The emperor's expression changed. "Your Majesty, your words are not joking. How can you take them back?"
Fu Yueli said seriously, "There have always been precedents of changing orders from one day to the next. Why can't the emperor take it back?"
He did this on purpose. The emperor knew he was refuting his earlier statement, "Since ancient times, everyone has had three wives and four concubines." The emperor paused, gritted his teeth, and said, "Alright, since you're so determined, I'll revoke my order."
"Thank you, father." The two thanked the emperor in unison.
As they left the emperor's bedroom, the sun was shining brightly. Fu Yueli and Shi Mingyue in the palace smiled at each other and walked down the steps hand in hand.
The news of this marriage change spread quickly throughout the city. In Prime Minister Xie's mansion, Prime Minister Xie and his wife were furious. Both of them were cultured people and could not say anything too harsh. In their opinion, Fu Yueli was really ungrateful. The marriage granted by the emperor linked Fu Yueli with Xie Qichang, and it was clear that he was intentionally supporting Fu Yueli as the crown prince. Everyone in the court knew that the left prime minister Xie Qichang was neutral and the right prime minister Wang Hui was a member of the second prince's party. The emperor's move was obviously for Fu Yueli's own good, but he was too narrow-minded and only cared about the love between the two children. Prime Minister Xie and his wife could only sigh.
As for Xie Rutao, the other protagonist of the marriage, she continued to do what she was supposed to do and her mood was not affected at all.
As autumn arrived and the weather grew cooler, a letter arrived from Lingzhou from the Lu family elders, urging Lu Lingjing to return home and arrange her marriage.
This was supposed to be a good thing, but after reading the letter, Lu Lingjing's face turned gloomy. She had been away from home for a long time, and it seemed like she should be going home. But now her face was filled with sorrow, and it was obvious that she didn't want to go back.
Shi Mingyue asked, "Don't you want to go back?"
Lu Lingjing frowned: "I don't want to go back."
"Is it because the elders want to arrange a marriage for you?" Shi Mingyue wanted her uncle to write this matter in the letter. Although it was to emphasize the importance, it also affected Lingjing's mood.
Lu Lingjing nodded silently. Ever since she had met such an extraordinary person, she no longer cared about anyone else. When she thought about getting engaged and spending her life with a mediocre person, she might as well shave her head and become a nun.
"My uncle and his wife want you to marry in Lingzhou, which is close to home. In fact, there are many young talents in the capital. I can take you to their social activities. This way, if you find someone you like, you don't have to marry someone you don't know. What do you think?" Shi Mingyue said.
Lu Lingjing thought that this was the only way for her to stay in the capital for a few more days, so she nodded.
When Fu Yueli and Lu Lingyan returned that day, Shi Mingyue told them her idea, and they both agreed. Lu Lingyan then wrote a letter and had it delivered to Lingzhou, stating that if Lu Lingjing still hadn't found a suitable husband before the beginning of spring, she should return to Lingzhou and let the elders arrange her marriage.
Soon after, there was an autumn chrysanthemum viewing party at Dongli Garden in the suburbs of Beijing. On this day, talented men and beautiful women in Beijing would come here to admire the chrysanthemums and compose poems, which was really elegant.
Only Shi Mingyue and Lu Lingjing came that day. Fu Yueli and Lu Lingyan were busy with official duties, so they did not accompany them.
The people in Dongli Garden were either wealthy or noble. Shi Mingyue saw a few familiar faces and went over to greet them. Lu Lingjing was uninterested; she had no interest in meeting such talented young men.
The chrysanthemums in the garden were in full bloom, and the two of them saw a group of people, both men and women, gathered together, seemingly reciting poetry. Shi Mingyue tried to pull Lu Lingjing over, but she was reluctant. Turning around, she stumbled upon the man she'd been thinking about: her Master Jun He.
He Jun was wearing a plain white cassock and walked over surrounded by a group of people. He had a natural and otherworldly aura, forming a clear barrier between him and the people around him.
Seeing that she hadn't moved, Shi Mingyue turned around and saw that Lu Lingjing's eyes were fixed on He Jun. She was shocked. Could it be that Lu Lingjing was in love with He Jun? But He Jun was a monk, so how could this be possible?
When He Jun walked up to the two of them, he smiled politely at them and then walked to the next place. The men and women followed him, and seemed to admire He Jun very much, serving him attentively in every way.
As soon as He Jun left, Lu Lingjing's expression showed disappointment. Shi Mingyue was not blind, and since she saw it, she naturally had to persuade the other party. At that moment, neither of them was in the mood to appreciate the chrysanthemums. Shi Mingyue dragged Lu Lingjing to a remote and deserted place.
"Tell me the truth, do you like Jun He?" Shi Mingyue said straight to the point.
Lu Lingjing was startled, her face turning pale. Falling in love with a monk was indeed unconventional. If anyone knew, her spine would be broken. But she trusted Master Mingyue, so she lowered her head silently and replied, "Yes, I do like Master Jun He."
As expected, Shi Mingyue sighed, "You're old enough now, and you know Jun He's identity well. Monks can't marry or break their vows. I admit that Jun He is excellent, and it's no surprise that anyone admires him, but you shouldn't have those feelings for him." Seeing Lu Lingjing's tearful expression, she sighed, "You understand everything I'm saying, don't you? Just forget about him from today."
What else could Lu Lingjing say? She could only nod.
Shi Mingyue knew that there was no need to continue participating in the chrysanthemum poetry appreciation meeting, so she pulled Lu Lingjing away.
When they reached the chrysanthemum category under the white clouds and snow, someone called out to Shi Mingyue, "Princess Ling."
Shi Mingyue turned around and found that the person calling her was a strange girl. She was wearing a pink dress. Although she had a little makeup on, she was very beautiful.
"Who are you?" Shi Mingyue asked politely.
The girl smiled and said, "I'm Xie Rutao. Princess, you should have heard of my name."
Of course she had heard of it. Shi Mingyue smiled and said, "So she is the daughter of Prime Minister Xie. I only heard of her name, but now that I see her, she is truly as beautiful as a peach blossom."
Xie Rutao jokingly said, "The princess's praise has made me almost lose my mind."
"No, I'm telling the truth." Shi Mingyue maintained a decent smile.
Xie Rutao glanced at Lu Lingjing and asked, "Is this your Highness's cousin, Miss Lu?"
Shi Mingyue nodded, "Yes." She didn't show it on her face, but she was wondering what Xie Rutao was up to. She recognized her, and she also recognized Lu Lingjing. Could it be that Xie Rutao felt insulted by the emperor's frequent changes in his orders, and so she was resentful?
Xie Rutao asked, "The chrysanthemums in the Dongli Garden are in full bloom, just like the white clouds supporting the snow. Why are the princess and Miss Lu in such a hurry? They don't seem to be in the mood to enjoy the flowers."
Many people watching nearby had already looked over. They all knew that the emperor changed his orders every day, and they all guessed that the prince refused the marriage because Shi Mingyue was narrow-minded and did not want the prince to take a concubine.
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