Who is it?
Seeing Xiao Xuan's hesitant expression, the emperor couldn't help but ask him a question.
He had no idea that in just a few months, his old-fashioned son had already found someone he loved.
He knew that Xiao Xuan frequently left the palace during that period.
However, the emperor had no idea what Xiao Xuan was doing outside the palace.
Now that I think about it, he must have gone to see that woman.
The emperor's eyes were filled with anticipation, and Xiao Xuan opened his mouth and finally spoke.
“She is just an ordinary merchant’s daughter, but I have made up my mind about her. I will not marry anyone else, let alone take a concubine.”
When Xiao Xuan said this, his eyes were filled with determination and unwavering resolve. Even if the emperor did not allow it, he would stick to his choice.
Once he's made up his mind, it's something that can never be changed.
These words have already been spoken, and it's not a matter for the emperor to decide; rather, the matter has already been settled.
The emperor's expression was somewhat ambiguous at this moment. He turned around and slowly walked back to the head of the table.
After a long silence, the emperor's expression softened slightly, but his tone still carried a hint of questioning.
"Your Highness, do you know that the Crown Princess will bear the responsibility of being the mother of the nation in the future? She is just the daughter of a merchant. Are you sure she can shoulder this responsibility?"
"Your subject is certain!"
Xiao Xuan looked up and stared directly at the emperor above him, his sharp eyes showing no hesitation.
His A-Ning is the most beautiful woman in the world, and the one most deserving of the position of empress.
Seeing Xiao Xuan's resolute attitude, the emperor could say nothing more, since Xiao Xuan had previously been indifferent to any woman, even to the point of disgust.
Now that he has a woman willing to spend her life with him, if I were to try to dissuade him again, Xiao Xuan would probably really be alone for the rest of his life.
However, since she was the future empress, the emperor felt that he could not rush things. At the very least, the woman needed to be vetted by him and trained by a governess.
"If that's the case, when will the Crown Prince bring this woman here for me to see?"
"Father, I intend to wait a while longer; the time is not yet ripe."
Xiao Xuan answered respectfully, but the emperor's expression darkened.
Who is this celestial beauty who has bewitched his prince so much?
Can't I even see him if I want to?
The emperor's deep eyes were filled with displeasure, and his tone was tinged with anger.
"Your Highness, I don't care who you like, but she must be worthy of the title of Crown Princess. Otherwise, if she is not worthy of the position, I can depose her at any time!"
"Yes, Father, I understand!"
Xiao Xuan cupped his hands and bowed to the emperor again, his dark eyes carrying a hint of coldness.
There was little genuine affection between royal fathers and sons; they were merely pursuing their own interests and consolidating imperial power.
The emperor's patience stemmed not only from Empress Yao, but also from his approval of Xiao Xuan's ruthlessness and cruelty.
Such talent is essential to stabilizing the empire and ensuring the enduring legacy of the Great Qi dynasty.
Xiao Lingtu is a bit clever, but he is too hasty in his actions and lacks any shrewdness, making him unsuitable for important responsibilities.
After leaving the imperial study, Xiao Xuan sat in the sedan chair, pinching his brow with one hand, pondering how to settle Ning Yin.
In truth, he was unsure of Ningyin's feelings. If he were to bring her directly into the Eastern Palace, he feared that Ningyin might not be willing.
Furthermore, Consort Chen held absolute power in the harem, and he dared not take any risks.
Xiao Xuan thought about it all the way back to the Li residence, and by then the sun was already setting.
Ningyin was sitting on a stone bench by the lake, holding the sachet she had used before, her slender, fair fingers deftly moving the needle and thread.
The setting sun cast its glow on her profile, adding a touch of delicate yet aloof beauty.
"Ah Ning, I'm back."
In the past few days, Xiao Xuan has been lying that he went out to do business, and Ning Yin doesn't know what kind of business Xiao Xuan is doing.
All that is known is that Xiao Xuan is an exceptionally wealthy merchant.
She had planned to go out to buy some medicinal herbs today, but the guards at the gate stopped her.
The guard said that for her safety, it would be best not to leave the manor.
Ning Yin didn't think much of it, after all, Yang Shuhuan was almost killed by Xiao Xuan last time.
It's only been a few days since the incident, and if the Marquis's family holds a grudge and seeks revenge, she might not be able to handle it.
Upon hearing Xiao Xuan's voice, Ning Yin stopped what she was doing and turned to look.
When Xiao Xuan came out of the Imperial Study, he had already changed into ordinary clothes.
At this moment, he was dressed in a purple cloud-patterned outfit, with a sachet given to him by Ning Yin tied around his waist, and a black cloak over it.
His tall and slender figure stood straight, exuding a natural nobility and aloofness amidst his rich and handsome appearance.
Ning Yin looked at him and inexplicably felt that the man in front of her was unapproachable, unlike ordinary men in the mortal world.
There is a great difference between him and Shen Yun. Although Shen Yun is a general, he pales in comparison to Xiao Xuan.
The two locked eyes and were both stunned by each other's beauty. After a few seconds of stunned silence, Xiao Xuan spoke first.
"You haven't eaten yet..."
He strode towards the woman and casually took off his cloak and draped it over Ning Yin.
Feeling the warmth of the cloak, Ningyin suddenly remembered herself from last night.
Wearing Xiao Xuan's cloak, she somehow inexplicably fell asleep in his arms.
Thinking of this, Ning Yin's cheeks flushed slightly.
"I haven't eaten yet. I wanted to wait for you to come back so we could eat together."
After speaking, Ning Yin looked behind the man and, apart from Qing Ying, did not see Li Chengyan. She then subconsciously asked a question.
Where is your cousin?
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