In one’s life, there are always some special experiences, such as showing filial piety to the Emperor Emeritus by buying a treehouse.
How dare he utter the words “filial piety”?!
The spy’s face turned ashen as he looked at the two people before him, already imagining where his grave would be, considering this could be seen as treason.
Unexpectedly, after dismissing the Emperor’s token, the two didn’t dwell on this matter. The Emperor Emeritus turned to prepare a meal, while Ming Yi sat down in a chair and continued questioning him, “What happened that made him seek us out?”
Both of them had gentle dispositions, nothing like the rumored ferocity. The spy, feeling grateful, answered every question, “The mist surrounding the Qingyun Realm has dispersed, revealing new islands. His Majesty wants the Emperor Emeritus to lead the expedition.”
Ming Yi rolled her eyes upon hearing this, “How incompetent. He’s a grown man, yet still seeks his elders when it comes to fighting.”
“His Majesty believes only the Emperor Emeritus and Your Highness possess Yuan Power superior to his own.”
“Bah, it’s because he hasn’t sparred with anyone since his ascension to the throne,” Ming Yi scoffed. “I think that He family lad is quite impressive. He’s also born with red veins, and despite being our son’s son-in-law, he’s never slacked in his cultivation. We even encountered him when we returned two years ago.”
Ji Bozai, hearing this from the kitchen, quickly agreed, “Indeed, one look at him and you can tell his Yuan Power is extraordinary.”
The spy was startled, glancing at the two with surprise. Typically, the royal family would be wary of a son-in-law, especially one who continued to cultivate, as it could be seen as a potential threat. Yet, they not only seemed unperturbed but even appeared to approve.
As Ming Yi spoke, she stood up to write a letter, muttering, “If we let the He family lad lead the army, there will surely be a dozen or so old ministers opposing it. If Ming Chen can’t handle them, he might as well give up his throne.”
Cold sweat broke out on the spy’s forehead, “Your Highness, for the son-in-law to lead the army and hold military power, it’s indeed… somewhat dangerous for our dynasty.”
Human hearts are unpredictable. Although the son-in-law had been loving towards the princess for many years, if given such great power, what if he couldn’t withstand the temptation—
“You think he cares about such things?” Ming Yi laughed as she wrote. “When he came before me to ask for her hand, I offered him the position of Grand Marshal in exchange. He didn’t even glance at the military tally.”
With 140,000 troops, he could have established himself as a king in his own right or married an even more beautiful and accomplished woman. But He Jianghe didn’t even look down at the time, only saying coldly, “With my abilities, if I wanted high office and generous salary, it would only take a year or two of effort in the court. I’ve come to Your Highness today to seek something that I might not achieve even with a year or two of effort.”
Changle didn’t have him in her heart, which left him with no choice but to first secure the marriage and then make plans.
For this, he was whipped thirty times by the He family elders and made to kneel in the ancestral hall for two days.
After emerging, He Jianghe still said the same thing: “I hope that after my parents’ passing, they won’t make things difficult for Changle.”
Ming Yi could understand the He family elders’ perspective. Who could bear to see their child with red veins become a son-in-law with no prospects? But He Jianghe never regretted his decision. When they encountered him two years ago, he was walking alongside Changle in the palace, his eyes and brows full of tenderness.
Ming Yi felt that since she had once been bound by her identity, there was no need to constrain He Jianghe with the identity of a son-in-law. That man was born for the battlefield.
Seeing her mind was made up, the spy turned to look at the Emperor Emeritus in the kitchen.
The Emperor Emeritus emerged with freshly cooked meat and raised an eyebrow at him, “Why are you looking at me? In our household, what the Empress says goes.”
The spy was speechless. If not for recognizing the Emperor’s token, he would have doubted whether he had come to the right place. Was this the allegedly fierce and tyrannical Ji Bozai from the legends?
Ji Bozai glanced at his expression and snorted with a laugh, “Remember this: a true man should direct his fierceness outward. Those who bully their households are rarely good people.”
It sounded reasonable but somehow felt like a jab at Li Sixun.
Years ago, there were rumors that Princess Changle favored Li Sixun the most, even breaking protocol to secure an official position for him. However, after all these years, Li Sixun remained just Li Sixun, without any promotion. If not for Changle’s influence, he might not have even kept his current position.
Li Sixun had married a slightly plump girl last year. Rumors in the city said he was very harsh towards his wife, showing a cold face if the food wasn’t good or if the clothes weren’t made exquisitely enough. But outside, he was generally humble and compliant, never showing a cold face to anyone.
When the spy first heard this news, he thought it was normal. Men were all like that.
But after hearing Emperor Emeritus’s words, he suddenly felt that Li Sixun was quite incompetent, not comparable to the current son-in-law at all.
“When you return, take this to Changle for me,” Ming Yi handed him the letter along with a package of seeds. “Tell Changle to plant these.”
“Yes.” His professional instincts prevented him from asking why, and he respectfully took the letter and seeds before swiftly returning to the palace.
***
Changle was lost in thought, staring at He Jianghe’s profile.
He Jianghe had grown even more handsome. His features had always been distinct, but now he was truly magnificent. In the glow of the setting sun, he looked like a golden deity.
He was carefully reading the letter in his hand, not noticing her gaze, which allowed her to stare unabashedly.
After being married for so long, she had grown accustomed to being woken up every morning with him pinching her nose, to eating together, walking together, and cultivating together. But for some reason, she had only recently realized how exceptionally good-looking He Jianghe was, often finding herself staring at him in a daze.
Fortunately, he became engrossed whenever he looked at something, so he wouldn’t suddenly look up and catch her in this embarrassing state.
Changle covered her mouth to stifle a giggle.
The maid beside her noticed the slight curl of the son-in-law’s lips and wanted to remind the princess that who reads a letter without turning pages? But she didn’t dare speak up. The son-in-law was too fond of sending maids away, and she didn’t want to be dismissed.
When Changle had looked her fill, He Jianghe finally came to his senses. He frowned and said to her, “Your mother wants me to lead the army.”
Changle responded with an “Oh” and said, “That’s good.”
He Jianghe’s face darkened, “If I lead the army on an expedition, we won’t see each other for a long time. You think that’s good?”
“It’s a matter of national importance, what can we do? You’ll come back eventually.”
The romantic atmosphere around them instantly dissipated. A cool breeze blew by, making Changle shiver. She looked around, puzzled, “It’s only August, why is the wind so cold?”
He Jianghe said nothing, took the letter, and left.
“Huh?” Changle belatedly asked the maid, “Is he angry?”
The maid sighed deeply, “Your Highness, you and the son-in-law are husband and wife. When faced with separation, you should at least show some sadness. Your nonchalance must make the son-in-law feel that he’s not in your heart. How could he not be upset?”