Chapter 59 Chapter 59 28
Qi Ruiyi was forced to leave after dinner. He was reluctant to go, but if he stayed at the Bai family, Ruoruo would ignore him. What's more, he left the palace quietly, and he didn't know whether he would be discovered by the censors who were watching him all day long.
He himself was not afraid, but he was afraid of affecting Ruo Ruo.
Before leaving, he specifically instructed Bai Jing to take good care of the people in the mansion and not to tell Ruoruo about the imperial edict for the time being. He hoped that Ruoruo would marry him willingly.
Bai Jing was naturally very happy, and Qi Sijin also breathed a sigh of relief. At least Ruoruo could stay at home for a while longer.
And being patient is always more reassuring than being impatient.
In the days that followed, Qi Ruiyi not only dealt with state affairs but also worked hard for his own future happiness.
Finally, when he came to the Bai family again, Ruoruo would no longer refuse to meet him.
But most of the time he was responsible for assisting Ruoruo and helping her with her work.
Even so, he was very happy and active, and would not allow others to interfere at all.
The eunuchs who followed him couldn't help but secretly smack their lips at his behavior. After all, even though the late queen had been a bit of a fool, a prince hadn't been reduced to hard labor. Yet, now that he had ascended the throne, he was doing the kind of backbreaking labor that even a eunuch like him hadn't experienced in a long time.
This Miss Ruoruo was also an extraordinary person. The few times he met her, she would always give him a slap in the face and a sweet treat. After giving him an order, she would gently wipe the sweat off his face, or talk to him in a soft voice.
The right amount of attention was just right, just enough to make his master anxious and obsessed. Furthermore, with a face like that, anyone would be completely captivated.
Although Ruoruo likes to stay alone and take care of the plants, she doesn't stay indoors completely.
She was actually very curious about the outside world, otherwise she would not have begged Nan Xu to take her out to see the world at the Jiaofangsi.
Now she also likes to go out, but she wants someone to accompany her. At first she was always with Qi Sijin, but later gradually it became Qi Ruiyi.
"Ayi, aren't you the emperor? Don't you need to handle official business? How can you spend time here with me every day?" Ruoruo questioned Qi Ruiyi's free time. After all, he was spending more and more time going to Bai Mansion.
In response to this, Prime Minister Qi and other officials, who were so busy that they couldn't even eat, said they had a lot to say!
"Don't worry, Ruoru, I know what's going on. And if you're really worried, why don't you marry me earlier? How about Ruoru personally supervise me?"
“…” Ruoruo glanced at him indifferently and went back to fiddling with her precious flowers.
Qi Ruiyi gave her a rare chrysanthemum, which she liked very much. But there was a reason why it was so rare. This flower was particularly delicate, and Ruo Ruo was afraid that the flower would die if she didn't pay attention.
As for what Qi Ruiyi said, she naturally didn't consider it for the time being.
Qi Xunjing, who was diligently handling official business, was not a fool. He might not think there was anything wrong at first, but after being so busy all the time, even a fool would have noticed the problem.
When he learned that the emperor often visited the Bai family every few days, he finally understood the problem.
So the next day he didn't go on duty, but instead appeared in front of the Bai family's door.
"Please go in and tell them that Qi wants to see General Bai."
When Bai Jing hurried over and exchanged pleasantries for a long time, he realized that this guy was another one who wanted to find out about Ruo Ruo.
Qi Xunjing, who served in the same court as Bai Jing, was naturally familiar with him. Not only did he know about him, he also admired this young man who had firmly established himself as Prime Minister.
If Qi Xunjing had come to Bai Jing's house and acted like he cared deeply about his daughter, Bai Jing would have been very happy. After all, Qi Xunjing's character and abilities were both first-rate. Having such a good son-in-law would be far better than marrying off his daughter. At worst, he could just adopt a son from the Bai family's side branch.
But things are different now! This... my little daughter is almost engaged to the current emperor. If this Qi Xiang gets involved again, this... what kind of thing will happen?
Qi Xunjing naturally saw his dilemma and said, "Don't worry, General. I just met Miss Bai a few times and wanted to return this item to her."
He took out a wooden box, which contained only a fan.
"Well, okay." Bai Jing breathed a sigh of relief and agreed.
If it were in the past, he might not have agreed, but under Qi Sijin's influence, he has subconsciously believed that it is best for Ruo Ruo to make the decision on these matters herself.
If Ruoruo really doesn't want to enter the palace, then the worst that can happen is that the Bai family will be beheaded again. That is the original fate of the Bai family anyway.
Moreover, he has now begun to slowly move the children of the Bai family back to his hometown. After experiencing imprisonment, he realized that some of the rules of the Bai family really need to be changed. Living in Kyoto has its advantages, but it also has its dangers.
Sometimes, whether it is a person or a family, it is better to keep your feet on the ground.
Flowers grown in fertile soil may bloom beautifully, but they also become more fragile. He wouldn't let the younger generation of the Bai family suffer without suffering, nor would he let them suffer without guilt, but he also couldn't let himself develop a superior mentality like before. However, this was also the innate arrogance of the children of wealthy aristocrats, and this imprisonment was also a test.
It was a pity that the women of the Bai family had been wronged, but fortunately, except for a few who were initially forced to entertain clients, the rest of the women who entered the Jiaofangsi were all used as maids. Even those sent to brothels were treated the same way. Bai Jing knew that someone had specifically ordered their care, but he could not figure out who it was.
As for the military camp, his old friends helped to protect and intercept it.
Moreover, Bai Jing felt that this kind of thing was not a big problem. After all, men could visit brothels and take concubines at will, and it would not have any impact on marriage. Why did they have to be so harsh on women?
It seems that if a woman loses her virginity, she is dirty and should be killed, but it is different for men. This makes it seem like all men are dirty. But if it is really men who are dirty, then men should also die. What's the point of saying that a woman cannot live if she loses her virginity!
Anyway, Bai Jing really disdains this kind of rule.
As for the issue of marriage, at worst the girls of the Bai family can share the family property like the boys, and they can just directly marry sons-in-law.
In his mind, it was not a good idea for the younger generation to grow old alone without getting married. How pitiful would that be when they grow old? However, whether a woman could marry or take a son-in-law, and whether a man could take a wife or be a live-in son-in-law was up to him.
Anyway, you are the one who lives your life, and only you know the bitterness and sweetness of it. The eyes of outsiders are nothing.
…
When the item was handed to Ruo Ruo, she was a little confused at first and almost forgot about Prime Minister Qi. After all, the purpose she wanted to use him for had already been solved by Qi Ruiyi. He hadn't appeared in a long time, and she didn't expect him to suddenly appear today.
She fiddled with the fan handed to her for a while before discovering a hidden secret: the handle could actually be opened.
Inside was a note with densely written small characters, all expressing concern for her but not out of line. If one only read the first part, it was clear that this person was quite well-behaved. But that was assuming one hadn't read the last sentence.
But in his last sentence he actually said that if the girl didn't want to enter the palace, he was willing to accompany her to travel around the world, or leave the capital and find a quiet place. He also had a way to settle the Bai family.
Ruoruo looked over the note several times, and finally threw it into the incense burner and burned it to ashes.
As long as she is not a fool, she will naturally know what to choose.
However, Ruoruo still sent a letter to the Prime Minister's Mansion, politely declining his proposal and telling him that she would be happy to enter the palace.
In the afternoon, Qi Ruiyi came over feeling cold all over.
Even though it was summer, he had a cold face as if he could freeze someone to death.
"Sir, if you are angry, please don't take it out on me. Ruo Ruo looks a little scared."
Qi Ruiyi was almost laughing out of anger. She looked relaxed and didn't show any fear at all. She didn't ask herself why she was angry, but just told him not to come to her.
"Ruo Ruo, do you think I have a good temper?"
"Ah?" Ruoruo raised her face with her eyes flashing. Her little face was red from the heat. Her pink lips were slightly opened, revealing a few pearly teeth. There were a few drops of crystal sweat on her forehead.
Because of her early years of financial loss, she always experienced excruciating pain during her period, so she didn't dare use too much ice in the summer. But she also didn't want to take bitter medicine, so she kept putting it off, preferring the summer heat to not telling anyone and lest they pressure her to take the medicine.
Qi Ruiyi sighed as he looked at her. Well, his temper was indeed very good in front of her.
Who wouldn’t feel soft-hearted when seeing her!
I can't do it anyway.
If there was any fault, it was Qi Xunjing's fault, and had nothing to do with Ruoruo. As for replying to the letter, the exchange of letters, from beginning to end, could barely be considered a form of respect. Ruoruo was simply showing respect for Qi Xunjing. — Qi Ruiyi consoled himself in this way.
After coaxing himself, he started to coax Ruoruo.
"What I meant was... I wanted to ask Ruo Ruo what I thought of my temper. Yes, someone said I had a bad temper in the court today, and I got so angry that I asked this question."
Ruo Ruo saw that his complexion had improved, and then she began to reply, "Of course, Ayi is fine with everything."
Qi Ruiyi smiled instantly, which was a thousand times more effective than trying to comfort himself.
"However, Ruoruo often saw other people with bad faces when she was young, so she was a little scared. Ayi, can you please not treat Ruoruo like this next time?" As she spoke, Ruoruo took a few steps away from him and lowered her head so that no one could see the expression on her face.
Qi Ruiyi, who felt almost dead with guilt after hearing this, said, "Okay, I'm sorry, Ruoruo, I was impulsive this time."
He knew Ruoruo's past experience but still couldn't control his temper and treated her coldly. He deserved to die!
In fact, he didn't blame Ruoruo at first. He was just jealous and lost control of his face. He was also thinking whether Ruoruo would coax him. Of course, now that he found that Ruoruo didn't buy it and it would hurt her, he subconsciously vowed to never do it again.
But what was he planning to do after rushing in so angrily for so long? Yes, he wanted to be more aggressive and kiss her directly without listening to her explanation.
After all, he was really panicked when he first received the news, so panicked that he wanted to tie Ruoruo to the bed and only let him have contact with her.
But she will be afraid and unhappy.
That's why he just wanted a kiss. As long as Ruoruo coaxed him, he would believe whatever she said.
But it was his little thoughts that reminded Ruo Ruo of the past.
Now Qi Ruiyi was completely obedient.
The only thing he was thankful for was that he didn't let jealousy get the better of him and really imprison Ruoruo. Otherwise, for the harm he caused to Ruoruo, not only would he not be able to make up for it by apologizing, he would probably not be able to make up for it even if he committed suicide.
As the great Emperor of Daling, he firmly believed and was certain that he could make Ruoruo fall in love with him through his own strength. He absolutely could not resort to those shady tactics! Those were the despicable tactics only the Fourth Brother would use! He! Would! Not! Disdain!
If Ruoruo wasn't there, he would have wanted to slap himself so that he would remember how it felt today.
"Ayi, I want to move this flower to the corner over there. I'm a little tired of looking at it lately."
"Okay, I'll do it." He was already used to it.
"Thank you, Ayi." After Qi Ruiyi finished speaking, Ruoruo came over with a smile and suddenly kissed him on the face.
The touch was fleeting, and then he ran into the house with a red face and locked the door, leaving Qi Ruiyi standing there in a daze.
What just happened? It happened so fast, it was like an illusion. But looking at the tightly closed door, Qi Ruiyi couldn't help but smile foolishly.
The eunuchs standing at the gate of the courtyard couldn't help but peek inside and couldn't bear to look at their master's appearance.
Is this really his always wise and powerful master? I always feel that the emperor in normal times and the one in front of Miss Ruoruo are two completely different people.
But it was understandable. After all, Miss Ruoruo was so beautiful! Even a rootless eunuch like him couldn't wait to take a closer look at her.
When Ruoruo entered the room, she jumped directly onto the bed and took out a book from under the pillow.
In addition to growing flowers, she has actually become obsessed with reading storybooks recently. She hadn't gotten to the key parts this morning, so it's fine for her to read the letters and reply to them.
But who could have asked Qi Ruiyi to come at such a coincidence! She was so engrossed in watching that he came, and she didn't have time to spend the whole afternoon with him.
Ruo Ruo was already tired of it before she even got married. The storybooks are still interesting; each one is a different story, with different developments and portraying different characters.
Qi Ruiyi would also take the trouble to take her to different places to play and try to come up with various ways to make her happy.
But he is an emperor, born a prince, how could he know so many ways to have fun? If he really knew how to do it and was good at it, then the people of Daliang would be the ones crying.
However, Ruoruo was not only addicted to having fun. The orphanage she had built was completed the day before yesterday.
Qi Ruiyi also knew about this, but with Ruo Ruo around, he had no doubt that this was a move by the Bai family to win people's hearts, and he even vigorously promoted it and gave support.
After all, considering Ruoruo's past, it is hard not to think that she is saving "herself" who is similar to her.
Some scars cannot be healed in a person’s lifetime, but you can look forward and move forward, healing others while also healing yourself.
Of course, he was also very relieved about the Bai family losing their military power and Bai Jing losing his ambition.
.
The first thing Qi Ruiyi did when he returned to the palace was to start reading the letter that Ruoruo wrote to Qi Xunjing.
Before he got the news and went to the Bai family, he asked someone to find a way to get it out for him. Going to the Bai family was also a way to give the secret guards some time.
Of course, it also gives him a reassurance to his restless heart.
He looked at the letter with a bit of jealousy. After all, Ruoruo had never written to him before! But now Qi Xunjing got there first.
He got even angrier when he saw Ruoruo thanking him profusely.
However, when Qi Ruiyi saw Ruoruo mentioned him in the letter, praising him for being a good person and not rejecting entering the palace, his sad heart was instantly healed.
Look, Ruo Ruo said she is not opposed to entering the palace, which means she is not opposed to him, and if you round it off further, it means she likes him.
How could he address him as the Emperor in the letter? Wasn't that a bit too distant? Qi Ruiyi felt a little unwilling.
…
In the 175th year of Daling, the third day of the third month is a good day for marriage.
After nearly half a year, Qi Ruiyi finally got the girl.
On this day, the whole of Kyoto was filled with joy, with beautiful women in red dresses stretching for thousands of miles and gongs and drums blaring everywhere.
Logically, Qi Ruiyi only needed to wait in the palace, but he naturally didn't want to. After all, this was the queen he had been thinking about and had finally married. If he couldn't even go to the palace to welcome her, wouldn't that make Ruo Ruo sad?
No matter how much the censors tried to persuade him, he was determined to go and pick up his bride himself. How could he not go and pick up his bride himself?
What's more, it was very rare for an emperor to marry a queen after becoming one. Most of them had already married when they were still princes. It was just that his father didn't care whether these adult princes got married or not. Or maybe the late emperor was actually happy to see his sons not get married. In addition, his mother had passed away long ago, so his backyard was empty when he was a prince.
The harem is empty. The current queen is not only his wife, but also the only person in his harem. He has already decided that there will only be Ruoruo for the rest of his life.
So why should he learn from the rules of his predecessors? Did their predecessors have such a situation?
If not, then shouldn't we just do whatever he says?
The censor, who was unable to convince him, kept muttering to himself, "What a disgrace!"
It’s just that their “how shameful” and Qi Ruiyi’s “how shameful it is for him not to pick up his own bride?” have completely different purposes.
Qi Xunjing was also watching this grand and unprecedented ceremony.
He didn't expect Qi Ruiyi to do this.
In fact, sometimes he would wonder, if he had not been so cautious in doing things, and had directly used his power to force Ruoruo to take her away, would he be the groom getting married today?
But he also knew the chances were slim. No one could do a better job than the current emperor.
Because he is the emperor.
Also because his love for Ruoruo is no less than his own.
But how could he be willing to give up after seeing such a stunning girl? This unexpected encounter made him unable to let go for the rest of his life.
As for Murong Bo, he was also transferred back from another place. After all, he is Qi Ruiyi's cousin. He should at least be there for Qi Ruiyi's wedding.
But when he knew who Qi Ruiyi was going to marry, he could no longer remain calm.
"Cousin, that's the person I asked you for help first!"
Qi Ruiyi ignored him and let him go crazy.
Murong Bo is very important to him, but Ruoruo is more important to him.
Before meeting Ruoruo, Qi Ruiyi actually didn't take Murong Bo's request seriously. After all, he often brought girls back to his villa, and this was just an ordinary request.
But after meeting Ruoruo, even if Qi Ruiyi realized the seriousness of his cousin's request, it was too late.
Murong Bai likes her, so what if Qi Xunjing likes her? He is the emperor, and he likes her too, and he likes her very much.
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