Chapter Eleven: A Marriage for You

  Yun Shallow Moon was taken aback at first, but soon understood the meaning of Ye Qingran's words. Although he knew that Lu Gonggong was entrusted by the old emperor to protect Qin Yuxin, he couldn't openly accuse the old emperor in front of all these officials, so he used Lu Gonggong to convey his message. How clever and tactful! He must have thought it through when he said he would go find the old emperor on the execution platform. Otherwise, he wouldn't have kicked Lu Gonggong first.

  Yun Qian Yue looked at Ye Qing Ran, suddenly breaking through her previous understanding, truly realizing that Ye Qing Ran was not a simple person after all! Although he seemed reckless and impulsive, she remembered that from the first day she arrived in this world and met Ye Qing Ran, every single thing he did was always just right, never going overboard. For instance, on the day she first arrived, he didn't truly go wild to the point of causing a bloody scene at Guan Jing Yuan to protect her and Ye Ning Tian's hidden guards.

  This feeling can't be described as good or bad, it just makes her heart suddenly feel a little cooler, even though Ye Qingran is for her.

  Ye Qian was also stunned, looking at Ye Qingran and then at the old emperor. She seemed to have understood as well, hastily taking over Ye Qingran's words: "That's right, Ye Qingran is correct. This eunuch Lu is indeed despicable. The young lady of Yun Wangfu is obviously weak enough to be blown down by a gentle breeze, yet this slave actually dared to bring her here? If not for Ye Qingran noticing something was off, and if I had taken her pulse and she had died on the execution ground after bloodletting, wouldn't that responsibility have fallen on me? I couldn't bear the weight of being responsible for the noble eldest daughter of Yun Wangfu."

  Yun Shallow Moon thought that Ye Qian was not a simple person after all, and she quickly understood the meaning of Night Light Dye. She also thought that she was the daughter of the King of Nanjiang, and Nanjiang occupied a country and a nation with its small land, Ye Qian was born in Nanjiang and grew up in Nanjiang, how could she be a simple person? She secretly shook her head in her heart, feeling that she still didn't fit in with this world.

  The beliefs that were once held in high esteem, benevolence, for the country and for the people, have been shattered into pieces by the intrigue and deception that has been going on here. All that exists here is the manipulation of hearts and minds, in this great whirlpool under the imperial power, where some people have honed their cunning to perfection, such as Rong Jing and Ye Qing, while others are forced to react passively, with no memories, no martial arts skills, no real power, and a troublesome identity that makes the old emperor keep an eye on them at all times, like her.

  Yun Qian's eyes flashed with cold amusement. Shrimp could still become lobsters, it just needed time. Did the old emperor really think she couldn't turn his world upside down? She smiled weakly again: "I originally thought my body was really not up to it and didn't want to come, but Butler Lu said he had received orders from Your Majesty's uncle, saying that you couldn't bear for Miss Qin of the Chancellor's Manor, who had fallen ill with a cold, to do this task. This matter couldn't be left undone, after all, only I and Miss Qin have blood that can be used in the entire Tian Sheng City. If Miss Qin didn't come, it would have to be me. We can't let Princess Ye's preparations go to waste, nor can we delay any further and let the murderer escape! Today, the assassin targeted me and Prince Jing Shi, who knows what will happen tomorrow? Maybe they'll even storm into the palace and kill Your Majesty's uncle and aunt! No one can predict that. Moreover, imperial decrees are hard to defy. Even if I were to be bled dry to death, I wouldn't dare disobey your orders!"

  Cloud Shallow Moon's words fell, and Old Man Lu's old face turned pale as paper. He looked at Cloud Shallow Moon, his voice trembling: "Miss Shallow Moon, I didn't say that the Emperor couldn't bear to part with Prime Minister Qin's daughter who was bedridden with a cold, did I? You...you can't just make things up!"

  "How can I talk nonsense?" Yun Shangyue looked at Lu Gonggong and asked him, "Are you saying that Miss Qin of the Chancellor's Mansion has contracted a cold and is bedridden?"

  "Yes, this is what Lao Niu said." Lao Gonggong admitted.

  "Are you saying that the Emperor's uncle knows about Miss Qin's weakness, and Princess Ye's ritual cannot be delayed, so it must be done by noon? So he went to announce the decree to me again for the second time?" Cloud Shallow Moon asked.

  "Yes, but..." Old Man Lu nodded and then hastily shook his head.

  "It's fine as it is, what 'if' is there? " Yun Shangyue interrupted Lu Gonggong's words. "I returned from Lingtai Temple after suffering a great calamity and losing all my martial arts skills. Later, I was stabbed by 100 corpses and suffered internal injuries from the hidden weapons, losing too much blood, making my body weak. Yesterday, I also caught a cold, and this morning I drank medicine. Compared to my many illnesses, Miss Qin of the Chancellor's Manor only has a minor cold. You came to the Yunwang Fu twice with imperial orders from the Emperor's uncle, everyone knows you represent the Emperor's uncle. The Emperor's uncle chose me over Qin Yuying, and insisted that I must come, not coming would be disobeying the imperial order, isn't this because he can't bear to part with Miss Qin?"

  "This... isn't, old slave is..." Lü Gonggong's old face turned pale, finding that he couldn't refute Yun Shuoyue's words.

  "Your Majesty, Uncle, aren't you being a bit biased? If someone didn't know any better, they'd think Qin Yuxin is your niece, but I'm not! " Yun Shangyue ignored Lu Gonggong and looked at the old emperor. Before he could even open his mouth, she turned around again to look at Qin Chengxiang and said: "Perhaps it's just as Ye Qianyan said, this Lu Gonggong must have received some benefit from you, Qin Chengxiang, that's why he's so partial to Miss Qin, forging the imperial edict, trying to put me to death."

  Prime Minister Qin's face changed greatly, and he hastily stood up, "I absolutely did not give any advantages to Duke Lu, my daughter is really suffering from a cold and lying in bed..."

  Lu Gonggong thudded to the ground on his knees, trembling as he said: "Even if I had a hundred lives, I wouldn't dare forge an imperial decree!"

  "Since Prime Minister Qin didn't bribe Eunuch Lu, and Eunuch Lu didn't forge the imperial edict, then it must be that the Emperor's uncle is reluctant to part with Miss Qin!" Yun Shangyue said resolutely, looking at the old emperor, and continued weakly: "It's also true, Miss Qin has great talent, worthy of being an empress! The Emperor's uncle protecting her while abandoning me is also justified. Who would have thought that I'm not well-versed in poetry or literature, don't understand etiquette, and now my body is frail and useless?"

  The cloud is shallow and the moon is low, the executioner's sword has beheaded over a hundred people, all are silent and still, each face with a different expression.

  Ye Qing's face changed in surprise, and he turned around to push Lu Gonggong out. Unexpectedly, Yun Shangyue took advantage of Lu Gonggong's daring to openly accuse the old emperor of favoring Qin Yuyin. He looked at Yun Shangyue, seeing her weak and about to fall over, then looked up at the old emperor on his throne, seeing the old emperor looking at Yun Shangyue with deep eyes. His heart tightened, and he hastily spoke up, "Imperial Uncle, this little girl's body really can't take any more turmoil now. If you don't believe me, you can have the imperial physician take her pulse. Isn't Imperial Physician Wang here right now? Let him come and take the little girl's pulse, and you'll see for yourself."

  The imperial physician Wang heard Ye Qingchen mention him and his body shook. He hastily stood up from his seat.

  "Since you and Princess Ye have both taken Mo Yatou's pulse, there is no need for that!" The old emperor shook his head, his eyes fixed on Yun Shangyue as if trying to see through her.

  Yun Shang Yue stood weakly, letting the old emperor's gaze fall upon her. His eyes seemed warm, but were actually cold and piercing. She was not intimidated by him. There are some people that once you see through their intentions to deal with you, they don't seem frightening anymore.

  "Your Majesty, please let Imperial Physician Wang take Xiaoyue's pulse instead! Otherwise, some people might think I'm being biased towards her. For instance, Chancellor Qin." Ye Qingran looked at the old emperor with a gaze that made him feel a chill in his heart, and insisted on it. He thought it was necessary to make the emperor understand that Xiaoyue's body really couldn't withstand the heavy burden of bloodletting again, and it wasn't because he was being biased towards her.

  "The old minister dare not! The medical skills of Xiao Wangye and Ye Gongzhu are naturally good." Qin Chengxiang hurriedly said.

  "My medical skills, along with those of Princess Ye, are good, but I also get along well with Xiaoyu, so it's hard to guarantee that I won't be biased towards her." Ye Qingran glanced at Qin Chengxiang and didn't wait for the old emperor to speak. She beckoned to Wang Taigong, "Come over here and take Xiaoyu's pulse quickly. Tell the truth! There are many people present who know medicine. If you utter even half a false word, you should be clear about the consequences!"

  The royal doctor looked at the old emperor.

  The old emperor turned to Rong Jing, who had been silent all along, and said gently: "Rong Shizi's medical skills are unparalleled in the world. I and the civil and military officials, even if we don't believe this little demon king and Ye Gongzhu, also believe in what Rong Shizi says. What does Rong Shizi say about Yueliang's body?"

  Everyone looked at Rong Jing.

  Rong Jing slightly bowed to the old emperor and said calmly: "After Rong Jing took care of Shallow Moon Miss according to the entrustment of Yun Old Wang Ye, he was troubled by rumors. Although I am innocent, it's hard to guarantee that no one will think I'm protecting Shallow Moon Miss in private. Imperial Physician Wang is the head of the Imperial Hospital and has been there for decades, his medical skills are naturally excellent, and he is also a man of integrity. Your Majesty can just ask Imperial Physician Wang to diagnose once!"

  "Since Jing Shizi has spoken, then let Imperial Physician Wang go and take Mo Yatou's pulse!" The old emperor nodded.

  "Yes, Your Majesty!" The royal physician immediately walked towards Yun Qianyue.

  Yun Piao Yue stood still, waiting for Wang Taiyi to approach. The medicine that Rong Jing had given her had already fooled Ye Qian and Ye Xiang, so it was naturally even more able to fool the little Wang Taiyi.

  Everyone looked at Wang Taigong and Yun Shangyue, everyone thought that although Miss Shangyue was arrogant and illiterate in the past, her appearance was impeccable. Now this look is simply unbearable.

  Ye Tian was also looking at the shallow moonlit clouds, his eyebrows furrowed, with no disgust in his eyes, but neither did he have the usual lovesick expression, it was unclear what he was thinking.

  Ye Tianyu also looked at Yun Qianyue, after she was stabbed to death that day, he went to the Cloud King's Mansion to visit her but was blocked at the door and never saw her again. Now, looking at her pitiful appearance, he was really shocked. He thought, could it be that the Three Leaf Floating Fragrance of the Qian Men was so formidable? But wasn't the medical skills of Jing Shizi unparalleled in the world? Even a small thing like the Three Leaf Floating Fragrance of the Qian Men was so difficult to cure, to the point where it made this little girl unrecognizable? He felt that something was off, but couldn't quite put his finger on it.

  "Please, Miss Shallow Moon, extend your right hand to me!" Doctor Wang stood in front of Yun Shallow Moon and spoke respectfully.

  Yun Shallow Moon stretched out her right hand.

  The imperial physician Wang placed his hand on Yun Shang Yue's pulse under everyone's gaze, but as soon as he touched it, he immediately pulled back, as if scalded, and at the same time, a look of shock appeared on his face.

  "Royal Doctor Wang, what's going on?" the old emperor asked.

  "Let me take a look again!" The royal physician calmed himself and placed his hand on Yun Shangyue's pulse once more.

  Everyone's eyes were now fixed on Imperial Physician Wang's hand and Yun Shangyue's wrist.

  After a long while, Imperial Physician Wang put down his hand, the look of shock on his face yet to dissipate. He turned around and respectfully said to the old emperor: "Reporting to Your Majesty, Miss Shallow Moon's qi and blood are both deficient, her internal injuries are severe, her essence and blood are insufficient, her pulse is weak and floating... it's truly a serious illness. Especially now that she's experiencing menstrual cramps, it's even more damaging to her already weakened body, if there's the slightest mistake, her life will be in danger. Indeed, as Crown Prince Ran and Princess Ye said, we can't bleed her again. Not only can't we bleed her, but we must also take good care of her. Otherwise..."

  "What else?" asked the old emperor.

  "Otherwise, in the future... " Doctor Wang lowered his head and spat out two words with difficulty, "Infertile!"

  The old emperor's face changed, and the night sky also changed at the same time. The night sky was shocked, and the cloud king who had been sitting in the back without speaking suddenly stood up, looking at Wang Taigong, and hastily walked two steps to his front, stammering to ask, "Wang Taigong, what did you say? You said Shallow Moon is...is...did you diagnose incorrectly?"

  The imperial physician looked at King Yun and shook his head, "If Your Majesty does not trust the old minister's medical skills, he can invite others to diagnose and treat you!"

  "How could this be? Shallow Moon's body..." Yun Wangye's entire body trembled.

  "Don't worry, King Yun. Imperial Physician Wang said that the weak pulse might lead to infertility, but it's only a possibility. Isn't there also Jing Shizi? His medical skills are unparalleled, he will definitely be able to cure Yueli's illness." The old emperor quickly regained his composure and comforted King Yun.

  "Jing Shizi, take another look at Qianyue for me. Will... will her body be alright?" Yun Wangye looked at Rong Jing.

  "Please rest assured, King Yun. I will do my best to help her recover. Her body has suffered too much and is in a precarious state, so we must nurse her back to health slowly." Rong Jing said to King Yun.

  Yun Wangye nodded, seeming to have aged a lot in an instant. He said sorrowfully to the old emperor: "Your Majesty, I, your humble subject, only have this one daughter, Shallow Moon. I promised the late queen that I would take good care of her, but I haven't done so. Fortunately, today, Xiao Wangye and Ye Gongzhu, as well as Jing Shizi are here; otherwise, this old slave would have lost this daughter."

  "Cloud King, don't be impatient! This matter is also strange to me!" The old emperor looked at Cloud King and then glanced at Cloud Shallow Moon, sighing: "I always thought that Moon was physically strong, but unexpectedly she has become so weak. It's also because I've been worried about the assassin behind the scenes who tried to kill her and Jing Shizong, neglecting Moon's health. I thought that Qin Miss from the Prime Minister's residence didn't have martial arts skills, being raised in a deep boudoir, was more delicate than Moon, so when Land Public reported it, I felt that using Moon would be more suitable. There was no intention to favor Qin Miss from the Prime Minister's residence... but unexpectedly, Moon's body is this severe..."

  Yun Shallow Moon lowered her head, let out a cold laugh, this old emperor indeed lightly and carelessly took the bait of her scheme, truly worthy of being the ruler of a nation.

  "This matter cannot be blamed on the Emperor, it should be blamed on me for being remiss towards Shallow Moon!" The Cloud King also lowered his head, although he clearly understood in his heart that the Emperor's intention was to abandon Cloud Shallow Moon and protect Qin Yu Cong, but at this time he had no choice but to follow the Emperor's words.

  "Not bad, it's strange that we all neglected!" The old emperor sighed again, looked at Yun Shangyue and scolded Lu Gonggong who was still kneeling on the ground: "Lu Gonggong, since you went to Yun Wangfu twice, why did you bring her here with a serious illness? Although I have issued an edict, I also need to take care of Yueliang's body. I haven't seen Yueliang's seriously ill appearance, and you've been following me for so many years, can't you tell what's important and what's not? If something happens to Yueliang, your ten heads won't be enough to chop off."

  Lu Gonggong's old face turned pale, and he knelt on the ground, hastily kowtowing, "Your Majesty forgive me, it was all this humble servant's fault!"

  "Bring men, take this old slave away and beat him to death with rods!" The old emperor suddenly shouted.

  "Yes!" Several guards emerged from behind the old emperor and lifted up Lu Gonggong from the ground.

  Lu Gong's face turned ashen, never expecting today would bring such a disaster. He cried out loudly, "Your Majesty, spare my life..."

  The old emperor seemed to have not heard, turned his head and looked at Yun Shangyue with a gentle smile: "Moon girl, although it is important to investigate the villain who harmed you and Jing Shizi from behind, your body is more important. You are the only legitimate daughter of the Cloud King's Mansion. Not to mention the ancestral teachings of the first emperor, I have also been watching you grow up since childhood. Today's affairs are my fault for using people improperly, this old slave dared to be clever and did not distinguish between light and heavy, almost harming you, I also have half of the blame for not investigating. Fortunately, you are fine today, otherwise, I would not be able to explain it to Cloud Old King."

  Yun Shallow Moon pulled the corner of her mouth, looked at Lu Gonggong being dragged away, and weakly said, "Lu Gonggong is also wholeheartedly doing things for the emperor's uncle, since I'm fine, let it go today, don't kill him."

  "What's the use of keeping such trash? I'm killing him to make an example! You don't need to plead for him, he didn't tell me your true situation, and almost got you killed by dragging you here, that's why he deserves to die!" The old emperor's voice sank, full of majesty, not looking at the dragged away eunuch, but speaking warmly to Yun Shang Yue: "You little girl may be arrogant and unruly, but you have a kind heart."

  Yun Shallow Moon no longer spoke, lowering her head. Is she kind-hearted? However, the old emperor is ruthless enough, and it seems that Lu Gonggong has been following him since he was a prince. Now, if you say kill, you'll be killed! Indeed, cruel and unyielding.

  More than a hundred people present did not dare to speak up for Lu Gonggong. Those who were seated, accompanying the king, and navigating the officialdom, naturally understood that Lu Gonggong was just an explanation given by the emperor to Yun Wangfu and Yun Shangyue regarding today's incident where she almost bled to death, so Lu Gonggong must die!

  Ye Lian's face was expressionless, her eyes calm and serene. The two of them heard the distant cry for help from Lu Gonggong, but they didn't even glance at each other.

  "Princess Ye, I think we'll just let today's matter drop. What do you think?" The old emperor looked at Ye Qian.

  "Your Majesty, isn't there also Miss Qin from the Prime Minister's residence?" Ye Qian looked at the old emperor, undaunted by his majesty, and said clearly: "In fact, Yun Shangyue is not the most suitable person. She was born on a cloudy day in a cloudy month in a cloudy year, so if I were to use her blood to cast a spell at noon, I would only have half a chance of success. But Miss Qin Yujing from the Prime Minister's residence is different! She was born in a cloudy year, cloudy month, cloudy day, and cloudy hour. I wouldn't say that I have a 100% guarantee to help Your Majesty catch the culprit who harmed Crown Prince Jing and Yun Shangyue, but I would have at least a 90% chance. Moreover, her blood can be used at any time."

  "But Prime Minister Qin's daughter has contracted a cold and is bedridden..." said the old emperor.

  "It's just a minor cold, and even if the great doctor Jing Shizhi were here, or even if I, the princess, were to give Qin Miss a dose of medicine that barely passes as decent, her cold would still be cured immediately!" Ye Qian looked at the old emperor with an impatient tone: "I need to go through these 100 corpses to cast a spell and track down the black hand behind this. Moreover, I've already applied my technique to these corpses so they can't become living zombies again, but it will only last for a few days. Today is the deadline. If we miss today, once the corpses rot and turn into water, there's no need for me to cast a spell anymore, and even if I do, I won't be able to find the murderer."

  Ye Qian's words fell, and before the old emperor could speak, he continued: "Although these people were affected by my South Border Soul Separation Technique, Your Majesty is also clear that in the hundred years ago when our founding emperor conquered the world, a great change occurred in the South Border. After that great change, the South Border was once divided into four or five parts. There are those who understand the insect curse and took advantage of this opportunity to leave the South Border and establish another sect, hiding until now and causing trouble again is not impossible. The Heavenly Saint Emperor cannot blame my South Border for this! Today, I assisted in casting spells to find out the culprit behind the scenes, also to prove that it was not me and my father who did it. If Your Majesty misses today's opportunity because of sympathy for Prime Minister Qin's daughter, I will no longer care about it in the future! Moreover, this spell is very damaging to the body, Heavenly Saint Emperor should be clear that our spells are not easily used. Opportunities are not to be missed, and if missed, they will not come again. Your Majesty must consider carefully!"

  Ye Qian said no more, waiting for the old emperor's decision.

  Yun Qianyu silently praised Ye Qian for her words, which were flawless and hit two targets with one arrow. By doing things today and settling them today, she gave the old emperor two options: first, to explain that helping find the murderer was just a matter of righteousness; after all, this curse originated from Nanjiang. Emotionally and rationally, she couldn't ignore it. But if she did intervene, and the old emperor still refused to use her blood to save Qin Yuxiang, then she would no longer care about it. It was also a warning to the old emperor not to shift his anger towards Nanjiang again in the future.

  Yun Shang Yue raised her eyelids and took a glance at the old emperor, seeing that he still looked like an ordinary old man, his face expressionless. She sneered inwardly, thinking that if the old emperor truly wanted Qin Yu Cong to become the empress, he wouldn't have allowed her to be injured in the first place. Now she was curious to see how the old emperor would respond to Ye Qian and what choice he would make.

  "Princess Ye, you're absolutely right. But what if Miss Qin from the Prime Minister's residence is really as stubborn as Yueliang and refuses to let blood?" The old emperor spoke slowly, his voice not stern but with a hint of condescending pressure.

  "If we really can't let go, then we'll just have to wait and search for the culprit slowly later." Ye Qian said.

  "If Miss Qin is invited, but cannot bleed, then today's matter will be dismissed. In the future, Princess Ye can handle the investigation of the murderer? Otherwise, if someone has ulterior motives to cast a spell and cause chaos, I won't find King Nanjiang, it's not possible." The old emperor asked again.

  "The Emperor is not an unfeeling person, and I, Ye Qian, am also not an unfeeling person. If we invite Miss Qin to take a look, if she really can't let blood, then today's matter will be dropped, and it will be considered that I wasted my efforts in preparing for this. In the future, if someone uses curses to cause trouble again, since the curse originated from my Southern Border, I will naturally take responsibility for it! It's not someone else's fault!" Ye Qian said brightly: "If Miss Qin can use it and the Emperor is reluctant to use her... then I won't interfere!"

  "Alright... Lü..." The old emperor nodded, just about to call for Old Man Lü, but then he remembered that Old Man Lü had been beaten to death by the mob. His face sank, and he ordered Night Sky Tilt and Night Sky Burn, "Sky Tilt, Sky Burn, you two go to the Prime Minister's residence immediately and invite Miss Qin over. If Miss Qin can't walk, then carry her! Otherwise, Moon Yarn will say I'm being partial."

  "Yes, your son obeys the order!" Night Sky Qian and Night Sky Ye simultaneously responded in unison.

  The old emperor waved his hand, and both of them glanced at Yun Shangyue before getting down from the execution platform and heading towards the Prime Minister's residence.

  "The Emperor has passed away! Lord Lu is already gone!" Several guards returned to report.

  "Lu Gonggong has been with me for a lifetime, always being careful and cautious. Now he has done something that I cannot accept. Since he is dead, I will not pursue it. Considering his years of serving me, give him a grand burial!" The old emperor waved his hand.

  "Yes!" Several guards led the order and retreated.

  Yun Shang Yue thought that even if a dog was raised for one or two years and then lost or died, it would still be heart-wrenching. Let alone Lu Gong Gong, who had followed the old emperor for decades. Today, because she killed Lu Gong Gong, although he was a eunuch, he was still a personal attendant of the old emperor for decades. The old emperor may have taken action himself, but this account will likely be settled on her head. As the saying goes, "when beating a dog, one must consider its master!" However, what's the use? She might not even be afraid.

  The old emperor turned his head and said to Yun Shangyue with a smile: "I'll have someone bring you that 500-year-old Lingzhi from the cold storage later. You must take good care of yourself for me!"

  Five hundred years of Lingzhi? Yun Shang's heart moved slightly, thinking that it was indeed worthy of the Emperor who held the power to kill and revive all living beings. Because of her, he killed his personal attendant Lu Gonggong, but instead of being angry, he gave her five hundred years of Lingzhi, shutting up the mouths of the officials in the Yun Wangfu who were about to question the old emperor's decision. After all, Lingzhi was a sacred medicine that could offset the thoughts of harming her. This move was truly impressive. She coldly laughed to herself again, but her face showed a joyful expression, "Thank you, Emperor Uncle, for the gift of medicine!"

  A 500-year-old Lingzhi is a rare thing, the old emperor sent it to her doorstep, she would be a fool if she refused!

  "Your Majesty, this is unacceptable!" The filial and fraternal king who had been sitting at the lower head suddenly stood up and said to the old emperor: "There is only one 500-year-old Lingzhi in this cold storage, how can you give it to her?"

  "Filial King, the Emperor's uncle didn't give it to me, are you saying he would give it to you instead?" Yun Shangyue looked at Filial King, her breathing weak but her words clear. "Do you need it more than I do? You're also severely injured, and in the future, you won't be able to get pregnant."

  Filial King was furious in an instant, "Yun Qianyue, what nonsense are you talking about? How could I possibly be pregnant?"

  Ye Qian let out a "heh" and laughed, not waiting for Yun Shangyue to speak. She changed her previously cold and intimidating demeanor, and instead asked Hui Xin Wang with a naive tone: "Since you can't get pregnant, why are you competing with Yun Shangyue for the Lingzhi?"

  "This king doesn't need any lingzhi. It's just that the lingzhi is precious, and I think that Your Majesty will need it in the future, who knows? How can a trivial matter like this use up that 500-year-old lingzhi?" The filial king was made to blush by Yun Shangyue and Ye Qian's words, and he angrily said.

  "Oh, I see. So you're saying that the Emperor of Tian Sheng has grown old and needs lingzhi to stay vigorous." Ye Qian suddenly came to her senses, no longer looking at the Crown Prince, and said to Yun Shangyue: "In that case, you'd better not have it. Your body isn't as precious as the Emperor's! We have a thousand-year-old lingzhi in Nanjiang. I'll give it to you when the time comes! My father is strong and healthy, he doesn't need something like this!"

  Yun Qian suppressed a smile, and Ye Qian was indirectly saying that the old emperor was incompetent! She was just about to nod.

  The old emperor, who had only heard the first part, was furious and said to Xiaoqin Wang: "Brother Leng, my body is strong and healthy, I don't need this kind of medicine. Yueli is the eldest daughter of Yunwangfu, and all the empresses in history came from Yunwangfu, making great contributions to our imperial family. Her body is also precious. What's the use of a mere 500-year-old lingzhi? As long as it can help her recover, I will be greatly relieved."

  "Your Majesty..." Filial King wanted to say more. The five-hundred-year-old Lingzhi, it's yours if the Emperor says it belongs to Cloud Shallow Moon, then it belongs to Cloud Shallow Moon. In his opinion, it would be best if Cloud Shallow Moon didn't get pregnant.

  "Enough, Prince Leng! Withdraw!" The old emperor cut off Xiang Qin Wang's words and waved his hand decisively.

  Filial King looked at Virtuous King, who had been silent until now and spoke up, "Miss Shallow Moon's body is so weak, it's not out of the question for Brother Emperor to reward her with a 500-year-old Lingzhi to nourish her body. Brother Emperor is now strong and healthy, with boundless longevity. The 500-year-old Lingzhi can be found again later. Let's prioritize Miss Shallow Moon's health! Cold King brother is worrying too much!"

  "It's this old minister who is confused, Your Majesty's longevity is boundless, how could it be used in this way..." The filial king came to his senses and knew that he had touched the emperor's taboo. Cold sweat broke out on his forehead, and he didn't dare say another word, retreating back to his seat.

  "The old minister thanks Your Majesty for showing mercy to his little daughter!" Yun Wangye hastily knelt down to thank the emperor.

  "Dispense with the formalities, Prince Yun! I also don't want anything to happen to this little girl." The old emperor waved his hand at Prince Yun and turned to Rong Jing, "Rong Shizi, do you have confidence in treating Yuelai's injured body?"

  "Jing has done his best!" Rong Jing said slowly.

  "With a glance at the sacred heaven and earth, I trust your medical skills. Whatever good medicine is needed, as long as it's available in the imperial pharmacy, send someone to fetch it for Yueliang, and make sure she recovers." The old emperor said.

  "Even with excellent medical skills, one cannot cure their own illness. The Emperor trusts Rong Jing too much. Rong Jing will definitely try his best to restore Miss Shangyue's health." Rong Jing lowered his head and said somewhat wistfully.

  Yun Shallow Moon looked at Rong Jing with a pretentious expression, rolling her eyes in disdain. Pretentious!

  "Ah, Jing Shizi, take heart. It's said that the Tian Shan Snow Lotus on Mount Heaven will bloom in three years' time! When that happens, I'll definitely send someone to fetch it for you. Although it can't cure your illness, it can at least prolong your life." The old emperor sighed and comforted him.

  "It's just a matter of life and death, I can only blame myself for my imperfect medical skills. Your Majesty doesn't have to worry about me." Rong Jing smiled faintly, the look of melancholy completely gone, "With the blessings of Father King and Mother Queen in heaven, I am already content with living this many years!"

  "Rong Wang and his wife left too early, it's a pity for Jing Shizi!" The old emperor sighed again, seemingly with some regret. "I once owed my life to Rong Wang, but I couldn't take good care of his only son after he passed away, which is truly shameful."

  Rong Jing fell silent and didn't speak again.

  "After the Crown Prince fell ill, I was at a loss. Fortunately, Master Lingyin saved his life. Now that he has finally recovered after ten years of recuperation and can step out of the mansion, it is indeed a joyous occasion. The old emperor looked at Rong Jing and continued: "The Crown Prince is now approaching adulthood and should consider marriage. Who do you like among the young ladies from other families? Tell me, and I will arrange for your marriage. It will also put the spirits of King Rong and Queen Rong at ease, allowing them to leave behind a legacy for the Rong family."

  What a wonderful marriage! Yun Shang's heart moved slightly, but she didn't look at Rong Jing.

  Ye Qian suddenly opened her eyes wide and looked at Rong Jing, also glancing at Yun Shangyue and Ye Qingran.

  Ye Qing's eyebrows slightly furrowed as she glanced at Yun Shangyue, seeing that she was indifferent and seemingly unaware of the situation, her heart slightly eased, and she looked towards Rong Jing.

  Rong Jing's expression didn't change color, a faint smile, "Rong Jing has never had someone he likes, when there is one, I will certainly ask Your Majesty to take charge!"

  Ye Qian looked at Rong Jing with some disbelief, then turned to Yun Shangyue, seeing that Yun Shangyue was still standing there weakly and expressionlessly. Her original thoughts were suddenly filled with doubts and uncertainty about the relationship between the two people.

  Her face relaxed slightly as she gazed at Rong Jing, and a hint of understanding flashed in the depths of her eyes.

  "Oh? So, Jing Shizi has never had someone he likes before! I thought you were different with Yueliang, and assumed you liked her. If you like Yueliang, I can abolish the ancestral rules and grant you two permission to marry. But it seems that's not the case!" The old emperor's deep eyes searched for a reaction on Rong Jing's face but found none, then glanced at Yun Shangyue who was standing weakly as if she might collapse, and his gaze flickered with doubt. If Jing Shizi was hard to read, that was one thing, but Yun Shangyue, this innocent little girl, seemed completely unbothered, as if she hadn't even heard the conversation. Could it be that this little girl really didn't have any interest in Rong Jing? Were the rumors about the two of them just that - rumors?"

  "The reason I'm taking care of Shallow Moon is because she's genuinely kind-hearted, and also because Cloud Grandfather gave me a sacred medicine when I was seriously ill back then, which allowed Master Ling Yin to save my life. So when Cloud Grandfather asked me to take care of her, I agreed. But she's really stubborn and impossible to deal with. I don't want to marry someone like that as my wife, wouldn't it be a lifetime of trouble? The Emperor really misunderstood. If it weren't for her poor health and my medical skills, I truly wouldn't want to bother with her again." Jing sighed in frustration.

  Yun Shang snorted in her heart, this wolf in sheep's clothing! He dares to despise her and yet kiss her? Let him pretend then! However, she didn't believe the old emperor's words either. If Rong Jing dared to say he liked her and asked the old emperor for a marriage, the old emperor would probably bring up the ancestral teachings again. Who knows, there might even be a crime of disrespecting imperial authority and secretly communicating with each other, which would lead to Rong Jing's downfall! And then the Yun Wang Fu and Rong Wang Fu would be completely ruined by him!

  "Haha, so that's how it is!" The old emperor burst out laughing, "This little girl is indeed a headache!"

  Rong Jing also had a smile on his face, but that smile didn't reach his eyes.

  Digression

  This year didn't go out for New Year's greetings, and all the time was devoted to coding. Although I missed the opportunity to gather with relatives and friends, I felt extremely happy with the blessings of my loved ones and the sparkling red hearts. o(n_n)o~

  Thank you for the diamond rewards and flowers from everyone below!

  Lü Nainai (300 diamonds, 102 flowers), Mengluo Zhi Fanhua (200 diamonds), Ran Xin Ye (1314 rewards, 5 diamonds, 20 flowers), Shui Mo Yun Jian (10 diamonds), a30601778 (9 diamonds), La Jiao Jie 54 (5 diamonds), loarmwy (5 diamonds), Kong Ling Nian Qi (500 rewards), Raphaellion (6 diamonds), Fenyue Asas (3 diamonds), Jolin0880 (10 flowers, 188 rewards), Lan Yi (12 flowers), Yi Lang (388 rewards), Hua Bai Bu Kan (2 diamonds, 5 flowers, 100 rewards), Yixue Jiaren (1 diamond, 6 flowers, 100 rewards), Xu Xi Lin (4 diamonds, 7 flowers), 13828269890 (2 diamonds), Ku Xi Yang (2 diamonds), Bwangbwang (2 diamonds), Dan Meng Ru Yu (2 diamonds), Te Gong Dui (188 rewards, 1 flower).