Chapter 66 A Scene Evokes Emotions
Xiao Jue subconsciously touched the jade pendant at his waist. It was a gift from Xie Qingran. Now, whenever he felt upset, he would gently touch the jade pendant, which would make him feel much better.
"Whatever." Xiao Jue snorted, turned the cart around, and prepared to go inside.
Hongshan stepped forward, pushed Xiao Jue through the door, and said, "Your Highness, I really think the eldest young lady is quite nice, so you should treat her better. It would be quite pitiful if you really lost this marriage."
"She was nothing more than a tool the emperor used to appease our Duke Zhenguo's mansion. Losing her is no big deal, what's there to regret?" Xiao Jue snorted coldly, clearly not taking it to heart, but he tightened his grip on Yu Jue's hand.
Having been by Xiao Jue's side for many years, Hong Shan already knew his personality inside and out. Seeing Xiao Jue like this, Hong Shan sighed helplessly.
"Young Master, your mother loves to hear kind words. If you keep being so stubborn, you'll offend people in the future!"
"This Miss Xie is different from ordinary girls. If she really holds a grudge against you, the consequences for you will be quite dire."
Hongshan truly believes that anyone who offends Xie Qingran will not have a good ending. For example, everyone in the capital is talking about Xie Hanyue and Xie Zhaoye, especially after this banquet. The rumors are so detailed that everyone in the capital probably knows about them now.
Shaoyang Palace!
Upon learning of these absurd rumors, the Imperial Concubine's expression immediately changed, and she slammed her hand on the table: "Outrageous! What nonsense are these people spouting? The Xie family is completely innocent; how could such a disgraceful thing happen? Guards, summon Xie Yankang to the palace. I want to ask him properly what exactly happened!"
For the past three to five days, Xie Yankang had been staying in the rooms of the two newly arrived concubines. These two women were carefully selected by Xie Qingran, and their features bore a resemblance to the Imperial Concubine. Without any other details, just their presence was enough to make Xie Yankang's heart flutter.
Now, Xie Yankang was somewhat surprised to be summoned by the Imperial Concubine. He hurriedly dressed himself up in his finest attire and went to the palace.
In Shaoyang Palace, the Imperial Concubine frowned slightly as she looked at Xie Yankang, then said, "I ask you, do you really want Hanyue to be your daughter-in-law?"
What?
Xie Yankang was stunned for a moment after hearing this, and then hurriedly said, "Of course not. Yue'er is my precious treasure. How could she stay at home as my daughter-in-law? Although she is not my biological daughter, she grew up with Zhaoye and has always called him her brother. I will never let them be together."
The Imperial Concubine was willing to hear this, and her expression softened somewhat.
She frowned and looked at Xie Yankang: "So what exactly is going on in the capital? A girl's reputation is so important. If this continues, what will happen to Yue'er's future?"
"I know Your Majesty cares about Yue'er, but please rest assured, it's just some baseless rumors. As long as Zhaoye is engaged, these gossips will naturally fall apart on their own." Xie Yankang looked at the Consort with a smile, his voice unconsciously becoming gentle as he spoke.
The Imperial Concubine nodded in satisfaction: "What you said makes sense. I have already thought it through. The princess of the Prince of Ruyang's family is about the same age as your Zhaoye, so they should be a good match. The Prince of Ruyang's family is not disgracing your Xie family."
Xie Yankang never expected that the Imperial Concubine would care so much about his family's affairs. He felt a surge of sweetness in his heart, and smiled slightly, saying, "If the Imperial Concubine thinks a girl is good, then she is naturally good."
"I've always wanted to ask you, why did you let Xie Qingran marry Xiao Jue?"
"The Duke of Zhenguo's mansion is now utterly disgraced, so why bother trying to curry favor with it?"
The imperial concubine looked at Xie Yankang with some displeasure.
Xie Yankang stood up and bowed: "Although the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion may seem filthy, His Majesty still holds a place for them in His Majesty's heart. In the future, when those young children grow up, they will inevitably rise from the ashes. Therefore, even for Your Majesty's sake, I must marry this child off to them."
“Ah Kang…”
The imperial concubine was deeply moved, her eyes slightly reddening. She stood up, walked closer, and said with a smile, "I knew it. Over the years, you've been the best to me."
"Your Highness is too kind. This is merely what I should do."
"As long as Your Majesty is happy in the palace, I am willing to do anything."
Xie Yankang's face turned red, but he still managed to remain calm and did not break the rules of etiquette.
After leaving Shaoyang Palace, Xie Yankang was as excited as a young boy. He went straight back to Rose Garden and looked at Xie Qingran with a smile: "How have you been these past few days?"
"Thank you for your concern, Father. I'm fine now."
Xie Qingran naturally knew that Xie Yankang was in a good mood because he had seen the Imperial Concubine, which was why he thought of coming to see her.
Looking at Xie Yankang's excited appearance, she found it utterly ridiculous. At his age, he was still thinking about such nonsense. He was shameless and had no sense of shame at all!
"I'm glad you're alright."
“In a few days, there will be a banquet at the Duke of Zhenguo’s mansion. You must attend. The Duke of Zhenguo’s mansion has not held a banquet since the heir was injured. This is the first time. It may be for you.”
"This marriage is almost certainly going to happen."
Xie Yankang held Xie Qingran's hand, his voice gentle and tender.
"Qingran, this is a marriage you asked for yourself, so you must seize the opportunity, understand?"
Xie Qingran was somewhat surprised. Ever since Xiao Jue was injured, he had never attended a banquet, let alone hosted one. She never expected that he would now reopen his doors to guests. What did this mean?
For some reason, Xie Qingran felt something was strange, and even had a slight sense of foreboding!
However, Xie Qingran did not show it. She just smiled slightly and said, "Yes, I understand. Father, don't worry."
"Seeing you like this, I'm relieved. Your sister knelt in the ancestral hall for three days and knows she was wrong."
"You're the older sister, why don't you go see her and comfort her? This family should always try to stay harmonious, don't you think?"
This is Xie Yankang's real purpose for coming here this time.
He had just seen the Imperial Concubine, and naturally, the sight evoked memories of Xie Hanyue, who was being punished. Yet, he insisted that Xie Qingran bow her head in humility.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com