Chapter 408 The Crown Prince
Ye Caiwei snorted heavily: "I won't tell him, let him be mean to me. When I run away one day, he can just sleep with his pillow in his arms!"
Wen Li'er silently gave her a thumbs up.
Outside the hall, two men as black as the bottom of a pot looked at each other.
Hearing that his sister-in-law was going to run away, Yan Shixu felt better, and there was a hint of gloating in his eyes when he looked at Prince Lin.
His Li'er is still a good girl. No matter how much you complain about her, she won't run away.
Prince Lin rolled his eyes at him, coughed heavily, and deliberately increased the noise of his footsteps.
The two women in the hall heard the noise and immediately sat up straight.
One is well-behaved, the other is gentle.
Prince Lin came specifically to take his princess back home.
Seeing that Ye Caiwei ignored him, he didn't care about the presence of the emperor and empress, or the palace maids, and hurriedly apologized for being so mean to her last night.
He lowered himself as low as possible, as if afraid that she would really run away.
In view of his sincere repentance, Ye Caiwei reluctantly forgave him and followed him reluctantly.
Yan Shixu was amazed and felt proud in his heart that his pears were still the best.
The next moment, Wen Li'er put one hand on her waist and grabbed his ear with the other.
She roared fiercely: "If the emperor treats me badly in the future, I will run away!"
Yan Shixu hurriedly hugged this paper tiger in his arms and coaxed him.
Wen Li'er was so happy that she smiled from ear to ear.
…
It had only been over half a month since Xiaoxiao left the palace, and the worry he felt had not yet subsided. However, another wave concerning the foundation of the country had been brewing in the court for a long time, and it hit the shore during the morning court session that day.
That day, Wen Li'er personally sent a few children to Wen Ya Palace. When she came back and sat down, Wan'an came over and reported a piece of news from the previous dynasty to her.
"Your Majesty," Wan'an lowered his voice very low and contained a hint of caution.
"At this morning's court, all the ministers... have once again submitted a joint petition, urging Your Majesty to appoint a crown prince as soon as possible to stabilize the foundation of the nation."
Wen Li'er paused slightly as she held the teacup, the clear tea reflecting her calm eyes.
She took a sip, and the aroma of the warm tea soothed her throat.
This is not the first time.
Over the past five years, similar petitions have emerged like seasonal tides, always surging at specific points.
She put down the teacup, rubbed her fingertips against the delicate porcelain wall, and then said, "Your Majesty...how do you respond?"
Yongtai lowered his head even lower. "Your Majesty... has not yet made a decision. He simply said that the prince is still young and this matter can be discussed later. However... the memorials are pouring in like snowflakes. From what I have seen, the ministers are speaking earnestly and the situation... is quite urgent."
Wen Li'er nodded in understanding. She wasn't surprised by the Emperor's "let's discuss this later."
Although Xiaoxiao's departure was an accident, it was like a touchstone, allowing some people to see a certain "opportunity" or adding a bit of "urgency".
She waved her hand: "I understand, you can go down."
Wan'an retreated silently.
Peace returned to the hall, leaving only the fragrance of pear blossoms rising from the incense burner.
Wen Li'er leaned on the pillow, looking out the window at the pear blossoms in full bloom, the snow-white petals rustling in the breeze.
Establishing a crown prince... The children are all grown up, so it is normal for court officials to bring up the issue of establishing a crown prince again.
She believed that the emperor could handle it, so she was not worried.
She also has no concerns that her children will fight for that position.
The time of leaving court was a little later than usual.
When the familiar footsteps sounded in the outer hall of Pineapple Palace, Wen Li'er was sitting in front of the embroidery frame by the window, moving the silver needle in her hand.
She wanted to make two sets of undergarments for the emperor.
He seemed to particularly like the clothes she had sewn herself.
As long as she made it for him, he would wear it over and over again and would not be willing to throw it away for several years.
A few days ago, a palace maid washed the silk thread off an inner garment she had sewn, and he was so angry that he wanted to beat the maid to death.
She hurried over, coaxed him for a long time, and promised to make him two more sets. Only then did he calm down and send the palace maid away.
Yan Shixu stepped into the inner hall, still carrying the solemn atmosphere of the court.
The golden coiled dragon on the black dragon robe looked majestic in the bright morning light.
However, when his eyes fell on the quiet and gentle figure by the window, the deep majesty melted away like ice and snow, and was quickly replaced by a softness that was unique to this place.
He waved his hand to dismiss the palace maid who wanted to come forward to serve him, walked straight to Wen Li'er, leaned over, and naturally kissed her smooth forehead.
"Pear."
Wen Li'er put down her needle and thread, raised her face, and gave him a gentle smile.
"Your Majesty, have you left the court? It seems a little late today."
Yan Shixu sat down beside her, took the warm tea she handed him, took a sip, then rubbed his eyebrows, his tone filled with a hint of fatigue and helplessness.
"Yes. It's still about the issue of appointing a crown prince. The ministers are arguing fiercely, and it's giving me a headache."
He put down the teacup and his deep gaze fell on Wen Li'er's face with undisguised trust.
"Li'er, they brought it up again this morning at court. And the momentum is even greater than before. I want to hear your thoughts."
Wen Li'er laughed and shook her head when she heard this.
What could she think?
And she had already seen it in the past five years.
Every little thing, every incident, reveals his inclination.
His Majesty's attitude towards each of his children is completely different, and he has the highest expectations for Tiantian...
Although Tiantian is the second legitimate son, in terms of temperament and intelligence, he is indeed more suitable to take on the responsibility of crown prince than the reckless Xiaoxiao.
Xiaoxiao is like a free and unrestrained wind. His world is outside the palace walls and far away in the rivers and lakes.
Forcing him to take the position of crown prince will only lead to torture for both parties.
And Mumu... Wen Li'er thought of her youngest son, who was probably studying hard in Wenya Hall with a book in his arms. The smile on her lips deepened a little, and she felt even more helpless.
That little bookworm had a mind so pure that it could only contain the teachings of sages and the mysteries of heaven and earth.
For him, the position of crown prince is probably a shackle more terrifying than being in prison.
So, she raised her eyes, and her clear almond-shaped eyes met Yan Shixu's gaze. Her smile was gentle and transparent, and also full of complete trust.
"The succession is the foundation of the state. Your Majesty has the final say. I...will leave it to Your Majesty to decide."
Her voice was soft, but like a breeze, it wiped away the last trace of worry from Yan Shixu's brow.
He reached out his hand, placed his broad, warm palm over her hand on her knee, and gently held it.
“You…”
He sighed softly, his tone full of doting and understanding: "I knew you would say that."
Yan Shixu stroked the back of her delicate hand, his eyes burning, "Tiantian is calm and steady, and is willing to work hard. But..."
He paused, as if weighing his words.
Wen Li'er understood and took over his words.
"Is it that Your Majesty is worried that he's too solemn and calm, lacking the youthful energy? Or perhaps... you think he needs more experience?"
Yan Shixu nodded. "That's right. The position of crown prince is related to the inheritance of the country, and it requires more than just talent and character. It requires responsibility and courage, and more importantly, a broad mind and the ability to remain calm in the face of adversity. Tiantian will still need to be tested."
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