Since that night, Chen Xiao and Xu Ruyu's relationship has grown stronger, and the two are inseparable. Chen Xiao stays at Jingyang Palace, where Xu Ruyu lives, every night.
Meanwhile, Yuan Yin and Xu Ruyan devoted themselves entirely to the wedding preparations.
On weekdays, the group often gathered to discuss matters of state, and in their spare time they would stroll together in the Imperial Garden or chat and talk.
The four of them never hid their love affairs from outsiders, which is why the love stories of these two couples spread widely inside and outside the palace.
The common people were deeply moved by the tender affection between His Majesty and Consort Yu, and also envious of the sweet love between the Princess and the Second Young Master Xu.
In the imperial court, the officials naturally heard these anecdotes as well.
Most people were pleased that Ye Chao had such a harmonious and happy love affair, but some people did not approve of Chen Xiao and Xu Ruyu's relationship and still tried to advise His Majesty to take more concubines and establish an Empress.
This time, before Xu Qian could intervene, Chen Xiao directly revealed his intentions to everyone: "I have only been on the throne for half a year, and I have already held a selection of concubines. The concubines in the harem all have their own life circumstances and thoughts. As the Son of Heaven, I am unwilling to hinder or trouble others because of my own selfish desires. To this day, my mind remains unchanged. If I were to rashly select concubines or even appoint an empress, it would be a dereliction of duty to them, and an irresponsible act towards the country and its people."
After everyone fell silent and dared not speak, Chen Xiao slowly added, "Besides, I am already content with Consort Yu by my side in the harem. If you all still insist that I establish an empress, then I will immediately establish Consort Yu as empress. Her virtue and talent are sufficient to bear the honor of this empress position."
Chen Xiao's words were resounding and the court fell silent.
The ministers who had originally intended to offer advice exchanged bewildered glances. They had not expected Chen Xiao's attitude to be so resolute, and his words to leave no room for negotiation.
Xu Ruyu stood aside, his heart filled with surprise and joy. He knew that Chen Xiao had openly defied the pressure from the court officials for his sake, and this courage made him even more determined to spend his life with Chen Xiao.
He never expected that Chen Xiao would do so much for him. It seems that his father made the wrong bet this time.
Xu Qian looked up in surprise, seeing Chen Xiao's determined expression and his son grinning foolishly beside him. He sighed slightly, then nodded slightly, secretly approving of the scene.
He had been worried that Chen Xiao would waver under pressure from the court officials, but seeing her so resolute now, he was relieved.
After that, people inside and outside the palace had a new understanding of the relationship between Chen Xiao and Xu Ruyu, and no one dared to easily mention the matter of taking a concubine and establishing an empress.
Chen Xiao and Xu Ruyu's relationship became increasingly stable, and they worked together to govern and develop the Night Dynasty.
Through their joint efforts, Yechao implemented a series of policies that benefited the people.
Encouraging agriculture and sericulture, reducing taxes and corvée labor, made people's lives increasingly prosperous; establishing schools and attracting talented people, the court was filled with capable individuals.
In a short time, Yechao presented an increasingly prosperous scene, and the love story of Chen Xiao and Xu Ruyu became a legend that people talked about.
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