didn't speak up, she didn't know if she would have the courage to do so tomorrow.
Xiao Yanzi steeled her heart, looked at the guards approaching her, and quickly stood up, shouting, "Father Emperor, I am not your daughter. Ziwei is Xia Yuhe's daughter. How can you bear to let Ziwei marry into Mongolia?"
This statement contained so much information that it immediately stunned everyone present.
Ziker involuntarily opened his mouth, this was truly a huge surprise. Now he was caught in a dilemma, unsure whether to leave or stay. He glanced at Saiya behind him, wanting to reconcile his words with his precious daughter before departing.
Unexpectedly, Saiya's eyes lit up, and she looked very interested.
Ziker: I forgot, this girl loves watching the excitement.
The guards approached Xiao Yanzi, but without the Emperor's order, no one dared to make a move.
The Empress stared in shock, then glanced at Consort Ling, who was standing there dumbfounded, and Consort Yu, who was standing beside her speechless.
Look, she said this early on that Xiao Yanzi might not be the Emperor's biological daughter, but Consort Ling followed her like a madwoman, insisting that Xiao Yanzi's features resembled the Emperor's. Indeed, she has a discerning eye. The Empress raised her head somewhat proudly.
Seeing the Empress's adorable actions, Anke felt that the Empress had finally come alive. Although the Mother of the Nation is supposed to be solemn and dignified, it doesn't mean she can't be lively and playful in informal settings. Anke thought that her aunt was doing just fine.
The Emperor was so shocked he couldn't speak, glancing left at Xiao Yanzi and right at Ziwei. But now was not the time to discuss this matter; he couldn't let the Mongol prince watch the spectacle.
The Emperor turned to look at Ziker beside him, who immediately understood and said, "Setting off tomorrow is still a bit too hasty; some things haven't been packed yet. I'll take Saiya back to the inn to pack." The Emperor nodded.
As Ziker led Saiya back, Saiya kept turning back to look at him. Clearly, she wanted to stay and watch the drama unfold. Ziker had to use some force to pull Saiya out of the royal garden.
After Ziker left, the Emperor seemed to wake from a dream and ordered the guards to take them all to the Qianqing Palace.
The concubines followed the Emperor to the Qianqing Palace, but Consort Yu felt that today was not a good time to go out and admire the flowers.
Yes, Consort Yu just happened to run into them. She had only mentioned coming to the Imperial Garden for a stroll after being urged by her maids. But she never expected to bump into the Emperor and the Mongol Prince.
Consort Yu had intended to return to Yonghe Palace first, but the Empress Dowager stopped her as she was about to leave, saying that the scenery in the Imperial Garden was almost over and she should enjoy it for a while longer. With the Empress Dowager saying this, how could Consort Yu refuse?
The Empress, however, held her head high and straightened her back. "Hmph," she thought, "everyone says Little Swallow is of royal blood, but I saw it right away and nobody believed me." The Empress was as adorable as a cat that had won a fight.
Rong Momo felt the most sorry for the Empress. Now, seeing that what the Empress had said before was true, she couldn't help but raise her head like the Empress.
The master and servant's back-and-forth banter was truly heartwarming and endearing.
Consort Ling stood to the side, trembling slightly. She truly hadn't expected that Xiao Yanzi wasn't the Emperor's daughter. Thinking back to the guarantee she had given for Xiao Yanzi, Consort Ling wished she could go back and shake her confused self awake. It was one thing for the Emperor to think that way, but she had insisted on agreeing with him at that time. If the Emperor were to recall it, he would surely think that she was involved.
Thinking of this, Consort Ling's hand, gripping the handkerchief, tightened involuntarily. She glanced at Ziwei, who was closely following behind her, and her mind raced. She recalled what Xiaoyanzi had said to her—what if she weren't the Emperor's daughter? She hadn't realized that those words were all hints.
Thinking back to how Xiao Yanzi had pleaded with her to let Ziwei and Jin Suo stay at Shufangzhai to take care of her, Consort Ling felt a chill run down her spine. Was she also a pawn in their game?
Consort Ling didn't know if the Fu family was involved, but seeing Fu Erkang's state, was there any need to wonder? It was all laid bare before her eyes.
The Emperor and the Empress Dowager walked at the front, but the Emperor's expression was not good, as if everyone owed him ten taels of silver, and a low pressure permeated the air around him.
The Empress Dowager's expression was also somewhat unpleasant. She had thought everything would be foolproof, but unexpectedly, they still managed to slip out. Thinking of Fu Erkang, who had been following closely behind, the Empress Dowager realized that it must have been Fu Erkang who helped them escape from Shufangzhai.
The Empress Dowager lamented her mistake in choosing Qing'er and appointing the wrong person, thinking that she had almost betrothed her to Fu Erkang. Fortunately, no imperial decree had been issued, and there was no marriage agreement between them; otherwise, how could she face Qing'er's deceased father and mother?
Although Xiao Yanzi was left behind, she still felt somewhat fortunate that she had spoken those words at the crucial moment.
Ziwei, on the other hand, had a furrowed brow, having just noticed the Emperor's unpleasant expression. They would likely face a severe interrogation later, wouldn't they? But the words had already been spoken; it was as if a knife was at their throats—there was no point in saying anything more.
Ziwei felt a little flustered, as if something was slipping out of her control.
Fu Erkang, on the other hand, seemed relieved. He had been hoping to uncover the truth today. This was exactly what he wanted. No matter what, he just couldn't tolerate Ziwei marrying into Mongolia.
They had made a vow: "Until the mountains crumble and the heavens and earth unite, I will never part from you." No matter what, he would never let go of Ziwei's hands.
Fu Erkang was confident that the Emperor wouldn't behead them all. After all, it wasn't just the three of them who had deceived the Emperor; there was also Yongqi, a prince. Don't think that just because he hadn't been to Shufangzhai recently, he could escape responsibility.
And then there was Ertai, fighting far away in the Dzungar Khanate. Fu'erkang thought bitterly that Ertai was also involved in this matter, and no matter what, he had a part in it too. After all, he already knew about it before the relationship was severed.
Fu Erkang, being petty and narrow-minded, thought that Ertai was currently at war, and the Emperor would certainly not summon him back to the capital without a second thought. Moreover, the Emperor would definitely spare their lives out of consideration for the Fu family's loyalty.
There was even a foreigner named Benjamin involved. This matter was far-reaching, and even in his fury, the Emperor wouldn't be so foolish as to execute Benjamin. After all, Benjamin wasn't a subject of the Qing Dynasty.
Fu Erkang is dragging everyone into this, preparing to lay the groundwork for his relationship with Ziwei.
Fu Erkang glanced at Princess Yong'an walking ahead, a wicked thought forming in his mind. He wondered if Ertai had told her that he was also involved. He had even actively helped Xiao Yanzi quite a bit.
It's unclear whether the princess will be able to maintain her noble and dignified image once she finds out, and it's also unknown whether her good younger brother will still be able to become the princess's husband.
If Princess Yong'an already had deep feelings for her beloved younger brother, that would be even better. She would surely plead for Fu'ertai, further increasing their chances of all remaining safe and sound.
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