You cannot reveal anything about your father's situation. With red-rimmed eyes, you only say that after much consideration, His Majesty disapproves of your lover. You have made a painful decision to let go, and beyond that, you choose not to elaborate; the more you say, the more mistakes you make.
Huayang also knows that Qi Xiaomian means well, sighing at the thought of a dignified princess having to lower herself before them. The princes are no different; before ascending to the throne, they must curry favor with the ministers, requiring them to bow low. Only after they seize power do the ministers truly lower their heads, and even then, it is merely a facade.
The Great Yu Emperor may have chosen you either because there was no one else or because you hold some sincerity in his eyes, or perhaps it is due to my connection with you. Even if the edict comes down, it is just the beginning; there are many variables at play. I can help you once or twice, but beyond that, I will find it bothersome. The princess should take matters into her own hands.
As Qi Xiaomian expected, Huayang Princess was soon asked to leave. She might refuse others, but she could not turn down her maternal family. As the carriage departed, the gazes around them diminished significantly.
Qi Xiaomian naturally took Sang Qingxiao's hand. Once this matter was settled, they could finally relax. Counting the days, there were only a few left until then; they would first pay a visit.
Qi Xiaomian planned seriously while Sang Qingxiao was not paying much attention. She focused on the present; if after this battle Dayu remained safe and sound, even if Huayang had an edict against her, there would likely be many opposing voices. The struggle for power was about to begin—would you not care?
Before the Great Yu Emperor, you had promised to assist Huayang. Even if he later changed his mind, one cannot bite the hand that feeds them; does that not make you uneasy?
Sighing, she felt as though she had attracted a great trouble. He appeared confident but in reality could hardly withstand even a casual strike from your uncle.
Sang Jue had no ambitions for territorial expansion.
That makes things easier; a swift resolution is best. If she truly is someone who cannot be supported, I will choose another with Pei Family bloodline as a substitute for the Great Yu Emperor.
In truth, death is like a light extinguished; mutual agreements made in private are merely verbal contracts. Qi Xiaomian was an old hand in officialdom—deceit and trickery were commonplace for him. Even if he did not fulfill his promises, he would feel little guilt.
However, the Great Yu Emperor was about to sacrifice himself generously for personal grievances while also fulfilling a greater righteousness; Qi Xiaomian could not afford to be seen as a renegade.
The next day, the royal family issued a statement announcing the cancellation of Huayang Princess's marriage. This sparked considerable discussion among the clans. In the afternoon, another edict sent shockwaves throughout Shengjing City.
What! An Empress! How could Dayu have an Empress? Such news would place them below other dynasties!
Within the royal family were still over ten princes; why was Huayang chosen? This Huayang Princess had only visited Great Jing once—there were no reports of any achievements from her. How could such a person be worthy of becoming an emperor?
Is our sovereign confused? The future of Dayu is concerning indeed.
Among the common people, dissenting voices were already rampant; let alone within the Court where ministers could hardly wait for the next morning's court session and rushed to knock on the palace gates. The Huayang Princess's maternal family, the Wei Family, was among them.
When the palace gates opened, the Great Yu Emperor appeared disguised as Shadow's End. Following His Majesty's instructions, he did not meet them directly but sent several eunuchs instead who carried out large bundles.
The eunuchs set down their burdens and respectfully announced that His Majesty had decreed they should take their time examining everything carefully to truly understand His Majesty's anger and helplessness.
At that moment, Huayang was summoned by the Great Yu Emperor once again. The secret chamber still carried the scent of wine, and Huayang's eyes were red.
Crying like this, what a sight!
"Your Majesty, forgive me, your son—your son..."
But then again, wasn't it her cries that led to his final decision? In the royal family, what was most lacking was emotion. Even those on the brink of death still greedily clung to it. Well, among Huayang's many offspring, he was considered relatively presentable.
"Your siblings engage in more private dealings, while you possess some clever tricks without crossing the line. But what use is it to uphold your principles if you are to become an emperor? If this incident hadn't occurred, I would never have chosen you. It would have been a waste; a few more would suffice."
"Enough of this talk."
Now, the court officials had already seen the evidence against those little brats. The voices of opposition should be somewhat diminished, but how long that would last was uncertain. Moreover, I won't live for many more days.
"Shadow's End" is left for you. I have absorbed some imperial techniques from being by his side; when you encounter difficulties, you'll have someone to consult with.
This is all I can do to help you. After this, you must walk your own path. Qi Xiaomian is loyal and can assist you a limited number of times; use him wisely.
The Great Yu Emperor then spoke about the Pei Family's legacy for over two hours, during which he poured another round of wine before finally managing to finish his words.
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