Although Li Xi and his group returned to Kyoto, they were unable to reunite with their families due to their connection with the Red Lotus Sect.
Chu Liang replaced Qin Xiaolin as the new "Sui Feng".
For Wan Yue and Hong Ying, home is wherever Xiao Xi is, so it doesn't matter where they stay.
Because Meng Zhelan couldn't leave the Red Lotus Sect at will, Prince An sent a letter to Meng Zhong on her behalf.
After learning about Li Xi's situation from Meng Zhelan, Meng Zhong felt relieved and kept the secret, going about his shifts as usual, pretending he knew nothing.
Prince An spent most of the day in the imperial study, giving the emperor a detailed report on the achievements of the past few days.
Finally, he spoke of Li Xi: "Father, Li Xi has now regained her memories and has successfully infiltrated the Red Lotus Sect. She told me that she will find an opportunity to personally apologize to you."
He handed Li Xi's letter to the eunuch, leaving it to his father to decide whether to read it or not.
Emperor Wenyuan was constantly wondering whether this person was trustworthy.
Finally, he simply said, "Bring her in sometime."
"Yes, Father." Since learning that Li Xi was a woman, Qi Yu no longer felt anxious or insecure.
"Go back now. You haven't been back to the capital for so long. Go see your imperial grandmother." The emperor waved him away.
Qi Yu thought for a moment and then decided to ask directly: "Your subject wishes to ask Your Majesty for a favor."
"Tell me," the emperor said without looking up, continuing to review the memorials.
"Your Majesty, I would like to request that you grant me and Meng Zhelan a marriage." After much deliberation, he finally decided to ask.
Upon hearing this, Emperor Wenyuan paused slightly in his vermilion brush.
He lifted his gaze from the memorial and looked at Qi Yu kneeling below, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes.
"Yu'er, do you know that marriage is a very important matter? Especially for you, as a prince, the choice of a princess is related to the face of the royal family and the stability of the court. Doctor Meng is indeed very good, but she does not have a prominent family background, nor does she have the power to share our burdens in the court."
If this marriage were purely based on emotion, I would naturally be pleased to see it happen; the two of you are perfectly matched, a truly beautiful story. However, as an imperial family, every choice requires weighing the pros and cons and careful consideration.
Emperor Wenyuan slowly walked to the window, looked at the dark sky outside, and continued, "I know you are kind-hearted and do not want to be burdened by worldly affairs, but as a prince, you bear too many responsibilities and expectations on your shoulders."
Dr. Meng is a highly skilled doctor with a kind heart. However, if this marriage is solely based on love, how can you guarantee your future happiness?
He turned around, his gaze falling on Qi Yu again, his tone softening with gentleness and affection: "Yu'er, have you ever considered how much criticism and obstacles you will face if you insist on doing this? The court officials, and even the concubines in the harem, will probably all be talking about this, thinking that you are acting rashly and disregarding the overall situation."
Upon hearing this, Qi Yu looked up at his father, his eyes flashing with determination and unyielding spirit: "Father, I know that marriage is no small matter, and I understand that I bear great responsibility as a prince."
But I believe even more that true happiness should not be bound by power and profit. Although Doctor Meng has no illustrious family background, she uses her medical skills to help people and save lives. Her pure and kind heart is something I have never seen before in my life.
"Your subject is willing to treat her with utmost sincerity and spend this life with her. No matter how difficult the road ahead may be, your subject is willing to bear it all."
Upon hearing this, Emperor Wenyuan felt a complex mix of emotions welling up inside him.
He knew Qi Yu's temperament well; once he made up his mind about something, he wouldn't easily change it.
After a moment of silence, he sighed softly and said, "Yu'er, I understand your intentions. However, this matter needs to be considered carefully and should not be rushed."
His voice was steady and powerful, each word conveying an unquestionable authority.
Upon hearing this, Qi Yu was overjoyed and quickly kowtowed to express his gratitude: "Thank you for your understanding, Father. Your son will certainly live up to your expectations and handle this matter properly."
Emperor Wenyuan nodded and waved for Qi Yu to step down.
After Qi Yu's figure disappeared outside the door, he picked up the vermilion brush again, but found that he had no heart to review the memorials anymore.
So he got up and went to Consort Shu's palace, where Consort Shu had recently been looking for a lot of new and interesting things.
Qi Yu decided to plead with his grandmother, who had always favored Lan'er and would surely agree to the matter.
The retired emperor and empress dowager have been staying in the palace these days.
Upon hearing that Qi Yu had returned, they immediately sent a eunuch to invite him in.
"Yu'er, come, play chess with your grandfather. I'm really getting tired of it." She gave up her seat.
The old man returned to the palace and made her play chess with him every day.
"Yes, grandson obeys." Qi Yu lifted his hem and sat down.
After Qi Yu sat down, a hint of worry inadvertently flashed in his eyes, but he quickly concealed it. He picked up a black piece and gently placed it in one corner of the chessboard.
"Yu'er, your chess skills have improved more and more. I'm almost no match for you anymore." The Empress Dowager looked at him with a smile.
The retired emperor stroked his beard, his sharp eyes scrutinizing the chessboard. He would occasionally nod in approval, and sometimes frown in deep thought, as he and Qi Yu exchanged blows, the game gradually becoming increasingly intense.
"Grandmother, I have come today with a request." Taking advantage of the break during the exchange of children, Qi Yu finally mustered his courage and spoke softly.
His voice, though soft, reached the ears of the two elders clearly.
Upon hearing this, the Empress Dowager paused in her tea-drinking motion, then put down her teacup and looked at Qi Yu gently: "Oh? What has troubled Yu'er so much? Why don't you tell me?"
Qi Yu took a deep breath and slowly uttered the words he had prepared in his heart: "Just now, I asked Father Emperor for a favor, to grant me and Meng Zhelan a marriage."
Upon hearing this, the retired emperor paused slightly in his chess piece, raised his gaze from the chessboard, and exchanged a meaningful look with the empress dowager.
He gently placed the chess piece down, making a crisp sound that broke the silence of the room, followed by a faint smile playing on his lips.
The Empress Dowager, standing to the side, was naturally pleased from a grandmother's perspective. "I am naturally very happy with Lan'er, but you should think it through. She doesn't have a distinguished family background. If you want... then she may not be able to offer you much help."
Upon hearing this, Qi Yu's gaze hardened even more. He bowed slightly and responded with an unprecedented seriousness:
"Grandmother's teachings are etched in my heart. But what I seek is not a combination of power and profit, but rather what my heart desires and where my emotions lead me."
Although Meng Zhelan came from humble beginnings, she was kind-hearted, exceptionally talented, and, most importantly, understood, trusted, and helped me. In her grandson's heart, these qualities far surpassed any advantage brought by family background.
He paused, "Moreover, back then, my grandfather and grandmother, you two supported each other, weathered storms together, and built this prosperous empire. You often said that true love is priceless and friendship is invaluable."
That was true, and the two elderly people nodded repeatedly as they listened.
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