Chapter 13 Marrying to Establish a Consort Position

With the help of the servant girl, she walked gracefully but weakly. Her apricot eyes were swollen from crying, and one injured hand wrapped in white cloth hung before her body, making a striking sigh...Chapter 13: Proposing to Establish a Consort

Yun Qianyue's gaze fell on Rong Jing's arm, and she felt her breath stop for an instant. She wanted to take a step forward but found herself rooted to the spot as if her feet were planted in the ground. All she could do was watch as Qin Yucang, still visibly shaken, lay in Rong Jing’s arms while he stumbled back two steps, his broken arm nonetheless firmly supporting her.

"Viscount Jing!" The old emperor cried out when he heard the sound of a bone breaking and hurried to the edge of the staircase to look down.

"Viscount Jing!" A number of court officials also sprang up, following the old emperor to the edge of the steps, their voices full of concern for Rong Jing and Qin Yucang.

Ye Qian looked at Rong Jing who was holding Qin Yucang below the execution platform with a disbelief that surpassed even Night Qingran's. She also turned her gaze toward Yun Qianyue, but saw no change in her expression as she stood silently there. Her eyes flashed with confusion for a moment before turning back to Rong Jing. After catching Qin Yucang, he had not immediately let go of her. His eyebrows knitted together, and his face showed the same bewilderment.

Night Qingran looked at Rong Jing who was holding Qin Yucang below the execution platform with disbelief that surpassed even Ye Qian's. He too could not understand why Rong Jing would risk breaking his arm to save her. He also looked towards Yun Qianyue, but did not see any emotion on her face, which only deepened his confusion.

Nan Lingrui continued to fan himself gently despite the sudden turn of events, still maintaining his cool and elegant appearance. However, no one noticed that he was staring intently at Rong Jing and Qin Yucang with a gaze full of hidden meaning.

"Yucang, are you all right" Night Tianqin followed closely behind Rong Jing, landing gracefully beside him as soon as his feet touched the ground. He looked anxiously at Qin Yucang in Rong Jing’s arms and spoke urgently.

Qin Yucang appeared to have been startled, only staring up at Rong Jing's face without seeming to hear Night Tianqin's words.

Night Tianqin’s expression darkened as he looked at Rong Jing. He then extended his hand towards him and said, "Viscount Jing, thank you for saving Miss Qin! Hand her over to me now. She must be terrified. Get a court physician to examine her immediately."

Rong Jing smiled gently and replied to Night Tianqin in a soft tone: "Your Highness, take her back yourself! My arm is too weak to hold on any longer, so I cannot give her to you."

Only now did Night Tianqin see that the arm with which Rong Jing had caught Qin Yucang was covered in blood. His face softened a little and he reached out to take the seemingly frightened Qin Yucang from Rong Jing's arms, saying: "Thankfully Viscount Jing is here; otherwise Miss Qin would certainly have been injured. However, I never thought that Viscount Jing’s martial arts skills were not as good as they used to be! How did such a small five-meter high platform result in your injury"

"I am no longer the person I was before, my abilities have diminished, and it is normal for me to get injured now. There's nothing that should make Your Highness worried," Rong Jing said as he looked down at his bleeding arm without much concern and then turned to look up at the old emperor with a wry smile on his face: "I am fortunate enough not to have disappointed His Majesty by saving Miss Qin, but this broken body is truly incapable of enduring such exertions."

"Thankfully Viscount Jing was here to save Miss Qin's life. Otherwise, she would surely be dead given the circumstances earlier," said the old emperor as he looked down at Rong Jing’s blood-soaked arm and immediately ordered: "Quickly! Viscount Jing, have a look at your injury!"

"It is just a minor wound! Just a sprain. I am fine, Your Majesty need not worry," replied Rong Jing with a shake of his head.

The sound from earlier could not possibly be just a minor wound, thought the old emperor as he turned to Night Qingran and instructed: "Qingran, go down there quickly and take care of Viscount Jing!"

Night Qingran nodded and jumped down immediately to land before Rong Jing. He reached out to pull at his arm, but Rong Jing dodged him with a quick movement. Night Qingran was surprised for an instant before Rong Jing reminded him: "Prince Ran, you are too close to me!"

"Your usual bad habits! You were just holding her…" said Night Qingran as he glared at him.

Rong Jing interrupted him with a reply: "That was out of emergency."

Night Qingran snorted and retorted, "So it was an act of emergency This Miss Qin actually allowed you to risk breaking your bones to save her! When did you ever treat anyone so well"

The old emperor’s expression darkened at his words.

Everyone's expressions changed as they thought over Night Qingran’s words, and their gazes towards Qin Yucang in Night Tianqin’s arms shifted slightly.

"Whether it was Miss Qin or anyone else, if I am able to save them, I will," replied Rong Jing calmly.

Night Qiyi naturally didn't believe in Rong Jing's high-sounding words. After so many years of dealing with him, he knew this weak-looking beauty would never do anything without benefit. Since he saved Qin Yuning today, there must be a plan behind it. He wouldn’t believe that anyone else could make him use his barely recovered strength. With a slight snort, he saw Chancellor Qin rushing over and stopped talking.

"Old minister thanks Crown Prince Jing for saving my daughter's life! Otherwise, I would lose her forever! Your grace’s kindness is unforgettable," Chancellor Qin ran down the execution stage towards Rong Jing, intending to kneel in front of him.

"Chancellor, it's just a small matter. No need to mention it!" Before Chancellor Qin could kneel, Rong Jing said calmly, "Princess Ye should check if Lady Qin is fit for bloodletting as she looks terrified and it’s already late."

Chancellor Qin didn’t expect that at this moment Rong Jing would still think of letting Princess Ye examine Qin Yuning. His body stiffened a little when he bowed, then hurriedly said, "Your Grace… your arm…"

"It's nothing!" Rong Jing no longer looked at Chancellor Qin and started walking towards the execution stage.

At this moment, as if Qin Yuning had suddenly woken up in Night Tianqiong’s arms, she hurriedly said, "Crown Prince…"

Rong Jing paused and turned to look at Qin Yuning.

Her little face was pale with fright. Her voice, filled with regret, sounded heartbroken as tears flowed down her beautiful eyes. "It’s all my fault, Your Grace! If I hadn’t lost balance…" She couldn’t bring herself to finish the sentence.

Cloud Shallow Moon looked at Qin Yuning and thought it was like raindrops on pear blossoms.

Rong Jing smiled indifferently. "Lady Qin’s talents are a great loss if anything happens to her, not only for Your Majesty but also for Heavenly Saint. Rong Jing considers himself lucky that he can still save lives in his lifetime. You don’t need to worry about it."

Qin Yuning choked on her words and couldn't say another word as she cried bitterly.

Rong Jing no longer looked at Qin Yuning and started climbing the stairs.

"Thankfully, Crown Prince saved you. It’s also my fault for not holding onto you." Night Tianqiong gently wiped away her tears with his sleeve. "Don’t cry," he said in a reproachful tone.

Qin Yuning didn't reply to Night Tianqiong, even though he had wiped the tears from her eyes. Her tear-filled gaze remained fixed on Rong Jing’s retreating figure.

The old emperor's aged eyes suddenly turned dark and deep as his gaze lingered for a moment on Rong Jing, Night Tianqiong, and Qin Yuning before sternly addressing Night Tianqiong. "Tianqiong, take Lady Qin to the execution stage so Princess Ye can examine her! As Crown Prince said, it’s getting late."

No sooner had the old emperor turned away towards his seat than Night Tianqiong stiffened and immediately responded, then hurriedly carried Qin Yuning up onto the execution stage.

Seeing Rong Jing and Night Tianqiong carrying Qin Yuning one after another to the execution stage, Night Qiyi suddenly laughed and turned to pat Chancellor Qin on the shoulder. "Chancellor Qin, your daughter is indeed fortunate to be saved by Crown Prince!"

Startled, Chancellor Qin looked at him with a puzzled expression, his little face pale. "Young Marquis…"

Night Qiyi gave Chancellor Qin a meaningful look and then said no more, releasing the chancellor. Lightly touching the tip of his foot, he leaped onto the execution stage and said to the old emperor, "Uncle Emperor, I didn’t want to treat that weak-looking beauty because his bad habits won’t let me get close to him. But seeing as there’s nothing seriously wrong with him, you don’t need to worry about it!"

"As long as Crown Prince Jing is fine," the old emperor nodded.

"Haha, Cold King is really obedient kneeling on the ground!" Night Qiyi looked at Xiangqin Wang who was kneeling and laughed. "Is he going to commit suicide out of guilt"

"Qiyi! You’re getting worse," Duke De finally couldn’t hold back and shouted.

Night Qiyi glared at Duke De when he saw the warning in his eyes, then pursed his lips and said no more.

The old emperor looked at the Filial Prince Xiao, his face stern and somewhat displeased. He said, "I have always been mindful of Cold King's diligence in serving me and the Tian Sheng Dynasty over these years, so I will pardon your slander against the Yun王府的汙衊之罪。但是下次不要再讓我聽到你對雲王府的詆譭之言！至於冷王兄教子無方和治府不嚴，導致瘋狗咬人傷及百姓之罪責不可免，罰俸三年。今後不得再犯！”

"Old minister is grateful to Your Majesty! Old minister will not dare to slander the Yun王府 again, old minister will surely teach my son well and prevent him from letting the mad dog out to bite people!" The Filial Prince Xiao was overjoyed in his heart. Although he had been penalized with a reduction of salary for three years, this punishment was already the lightest one conceivable; it didn't affect his financial standing at all.

"You may rise," said the old emperor, waving his hand.

The Filial Prince Xiao immediately knelt to thank the emperor and then stood up. Having been kneeling for a long time, he stumbled back down as soon as he tried to stand again.

Ye Qing stood beside the Filial Prince Xiao. Upon seeing him fall, Ye Qing not only did not help but also took a step away from him. When she heard that the emperor had so easily pardoned the Filial Prince Xiao, her eyebrows furrowed slightly and was about to speak up when she heard Prince Te say, "His Majesty's punishment is appropriate. Although Cold King may be lacking in eloquence, he has truly been loyal to the Tian Sheng Dynasty and His Majesty all along. It's just that events at his residence have burdened him."

Ye Qing looked disapprovingly at Prince Te. Prince Te gave her a warning look, so she hesitated reluctantly and thought of how Cloud Qianyue wanted to deal with Prince Te; such treatment would surely not satisfy the young girl's heart. Ye Qing then turned to look at Cloud Qianyue, but saw that Cloud Qianyue was standing quietly, head lowered as if lost in thought, without rebutting anything the emperor had said. She furrowed her brows and seeing that the Filial Prince Xiao had already stood up again, she knew it was too late to speak now.

"Prince Jing, your arm is still bleeding. It would be best to have it bandaged," said the old emperor, glancing over at Cloud Qianyue before turning towards Rong Jing who had just stepped forward and asked him gently.

"His Majesty need not worry. I know how injured I am," replied Rong Jing with a smile as he shook his head.

"Indeed, it's Prince Jing!" The old emperor praised when he saw the blood stains on Rong Jing’s sleeves and that he did not even blink at them. He then noticed Nü Tianqing bringing Qin Yucui up, so he turned to Ye Qian said, "Princess Ye, please examine Miss Qin for me. See if she's fit for it. It's getting late; if she is, get started right away and if not, pack everything up quickly!"

"Understood," replied Ye Qian promptly as she turned to go towards Qin Yucui.

"Your Majesty, there’s no need to check. I’m well enough to withstand a few bowls of blood," said Qin Yucui weakly before Ye Qian could even approach her.

Ye Qian paused in her steps.

"Ah, your life was saved by Prince Jing. You mustn’t jest with such matters. It would be best if Princess Ye examines you," said the old emperor as he waved his hand to signal that they should proceed.

Qin Yucui looked at Rong Jing and moved her lips slightly before lowering her head and softly replying, "Yes."

This short glance and this single word 'yes' from Qin Yucui conveyed much more than words could express. Everyone present sensed something odd about the atmosphere and many couldn't help but wonder if Prince Jing had feelings for Miss Qin Otherwise, why would he risk his bones to save her And listening to their tone of voice, it seemed that Miss Qin also harbored feelings towards Prince Jing. People's eyes switched between Rong Jing and Qin Yucui; seeing Night Tianqin carrying Qin Yucui with the Crown Prince in the middle made them assume that when His Majesty asked Prince Jing if he liked someone, the reason why he said no was because he was considering the Crown Prince’s feelings.

Thinking about this, they noticed how unhappy Night Tianqin looked as he gazed at Qin Yucui. This further confirmed their thoughts. Moreover, thinking back to how over the years, the Crown Prince had not liked Cloud Qianyue and was rather cold towards both Lady Second of Rong王府的二小姐和孝親王府的小郡主，如今卻對丞相府秦小姐悉心照料，看來早就心儀這位才貌雙全的天聖第一美女秦小姐了。

The execution stand was quiet for a moment. Everyone seemed to have glimpsed something mysterious, each wearing different expressions on their faces. Not a few were excited.

Rong Jing appeared not to hear Qin Yucui's words or her look at him, as he had pulled out his handkerchief and was wrapping up his injured elbow with one hand upon arriving, concealing the bloodstains from his moon-white sleeves.

Cloud Qianyue raised her head that she had been lowering all along to smile at Night Tianqin who was still holding Qin Yucui. "No wonder the Crown Prince has never liked me and treated me with such disdain! He's also always indifferent towards Lady Second of Rong王府的二小姐和孝親王府的小郡主，原來太子殿下真正喜歡的人是丞相府的秦小姐！”

Upon hearing this, Night Tianqin raised his head to look at Cloud Qianyue. When he caught sight of her smiling face, his hand holding Qin Yucui trembled slightly as if surprised by what she said.

Qin Yucui's complexion turned pale, and she quickly struggled out of Night Tianqin’s arms to look up at Cloud Qianyue urgently. "Sister Moon, it's not like that! It's because I'm weak and feeble now, so the Crown Prince..."

"I have many sisters in my family but no such sister as Miss Qin! Please be careful with your words, Miss Qin. If the Crown Prince likes you, it’s fine. Before, I would probably cry myself to death. Now that the person I like is Rong Feng, I won't shed tears for anything else. There's no need for Miss Qin to get upset," said Cloud Qianyue with a smile as she warned Miss Qin who was trying to jump out of Night Tianqin’s arms.

"Don’t move around, or you’ll fall again and Prince Jing will break another bone in his arm."

Rong Jing paused the action of wrapping up his hand as he looked over at Cloud Qianyue.

Yun Qianyue did not look at Rong Jing and continued to smile faintly at Qin Yucing. She was thinking that Ye Qian’s words earlier were right; she might have underestimated Qin Yucing all along.

Qin Yucing froze in her movements.

"Yucing, don’t move. What my younger sister said is true. I’ve always loved you and that’s why I acted towards her..." Night Tianqiong’s previously slightly loosened arms suddenly tightened when he heard Yun Qianyue's words, holding Qin Yucing tightly in his embrace without looking at Yun Qianyue as he bitterly confessed to Qin Yucing: "Because of the forefather’s ancestral teachings, I’ve always been afraid to express my feelings towards you..."

Qin Yucing was shocked and looked over at Night Tianqiong. “Your Highness Prince…”

No sooner had she spoken than Night Tianqiong suddenly hugged Qin Yucing, kneeling down with a thud on the ground. "I beg my father to marry me off! I’m willing to take Miss Qin of Chancellor’s Manor as my wife!"

Everyone in the hall was startled by Night Tianqiong's sudden action and looked at him in disbelief; they never expected that he would request for a royal marriage from the emperor.

The old emperor clearly hadn’t anticipated this, either, and he was taken aback.

"So Your Highness Prince Consort actually fancied Miss Qin of Chancellor’s Manor! That’s why you rejected my younger sister for more than ten years. Truly a deep love!" Night Tianyu finally spoke up after remaining silent the entire time.

"Indeed, it is a true and deep affection; however, with Miss Qin being both talented and beautiful, Your Highness Prince Consort liking her isn’t unjustified either. Who knew that little missy was utterly useless" Night Qingran looked at Night Tianqiong who was kneeling down on the ground and suddenly started laughing as he echoed Night Tianqiong’s words.

"Haha, this prince never expected the night prince of Heavenly Saint to be so deeply in love! This prince is truly impressed!" Nan Lingrui burst out into laughter before saying to the old emperor. "This is indeed a good thing! So this prince will congratulate Your Majesty first!"

The old emperor frowned after his slight surprise, remaining silent.

"Father, I’ve always loved Miss Qin but due to the ancestral teachings, I didn’t dare to ask my father for permission. Now that my younger sister no longer likes me and has ended our relationship, when I saw Yucing falling off the execution platform today, I thought I was about to lose her. But thankfully she was saved by Shizì Jing! Father, I don’t want to lose her again, so please marry us!" Night Tianqiong did not dare look at the old emperor as he spoke earnestly.

"Your Highness Prince Consort, but… it’s me… how can…" Qin Yucing was flustered and spoke incoherently.

"Yucing, don’t be afraid. I truly love you! In these past years, only you have entered my heart. No matter what, I’m unable to like my younger sister; I also dislike the second daughter of Prince Rong’s Manor and the young duchess of Xianqing Manor. Only you can stir up affection in me." Night Tianqiong soothed Qin Yucing gently before repeating himself to the old emperor: "Father, please marry us!"

The old emperor looked at both Night Tianqiong and Qin Yucing with deep eyes; he remained silent.

Everyone wondered whether Emperor would agree to Prince Consort’s request. The turn of events was indeed sudden.

"Uncle Emperor, please agree quickly! If you don’t agree, then I would have suffered for ten years in vain!" Yun Qianyue thought that Night Tianqiong really knew how to seize opportunities; he truly did not disappoint her expectations. She turned and looked at the old emperor and said, "Of course, if you could simultaneously grant permission for my marriage with Rong Feng as well, it would be even better."

Everyone’s gaze was drawn towards Yun Qianyue. They didn’t expect that she was still harboring such aspirations; wanting to marry Rong Feng and requesting the emperor to give his consent through this opportunity.

Rong Jing loosened his grip, and the knot on his arms which he had intended to tie up suddenly unraveled. The handkerchief fell to the ground as he looked at Yun Qianyue. She continued not looking back at him; a pair of black eyes welled up in his gaze before he quickly withdrew them. He bent down nonchalantly and picked up the handkerchief, tying it around his arm once more.

"Father, I beg you to marry us off!" Night Tianqiong pleaded again.

"Father, please grant Your Highness Prince Consort’s wish! For a decade, Your Highness Prince Consort has secretly loved Miss Qin. This deep affection is on par with the love between Saint Emperor and Empress Zhenjing in the past. If you are able to fulfill His Highness’s heart-wish, it will be an excellent story!" Night Tianyu advised.

"The tale of Saint Emperor and Empress Zhenjing is still being celebrated by people today. Since Prince Consort Night is so fond of Miss Qin, in this prince’s opinion, Your Majesty should fulfill his wish! Moreover, Shizì Jing also said that ‘Miss Qin possesses great talent and can be a queen mother for the nation.’ If it’s like that, then when Prince Consort Night ascends to the throne one day, Miss Qin will become the empress. This also coincides with what Shizì Jing predicted," Nan Lingrui fanned himself lightly as he watched on and helped Night Tianqiong persuade.

"Uncle Emperor, little missy is right; if you don’t grant Prince Consort’s wish, won’t it be a waste of the suffering she endured" Even though Night Qingran didn’t understand how Yun Qianyue would have suffered in vain if the emperor didn’t agree to marry Night Tianqiong off and let him not get married instead, since Yun Qianyue was trying to help Night Tianqiong, he naturally wanted to assist her too. Hence, he also spoke up.

"Miss Qin's talent indeed matches the Crown Prince's title as his consort. Moreover, they are mutually fond of each other; if they could also embody Emperor Saint Ancestor and Empress Zhenjing’s enduring love, it would be a beautiful tale! This old minister originally should not speak again today but, out of respect for the depth of the Crown Prince's feelings,

I also make this plea on his behalf," said the Filial King, finally unable to hold back and spoke up.

"This old minister also requests the Emperor to grant Miss Qin as the Crown Prince's consort; she is undoubtedly the best choice!" A Minister in charge of the Ministry of Households followed suit after the Filial King, making his request.

"The Crown Prince has passed three years since he came of age. It is time for him to take a wife. Miss Shallow Moon from Cloud王府 is indeed unsuitable for being the Crown Princess; so this old minister also requests Your Majesty to grant the Crown Prince's wish! As for Miss Qin, her talent surpasses all other women in the capital," another Minister in charge of the Political Advice Bureau stepped forward and requested on behalf of Ye Tianqiong.

"I too believe that Miss Qin is indeed the best choice for the position of Crown Princess; I request His Majesty to abolish the ancestral precept." Another minister came forward.

"This old minister feels likewise," another person stepped up.

“I also feel…”

With one person leading,緊接著隨老皇帝在監斬席上的文武百官都接連走出，不過片刻老皇帝麵前就立了一大半人。有的人為夜天傾深情感動而請旨，有的人因為秦玉凝才華堪當太子妃而請旨，有的人因為雲淺月不配做太子妃要求廢除祖訓而請旨，有的人唯恐天下不亂，想純屬為看好戲而添一把火，比如南淩睿之流……

Everyone's words were earnest, with reasons varying widely. However, without exception, they all ended up petitioning for Ye Tianqiong on his behalf. It was indeed a matter of public consensus! This was in stark contrast to the situation when Yun Shao Yue requested a royal marriage decree to wed Rong Feng at the martial champion election, and no one came forward to help her.

After an incense stick's time, only a few people remained seated on the execution platform without having come forward to make their requests.

Yun Shao Yue thought, This is what you call virtue! Ye Tianqiong’s virtues are too great. It reminds me of Prince Zhuang in Emperor Kangxi's era during the nine-princes' scramble for succession; he was also a consensus choice back then. Although at that time officials were petitioning to appoint a crown prince, and now they’re petitioning to appoint a Crown Princess, but their essence is fundamentally the same. Back then, Emperor Kangxi flew into a rage because he could not tolerate Prince Zhuang's reputation surpassing his own. Would this old emperor be enraged today

She slightly lifted her eyelids and observed the elderly emperor’s expression; although his face remained calm, his aged eyes were no longer as profound as before but instead hinted at brewing storms. She curled up the corner of her mouth; it seemed Ye Tianqiong was about to reach the pinnacle of being a crown prince! If he had not yet crossed the old emperor's limits earlier, then now he definitely has! No monarch would allow anyone’s reputation to overshadow his own. Although the emperor might have some health issues, he was still in his prime and not dead yet; how could it fail to infuriate him for someone to openly declare they want to succeed him She shifted her gaze towards Qin Yu Ning with the corner of her eyes. Qin Yu Ning's tearful face had already turned pale, devoid of any trace of tears. She lowered her head and smiled lightly, thinking that if the old emperor was still defending Qin Yu Ning earlier and didn't wish for her to harm herself by bleeding, then now… it could go either way.

The crowd fell silent as they waited for the elderly emperor's decision after their requests were made.

Ye Tianqiong also remained quiet; there was no need for him to speak anymore. What he wanted to say had already been said by others on his behalf, and if he hadn't spoken up himself, someone else would have done it for him. Although he felt that today’s actions might be inappropriate, once the arrow is released, there's no turning back; all he could do was wait quietly for the emperor's decision.

After a long time, the elderly emperor slowly began to speak, not addressing Ye Tianqiong but looking at Rong Jing instead. "Prince Shi Rong, what are your thoughts on this matter"

The crowd also turned their eyes towards Rong Jing, recalling that he had been injured while saving Miss Qin and wondering how Prince Shi would make his decision in such a situation.

Rong Jing, who had initially lowered his head slightly, raised it now. He smiled at the elderly emperor with calmness, "Rong Jing has no opinion."

"Oh Prince Shi Rong doesn't have an opinion What if I insist on hearing your thoughts" The old emperor raised an eyebrow.

Rong Jing's smile didn’t change as he calmly replied, “If Your Majesty insists on hearing my opinion, then I believe that the matter should be seen from Your Majesty’s perspective. This matter is both a national affair and a family matter. If we are to consider it from the perspective of state affairs, Miss Qin’s talent makes her undoubtedly the best choice for the Crown Prince's consort, as suggested by all the ministers. But if viewed from the aspect of family matters, she will be Your Majesty's daughter-in-law; if the Emperor wishes for Miss Qin to marry the Crown Prince and become his wife, then there is nothing unreasonable about it.”

"How fitting that it’s both a state affair and a family matter!" The elderly emperor nodded, turning his head towards Duke De who hadn’t made any petitions on Ye Tianqiong's behalf. "Brother Duke De, what are your thoughts on this"

"Your Majesty, I agree with Prince Shi Rong’s opinion; the final decision should be left to Your Majesty," said Duke De respectfully.

“Hmm, and Brother Cloud” The elderly emperor turned to look at the Cloud King who had also remained silent.

The Cloud King lifted his head when he heard the old emperor asking him. He glanced at Yun Shao Yue, seeing her expressionless face; then he lowered his eyes respectfully and replied, "Your Majesty, although there is an ancestral precept from Emperor Saint Ancestor that has been in place since ancient times, ever since the establishment of Heavenly Sheng Dynasty, the empresses have always come from our Cloud王府 daughters, fortunately all were virtuous and pious. However, this generation of ministers failed to properly educate their daughters; Shallow Moon is simply incapable of shouldering such a great responsibility. The position of Crown Princess is extremely important; she will be the mother of the nation, setting an example for all under heaven in her role as Empress. Therefore, it’s best if Miss Qin, with her extraordinary talent, takes up this position. I humbly request Your Majesty to abolish the ancestral precept.”

The Marquis Yun bowed and prostrated himself on the ground as soon as he finished speaking.

"Imperial Uncle, I also request that you abolish the ancestral precept. My worth is well known to everyone here without anyone having to say it aloud. Unless the ancestral precept is abolished, none of my half-sisters could possibly become a consort in the palace and be worthy of marrying His Highness the Crown Prince. Where would Miss Qin fit into this scenario" Cloud Qianyue immediately spoke up, thinking that her father-king was quite useful at critical moments. The Yun王府 should naturally make this statement now. She added fuel to the fire: "Besides, everyone expects Miss Qin and the Crown Prince to marry each other. If you obtain such a good daughter-in-law as Miss Qin, why hesitate"

"We urgently request that Your Majesty abolish the ancestral precept!" After Cloud Qianyue finished speaking, all the people except for Rong Jing, Nan Lingrui, Ye Qian, and the Prince of Virtue prostrated themselves on the ground. Everyone was united in their plea.

Since the founding of the dynasty by Emperor Shengzu, the Yun王府's children have been the main consorts of each generation. Other princesses and daughters from other royal houses and ministers' families had to step aside as a result. This ancestral precept has continued until now for over a hundred years. Each household has long wanted to vie for the position of Empress. Unfortunately, they were hindered by this precept. Now that Night Tianqing wants to marry Qin Yucun, naturally none of them want to miss out on this chance to abolish this ancestral precept. Once it was abolished, even if they let Qin Yucun take her rightful place as the main consort, what's there to worry about It would be better than having only the Yun王府 dominant.

"If Your Majesty does not agree, then you will not be a wise ruler!" Cloud Qianyue decided to take a risky approach and continue adding fuel to the fire. She wanted to break away from this identity's constraints today no matter what.

"Oh" The old emperor narrowed his eyes as he looked at Cloud Qianyue, "Moon girl, if I don't agree, then I won't be a wise ruler"

"Miss Qin is talented in every aspect and surpasses me. Anyone with clear sight can tell this. Your Majesty is enlightened; naturally, you understand everything clearly as well. This doesn't even need to be said! One is like watermelon while the other is sesame seeds; no one would discard a big watermelon for little sesame seeds." Cloud Qianyue smiled.

"Then shall I do what others consider throwing away something important and picking up something insignificant" The old emperor continued looking at Cloud Qianyue with narrowed eyes.

Cloud Qianyue was startled in her heart but remained calm on the surface. She continued to smile, "Breaking up a pair of lovebirds and disappointing all the ministers Will Your Majesty truly do this It's not impossible if you insist on it, after all, you are the emperor. You can do whatever you want unilaterally; historical officials will also dare not write that you're an incompetent ruler at that time. However, historians in the future won't know whether they would still write about it."

How many emperors have ever cared about their reputation since ancient times She was going to add fuel to the fire again! Otherwise, even if all the ministers advised, this ancestral precept might not be abolished so easily. Knowing that such an opportunity won't come again, she wouldn't miss it today no matter what.

"Reckless!" The old emperor stood up and flew into a rage, "Cloud Qianyue, I've tolerated your repeated recklessness! Do you really think that I would pamper you until you become lawless Uttering nonsense Someone, take this..."

"Uncle Emperor!" Night Qingran was alarmed and hurriedly interrupted the old emperor's words, "The little girl didn't mean to offend Uncle Emperor. She merely spoke a truth no one dared to say. You can't punish her for that."

"She said something that no one else would dare to say" The old emperor looked at Night Qingran with his cold gaze emanating from his aged eyes, "Tell me what is the so-called 'truth' Saying I am an incompetent ruler Being cursed by future generations"

Night Qingran was speechless.

"Imperial Uncle, what I said was merely hypothetical. If you agree to abolish the ancestral precept, then naturally, you would be a wise ruler praised for centuries." Cloud Qianyue thought that it was indeed an old emperor; such a display made people's hearts tremble in fear.

"Hypothetically Moon girl, your hypothetical comparison is really well done! Are you teaching me to read and understand the great truth of life Am I supposed to be threatened by a little girl" The old emperor was clearly extremely angry. He waved his sleeve angrily and said: "Someone, drag this lawless, presumptuous little girl who dared to teach an emperor out and execute her immediately!"

—— Interlude ——

Is your heart racing (⊙＿⊙)

I wish all my readers a Happy Valentine's Day! o(n_n)o

The dark circles under my eyes have been expanding lately; I feel quite sad about it. > <

A big thank you to the following dear readers for your diamond gifts, sponsorships, and flowers:

kikilovejie (12 diamonds, 1000 sponsorship, 20 flowers), Lu Granny (10 diamonds, 1 flower), hua3389818 (10 diamonds), La Jiao Sister54 (5 diamonds, 10 flowers), Pure White Love (3 diamonds, 300 sponsorship), raphaellion (4 diamonds), Youyou My Heart Xiao Xian (3 diamonds, 3 flowers), Pianyan Mingxue00 (1 diamond, 10 flowers), debbieshao (1 diamond, 5 flowers), wendychi (2 diamonds), Shriek Color (1 diamond), 15189122297 (1 diamond, 1 flower), Sitcom Drama (1 diamond), 691121 (1 diamond), Charm Thirty (1 diamond, 1 flower), MaoMao1982 (1 diamond), angela0714 (1 diamond), kywaf47 (1 diamond), Deity Brush Piggy Hero (1 diamond), Yunanrong (1 diamond), Xinwei Scorpio (1 diamond), 15875989145 (188 sponsorship) o(n_n)o~can only be angry and not act because the national treasury is empty, and food supplies are tight. He cannot increase taxes on common people. The emperor relies on Prince Rong’s mansion; hence, the Ji...