Imperial Consort Yao quickly rose to greet the Emperor: "Your humble consort greets Your Sage."
The Emperor supported Imperial Consort Yao's arm: "Did the seventh prince come by?"
Imperial Consort Yao twisted her slender waist, her face full of grievance: "Your Sage, please don't mention it. This child has always been distant from this consort. Today, he put on airs of a tutor in front of me, lecturing me?"
The Emperor laughed heartily and with pleasure: "My beloved consort, don't say it, the seventh prince does look like a tutor when he puts on a stern face!"
"Your Sage is still laughing, this consort is about to be wronged to death." Imperial Consort Yao seized the opportunity to act spoiled.
"Alright, alright, my beloved consort, tell me how the seventh prince lectured you, and I will vent your anger for you." The Emperor embraced the imperial consort and sat down on the couch.
"Recently, Sister Huayang often brings Niangniang to chat with this consort. Sister Huayang feels that the two children are of similar age and would like to..." Imperial Consort Yao looked at the Emperor affectionately at this point, and then continued.
"This matter is naturally beyond this consort's decision. Coincidentally, Che'er came to pay his respects, and this consort mentioned it. Who knew this child would be relentless, and even accused this consort of a grave offense, saying that the inner court should not interfere in politics. This consort's heart is broken by this child."
Imperial Consort Yao leaned into the Emperor's embrace, dabbing her tears with a handkerchief. The Emperor lowered his gaze to the beauty in his arms and patted her shoulder: "The seventh prince has an upright personality, please be understanding, my beloved consort."
"Your Sage has always favored him, this consort is already jealous." Imperial Consort Yao said petulantly.
The Emperor laughed heartily: "I love this appearance of my beloved consort."
That night, the Taiji Hall was lit up all night. Princess Huayang also remained in the hall all night, not leaving. Even her trusted eunuch, Eunuch Zhang, was not allowed into the hall and stood in the corridor.
"Huayang has lived her life without shame towards her parents or the Great Wei. Huayang's return to the capital this time is also to fulfill a wish. I fear there will be no other opportunity in the future."
"Huayang has only these two daughters in her life. I beg Your Sage, for the sake of Huayang growing up with Your Sage, for the sake of Huayang's sacrifice for the Great Wei, to treat these two children kindly. Even, even if in the future, like Jiaojiao, only her life is spared."
Jiaojiao, whom Huayang spoke of, was Empress Wang. Her calling Jiaojiao like this seemed to stir distant memories in the Emperor.
Jiaojiao, how long had it been since anyone had mentioned that name to him?
Princess Huayang knelt on the ground, pleading earnestly.
"You saw her?" The Emperor finally spoke after a long while.
Huayang's arrival at the Qianshan Temple today had its news sent to the palace by the secret guards, yet he still asked.
"Yes!" Huayang did not deny it.
"Is she... is she well?" The Emperor clasped his hands together, his expression somewhat anxious.
It had been eighteen years since she left the palace.
Huayang smiled, knowing she had gambled correctly.
"She is very well. She eats vegetarian meals and recites Buddhist scriptures every day, watching the sunrise and sunset. She says she is happier than in the past. We have all grown old, but she remains as she was back then, with little change. When I was leaving, she also gave me a scroll of scriptures she had copied." Huayang took out the scripture from her sleeve and handed it to the Emperor.
The Emperor's hand trembled slightly. His gaze fell on the scripture. After a long while, he took it and stared at the cover for a long time, but did not open it.
"I, agree." The Emperor's deep gaze held emotions that others could not fathom.
This emperor, who held the power of the world, had a mind like the sea, cold and utterly so. In his heart, the nation and its affairs were paramount.
Huayang knew very well that the Emperor had long guessed her intentions, and it only depended on whether he was willing to fulfill them.
Huayang bowed her head again: "Thank you, Your Sage. Your Sage can rest assured, Huayang will not fail the Great Wei."
Princess Huayang rose and walked to the door. She turned back and smiled at the Emperor: "Er Lang, take care of yourself in the future."
"Eldest Sister, you too."