Although everyone had some suspicions, no one dared to say it out loud in public.
After the meal, they returned to their respective palaces. Yongqi and Xiaoyanzi followed Consort Yu back to Yonghe Palace. "Yongqi, come with me for a moment."
As soon as they entered the gates of Yonghe Palace, Consort Yu spoke up, and Yongqi immediately nodded, "Okay."
Then he turned to Xiao Yanzi and said, "Go back and rest first, I'll call you later!"
Although Xiao Yanzi was a little worried, she nodded and said, "Okay, I'll go back now!"
"Xingchen, keep an eye on her!" Yongqi then looked at Xingchen standing behind him, "Don't let anyone disturb her!"
"yes."
Seeing that Xingchen nodded, Yongqi walked towards Consort Yu's room. "Mother, what did you want to see me about?"
"Yongqi, you two are still young. You should be more careful about some things..."
Upon hearing Consort Yu's words, Yongqi immediately became nervous. "Mother, do you not like Xiaoyanzi?"
Seeing Yongqi's anxious look, Consort Yu sighed, "It's not that I don't like Xiaoyanzi, I just think you two are still too young, and you haven't seen enough people. How can you be sure that Xiaoyanzi is the one you want?"
"Have you ever thought about how Xiao Yanzi would live if you chose someone else in the future?"
"Right now, she's in the palace, but no matter what, she's just your maid, not your mistress. How long do you plan to keep her in Yonghe Palace?"
"Do you know how terrible her fate will be if she stays by your side for too long and then you leave her in the end?"
Hearing Consort Yu's words, Yongqi realized that Consort Yu didn't dislike Xiaoyanzi, but was worried about her. "Mother, don't worry, no matter what, I will never let Xiaoyanzi down!"
"I will definitely find out Xiao Yanzi's background, find her family, and win their consent to marry her as my only wife!"
"You're too naive!" Consort Yu sighed helplessly upon hearing Yongqi's words. "Let me ask you this: if Xiaoyanzi's background isn't acceptable to the royal family, then she wouldn't be able to stay in the palace!"
"Fine, even if she comes from a respectable family, how can you marry her as your only wife?"
"Even if I agree, and the Emperor agrees, the Empress Dowager will not agree!"
"Besides, I believe you know better than I, as his mother, how much hope the Emperor has for you. Do you think Xiao Yanzi has the ability to stand by your side?"
"Even if she does have it, how much power does her family have?"
"You must understand that although there are Han officials in the court, the Manchu officials hold more power and influence. How are you going to persuade them?"
"Yongqi, your mother doesn't mean to stop you or scare you, but if you want to marry Xiaoyanzi as your only wife, this path will be very difficult!"
"It requires not only your mutual affection, but also your combined abilities to weather the storms of the court and the world!"
"You're so eager to show your affection for Xiao Yanzi, have you ever thought about whether your feelings might cause her trouble?"
"You grew up in the palace, you should know how dark it is. If one day you are careless, Xiao Yanzi might..."
"Mother, please stop talking. I understand, I really understand!" Before Consort Yu could finish speaking, Yongqi interrupted her.
He broke out in a cold sweat as he listened. He couldn't help but recall the scene in his previous life when Ziwei was captured and tortured by the Empress. If those needles had pierced Xiaoyanzi's body, he was afraid he would have really gone mad!
Consort Yu patted Yongqi's shoulder, comforting him, "Yongqi, listen to your mother, be patient for now, and do what you want to do when you are more capable!"
Now that she's being spoiled so much, there are always some resentful people waiting to find fault with Xiao Yanzi. She's so innocent and kind, if she accidentally falls into their trap, they'll probably regret it for the rest of their lives!
However, restraint must be done in moderation, lest Xiao Yanzi feel that he is neglecting her or avoiding her!
"Yongqi, you should also explain things clearly to Xiaoyanzi."
"If you truly care about her and need her by your side, then tell her everything you're thinking and let her know just how much danger surrounds you..."
"If she can't take it, we can let her leave early so she can live the life she wants!"
"Thank you for your guidance, Mother. I have benefited greatly!" Yongqi bowed and took his leave before returning to his room.
He sat in the study chair, his mind replaying Consort Yu's words, and felt a chill creeping over him. "No, I will never let Xiao Yanzi get hurt!"
He wanted to make himself stronger and also help Xiao Yanzi gradually improve her skills and knowledge, so that he could minimize the harm he might cause her!
However, he then recalled what Consort Yu had said, "If she can't stand it, she can leave early and live the life she wants..."
"If Xiao Yanzi really wants to leave, can I let her go?" Yongqi wondered to himself.
No matter how he thought about it, he couldn't bring himself to let Xiao Yanzi leave, but should he force her to stay?
Then how is he any different from the Emperor who tried to force Hanxiang to stay in his previous life?
Of course he thought about it too. He could give up everything in the palace for Xiao Yanzi and take her away to roam the world.
But if he just leaves like this, wouldn't it be too unfair to his father and mother?
The Emperor trusts him so much, and his mother is still thinking about Xiao Yanzi and his future. Is he really going to desert?
No! He can definitely come up with a solution that satisfies both sides!
"Fifth Prince, it's time to wake the young lady!" Xiao Shunzi's voice came from outside the door. Yongqi finally came to his senses. So he had been thinking about this for so long?
"Okay, I'll change my clothes and come right away!" Because he was so engrossed in thinking, he actually broke out in a cold sweat, so he had to change his clothes.
After changing his clothes, he went to Xiao Yanzi's room and called her to wake up, "Xiao Yanzi, are you awake? It's time!"
As soon as Yongqi finished speaking, Xiaoyanzi opened her eyes and exclaimed, "We've arrived so quickly!"
Little Swallow rubbed her eyes, trying hard to see Yongqi clearly. "Why is there sweat on your forehead? Are you hot?"
Yongqi shook his head awkwardly, "No, I had a nightmare and woke up scared!"
"Nightmare? What happened?" Little Swallow's curiosity was instantly piqued.
Yongqi quickly changed the subject, "You change your clothes first, and we'll talk after our afternoon training is over!"
"Alright." Xiao Yanzi didn't press the matter further and let Xingchen help her change her clothes. After she changed, the two of them quickly headed to the archery range.
"Today is the day when Xiao Yanzi and Qing'er officially join the training."
"You two practice shooting arrows while standing still first. Once you can hit the bullseye, we can switch to another training method. Any questions?"
Yunxi thought to herself, "(No need to run or ride a horse, just draw the bow and shoot arrows from the spot, it should be considered easy, right?)"
"These are your bows and arrows." He had gone out all night to find bows and arrows suitable for two little girls. "You can try drawing the bows first, and then aim and shoot!"
However, Yunxi overlooked one problem: the male and female protagonists should not have physical contact. Without a female general, how could they teach the two young girls?
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