Poor Yang Yi, Helian Yan also had a less than happy childhood.
His birth mother was a Hu woman, and his appearance was quite different from that of his brothers and sisters.
From childhood to adulthood, Helian Yan endured countless vile and obscene words such as "bastard" and "lowborn."
Unfortunately, her birth mother came from a humble background and had a weak personality, while her father was a philandering scumbag. Only her brother cared for her and protected her, but her brother was, after all, a man.
He wanted to work hard outside to earn a decent life and stability for his mother and sister.
Helian Yan understood her brother's hardships and felt sorry for his difficulties, but her life in the backyard was really tough.
She was moved by Mu Shao because he was one of the very few people who showed her kindness.
Helian Yan felt warmth from Mu Shao.
She even began to fantasize: If I marry Mulang and we have sons and daughters in the future, we will definitely love them well and never let them suffer so much.
However, upon seeing the little girl rescued from the woodshed at the princess's residence, Helian Yan felt as if a bucket of cold water had been poured over her head—
Xinping and Yang Fuma fell in love at first sight, and their relationship has been incredibly loving in recent years.
When it comes to devoted lovers in the capital, Xinping is definitely at the top of the list.
But their daughters are not even as good as the illegitimate daughters born to concubines!
Helian Yan was a little scared. She worried that if she had a child, she might mistreat her own flesh and blood for the sake of so-called "love," just like Xinping did!
"It is only natural for people to admire young women. When someone is cared for and valued, it is natural to feel admiration for them!"
"But marriage is a union of two families, a union of two surnames. Besides love, there are also rules and etiquette."
Xie Yuan knew that Helian Yan had been greatly upset, so he didn't comment too much on whether she and Mu Shao were a good match, but simply reminded her—
In the Zhou Dynasty, which emphasized etiquette and law, marriage was not just about love and romance, but also about family alliances and the balance of interests.
While rules may restrict people, they are also the most reliable thing to do at times.
Feelings may change, but rules will not!
Just like Xinping and Yang Fuma, even if Yang Fuma didn't love Xinping at all, as long as he followed the rules, he wouldn't treat Xinping so badly.
And Yang Yi, that little girl, wouldn't have ended up in such a miserable state.
Xie Yuan didn't mean to discourage young women from pursuing love; rather, he hoped they wouldn't focus solely on "love."
In this world, besides love, there is also family and responsibility!
Those who respect and love themselves are always loved by others.
How can others love or respect someone who doesn't even love themselves?
Xinping was willing to call her concubines sisters and even wrong her own flesh and blood in order to "love" Yang, the imperial son-in-law, with all her heart and soul.
Will Prince Consort Yang be moved by this and fall deeply in love with her?
Won't!
He only thinks he's capable and that Shinpei is despicable!
"...Of course, you are you, and Xinping is Xinping. General Mu should not be a fool like Prince Consort Yang who rebels against his superiors."
Xie Yuan knew that the best way to persuade someone with a romantic mindset was not to simply deny or dissuade them, but to go along with what they said appropriately.
Sometimes, being so persistent because of love isn't necessarily because of "love"; sometimes it's just because of rebellion.
Sure enough, when Xie Yuan changed the subject and started speaking up for her and Mu Shao's relationship, Helian Yan wasn't too happy.
She seemed to be deep in thought, and said hesitantly, "Your Majesty, I... I'll think about it some more!"
Xie Yuan: ...That's exactly what I want—your self-reflection!
Only when you figure things out for yourself can the problem be completely solved.
"Okay! Let's think about it some more!"
"However, I assure you, whatever choice you make, I will help you!"
Xie Yuan is just like a kind and gentle older sister.
Helian Yan was extremely grateful for her words.
Helian Yan bowed respectfully, "Thank you, Your Majesty!"
“Ayan, you and your siblings are the ones who have fought alongside the Emperor and me in Lingnan.”
Xie Yuan wasn't trying to fool anyone.
The bond forged through thick and thin is the most precious.
Helian Yan may not have done anything specific, but the fact that she went to Lingnan with Helian Chen was an attitude in itself!
"The happiness of you siblings is one of the things that the Emperor and I care about most!"
That's why Xie Yuan went to such lengths to "save" them.
Xie Yuancai wouldn't bother with someone like Xinping.
but--
"By the way, let's leave that child named Yang Yi in the palace."
The child is innocent.
Moreover, unlike her biological mother, Yang Yi, at only three years old, already possessed the ability to distinguish right from wrong and the courage to confront evil forces.
Xie Yuan thought this was a promising talent.
Just then, as the four children grew up, Xie Yuan wanted to find some playmates of similar age for them.
Yang Yi would be a good candidate.
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
Helian Yan responded respectfully.
Xie Yuan's words just now gave Helian Yan even more confidence.
Yes, these siblings were not ordinary members of the imperial family; they were people who had suffered alongside the emperor and empress in Lingnan.
Now that the emperor and empress have become the most honored couple in the world, their siblings have naturally also risen in rank.
Helian Yan suddenly realized that she wasn't really that pitiful after all.
She had her older brother to protect her when she was young, and now she has her empress to plan for her.
At least, she's much better off than Yang Yi—alas, even her own parents don't love her, and she suffers all this at such a young age, it's truly pitiful.
However, it can be considered a blessing in disguise. Yang Yi caught the eye of the Empress and will be raised in the palace by her. Isn't that better than being mistreated by everyone around his parents?
My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!
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