Xiao Shi was about to speak when suddenly her heart stirred, and she changed her words just as they were about to leave her lips: “This palace knows that His Majesty has bestowed upon you a marriage to Li Shimin, the second son of Duke Tang. This should be a joyous matter, so why do you have such sorrow on your face? Is there something troubling you?”

Yang Ying forced a smile, “Ying’er is also very grateful for His Majesty’s bestowed marriage, but… but…”

Seeing that she had not continued speaking for a long time, Xiao Shi said, “But what? There are only you and I here. If there is anything difficult, you may tell this palace everything. This palace will certainly make decisions for you.”

Yang Ying bit her teeth and suddenly knelt down, “Ying’er dares to beg Your Majesty to help Ying’er speak to His Majesty to cancel… cancel the marriage decree!”

Indeed, it was as expected! A trace of relief flashed through Xiao Shi’s eyes as she said, “Why is this? Although Li Shimin is not Duke Tang’s eldest son, this palace has heard that this young man has excellent moral character, outstanding talent, and a broad mind. You two could be called a perfect match of talent and beauty, and you would surely achieve a beautiful marriage.”

“Ying’er does not despise Young Master Li’s birth, but rather…” Yang Ying’s face flushed red, her words hesitant and unclear, until Xiao Shi pressed her, and she finally gathered courage to say, “It is truly because Ying’er already has someone in her heart!”

“Oh?” Xiao Shi had already guessed her thoughts, and now asked with feigned surprise, “Who is it?”

Yang Ying lowered her eyes, “It is… Li Shaozhi, the son of Right Assistant Secretary Li Gang.”

Although Xiao Shi did not concern herself with court affairs, she knew something about Li Gang. This person was quite upright. During Emperor Wen of Sui’s reign, he had been ostracized by Yang Su due to disagreements and nearly lost his life. Only after Yang Su’s death did he begin to receive appointments.

Xiao Shi suppressed the thoughts in her heart and said, “So you are saying that the person you wish to marry is not Li Shimin, but Li Shaozhi.”

“Yes.” Yang Ying said with a worried brow, “Originally, Shaozhi was already preparing to come to the residence to propose marriage, but who knew His Majesty would suddenly issue a marriage decree. Ying’er dared not resist the imperial order and could only accept it, but the only person Ying’er truly wishes to marry is Shaozhi alone. I beg the Empress to fulfill this wish.”

“Rise first.” After Yang Ying rose, Xiao Shi was silent for a moment before saying, “Since this palace now knows of this matter, I will certainly find a way to fulfill your wish. However, whether I can persuade His Majesty, this palace cannot guarantee. You must be prepared for this.”

Hearing that Xiao Shi was willing to handle this matter, Yang Ying was overjoyed and nodded repeatedly, “Ying’er knows. Regardless of whether this matter can succeed, Ying’er thanks the Empress for her grace.”

After much gratitude, Yang Ying finally left with the palace servants. After she departed, Hong Li said, “Young Master Li has a marriage contract, while Princess Yongfeng has someone in her heart. His Majesty has truly made a mess of matchmaking this time.”

Xiao Shi said coldly, “Are there few ridiculous things he has done?”

Hong Li said softly, “Although His Majesty has done many ridiculous things, he has always treated Your Majesty fairly well. Over all these years, he has never mistreated Your Majesty. Take the plum trees in this palace courtyard, for example – His Majesty ordered them to be moved from…”

A trace of emotion flashed through Xiao Shi’s eyes, but then it immediately became cold and hard as iron, “Unfortunately, the thing this palace most wanted, he has always refused to give, and he even caused Meixue’s death. No matter what fate awaits him in the future, he deserves it all. This palace will not have an ounce of pity for him.” When mentioning Meixue, Xiao Shi’s words revealed undisguised hatred. This matter was an eternal pain in her heart that she would never forget unless she closed her eyes forever.

“And there is Yunyi. Although she fortunately escaped his slaughter, she has suffered wrongs everywhere. Previously, for his sake, she went far to Honghua Commandery to assassinate Li Yuan and nearly lost her life. What did she gain from it?” Xiao Shi took a deep breath, suppressing the hatred in her heart, and looked at Hong Li, “But you, when did you become his person, speaking for him everywhere?”

Hong Li sighed, “This servant feels sorry for Your Majesty and does not want Your Majesty to always live with such hatred.”

“This hatred, this palace can never let go of in this lifetime!” After a pause, Xiao Shi continued, “However, since Princess Yongfeng has someone in her heart, this matter has become much simpler.”

Speaking thus, she was about to have Hong Li support her to go to Qianyuan Palace when suddenly the voice of palace servants came from outside, “His Majesty arrives!”

What perfect timing!

Before Xiao Shi could react, Yang Guang had already strode in. Xiao Shi, supported by Hong Li’s hand, rose and lowered her eyes, “I pay respects to Your Majesty!”

“Please sit down!” Yang Guang greedily swept his gaze over Xiao Shi’s devastatingly beautiful face. This face, no matter how many years he looked at it, he would never tire of seeing.

“Thank you, Your Majesty.” Xiao Shi withdrew her hand and said indifferently, “I wonder what brings Your Majesty to this concubine’s place?”

Yang Guang had long grown accustomed to Xiao Shi’s coldness and smiled without concern, “I obtained a rare treasure a few days ago and specially brought it to give to you.”

Regarding his words, Xiao Shi showed not half a bit of interest and said calmly, “I am grateful for Your Majesty’s affection, but this concubine’s palace already has countless rare treasures. This treasure, Your Majesty should bestow it upon someone else.”

“It is completely different from all those I have previously given you. I guarantee that once you see it, you will definitely like it.” Speaking thus, he extended his hand toward Zheng Ying, who hurriedly placed the sandalwood box he had been carefully holding into his hands.

After opening it, Xiao Shi looked at the contents of the box in astonishment. If she had not seen Yang Guang’s treasured appearance, she would have thought Yang Guang was joking with her, but… she could not understand how a mere bowl could become a treasure.

“Bring water.” What Yang Guang had brought was precisely the Golden Fish Playing with Lotus Treasure Bowl that Li Yuan had presented several days ago. As clear water was poured into the bowl, the two golden fish that had been quietly motionless at the bottom of the bowl suddenly “came alive,” swimming joyfully at the bottom of the bowl, while the lotus flower also seemed alive, gently swaying in the water.

Xiao Shi was born into an imperial family and later became Yang Guang’s consort and then empress. As she had said, she had seen countless rare treasures in her lifetime, but this was the first time she had seen such a magical treasure. They were clearly painted fake fish, so how could they swim like real fish once water was added? Yet when she reached her hand into the bowl, she could not touch the actual substance of the golden fish.

“What is this about?” Seeing Xiao Shi show rare interest, Yang Guang was in high spirits and repeated what Li Yuan had told him, then said, “Although the secret has been lost, there is another bowl that pairs with this one. Rest assured, even if I must search the entire world, I will certainly find it for you.”

Xiao Shi shook her head, “There is no need. This concubine having one treasure bowl is already sufficient. Let the other one remain for someone else who is destined for it.” Speaking thus, she said, “This bowl is so magical. I wonder where Your Majesty obtained it?”

Yang Guang said lightly, “It was presented by Li Yuan.”

Xiao Shi’s gaze flickered as she said with feigned casualness, “This concubine heard that Your Majesty has imprisoned Li Yuan and his sons in the imperial prison. Is this true?”

Hearing this, Yang Guang snorted lightly, “I graciously bestowed a marriage, but Li Yuan and his sons were ungrateful. Using the excuse of having a marriage contract, they refused to marry Princess Yongfeng. I gave them three days. If they still refuse to agree to this marriage by the day after tomorrow, I will not be lenient.”