Yang Guang let out a long sigh, forcefully wiped his face, and said with a trace of deep helplessness, “Must I truly eat my words and withdraw the imperial edict?”

Xiao Shi thought for a moment and said, “This concubine believes Your Majesty might as well issue another decree, separately bestowing marriages upon Li Shimin and Princess Yongfeng, creating two perfect unions.”

Yang Guang frowned, “You mean for me to decree his marriage to the Zhangsun clan?”

“Precisely.” Xiao Shi said, “This would also help Your Majesty win over Li Yuan, making him Your Majesty’s most capable right-hand man.”

Yang Guang smiled bitterly, “You speak so reasonably that I seem to have no grounds to refuse.” After a pause, he nodded, “Very well, I shall do as you say. Tomorrow I will release Li Yuan and his sons from the imperial prison.”

Xiao Shi secretly breathed a sigh of relief and bowed, “Your Majesty is wise!”

“Wise…” Yang Guang murmured, repeating these two words, staring at Xiao Shi with deep eyes, “This is the first time you have said these two words to me.”

Xiao Shi did not respond to his words, only saying, “This concubine thanks Your Majesty on behalf of Princess Yongfeng and Duke Tang.”

Yang Guang sighed and grasped Xiao Shi’s hand, “Weiyang, will you still not forgive me?”

Xiao Shi knew he was referring to the matter concerning Meixue. The hatred for killing one’s daughter could not be forgotten until death. Of course, at such a time, she would not say words that would enrage Yang Guang, only saying, “Some things cannot be forgiven just by saying so.”

Yang Guang’s expression turned cold, but then immediately warmed like the spring breeze that occasionally brushed outside, saying with confidence, “No matter. You and I still have much time. I believe that one day you will completely forgive me and truly become the Empress of Great Sui!”

Xiao Shi lowered her eyes without speaking. Yang Guang did not press her further and, after leaving the treasure bowl, departed with Zheng Ying. After they left, Yunyi emerged from inside, supported by Ruyi’s hand, and bowed deeply to Xiao Shi with gratitude, “Thank you, Mother Empress!”

“You heard everything?” Faced with Xiao Shi’s words, Yunyi nodded, “Yes, your son heard everything from inside. Mother Empress’s kindness will be forever remembered in your son’s heart.”

Xiao Shi sighed softly and pulled Yunyi to sit down, “You have done so much for Li Shimin, but he knows nothing of it. Yunyi, is it worth it?”

Yunyi smiled bitterly, “Where in this world are there so many questions of worth? To your son, his safety is more important than anything.”

“What a foolish child.” Xiao Shi tenderly stroked Yunyi’s pale cheek, “This time Mother Empress has helped you, but you must also promise Mother Empress one thing.”

Yunyi said respectfully, “Please instruct me, Mother Empress.”

Xiao Shi looked at her and said word by word, “From now on, forget Li Shimin!”

Yunyi’s expression changed, and just as she was about to speak, Xiao Shi continued, “You are already seventeen this year. Mother Empress plans to petition your Father Emperor for a marriage decree for you in a while. By then you will be someone else’s wife and must not think of Li Shimin anymore.”

Seeing that Xiao Shi was not joking, Yunyi hurriedly shook her head, “Your son does not wish to marry. Your son wants to remain in the palace to accompany and serve Mother Empress.”

“Men should marry when they come of age, women should marry when they come of age. Everyone is like this, how can you be an exception? As for companionship, you can still frequently enter the palace to visit Mother Empress after marriage. There is no conflict between the two.”

Yunyi bit her lip, “But your son does not want to marry. How about… we discuss it again in a few years?”

Meeting her pleading gaze, Xiao Shi shook her head, “All along, Mother Empress has indulged you, but this one matter is non-negotiable. Yunyi, continuing to think of Li Shimin will bring you no benefit. You two can never be together, and you cannot even… meet.”

Yunyi twisted her fingers, saying in panic, “Everything Mother Empress says, your son knows, but this kind of thing… how can one forget just by saying so? Mother Empress also said your son is seventeen, which is not too old. Discussing marriage a few years later would be the same. Does Mother Empress not wish to see your son for a few more years?”

“Silly girl.” Xiao Shi said lovingly, “You were born from Mother Empress’s ten months of pregnancy. Mother Empress wishes she could watch you day and night. How could there be any unwillingness? It’s just that many things… are not as simple as you think.” When saying this, a trace of bitterness flashed in Xiao Shi’s eyes, then she continued, “In any case, marrying early will bring you benefits and no harm. Moreover, it will allow Mother Empress to hold a grandchild sooner. Mother Empress has been looking forward to this day for many years.”

“But your son…” Before Yunyi could speak, Xiao Shi said, “Mother Empress is not discussing this with you now, but telling you. If you refuse to agree, Mother Empress will have no choice but to see your Father Emperor and take back what was just said.”

“No!” Yunyi blurted out, then said sadly, “Why must Mother Empress always force your son?”

“Because Mother Empress does not want you to sink deeper and deeper.” Seeing Yunyi like this, how could Xiao Shi feel good? But she had to harden her heart, “How about it? Will you agree?”

Yunyi bit her silver teeth tightly. Marriage… she had not thought of it, but whenever she thought of these two words, Li Shimin’s figure would appear in her mind, leaving no room for anyone else.

Hong Li advised from the side, “Princess, Your Majesty is doing this for your own good. Young Master Li would rather defy the imperial decree for Miss Zhangsun, which shows that the one he truly loves and likes is Miss Zhangsun. Even without the events in Honghua Commandery, he would not be your good match. If you don’t withdraw in time, I fear you will suffer for life!”

Yunyi listened silently to Hong Li’s words. She closed her eyes and said with deep helplessness, “Your son submits to Mother Empress’s decision.”

Xiao Shi nodded with satisfaction, “Mother Empress will certainly find the best young man in the world for you to marry in grand style.”

Yunyi gazed at the plum blossoms gradually falling in the spring breeze outside the hall. Grand style… She remembered Wu Laosan had once said the same words, but marrying someone she did not love, even if covered with a thousand li of red wedding garments, would bring not half a bit of joy…

Li Shimin opened his eyes and looked at a small window above the prison cell. Dim daylight was shining through that small window. This was already their second day here. Counting the days, tomorrow would be the end of the three-day period Yang Guang had mentioned. If he still refused to agree to the marriage, Yang Guang would execute him and all the Li family members for the crime of defying the imperial decree. Looking at the situation, tomorrow’s uprising was already a foregone conclusion.

“Thinking about tomorrow’s events?” Li Yuan’s voice came from the other end of the cell.

Li Shimin glanced around. It was still early, and the jailers and prisoners were still sleeping. He said very discreetly, “How confident is Father?”

Li Yuan naturally knew what he was referring to. With both hands pillowed behind his head, he said slowly, “Of the right time, right place, and right people, we only have one. I’d say thirty percent.”

“Thirty percent…” Li Shimin smiled bitterly, “That’s really not high odds.”

“Human calculations cannot match Heaven’s calculations. All we can do is take one step and see the next.” After saying this, Li Yuan spoke no more. Although no one was paying attention to them, the matter was serious, and it was better to say less after all.