"Whoever dares to harm a single hair on your head, I will tear them to pieces!" Long Xuanmo declared resolutely. "If anything happens to you, even in the yellow springs and beyond, I vow to follow you in death!"
Looking at Long Xuanmo’s face, filled with deep and unrepentant affection, the Emperor almost choked with anger.
The rest were shocked yet comforted.
Yang Mengchen’s lips curled slightly upwards, revealing a charming smile, as glimmers of light like little stars twinkled in her eyes, sending waves of affection straight into Long Xuanmo’s heart.
"Are you threatening me?" The Emperor said, his face as dark as a storm cloud, but in his heart, he had already accepted this daughter-in-law.
Although the Empress Dowager had ostensibly visited the Huangjue Temple to pray for blessings, she had actually gone incognito to stay with the Yang family for nearly two months. After returning to the palace the day before yesterday, she had a long private talk with him. He thus learned that as Old Man Wuwei’s beloved disciple, this daughter-in-law had deep connections with several powerful noble families. She was extremely intelligent and capable, but also kind-hearted and benevolent, not coveting wealth or fame, and she even shared her accomplishments with others, including Momo. This showed the breadth of her generosity and her indifference to fame and fortune.
The Yang family were loyal to the country and the sovereign, and their descendants were all outstanding talents who cherished this daughter-in-law as if she were their life. As long as their bottom line was not crossed, the Yang family would never rebel or do anything to harm the state.
He had also received secret reports that the daughter-in-law had suddenly fallen into a coma some time ago, and the entire Qinghe Prefecture had been praying for her well-being. Recognizing the respect and love she commanded from so many people, he admitted that he felt somewhat jealous.
Now that the daughter-in-law had successfully cultivated these four kinds of crops with such high yields, as an Emperor with foresight and insight, he naturally understood that once these crops were widely promoted, it would be a great joy for the nation and the people. Although it could be said that the daughter-in-law intended to use this to win his favor for her and Long Xuanmo’s sake, her decision to keep it secret until now and present it directly to him was understandable.
The Empress Dowager had also said that the daughter-in-law was not only learned and talented but had a far-sighted and thorough understanding of issues. With proper guidance, she would undoubtedly be a lucky star for Dong Chu. He trusted the Empress Dowager’s judgment, thus he intended to keep such a good daughter-in-law for his own family and for his most beloved son.
Yang Mengchen said softly, "This humble girl wouldn’t dare!"
"Ah Jiu may not dare, but your son does!" Long Xuanmo stared straight at the Emperor, his icy gaze clearly challenging: just try to lay a finger on Ah Jiu.
Understanding the meaning behind his son’s gaze, the Emperor was fuming, questioning internally whether his education had been a failure, or if he owed his son in a past life and was now here to repay that debt.
"Alright, Jiujiu, come to me," the Empress Dowager interjected timely, fearing further argument between father and son which might actually lead to a fight. As Yang Mengchen approached, the Empress Dowager handed her an embroidered box: "Inside is the Dragon and Phoenix Jade Bracelet that the late Empress Dowager bestowed upon me. Now, I give it to you. You and Momo must love each other, support each other throughout your lives."
Yang Mengchen bowed in gratitude: "Thank you, Empress Dowager!" She took the embroidered box with both hands and carefully placed it in her purse.
"Why are you still calling me ’Empress Dowager’?" the Empress Dowager teased.
Weiwei glanced at Long Xuanmo, who nodded with a smile, and Yang Mengchen’s cheeks flushed with a faint blush: "Thank you, Royal Grandmother!" freeweɓnovēl.coɱ
"Ah!" The Empress Dowager laughed joyfully, her mouth barely able to close.
The Empress handed over a beautifully carved and crystal-clear Jade Pendant to Yang Mengchen: "This Dragon and Phoenix Jade Pendant is a Long family heirloom. Now that my mother has passed it to you, I hope you will treat Momo well."
"Mother, rest assured, I will," Yang Mengchen replied firmly, nodding vigorously, and took the Jade Pendant with both hands.
Grand Prince and others presented their gifts and offered their blessings, with Yang Mengchen expressing her thanks to each one. Finally, all eyes turned to the Emperor.
With things having come this far, the Emperor let go of his pretense: "Considering your contributions to the state and that Momo will marry no one but you, I approve this marriage. But you must remember that from now on, you are a member of the Long family, and you must always consider the Long family’s interests. Do you understand?"
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