Emperor Wen: I understand. You must volunteer to go to Liaodong to retrieve the items.
I couldn't be bothered to ask him why he made that guess.
Emperor Wen said, "Since that's the case, then go and look for it for me."
"Yes."
Emperor Wen: Just wait and see how you bring up the idea of having Yanran watch it together. I'll scold you for it!
Cui Xiaoqiu said slowly, "The princess has always thought of the prince; especially since the prince is getting married, he needs family members around..."
Emperor Wen: I knew it! They've finally come.
He remained expressionless and unmoved.
However, Cui Xiaoqiu calmly replied, "Your Majesty, the princess may rely on you, and she may also rely on the Prince; but ultimately, she will still have to rely on the Prince."
Isn't this a good time to strengthen the bond between siblings?
"Moreover, the princess may not always have the same level of freedom in the future."
Emperor Wen finally couldn't hold back any longer. "What, do you intend to imprison her freedom?"
What audacity!
"Your Majesty, if there is one man in this world who loves the princess the most, there will always be only one, and that is... you. You are the Emperor, and the princess enjoys the greatest freedom, without a doubt."
Later, her elder brother became emperor and doted on her in every way, but in the end, it could not compare to the deep love her parents had for their daughter.
This statement, though somewhat realistic and cruel, is undeniably difficult to refute.
"Besides, a place like Liaodong can only be visited by a princess if the Prince is present; once the Prince is gone, she can't go there anymore."
"The princess is very curious; if we don't let her go, it will probably become a regret in her heart."
Half an hour later, Cui Xiaoqiu came out of the palace.
He gave the young eunuch who was leading the way a silver ingot and whispered, "Go tell Jiang'er, who serves the princess, that I have made all the arrangements."
The young eunuch put the silver away and ran off to deliver the message.
Cui Xiaoqiu looked at the sky, which was reddened by the sunset, and a smile appeared on her lips.
He would do everything in his power to do what she wanted and what he could do.
While he was enjoying a peaceful and loving life, Emperor Wen was so angry that he smashed a cup.
That damn Cui Xiaoqiu, he's really gotten himself into trouble.
But even if I realize it now, I still have to consider the reasons he gave and have no choice but to do what he said.
That's infuriating!
With Yanran's silly and carefree personality, he'll really have her completely under his thumb in the future.
The young eunuch stepped forward, picked up the broken porcelain shards, bowed, and quietly withdrew.
Emperor Wen leaned back on his throne. "Zhao Kuo, go and fetch the princess for me."
"Yes."
Yanran quickly followed Zhao Kuo, but was stopped by a eunuch at the door.
"Princess, please wait a moment. Someone just sent in a letter delivered by express courier, and the messenger hasn't come out yet."
"Oh, okay, no problem, then we'll wait." Yanran was very easy to talk to.
Could this urgent letter, delivered by my brother, be some important military intelligence?
As she was pondering this, Zhao Kuo whispered, "Princess, it's cold outside. Why don't you go to the tea room to rest?"
"Okay," Yanran said with a grin. "I'm hungry, I'll have some snacks to tide me over."
Zhao Kuo hurriedly sent someone to the imperial kitchen to get some snacks, and then invited Yanran into the tea room, where he brewed her a cup of hot tea.
"Princess--" Zhao Kuo looked at Yanran warming herself by the fire, hesitated for a long time, and finally spoke.
"Hmm? What's wrong?" Yanran asked with a smile. "We're already so familiar, why are you hesitating? Is there something you need my help with?"
"No," Zhao Kuo hurriedly said, "I just heard... I heard that you and Sixth Young Master Cui..."
"Oh, you mean Cui Xiaoqiu and me? We just got together, you've heard? I thought we were keeping it low-key, haha..." Yanran laughed heartily.
She and Cui Xiaoqiu were always open and honest with each other, so there was nothing to hide.
A fleeting look of sadness crossed Zhao Kuo's eyes, but he quickly regained his composure, a slight smile playing on his lips, and bowed, saying, "In that case, congratulations, Princess."
"Hehe, thank you." Yanran raised her teacup. "It's nothing, just like before. Men should marry when they're of age, and women should marry when they're of age! By the way, Zhao Kuo, are you engaged?"
Zhao Kuo lowered his head. "Not yet, no rush."
"That's true. Establish your career first, then start a family. But while it's good that you're by my father's side, and you get to meet many people... I still feel that it's not as exhilarating as fighting on the battlefield."
What is said unintentionally may be taken to heart by the listener.
Zhao Kuo said softly, "Perhaps I will consider it in the future if the opportunity arises. Thank you for your advice, Princess!"
"Look at you, always so polite," Yanran said. "If you need anything in the future, just let me know. We've known each other for a long time."
"Thank you, Princess."
"You're doing it again!"
"Your Highness, the Emperor summons you to an audience," a young eunuch announced respectfully from outside.
"You're here." Yanran put down her teacup, stood up, and stuck out her tongue. "I haven't asked you yet, what does my father want with me? Is it good news or bad news?"
Zhao Kuo said, "I have something to tell you before I send you to Liaodong."
Yanran breathed a sigh of relief and said cheerfully, "Cui Xiaoqiu really didn't lie to me, I'm going!"
Zhao Kuo watched her retreating figure, which moved like the wind, and a bitter smile appeared on his lips.
She was a drifting cloud in the sky, and he was dust on the ground; they were never from the same world.
Before, I might have been able to dream, but now, I can't even dream anymore.
"Father, you called for me." Yanran nestled obediently against Emperor Wen, while reaching out to stroke the leopard Black Flower lying under the dragon throne. "Black Flower has grown up again."
Black Flower stuck out her tongue and licked her palm.
Emperor Wen told Cui Xiaoqiu about the four treasures she mentioned, and also instructed her to act within her capabilities after going to Liaodong, and not to force herself.
Yanran listened with great interest. "Cui Xiaoqiu has never told me this; but maybe she did tell me when I was little, and I ate it with my meals."
Emperor Wen: "..."
This silly old lady.
"After you go to Liaodong, regardless of whether you like Lang Jiu or not, remember that it's your brother's choice. Don't interfere, understand?"
"I know, I know, I'm not stupid," Yanran said repeatedly. "As long as my brother likes her, I wouldn't say anything even if she were cow dung."
Cow dung can even nourish flowers!
If they're willing, why is she meddling?
"Don't rush off," Emperor Wen added. "Go back and ask your mother if she has any further instructions. She's worried about your brother. Since you're going, you represent the family, understand?"
"I know, I know," Yanran readily agreed. "Anyway, Cui Xiaoqiu is going too. With him watching over things, it can't go wrong."
Emperor Wen felt heartbroken upon hearing this.
Now I understand why everyone favors sons over daughters.
The thought of my daughter getting married fills me with a bittersweet feeling that words cannot describe.
The next day, Xiu'er didn't come to the palace. She said she was starting to experience pregnancy symptoms and had vomited at home. Song Jingyang was keeping an eye on her and wouldn't let her go out.
Tang Zhuyun was worried about Xiu'er, so she made some appetizers and asked Yanran to deliver them to the Earl's residence.