After Liu Chengxi left, Yun Qing glanced in the direction he had gone, seemingly lost in thought.
After the Autumn Festival, Li Huaiyin's birthday will soon follow.
Empress Zhao looked at her son and was at a loss for what to do.
"Yin'er, do you know what day it is next month?"
"What day is it?" Li Huaiyin stretched out his hand and tried to figure it out, but couldn't remember for a moment.
"You never seem to care about anything, it's driving your father crazy. Next month is your twentieth birthday, and look at you, you still haven't settled down at all."
"So that's what it is, Father. Didn't I say before that I don't want to get married for the time being? I only want to stay by your and Mother's side?"
To everyone's surprise, Zhao Junhou did not feel comforted by his words.
"How can a boy not get married? You're immature now, but you'll regret it when you can't get married later. Look at those younger than you, like Yun Qing. She'll be getting married in two years. You're so much older than her and still not settled. What kind of image do you have?"
The name Yun Qing instantly touched a nerve with Li Huaiyin.
"Father, what did you mean by that? Could it be that Mother has already chosen a husband for my cousin?"
Why are you asking this? We need to discuss your marriage now.
As Li Weiyi's bedmate, Empress Zhao knew her well.
He could tell that Li Weiyi had completely given up on having a daughter and was probably planning to adopt Yunqing.
His current urgency regarding Li Huaiyin's marriage is also due to this matter.
Firstly, Li Huaiyin and Yun Qing became siblings in name only. How could an older brother marry later than his younger sister?
Secondly, he used to think that if his child didn't want to marry, he could simply remain a noble prince for life, and that wasn't so bad. But things were different now. If Yun Qing were to ascend the throne in the future, would he tolerate his son acting arrogantly and domineeringly in the palace?
A new emperor brings a new court; he can't wait until things are right in front of him to start thinking about it, he has to plan ahead.
Empress Zhao made up her mind and said to Li Huaiyin in an unquestionable tone, "My son, I think the newly appointed third-ranked scholar Zhang Yi is quite good. He is handsome and talented. How about making him your consort?"
"No way!" Li Huaiyin refused without even thinking. He had seen Zhang Yi before, and she was just so-so. Besides, he and Yun Qing had already pledged their lives to each other and he would not marry anyone else. How could he possibly be with someone else?
"This won't do, that won't do, who do you want? If you have someone you like, as long as they're not a beggar, your father will agree. If not, you'd better get married obediently. I think I've spoiled you too much, which has made you so arrogant. In three months, you'll get married whether you like it or not."
Zhao Junhou's tone was resolute, leaving no room for maneuver. However, without discussing it with Yun Qing, Li Huaiyin dared not rashly reveal their private affair.
It would be bad if the Empress Dowager misunderstood Yunqing.
Left with no other choice, he could only stomp his foot and turn to leave Kunning Palace.
Upon returning to the prince's residence, Li Huaiyin immediately wrote a letter and handed it to the messenger.
"Remember, you must hand it over to Yun Qing personally."
"yes."
Less than half an hour later, the messenger returned.
"How is it? Is Yun Qing here?"
"Your Highness, the letter has been personally delivered to Miss Yun. She opened it on the spot and asked me to tell you that she will be keeping the appointment soon."
"That's good, that's good!" Li Huaiyin paced back and forth excitedly.
After a while, he suddenly ran into the inner room.
"Xiaodong, come and help me re-tie my hair."
Barring any unforeseen circumstances, today will be the day their relationship is made public, and he will greet that moment with his most handsome appearance.
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