The Empress and the palace maids were all stunned, never expecting that Yuan Qiu had such deep feelings for Yang Cui.
Then the Empress added, "But General Cen is a first-rank official. Having such an uncle will be very helpful to your future."
"My uncle could rise from humble beginnings to a high-ranking official position without relying on anyone. So, one day, a commoner can do the same! My aunt once said that relying on heaven, earth, or ancestors doesn't make you a hero. A real man shouldn't always think about relying on others; only what you build yourself can truly be called an empire!"
"Well said!" The Emperor, who had arrived unnoticed, happened to hear these words and couldn't help but applaud Yuan Qiu.
"Greetings, Your Majesty."
"Rise, all of you." The Emperor finished speaking, his gaze still fixed on Yuan Qiu. "Your name is Yuan Qiu?"
"Yes, I am Yuan Qiu, a commoner."
"Did your aunt teach you to say those things just now?"
Yuan Qiu was visibly nervous in front of the emperor, but he was a clever man. He knew that people looked down on Yang Cui’s background and thought that Yang Cui was not good enough for Cen Xiao, so he had to find a way to let everyone know how outstanding Yang Cui was.
So Yuan Qiu said, "Yes, my aunt taught me that we should never rely on others and should be self-reliant."
My aunt is beautiful, generous, and kind. She's good at making money, cooking delicious food, and doing accounting—she's better than many experienced accountants. She also writes stories, and everyone loves reading them…”
Yuan Qiu showered Yang Cui with compliments, leaving Yang Cui stunned. Her face turned red as he spoke, and it sounded like he was promoting a product or advertising for a marriage.
As a result, Er Ya boldly said, "Qiu Qiu is right. My mother is amazing. The ladies and girls of the wealthy families in the county town are no match for my mother."
Sanya chimed in, "Yes, yes, yes!"
"What nonsense!" Yang Cui's face turned red, and she coughed lightly, signaling the three children to stop talking.
As a result, Yuan Qiu seemed not to see it and continued to boast: "My uncle is able to marry my aunt, it must be because his ancestors' graves are emitting auspicious smoke."
"Ahem, shut up." Yang Cui couldn't hold back any longer. "Your Majesty, Your Majesty the Empress, the child is talking nonsense..."
“I’m not talking nonsense,” Yuan Qiu interrupted Yang Cui. “I know everyone thinks my aunt comes from a low social class and that she’s not good enough for my uncle, but I think my aunt is no less than those women from good families.”
In terms of looks, I have never seen anyone more beautiful than my aunt. In terms of ability, how many people can build such a large fortune in just one year?
In terms of character, when Jinjiang was transformed, my aunt donated two thousand taels of silver without hesitation, and even used her own money to buy several hundred bushels of grain to be sent to the disaster area. How many women are as generous as my aunt? My aunt also founded the Hope Academy, providing free education. How many people in the world can do that?
The Emperor, Empress, and palace servants all fell silent, their eyes fixed on Yang Cui.
What Yang Cui did is something that few men, let alone women, could do.
The Emperor then asked, "Did Lady Yang teach you these words?"
Yuan Qiu shook his head: "No, it was my own idea to say it. I was afraid that Your Majesty would separate my uncle and aunt."
Cen Xiao slapped him on the back of the head, feigning anger, and said, "What nonsense are you talking about? Who told you that the Emperor wants to separate me and your aunt? The Emperor is a wise and benevolent ruler throughout the ages, busy with countless affairs every day. How could he have time to concern himself with such trivial matters?"
Yuan Qiu immediately breathed a sigh of relief: "Oh, then I'm relieved."
The Emperor snorted coldly: "You two, uncle and nephew, put on a good show!"
Cen Xiao and Yuan Qiu knelt down together, and then the Emperor said, "Does that mean that if I separated you, I wouldn't be a wise ruler, but a foolish one?"
"Your humble servant would not dare."
"Dare not? I think you dare quite a bit, hmph."
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