Chapter 496: Fatal Question
Lu Zhiran proposed to leave on her own, but was rejected by Xiao Yanci.
"Nothing is more important than the child in your belly. Grandfather won't say anything if he sees you. If I really let you go by yourself, Mother will definitely grab my ears and scold me."
Lu Zhiran couldn't persuade him, so she had to sit in the sedan chair obediently.
Only when they arrived in front of Lanxue Hall was Lu Zhiran released.
Xiao Yanci's arms were strong and powerful, holding her steadily.
As they entered Lanxue Hall, a warm breeze hit them in the face. Xiao Yanci personally took off Lu Zhiran's cloak and tidied her dress.
Lu Zhiran was about to kneel down to salute, but Concubine Rou quickly pulled him up.
"You are in a heavy state now, so you don't need to be polite."
Concubine Rou wanted to help her sit down, but Lu Zhiran refused and insisted on kneeling down to pay her respects to the King of Southern Yunnan.
"My granddaughter-in-law pays homage to my grandfather. I have long heard that he was a powerful figure in southern Yunnan, protecting the country and the people. Seeing him in person today, I finally know that the heroic spirit between your brows is inherited from you."
The King of Southern Yunnan had been sizing up Lu Zhiran and saw that she was beautiful and a perfect match for his grandson.
She spoke with grace and grace as soon as she spoke, and her words were pleasant to the ears. The King of Southern Yunnan immediately liked her even more.
The King of Southern Yunnan pulled his lips together and gave a kind smile.
"You must be Zhiran, right? I've always heard Ah Ci mention you before. Now that I see you today, you're just as smart as snow, beautiful and intelligent as ever."
Lu Zhiran respected the King of Southern Yunnan very much and did not dare to be arrogant in front of him.
"Grandfather, you are too kind. I am just an ordinary woman."
The King of Southern Yunnan looked at her with increasing admiration, "At such a young age, you're able to manage the girls' school and appease the refugees. You're much better than me in my youth, who was reckless and violent."
He added, "I have prepared a gift for you, but I didn't bring it with me when I entered the palace today. I will have someone send it to you when I return. I hope you won't mind it."
Lu Zhiran hurriedly said, "It's a gift from my grandfather, so my granddaughter-in-law naturally likes it. There's no reason for her to dislike it."
Concubine Rou came from the side and said, "Alright, alright, sit down and talk. Zhiran, you are in poor health. Nothing is more important than your health."
The King of Southern Yunnan's gaze also fell on her belly, with joy in his eyes, but he couldn't stare at it for long, so he quickly looked away.
It’s a pity that I can’t stay in the capital for long. I’m afraid I won’t be able to see my great-grandson in my lifetime.
Lu Zhiran was originally very nervous, fearing that she would not be liked by the King of Southern Yunnan. But when she actually met him, her nervousness mostly dissipated.
The King of Southern Yunnan seemed serious, but just as Xiao Yanci said, he was very kind to the younger generation. He was also afraid that he would make Lu Zhiran nervous, so he deliberately spoke in a light tone.
Ye Hanyi joked, "Grandfather used to like me the most, but now that Zhiran is here, his favorite person has changed."
Concubine Rou also joined in the jealousy.
"It's clear that I'm the one my father loves the most. You two little girls, don't try to compete with me."
Xiao Yanci, not wanting to make trouble, asked directly, "Grandfather, tell me yourself, who is your favorite?"
King of Southern Yunnan: ...
This is clearly a life-threatening question that puts one in a dilemma.
Everyone looked at the King of Southern Yunnan, waiting for his answer.
The King of Southern Yunnan stroked his beard, looking calm.
"My favorite is naturally my wife. Is there any need to ask?"
What a cunning old man.
He didn't wait for Xiao Yanci to continue digging a hole for him and quickly changed the subject.
"I've been talking for so long, I'm hungry, let's eat some vegetables."
Everyone ate their food and admired the scenery, laughing and chatting happily. In a trance, Concubine Rou even thought she had returned to the time when she was not yet married.
But such beauty is very short-lived.
An eunuch came to tell him that there was something in the previous court that needed Xiao Yanci's attention, so he had to get up and leave.
Upon seeing this, the King of Southern Yunnan also spoke slowly.
"It's getting late, I should leave the palace."
When Concubine Rou heard this, the smile on her face immediately disappeared, replaced by disappointment.
"It's not time to close the palace gates yet..."
The King of Southern Yunnan was also reluctant to leave, but he still said: "I have stayed in the harem for quite some time. The emperor's grace is a great favor to me. I will understand and know what is good for you, and I will not cause you any trouble."
They are father and daughter, but there is a difference between men and women. Logically speaking, they should not have personal views.
If he delayed for too long and the court officials found out, he might be reported.
By then, maybe even Xiao Yanci would be implicated.
Concubine Rou's eyes were dim, she opened her mouth, but in the end she said nothing.
To outsiders, she seems to be of noble status, but only when she is in the position does she realize how much she has no control over her own decisions.
Seeing this, Xiao Yanci felt a little uncomfortable, but he didn't know how to comfort her.
Because even though he was the crown prince, he could do nothing about it.
Ye Hanyi interjected, "Well, what's the big deal? We'll see each other again at the New Year's Eve banquet in two days. Then we can find a chance to meet privately. Even if those old ministers are unkind, they can't stop us. It's New Year's Day."
Xiao Yanci thought to himself that he would find an opportunity to ask Emperor Defeng for a favor and let his mother leave the palace to see his grandfather off.
But he didn't know whether this matter could be accomplished, so he didn't say it rashly, for fear that it would not be accomplished and both parties would be disappointed.
Concubine Rou cheered herself up and stood up to see them off.
Parting is sad, but if you think positively, today's reunion is stolen time and well earned.
Before leaving, the King of Southern Yunnan reminded Ye Hanyi to abide by the rules in the palace and not to cause trouble for Concubine Rou. Finally, he left, looking back every few steps.
After they left, Ye Hanyi slapped his forehead and muttered softly, "Oh, I forgot to ask."
"What did you forget to ask?"
Ye Hanyi evaded the question, "No, nothing."
Concubine Rou suppressed her sorrow and her mind started working quickly.
He reached out and tapped her, "Are you thinking about your lover already?"
Ye Hanyi touched his head and chuckled.
She wanted to ask Xiao Yanci whether Ge Xubai had arrived in the capital, and if so, to inform her.
She wanted to meet him in advance and remind him in person how to deal with his grandfather's test.
But since his grandfather was there just now, Ye Hanyi didn't speak immediately and later forgot about it.
Concubine Rou smiled and said, "I'll have to take a good look at what kind of good man he is that you can't forget him like this."
Ye Hanyi wanted to say that he was not obsessed with it, but he swallowed the words back when they came to his lips.
Haven't I been thinking about him day and night these days?
She has always prided herself on being free and easy, thinking that there is only one man, so if this one is not good enough, she can just switch to another one.
But before she knew it, she had developed a deep affection for Ge Xubai.
She secretly counted the days. It would be New Year's Eve in three days. Even if he was late, it would definitely not be later than New Year's Eve.
Three years have passed, he shouldn't have grown ugly, right?
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