Chapter Thirteen: Seeking Marriage and Establishing a Queen

  Yun Shallow Moon's gaze fell on Rong Jing's arm, and for a moment, she felt like her breathing had stopped. She wanted to rush down, but her feet seemed rooted to the spot, unable to move. All she could do was watch as Qin Yu Cong lay stunned in Rong Jing's arms, while Rong Jing stumbled backward two steps, his broken arm still managing to hold onto Qin Yu Cong steadily.

  "Jing Shizi!" The old emperor also cried out in surprise at the sound of the cracking bones, and hastily came to the edge of the steps to look down.

  "Your Majesty!" Many of the civil and military officials who were seated immediately stood up and followed the old emperor to the edge of the steps, all expressing their concern in unison.

  Ye Qing looked at Rong Jing in disbelief, who was holding Qin Yuxin in his arms under the five-meter-high execution platform. After a moment, he suddenly turned his head to look at Yun Qianyue, only to see her standing there quietly, with no unusual expression on her face. A hint of doubt flashed across his eyes, and he turned his head again to look at Rong Jing, who had not let go of Qin Yuxin immediately after receiving him. His eyebrows furrowed, also looking at Rong Jing in confusion.

  Ye Qian looked at Rong Jing with an even more incredulous expression, seemingly unable to understand why Rong Jing would risk breaking his arm to save Qin Yuyin. She also turned to Yun Shangyue, but similarly didn't see any emotions on Yun's face, and couldn't help but feel puzzled.

  Nan Lingrui, despite the sudden change, still didn't forget to gently swing the folding fan in his hand, and his expression remained elegant and refined. However, no one noticed that his gaze was fixed on Rong Jing and Qin Yuyin, with a profound meaning hidden behind his peach blossom eyes.

  "Qin Yujing, what's wrong?" Ye Tianqing floated down behind Rong Jing and landed on the ground, his feet just steady before he looked at Qin Yujing in Rong Jing's arms with a tense face, hastily opening his mouth.

  Qin Yujing seemed to have been frightened, only staring at Rong Jing's face, as if she hadn't heard Ye Tianqing's words.

  Yè Tiān's face sank, and he looked at Róng Jǐng, extending his hand. "Jǐng Shìzǐ, thank you for saving Miss Qín. Hand her over to me! She must be frightened out of her wits by now. Hurry up and have the imperial physician examine her."

  Rong Jing smiled faintly and said to Ye Tian in a gentle voice, "Your Highness the Crown Prince can take her over now! My arm can't muster up any strength at this moment! I won't be able to hand her over to you."

  At this, Ye Tian saw that Qin Yuxin's arm had been stained with blood, his slightly pale face looked a bit better. He stretched out his hand and hugged Qin Yuxin who seemed to be frightened, saying to Rong Jing: "Fortunately, there is Jing Shizhe here, otherwise Yuxin would have been injured. But this prince doesn't know why, isn't Jing Shizhe's martial arts not very good? How could he get hurt from just helping someone down from a five-meter-high platform?"

  "My body is not as strong as it used to be, my skills have declined, and getting injured now is normal. There's nothing for Your Highness to worry about." Kong Jing looked down at his arm, seemingly unbothered, and gazed up at the stage with a bitter smile: "Fortunately, I didn't disappoint Your Majesty by saving Miss Qin, but this broken body of mine really can't take it anymore."

  "It's a good thing that Jing Shizi was here, or else Qin Xiaojie would have definitely died. Luckily, Jing Shizi saved her life." The old emperor's gaze fell on the sleeve of Rong Jing's robe, which was stained with blood, and he hastily ordered, "Quickly, Jing Shizi, check your arm!"

  "It's just a minor injury! It's only a slight sprain! Don't worry, Your Majesty!" Rong Jing shook his head.

  "How could that voice just now be Xiao Shang?" The old emperor ordered Ye Qingran, "Qingran, you quickly go down and take a look at Jing Shizi!"

  Ye Qingran nodded slightly and flew down, landing in front of Rong Jing in an instant. He stretched out his hand to grab Rong Jing's arm. Rong Jing dodged Ye Qingran's grasp. Ye Qingran was taken aback, and Rong Jing reminded him, "Prince Ye, you're too close to me!"

  "Smelly hair! You were just hugging...!" Ye Qingran glared.

  "Rong Jing interrupted him, 'That was done in desperation!'"

  Yè Qīng Rǎn snorted, "What a wonderful thing to do in the heat of the moment! This Qin young lady actually allowed you to risk breaking your bones to save her! When did this weak and beautiful person ever treat others so well?"

  The old emperor heard this and a hint of contemplation flashed across his face.

  Everyone's face showed a strange color, as if they were also thinking about Ye Qingyan's words, and the eyes looking at Qin Yuxin in Ye Tianyi's arms all changed unconsciously.

  "Not to mention Miss Qin fell down today, anyone would be rescued by me as long as I have the ability." Rong Jing's face was pale.

  Ye Qing didn't believe in Rong Jing's grandiose words, after all these years of interacting with him, he naturally knew that this weak and beautiful man wouldn't do anything without a benefit. Since he had saved Qin Yuxin today, it was clear that he had an ulterior motive. He didn't believe anyone would save someone without a reason. Not even willing to use the little bit of strength he had just recovered. He let out a light hum and saw Qin Chengxiang hastily walking over, no longer speaking.

  "Your humble servant is deeply grateful to Lord Jing for saving the life of my young daughter! If not, I would have lost this child! Lord Jing's great kindness and virtue will be remembered forever!" Minister Qin hastily ran down the steps from the execution platform and came before Yong Jing, ready to kneel down in gratitude.

  "Chancellor, please don't be polite! It's just a small matter, no need to worry!" Rong Jing said calmly before Qin Chancellor knelt down. "Miss Qin looks like she's been frightened badly, Chancellor should hurry up and take Miss Qin to let Princess Ye check if her body can withstand bloodletting, it's getting late today!"

  Prime Minister Qin did not expect that at this time, Rong Jing still wanted Ye Qian to have Qin Yuancheng check her body. His kneeling body stiffened, and he hastily said: "Young Master Jing, your arm..."

  "No obstruction!" Rong Jing no longer looked at Qin Chengxiang and walked towards the execution platform.

  At this moment, Qin Yujing in Ye Tian's arms seemed to wake up suddenly and hastily said, "Jingshi..."

  Rong Jing's footsteps paused, and he turned his head to look at Qin Yuxin.

  Qin Yuxing's small face was deathly pale, her voice trembling with unspoken regret and self-blame, her beautiful eyes raining tears. "Jingshi, it's all my fault... if I hadn't lost my footing, you wouldn't have gotten hurt... it's all my fault..."

  Yun Qian Yue looked at Qin Yu Cong and thought that being infatuated must be like this!

  Rong Jing smiled faintly, "Miss Qin is so talented, if something happens to her, it would be a loss for the Emperor and Tian Sheng. It's fortunate that I can still save people in my lifetime. Miss Qin doesn't need to worry!"

  Qin Yujing's words choked in her throat, and tears streamed down her face, unable to utter another word.

  Rong Jing didn't look at Qin Yuxin again and stepped up onto the steps.

  "It's a good thing Jing Shizi saved you, I'm to blame for not holding onto you tightly." Ye Tianying gently used his sleeve to wipe away the tears on Qin Yuxin's face, coaxing her with self-reproach: "Don't cry anymore!"

  Qin Yujing didn't respond to Ye Tianqing's words, although Ye Tianqing had wiped away her tears, but her tearful gaze still lingered on Rong Jing's back.

  The old emperor's eyes suddenly showed a deep color, and his gaze lingered on Rong Jing, Ye Tianqing, and Qin Yujing for a moment. He sternly ordered Ye Tianqing, "Tianqing, bring Miss Qin up here and let Princess Ye examine her! Indeed, as Rong Shizi said, it's getting late!"

  The night sky leaned forward, and the old emperor had already turned around, walking towards his seat. He immediately responded with a sound, not daring to delay any longer, hugging Qin Yuxin as he walked towards the execution platform.

  At night, Ye Qingyan and Jing Tian walked up to the execution platform, one in front of the other, embracing Qin Yuxin. Suddenly, he burst out laughing, turned his head, patted Qin Chengxiang's shoulder, and said with a smile: "Qin Chengxiang, your daughter can be saved by Jing Shizi, she is indeed a lucky person!"

  Qin Chengxiang was startled and couldn't guess what Ye Qingchen meant by his words. He looked at his small face, "Young Master Wang..."

  Ye Qingyan shot Qin Chengxiang a profound glance, then fell silent and released him. She tapped her toes lightly and sprang onto the execution platform, saying to the old emperor: "Your Majesty, it's not that I didn't want to let that weak beauty see him, but his stench is keeping me at bay. I've taken a look, he's fine, you don't need to bother with this anymore!"

  "As long as Jing Shizi is unharmed, that's all that matters!" The old emperor nodded.

  "Hah, Cold King Uncle is really honest kneeling on the ground!" Ye Qingran looked at Xiaojin Wang kneeling on the ground and smiled, "Is it because you know your crimes are deep and want to cut your throat to apologize?"

  "Light Dye! You're becoming more and more unbearable!" Duke De finally couldn't help but rebuke Ye Qianyu.

  Ye Qing looked at De Qinwang and saw a warning in his eyes. He pursed his lips and stopped talking.

  The old emperor looked at the filial king, his face stern and slightly angry, saying: "I have pardoned your crime of slandering the Yun Wang Fu because I remember that you, Cold King, have been working hard for me and the Tian Sheng dynasty all these years. Don't let me hear another word about this again. As for your failure to educate your son properly and your poor management of the palace, which led to the mad dog biting people and harming innocent civilians, you are guilty and will be punished with a three-year reduction in salary. This is not to be taken as an example!"

  "The old minister thanks Your Majesty! The old minister will not dare to sully the reputation of Yun Wang Fu again, and I will make sure to teach my son well, so that he won't go out and bite people like a mad dog!" Xiaojin Wang was overjoyed in his heart. Although he was fined three years' salary, this was already considered the lightest punishment. The Xiaojin Wang Fu didn't lack this bit of silver anyway."

  "Get up!" The old emperor waved his hand.

  Filial King Wang immediately thanked and stood up, having knelt for a bit too long, and as soon as he got up, he fell back again.

  Ye Qingran stood beside Emperor Xian, seeing him fall but not only did he not help, he also took a step back. He heard the old emperor forgive Emperor Xian so easily, his brow furrowed, just about to speak, when he heard Emperor De say: "Your Majesty's punishment is good, although Cold King is not eloquent, he is indeed loyal to Tian Sheng and Your Majesty, it's just that the affairs of the mansion implicated him."

  He looked at De Qin Wang with disapproval, and De Qin Wang gave him a warning glance. He reluctantly stopped talking, thinking that Yun Qianyue wanted to reprimand De Qin Wang, and this treatment would certainly not satisfy the young girl's heart. He turned his gaze to Yun Qianyue, who was standing quietly, her head bowed, seemingly lost in thought, without refuting the emperor's words. He furrowed his brow, seeing that Xiao Qin Wang had stood up again, also knowing he had missed the opportunity, and did not speak again.

  "Jing Shizi, your arm is still bleeding, have it bandaged," the old emperor also glanced at Yun Qianyue and said warmly to Rong Jing who walked up.

  "Your Majesty doesn't have to worry, I'm clear about my own injuries." Rong Jing smiled and shook his head.

  "It's indeed Jing Shizi!" The old emperor saw the bloodstains on his sleeves, but he didn't even bat an eyelid and praised him. Seeing Ye Tianying bring Qin Yujing over, he said to Ye Qian: "Princess Ye, please examine Miss Qin and see if she can be used! It's getting late, if she can be used then hurry up with the process, if not then quickly clean up!"

  "Good!" Ye Qian responded with relish and turned to walk towards Qin Yuxin.

  "Tell His Majesty, no need to check on me, I'm not that weak yet, losing a few bowls of blood is nothing." Qin Yuxin spoke weakly without waiting for Ye Qian to approach.

  Ye Qian's footsteps came to an abrupt halt.

  "Alas, your life was saved by Jing Shizi. It's not something to be taken lightly, let Princess Ye examine you before we can put our minds at ease." The old emperor waved his hand.

  Qin Yujing looked at Rong Jing, moved her mouth slightly, lowered her head and replied softly: "Yes!"

  This brief glance and this single "yes" from her mouth faintly conveyed the unspoken emotions. It only made everyone hear an unusual meaning, and many people couldn't help but wonder if Jing Shizhong had any intention towards Miss Qin? Otherwise, why would he risk his life to save her? And when Miss Qin heard this tone, she also had a crush on Jing Shizhong. Everyone's gaze darted back and forth between Rong Jing and Qin Yujing, seeing Ye Tian holding Qin Yujing in his arms, thinking that there was a crown prince in the middle, so when the emperor asked Jing Shizhong if he liked anyone, Jing Shizhong said no, probably because of consideration for the crown prince.

  Thinking of this, looking at the night sky with a pouty lip and seeing Qin Yuxin's unhappy expression, he became even more certain of his thoughts. He also thought that the crown prince had always disliked Yun Shuoyue over the years, and was very cold to both the young lady of the Duke of Filial Piety's estate and the second miss of the Rong Wang estate, but now he was taking great care of Miss Qin of the Chancellor's estate. It seemed that he had long since taken a liking to this talented and beautiful First Beauty of Tian Sheng, Miss Qin.

  The execution ground fell silent for a moment, and the crowd seemed to have caught a glimpse of some kind of heavenly secret, with everyone's face showing different expressions, and many people were secretly excited.

  Rong Jing seemed to have not heard Qin Yu Cong's words and the gaze she directed at him, from above he took out a white cloth and used one hand to wrap around his elbow, covering up the bloodstains on the moon-white clothing.

  Yun Qian's head, which had been lowered, suddenly lifted up. She looked at Ye Tian, who was still holding Qin Yu Jing, and smiled: "No wonder the Crown Prince has always disliked me and treated me with such disgust! And he's also been cold to the Second Miss of Rong Wang Fu and the young princess of Xiaoqin Wang Fu. It turns out that the person the Crown Prince really likes is Miss Qin from Chengxiang Fu!"

  Yè tiān qīng wén yán měng de tái tóu kàn xiàng yún qiǎn yuè, chù dào tā qiǎn xiào de liǎn shǒu yī zhàn, sì hū méi xiǎng dào tā zhè yàng shuō.

  English Translation:

  Night sky hears words suddenly lifted his head to look at Cloud Light Moon, touched her shallow smile face hand trembled, as if did not think she would say this.

  Qin Yujing's small face turned pale, and she hastily broke free from Ye Tianqing's arm. She looked up at Yun Shangyue and said urgently: "Sister Moon, it's not like that, it's just that I'm weak and powerless now, so the Crown Prince..."

  "There are many sisters in my household, but none like Miss Qin! Miss Qin, please be careful with your words. The Crown Prince's favor towards you is nothing, if it were the past I would have been devastated, but now that I like Rong Feng, I won't cry. Miss Qin, don't get agitated." Yun Qianyue smiled and reminded Miss Qin, who was struggling to get out of Ye Tianyi's arms, "Miss Qin, don't move around, or you'll fall again and break the other arm of Jing Shi Zi."

  Rong Jingzheng's action of wrapping his arms around himself paused, and he looked towards Yun Qianyue.

  Yun Qian didn't look at Rong Jing, still smiling faintly at Qin Yu. She thought about what Ye Qian had just said, it seemed she had underestimated Qin Yu all along.

  Qin Yujing's movements stiffened.

  "Yu Jing, don't move, Yue Mei said it right, I indeed have always liked you, that's why I...” Ye Tian Qing's slightly relaxed arm suddenly tightened upon hearing Yun Qian Yue's words, firmly trapping Qin Yu Jing in his embrace. He didn't look at Yun Qian Yue again and instead spoke to Qin Yu Jing with a hint of bitterness: "Because of the ancestral teachings, I have never dared to express my feelings to you..."

  Qin Yujing was startled and looked at Ye Tianqing, "Your Highness..."

  Ye Tian suddenly hugged Qin Yuxin and knelt down with a "thud", saying: "Your son begs the Emperor to grant him marriage, your son is willing to marry Miss Qin of the Chancellor's residence as his crown princess!"

  The sudden movement of Ye Tianqing shocked everyone in the hall, and no one dared to believe their eyes as he asked the Emperor for permission to marry.

  The old emperor was also taken aback and stunned for a moment.

  "It turned out that the Crown Prince had his heart set on Miss Qin from the Prime Minister's residence! So he abandoned Moon Sister for over ten years. Indeed, a deep affection!" Night Tianyu finally spoke up after remaining silent all this time.

  "It's indeed deep feelings, but Miss Qin is talented and beautiful, it's not excessive for the Crown Prince to like her. Who made this little girl useless?" Ye Qing Ran looked at Ye Tian Qing kneeling on the ground and suddenly laughed, following Ye Tian Qing's words in agreement.

  "Haha, I didn't expect the Night Emperor to be so sentimental! It's really admirable!" Nan Lingrui laughed twice and said to the old emperor, "This is a joyful occasion! I'd like to offer my congratulations to Your Majesty first!"

  The old emperor looked at Ye Tianqing with a frown after a moment of stunned silence.

  "Your Majesty, I have indeed always liked Miss Qin, but due to the ancestral teachings, I did not dare to ask for your permission. Now that my sister no longer likes me and has broken off our engagement, and today I saw Yu Jing being beheaded, at that moment I thought I was going to lose her, fortunately, thanks to Jing Shizong's rescue, I do not want to lose her again, please grant us marriage!" Ye Tianqing did not dare look at the old emperor, his words were sincere.

  "Your Highness, it's not... I... how could I..." Qin Yuxin's heart was in a state of panic, her words were somewhat disjointed and illogical.

  "Yu Jing, don't be afraid, I really like you! All these years, only you have entered my heart. I couldn't bring myself to like Moon Sister, nor did I like the Second Miss of Rong Wang Fu or the young princess of Xiao Qin Wang Fu, but only liked you alone." Ye Tian Qing softly comforted Yu Jing and repeated to the old emperor, "Father Emperor, your son begs for your permission to marry!"

  The old emperor looked at Ye Tianqing and Qin Yujing with deep and calm eyes, still silent.

  Everyone was thinking about whether the emperor would agree to the crown prince's request, and this sudden change really came suddenly.

  "Your Majesty, please agree quickly! The Crown Prince is so deeply in love, if you don't agree, I would have suffered his rejection for over a decade for nothing!" Yun Shangyue thought that Ye Tianqing was indeed good at seizing opportunities, and he didn't disappoint her. She turned to the old emperor and said: "Of course, it would be even better if you could agree to both my and Rong Feng's marriage at the same time."

  Everyone's eyes were on Yun Shangyue, and unexpectedly she still had a lingering attachment, wanting to marry Rong Feng and asking for imperial permission to do so.

  Rong Jing's hand relaxed, and the knot that was originally wrapped around her arm suddenly came undone. The kerchief fell to the ground. He looked at Yun Qian Yue, but Yun Qian Yue still didn't look at him. His eyes flashed with a hint of darkness for just an instant before he withdrew his gaze, bent down, and casually picked up the kerchief, rewrapping it around his arm.

  "Requesting Your Majesty to grant a marriage for your humble subject!" Night Sky pleaded again.

  "Your Majesty, please grant the Crown Prince's wish! The Crown Prince has secretly loved Miss Qin for ten years. This deep affection is comparable to that of our ancestors' Emperor and Empress Dowager Cixi. If you can fulfill the Crown Prince's heart's desire, it will be a beautiful story!" Night Tianyu advised the old emperor.

  "The story of the Holy Ancestor and Empress Zhen's good deeds is still widely praised today. Since Prince Ye has such a strong affection for Miss Qin, I think it would be best to let the Emperor grant his wish. Moreover, Prince Jing also said that 'Miss Qin has great talent and can become the Empress.' If this were to happen, when Prince Ye ascends to the throne, Miss Qin will indeed become the Empress, which aligns with Prince Jing's judgment." Nan Lingrui fanned himself lightly, enjoying the show while also helping Prince Ye persuade the Emperor.

  "Your Majesty, the little girl is right. If you don't agree to the Crown Prince's proposal, won't it be a waste of Yun Qianyue's efforts?" Ye Qingran didn't know what the Emperor had said to Ye Tianqing, but if Yun Qianyue couldn't marry him, wouldn't that be even better? However, since Yun Qianyue wanted to help Ye Tianqing, he naturally wanted to assist her. So he also spoke up to advise.

  "Miss Qin's talent is indeed matched with the crown prince's consort. The two are also fond of each other, and if they can reenact the deep love between Emperor Kangxi and Empress Xiaoxian, it would be a wonderful story! As an old minister, I shouldn't speak further today, but I am moved by the crown prince's deep feelings,"

  "Also, Crown Prince Taiso, please forgive me for one thing." King Hoshin finally couldn't help but speak up.

  "The old minister also begged the emperor on behalf of the crown prince, Miss Qin is indeed the only suitable candidate for the crown princess!" A minister in charge of the Ministry of Revenue also followed after the filial king to make a request.

  "The Crown Prince is now three years past the age of majority. It's time for him to take a consort. The shallow moon lady from the Yun Wang Fu is indeed not worthy of being the Crown Princess, so I also beg Your Majesty to grant the Crown Prince's request! Miss Qin's talent is unmatched among the women in the capital." Another minister in charge of the political advisory department stepped forward and asked for an imperial decree.

  "I also think that Miss Qin is indeed the best candidate for the crown prince's consort. I beg Your Majesty to abolish the ancestral rule." Another minister stepped forward.

  "The old minister also thinks so." Another person stepped forward.

  "I also think..."

  One person led the way, and immediately afterwards, all the civil and military officials who followed the old emperor out of the execution ground also walked out one after another. In a short while, more than half of the people stood in front of the old emperor. Some were moved by the deep feelings of Ye Tian and asked for instructions, some asked for instructions because Qin Yujing's talent was worthy of being the crown prince's consort, some asked for instructions to abolish the ancestral teachings because Yun Shuoyue was not worthy of being the crown prince's consort, and some feared that the world would not be chaotic, wanting to add fuel to the fire just to watch the excitement, such as Nan Lingrui and others.

  Everyone's words were sincere and their reasons varied, but without exception, they all ended up helping Ye Tian to win the emperor's favor. It can be said that this is what everyone has been hoping for! Compared with Yun Shangyue's situation on the day of the Wu Zhuangyuan Grand Assembly, where she was forced to marry Rong Feng and no one came to her aid, it's simply incomparable.

  After a stick of incense, there were only a few people on the entire execution ground who did not step forward to make a request.

  Yun Pian Yue thought to herself, "This is indeed the emperor's character!" The emperor's favoritism towards Ye Tian Jing was too obvious, reminding her of the 8th prince in the Qing dynasty during the reign of Kangxi, who was also the most favored by everyone. Although back then the officials advised to establish a crown prince, now they were advising to establish a crown princess consort, but the essence was the same. Kangxi was furious back then, how could he allow the 8th prince's prestige to surpass his own? And what about this old emperor today? Would he also be furious?

  She slightly raised her eyelids to look at the old emperor's expression, and saw that although his face was calm, his old eyes were no longer as deep as before, but rather seemed to be gathering a storm. Her mouth curled up, thinking that this prince had probably gone too far! If he hadn't crossed the old emperor's bottom line earlier, then he certainly had now! Which emperor would allow someone to surpass him? Although his body was not well, he was still in his prime, and before he died, there were people clamoring to take his place? How could that not enrage him? She moved her gaze away, casting a sidelong glance at Qin Yuxin, seeing that Qin Yuxin's small face had already lost its tearful appearance, replaced by a pale complexion. She lowered her head and smiled faintly, thinking that if the old emperor had still been protecting Qin Yuxin earlier, not wanting her to harm herself by cutting her wrists... then now it was uncertain...

  Everyone fell silent, waiting for the old emperor's decision.

  Ye Tianqing no longer spoke, at this time he didn't need to speak again, what he wanted to say was said by others, and what he didn't say was also said by others. Although he felt that today's actions might be wrong, the arrow had already been shot and couldn't be taken back, so he could only quietly wait for the old emperor's decision.

  After a long time, the old emperor slowly opened his mouth, not to Ye Tianqing, but to look at Rong Jing, "Jing Shizi, how do you think about this matter?"

  Everyone's gaze also turned to Rong Jing, and it wasn't until they saw his bandaged arm that they remembered that he had been injured while saving Miss Qin. They all wondered how Rong Jing would decide in this situation.

  Rong Jing raised his originally slightly lowered head and gave a faint smile to the old emperor, "Rong Jing has no ideas."

  "Oh? Does Jing Shizi have no ideas? If I must ask Jing Shizi to speak of your thoughts?" The old emperor raised an eyebrow.

  Rong Jing's smile remained unchanged, and he opened his mouth lightly: "If the emperor wants to hear Rong Jing's opinion, then Rong Jing thinks that we should take a closer look at how the emperor views this matter. This matter is both a national affair and a family affair. If it's about national affairs, choosing a consort for the crown prince, Qin Miss's talent is naturally the best choice, and the words of the ministers are correct. If it's about family affairs, the chosen one will be the emperor's daughter-in-law, the crown prince likes her, and the emperor also wants Qin Miss to marry the crown prince as his daughter-in-law, which is not unreasonable."

  "What a matter of state and family!" The old emperor nodded, turning his head to look at the Duke of Te, who had not asked for the throne, "Brother De, what do you think about this?"

  "I agree with Prince Jing's words, Your Majesty. This matter still requires your decision." Duke De Qin replied with a bow.

  "Hmm, how about King Yun?" The old emperor looked at King Yun who also hadn't spoken up.

  The Cloud King heard the old emperor ask him, looked up at Yun Shangyue for a moment, saw that Yun Shangyue was expressionless, and then withdrew his gaze. He replied respectfully: "Your Majesty, although our ancestors had teachings that have been passed down to this day, since the founding of the Tian Sheng dynasty, the mistress of the harem has always been favored by our ancestors and has fallen on the daughters of the Cloud King's mansion. Fortunately, all the empresses in history were virtuous and humble. However, I, an old minister, have not taught my daughter well, and Shangyue is really not worthy of this heavy responsibility. The position of Crown Princess is crucial, and in the future, she will be the mistress of the palace and the mother of the nation, setting an example for the world. It would be better to have a talented woman like Miss Qin. Therefore, I humbly request that Your Majesty abolish the ancestral teachings."

  The words fell, and Yun Wangye knelt down to the ground in a deep bow.

  "Your Majesty, I also request that you abolish the ancestral teachings. My own weight and worth are not for everyone to say, but even I am clear about them. If we don't abolish the ancestral teachings, then unless my sisters from a humble background enter the palace, they won't be able to match the noble Crown Prince. How can Qin Miss bear such great responsibility?" Yun Shangyue also immediately spoke up, feeling that at this critical moment her father was still reliable. The Yun King's household naturally had to express their opinion at this time. She added fuel to the fire: "Besides, Qin Miss and the Emperor are a match made in heaven, Your Majesty has obtained such a good daughter-in-law, what is there to hesitate about?"

  "We beg Your Majesty to abolish the ancestral teachings!" As soon as Yun Pianyue's words fell, everyone except Rong Jing, Nan Lingrui, Ye Qian and De Qinwang knelt down on the ground, with unanimous voices.

  Since the founding of the dynasty by Emperor Taizu, the children of Yunwangfu have been the masters of the imperial harem for generations. The daughters of other princes and ministers' mansions all retreated to secondary positions. This ancestral tradition has continued to this day, already over a hundred years. The various large mansions had long been eager to compete for the position of empress, but were hindered by the ancestral tradition. Now, taking advantage of the situation where Ye Tian wants to marry Qin Yuxin, they naturally do not want to miss this opportunity to abolish the ancestral tradition. As long as the ancestral tradition is abolished, even if Qin Yuxin sits in the position of empress, what does it matter? It's still better than Yunwangfu dominating everything.

  "The people's hope is pinned on you, Your Majesty. If you don't agree, it wouldn't be a wise decision!" Yun Shangyue decided to take a risk and add fuel to the fire, determined to break free from this identity's shackles today.

  "Oh?" The old emperor narrowed his eyes and looked at Yun Shangyue, "Yue'er, if I don't agree, wouldn't that make me an unwise ruler?"

  "Miss Qin is a great talent, in every aspect she is much stronger than me. Anyone with discerning eyes can see that. The Emperor's uncle is wise and naturally has a clear mind. This doesn't need to be said! One is a watermelon and the other is sesame seeds, who would go through the trouble of losing the watermelon to pick up sesame seeds?" Yun Shangyue smiled and said.

  "Then I'll have to pick up sesame seeds and lose watermelon?" The old emperor continued to narrow his eyes at Yun Shangyue.

  Yun Shang Yue's heart skipped a beat, but her face remained calm and expressionless. She continued to smile and said: "Beating the mandarin ducks, disappointing all the officials, does Your Majesty really want to do this? It's not that it can't be done, after all, you are the Emperor, and if you insist on doing it, then so be it. But who knows what historians will write in the future?"

  How many emperors in history have not cared about their reputation? She will add fuel to the fire! Otherwise, even if all the ministers advise against it, this ancestral instruction may not be so easily abolished. If you know that opportunities are lost and do not come again, she will seize today's opportunity and say nothing wrong.

  "How dare you!" The old emperor slammed his hand on the table and stood up in a rage, "Yun Qianyue, I have tolerated your impertinence multiple times! Do you really think I will spoil you to the point of being lawless? Nonsense! Guards, take this..."

  "Your Majesty!" Ye Qing hastily interrupted the old emperor's words, "The little girl didn't intentionally provoke Your Majesty, she just spoke the truth that no one else dared to say. You can't punish her for it."

  "She said the truth that no one dared to say?" The old emperor looked at Ye Qingran, his eyes cold and piercing, "You tell me, what is called the truth? Is it saying that I am a foolish ruler? A name cursed for eternity?"

  The night is lightly dyed with a hint of sorrow.

  "Your Majesty, I was just speaking hypothetically. If you were to agree to abolish the ancestral teachings, you would naturally be a wise ruler, renowned for all eternity." Yun Shang Yue thought that indeed this was the old emperor, and this momentum made one's heart tremble.

  "What if? Moon girl, your 'what ifs' are really good! Are you teaching me the great way of recognizing characters and breaking words? I'm still being threatened by a little girl like you?" The old emperor was clearly furious, waving his sleeve and shouting angrily: "Guards, take this insolent and arrogant girl who dares to teach me out and execute her immediately!"

  Digression

  Is your heart beating faster? (⊙＿⊙)

  Wish you all a happy Valentine's Day! o(n_n)o

  Recently, dark circles under my eyes are obviously expanding, powder sorrow ah powder sorrow

  Thank you for the diamonds, rewards and flowers from everyone below!

  kikilovejie (12 diamonds, 1000 rewards, 20 flowers), Lü Nǎinai (10 diamonds, 1 flower), hua3389818 (10 diamonds), La Jiao Jiě 54 (5 diamonds, 10 flowers), Chún Bái de ài (3 diamonds, 300 rewards), raphaellion (4 diamonds), Yōu Yōu Wǒ Xīn Xián (3 diamonds, 3 flowers), Bǐ àn Míng Xuě 00 (1 diamond, 10 flowers), debbieshao (1 diamond, 5 flowers), wendychi (2 diamonds), Jiān Jiào Sè (1 diamond), 15189122297 (1 diamond, 1 flower) Qíng Jǐng Xǐ Jù (1 diamond), 691121 (1 diamond), Fēng Yún Sān Shí (1 diamond, 1 flower), Máo Máo 1982 (1 diamond), ange0714 (1 diamond), kywaf47 (1 diamond), Shén Bǐ Zhū Zhū Xiá (1 diamond), yunanrong (1 diamond), Xīn Wēi Scorpio (1 diamond), 15875989145 (188 rewards), Mǒ Mǒ o (n_n) o~