Chapter 222 The storm subsides temporarily, and the happy event is initially scheduled
By the time I emerged from the Yikun Palace, the morning light had already filtered through the clouds, casting a faint golden glow on the glazed tiles of the Forbidden City. The chill of the palace corridors had not yet dissipated, and a thin layer of frost still formed in the cracks between the tiles, making a creaking sound when I stepped on them.
Qianlong walked ahead, his bright yellow cloak fluttering slightly in the morning breeze, his back exuding the composure of someone who had just handled a major matter. Xiaoyanzi and Ziwei followed behind, neither of them speaking. But Xiaoyanzi held Ziwei's hand, the warmth of her fingertips conveying a sense of reassurance.
"Your Majesty," after walking for a while, Xiaoyanzi finally couldn't help but speak, her voice still a little muffled, "Today... was I too impulsive?" When she broke into Yikun Palace, she only wanted to stand up for Ziwei. Looking back, she was indeed a little reckless.
Qianlong paused and turned to look at her. The morning light fell on his face, fading the coldness he had worn in the Yikun Palace, and giving it a touch of gentleness. "Don't be impulsive," he said calmly, yet with unquestionable certainty. "To deal with such dirty thoughts hidden in the dark, you have to show some strength." He paused, his eyes sweeping over Ziwei's pale face, and his voice softened. "Ziwei, are you scared?"
Ziwei quickly shook her head, her eyes slightly red. "Thank you, Your Majesty, for taking this upon yourself. I...I simply feel I've wronged you and caused you so much trouble." She lowered her head, her voice soft and filled with a hint of fear. If Your Majesty hadn't investigated promptly, who knows how far this rumor would have spread.
"Silly child, what nonsense are you talking about?" Qianlong raised his hand and patted her shoulder gently. "You are my daughter, and it is my duty to protect you. From now on, if anyone dares to gossip about me in the palace, no matter who it is, I will not forgive them." His voice was not loud, but it carried the majesty of an emperor, which made people feel at ease.
Xiaoyanzi looked at Qianlong, and the impulsive anxiety in her heart instantly dissipated. She knew that the emperor's words were not only for Ziwei, but also for her. The emperor in this life was truly different.
By the time they returned to Shufangzhai, the sun had already passed over the palace walls, shining into the crabapple tree in the courtyard. The branches were still shimmering with last night's dew. Xiaodengzi and Xiaowenzi were standing on tiptoe, peering toward the door. Seeing the three return, they breathed a sigh of relief.
"Princess, you're back!" Little Mosquito was the first to run up, the wrinkles on his face squeezed together. "My goodness, long time ago, I heard that you broke into the Yikun Palace, and you scared us!"
Xiao Dengzi also nodded, still clutching a copy of Journey to the West in his hand, apparently not concentrating on the book: "Yes, Princess, just now Eunuch Su came to tell us that everything is fine, so we are relieved."
Mingyue and Caixia had already brought hot tea and handed it to the three of them: "Princess, warm your hands quickly, it's cold outside."
Ziwei held the hot tea, and her fingertips gradually warmed up. She looked at the concerned eyes in the yard, and the grievance in her heart gradually faded, replaced by full of warmth: "I'm sorry to have worried everyone, but we are fine."
Xiaoyanzi took a sip of hot tea, and the warmth flowed from her throat to her heart. She put the teacup on the stone table and patted her chest: "With the Emperor here, what can happen? That Noble Concubine Gao must not dare to gossip anymore!" As she spoke, she raised her chin proudly.
As he was speaking, Yongqi and Erkang hurried over. Yongqi went straight to Xiaoyanzi as soon as he entered the room, looking her up and down: "Xiaoyanzi, are you okay? I heard that you broke into Yikun Palace, I was so worried!"
Erkang also walked to Ziwei, his eyes full of worry: "Ziwei, are you okay?"
Seeing the two people's anxious expressions, Xiaoyanzi couldn't help laughing: "Do I look like I'm in trouble? But you, you're running so fast, your face is red."
Ziwei also smiled gently at Erkang: "I'm fine, the emperor has taken care of it."
Qianlong watched the scene unfold before him. The young people's genuine concern and warmth warmed his heart. He cleared his throat and deliberately put on a stern face, "Alright, what's the point of all of you gathering here?"
Everyone quickly fell silent and stood in line. Qianlong looked at Yongqi and Erkang, his eyes moving around their faces, and suddenly smiled: "Yongqi, Erkang, have you two been waiting for me to say something for a long time?"
Yongqi and Erkang were both stunned and looked at each other, not understanding what Qianlong meant. Xiaoyanzi and Ziwei also looked at Qianlong curiously.
Qianlong put down his teacup and said slowly, "Ziwei's background has been clarified, and Xiaoyanzi is now safe in the palace. I see all the thoughts of you children." He paused, his eyes softening. "I agree. I will hold your wedding after the New Year."
"What?!" Xiaoyanzi was the first to cry out, her eyes wide as she pointed at Yongqi. "Father Emperor, you said...you said you wanted to have a wedding for him? With whom?"
Yongqi didn't expect Qianlong to say this so suddenly. His face flushed red. He pulled Xiaoyanzi's sleeve and whispered, "Xiaoyanzi, you ask even though you already know the answer."
"I know the answer but you still ask?" Xiaoyanzi shook off his hand, her cheeks flushed, but she stiffened her neck and said, "Who... who wants to have a wedding with you? I don't want it!" As she said that, she turned around and was about to run, but was grabbed by Yongqi.
Yongqi looked at her red ears, his eyes full of smiles: "The imperial decree has been issued, it's too late for you to regret it."
Ziwei had already lowered her head in shame, twisting her handkerchief between her fingers, but the corners of her mouth couldn't help but rise. Erkang stood beside her, and although he didn't say anything, the joy in his eyes couldn't be hidden.
Xiaoyanzi looked at Ziwei and Erkang, then at Yongqi who was holding her tightly. She felt embarrassed and angry, but also a little sweet. She stamped her feet and said, "Father Emperor, why don't you ask me what I think?"
Qianlong laughed heartily: "What do you mean? You just want to stay in Shufangzhai and argue with Yongqi every day? I am granting your wish!"
The yard was suddenly filled with laughter, and Xiaodiao and the others were even laughing so hard that they were rolling on the ground. Xiaoyanzi's face turned even redder, and she grabbed an apple on the table and threw it at Yongqi: "Just to make you laugh!"
Yongqi caught the apple steadily and smiled even more happily: "Thank you for the reward, Princess!"
At this moment, Xiao Jian walked in. He had just returned from outside the palace and had heard about what was happening there, so he hurried over. Seeing the harmonious and festive atmosphere in the courtyard, he breathed a sigh of relief and walked up to Qianlong and saluted: "Your Majesty."
Qianlong looked at him and said with a smile, "It's just right that Xiao Jian is here. There's something I wanted to tell you."
Xiao Jian was stunned: "Your Majesty, please speak."
Qianlong looked at Xiaoyanzi, then at Xiaojian, his eyes smiling: "Your sister's marriage is set, isn't it time to put yours on the agenda as well?"
Xiao Jian's face flushed instantly, and he subconsciously looked towards the palace gate, as if he was expecting something. Xiao Yanzi immediately understood, came to Xiao Jian's side, and said with a smile: "Yes, big brother, it's time for the emperor to approve your marriage with Qinggege!"
When Xiao Jian mentioned Qing'er, his eyes softened. He took a deep breath and bowed to Emperor Qianlong, saying, "Your Majesty, I... I do have this intention. I beg Your Majesty to fulfill it."
Looking at his earnest eyes, Qianlong thought of the well-educated, gentle and kind Qing'er and nodded. "Okay! Since you've taken good care of Xiaoyanzi, I'll naturally protect your sweetheart as well. I'll tell the Empress Dowager to grant you and Qing'er a marriage."
"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Xiao Jian's voice was filled with uncontrollable joy.
The atmosphere in the yard grew even more lively. Little Mosquito shouted excitedly, "Wow, boom, boom! This is going to be a blast! We're going to have several weddings!"
The little stool also said: "When the time comes, we must have a good time. I will tell everyone the story of Sun Wukong's havoc in the Heavenly Palace to liven up the atmosphere!"
The sun shone brighter and brighter, shining on everyone's face with warmth and brightness. After a storm, happy events followed one after another. The Shufangzhai was filled with laughter and joy, and even the air became sweet.
Concubine Gao, confined to Jingren Palace, was furious when she heard from the eunuch that Emperor Qianlong, instead of punishing Xiaoyanzi and Ziwei, had granted them a marriage. She hurled her teacup to the floor, sending shattered fragments scattering across the table. But this time, no one paid any heed to her rage. Within the red walls of the Forbidden City, warm sunlight dispelled all gloom, illuminating a path filled with hope.
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