Xu Yuehuai smiled and patted Qi Ziang's head, then turned to Tie Chunsheng next to Zhou Wan and gently called out, "Ziang, Chunsheng, you two little ones have grown taller and stronger." Her voice was full of love and tenderness.
Tie Chunsheng immediately came to her side, and he and Qi Ziang each took one of her hands.
"And Ah Xuan and Ah Sen, we haven't seen each other for a long time either."
Upon hearing this, Bei Xuan and Xia Sen immediately put down their bowls and chopsticks and sweetly called out, "Sister!" Their eyes shone with respect and affection for Xu Yuehuai.
Xu Yuehuai felt a warmth in her heart. She knew that these children cared about her and relied on her. She sat down and looked at the sumptuous meal on the table. She couldn't help but admire how much better the chefs at the Prince's mansion had become after watching her cook for a while.
She coughed softly, drawing everyone's attention.
Then she said solemnly, "I have something to discuss with you."
Seeing this, everyone put down their bowls and chopsticks and looked at Xu Yuehuai with serious expressions. They knew that Xu Yuehuai had always been a very opinionated and decisive person, so they all respected her opinion.
Xu Yuehuai continued, "Some things have happened in the Mingyue Kingdom recently, and we may need to take some action." She paused, then continued, "I plan to send Axuan back to the Mingyue Kingdom to inherit the throne."
Her words were like a pebble thrown into a lake, breaking the previously tranquil atmosphere. Zhou Wan, Tie Xiong, and the others showed expressions of surprise, as if they had heard unbelievable news.
Xia Sen, on the other hand, appeared much calmer. He had already gleaned some clues from Xu Yuehuai's eyes and guessed that such a decision might be made.
Bei Xuan stared in shock, her eyes wide. Her hands clenched tightly together, her fingertips turning slightly white. Her lips moved as if she wanted to say something, but in the end, it only turned into a soft sigh.
"But I really don't want to leave the Great Zhou Kingdom, I don't want to leave everyone." Her voice was filled with reluctance and helplessness.
Xu Yuehuai looked at Bei Xuan, a hint of tenderness flashing in her eyes. She walked to Bei Xuan's side and gently took her hand.
“Xuan’er, I know this is difficult for you, but you are the princess of the Mingyue Kingdom. You have the responsibility to inherit the throne and protect your country and people.”
Bei Xuan's eyes were slightly moist. She looked up at Xu Yuehuai, her eyes filled with confusion and unease.
“But, I…” She wanted to say something, but in the end she didn’t say it.
Xu Yuehuai smiled and patted Bei Xuan's shoulder. "Don't worry, we'll be with you until everything settles down." Her voice was firm and warm, as if giving Bei Xuan a boost of strength.
At this moment, Xia Sen also walked to Bei Xuan's side. He looked at Bei Xuan, his eyes shining with determination.
"Xuan'er, I will be with you. No matter what difficulties we encounter, I will protect you."
Bei Xuan looked at Xia Sen, a hint of emotion flashing in her eyes. She knew she wasn't fighting alone; she had a group of people willing to accompany and support her. She took a deep breath and nodded.
"Alright, I will go back to inherit the throne, and I will definitely not let everyone down."
Xu Yuehuai and Xia Sen exchanged a smile. They knew that Bei Xuan had made her decision, and they would stand by her side to face the challenges of the future.
In the days that followed, Xu Yuehuai, Xia Sen, and Bei Xuan began busily preparing for their return to the Underworld Moon Kingdom.
Zhou Wan, Tie Xiong, and others also expressed their willingness to accompany her and provide support to Bei Xuan.
The moment the news that Bei Xuan was about to be sent back to the Mingyue Kingdom spread throughout the Great Zhou Dynasty court, the court instantly erupted in chaos.
The civil and military officials discussed the matter animatedly, some with solemn expressions, others with agitated emotions, all expressing their opposition.
"Your Majesty, this is absolutely unacceptable!" An old minister stood up excitedly, his hands trembling as he pointed to the Mingyue Kingdom on the map. "We finally managed to bring the Mingyue Kingdom into our territory through a hard-fought war. How can we so easily return it? Wouldn't that make the world laugh at our Great Zhou for having no one capable?"
"Your Majesty, please reconsider!" Another young minister stepped forward, his brows furrowed and his expression serious. "Although Bei Xuan is a princess of the Mingyue Kingdom, she has lived in the Great Zhou Kingdom for many years and is already a part of our Great Zhou Kingdom. Sending her back to the Mingyue Kingdom would be tantamount to handing over the fruits of our victory, which would be a great damage to the prestige and interests of our Great Zhou Kingdom!"
However, despite the constant opposition from the court officials, Qi Hanlin remained unmoved.
He sat calmly on the dragon throne, his piercing gaze sweeping over every minister in the court. His fingers tapped lightly on the armrest of the throne, as if he were contemplating how to quell the turmoil.
"My mind is made up. Bei Xuan must return to the Mingyue Kingdom to inherit the throne." Qi Hanlin's voice was firm and powerful, echoing in the court like a thunderclap. "I know what you are worried about, but I believe that Bei Xuan can bring peace and prosperity to our Great Zhou Kingdom and the Mingyue Kingdom. This is my decision, and it is also my trust in Bei Xuan."
As Qi Hanlin finished speaking, the court fell into a deep silence. The ministers looked at each other, speechless. They knew the emperor's decision was irreversible and could only silently accept the fact.
Meanwhile, among the common people of the Great Zhou Kingdom, the news of Bei Xuan's impending return to the Mingyue Kingdom elicited completely different reactions. They overwhelmingly expressed their support for Bei Xuan's return to inherit the throne, hoping she could bring peace and prosperity to the Mingyue Kingdom.
“Princess Beixuan is the pride of our Great Zhou Kingdom. She should return to the Mingyue Kingdom to inherit the throne.” An old man stroked his beard, his face beaming with pride. “I believe she will bring peace and prosperity to both our countries.”
“Yes, we shouldn’t send young people to guard the land of the Dark Moon Kingdom. It’s too hard for them.” A young woman nodded, echoing the old man’s words. “If Princess Beixuan goes back to inherit the throne, we won’t have to worry about the Dark Moon Kingdom invading our borders again.”
"This is a fantastic option for us. It would be wonderful if the four countries could continue to live in peace!"
Inspired by the enthusiasm of the people, the entire Great Zhou Kingdom seemed to be immersed in blessings and expectations for Bei Xuan. People prayed for her, hoping that she could demonstrate her talent and wisdom in the Mingyue Kingdom and bring peace and prosperity to both countries.
Days passed peacefully, and in the courtyard of the Prince's mansion, Bei Xuan's life did not seem to become heavy because of the impending farewell.
Sunlight streamed through the delicate window lattice, illuminating her gentle face and softening her features. Her eyes always sparkled with a bright light, as if filled with confidence and anticipation for the future.
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