“Alright, I agree to your terms. However, I cannot guarantee that everything will go smoothly, as the outcome is uncertain. So…”
Upon hearing Celestial Ascendancy’s words, King Daqi furrowed his thick brows in contemplation. After a pause, he looked up at him, seemingly about to speak again.
“Grandfather, why are you…” Wanqing was already surprised by the conversation between her grandfather and Celestial Ascendancy. She hadn’t expected her grandfather to respond this way. Unsure of the old man’s intentions and recalling what her uncle had told her, Wanqing couldn’t help but voice her dissatisfaction.
“Qing’er, don’t worry. I believe that although this matter is perilous, the people of the Daqi royal family are all highly skilled in medicine and would never harm me. Very well, I accept—I only hope you will accept both Qing’er and me.”
Seeing Wanqing stand up for him, Celestial Ascendancy smiled reassuringly and spoke with confidence. Then, he raised his head to address King Daqi on the high platform.
“We’ll discuss this matter later. Today, you must be exhausted from your journey. Rest for a couple of days first. Attendants!”
King Daqi observed Celestial Ascendancy’s noble yet unyielding demeanor with an inscrutable gaze. Still, he interrupted him and summoned his attendants to escort them to their quarters. After giving instructions, he exchanged a glance with Queen Daqi, and the two departed together.
“Grandmother, Grandfather, Uncle, this…”
Watching the elderly couple leave, their expressions clearly disapproving of her relationship with Celestial Ascendancy, Wanqing felt a surge of frustration. Her marriage was not something others should dictate. Yet, considering her unconscious mother and the fact that these were her own flesh and blood, she reluctantly called out to stop them. When they ignored her and left, the protocol officer stepped forward to guide them.
Glancing briefly at Celestial Ascendancy and the others, she turned to her uncle, Feng Moli, and whispered, “You may leave. I will personally escort the princess and her companions to rest. Qing’er, don’t blame your grandparents. They have their own difficulties. If this matter isn’t handled properly, it could disrupt Daqi’s state affairs. Moreover, a ruler’s word is final—your mother arranged this marriage. If we suddenly break the engagement, what will people say about our royal family? Not to mention, the Xie family once showed kindness to our Feng family. So…”
Understanding the situation, Feng Moli dismissed the attendants and led them out while comforting Wanqing. He then turned to her and Celestial Ascendancy with an expectant expression.
“Uncle, are you saying that if the Xie family withdraws the engagement voluntarily, you and Grandfather won’t interfere?”
Wanqing, initially conflicted, brightened at his words and eagerly sought confirmation.
“That’s one way to put it. But I fear the Xie family won’t back down so easily. Their influence has waned, and they’re eager to strengthen ties with the royal family. A few months ago, the Xie patriarch even tried to send one of their women into the palace. Though I stopped it, your situation might not be as simple.”
Feng Moli sighed helplessly, his expression revealing his resignation toward their relationship.
Wanqing fell silent at her uncle’s words. Marrying someone who demanded repayment for past favors—a person she had never even met—was not her style. Yet, opposing it would only put her uncle and grandfather in a difficult position.
“Uncle, rest assured. I will prove myself in every way to King and Queen Daqi and make the Xie family withdraw willingly.”
Just as she was lost in thought, a firm hand grasped hers, dispelling her turmoil. She looked up to see Celestial Ascendancy speaking earnestly to Feng Moli.
“Of course, I believe in your capabilities. I trust you two will handle this well. But first, you must recover your scattered internal energy. For now, rest. Starting tomorrow, I’ll treat Celestial Ascendancy’s condition. Don’t worry—I won’t let you marry against your will. Understood?”
Feng Moli acknowledged Celestial Ascendancy’s words and turned to Wanqing with a reassuring smile, patting her shoulder gently.
“Yes, thank you, Uncle.”
Though Wanqing and Feng Moli were close in age in her previous life, her current self was only sixteen, so addressing a man in his mid-twenties as “uncle” didn’t faze her. Grateful for his support, she nodded with a faint smile.
Despite her uncle’s apparent hesitation, the fact that he had shared this information and was helping Celestial Ascendancy recover his internal energy convinced her that he would stand by her. Once Celestial Ascendancy regained his strength, she was confident they could overcome any challenge together.
That night, Wanqing settled into her quarters in the palace, staying close to her grandparents’ residence. However, Celestial Ascendancy was assigned lodgings far away by her grandfather’s orders.
The sudden separation felt strange. Though she worried about him being defenseless against the Xie family, she reminded herself of his capable subordinates, Qingfeng and Baiyu, and his own resilience. Reassured, she stayed with Honglian and Wanchun, unaware that as soon as she and Celestial Ascendancy were separated, Feng Moli headed straight to his parents’ chambers.
“Here you are. Are they settled?”
King Daqi was playing chess with his queen in the courtyard when his beloved son arrived. Setting down a piece, he looked up and inquired.
“Yes, everything is arranged as you instructed. Father, I must ask—do you truly intend to let Qing’er marry someone she doesn’t love?”
Feng Moli nodded but couldn’t hide his confusion. Wanqing’s quarters were near those of Xie Shaojun, the eldest son of the Xie family. Wasn’t this a tacit approval of the engagement?
“My foolish son, do you think your mother and I are so blind that we can’t see the affection between Qing’er and the Crown Prince of Ji? But the moment they entered the palace, Xie Shaojun’s attendants noticed and reported everything. What could I do? Should I have expelled him outright? He has lived in the palace for years as an honorary prince.”
King Daqi chuckled wryly, exchanging a glance with his wife before explaining the dilemma to his son.
“I understand, Father. But surely you know Xie Shaojun’s temperament? Not only is he unworthy of Qing’er, but his brutish behavior is beneath her. And let’s not forget the Xie family’s growing ambitions…”
Feng Moli frowned deeply, voicing his objections with conviction.
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