Chapter 25: What, Imperial Sister, you are getting married?

Yuwen Yue bowed slightly, his face wearing a perfectly measured, humble smile.

"Your Majesty, the Prime Minister's residence holds only common flowers and plants, hardly worthy of such an elegant setting," he said. "It is this Imperial Garden, where the dragon’s essence gathers and rare treasures abound, that truly stands as the pinnacle of beauty in the world."

His words were impeccable, flattering the imperial house while maintaining the dignity of a scholar.

The Empress Dowager nodded with satisfaction. Her gaze swept over a pool of golden chrysanthemums in full bloom outside the pavilion, and she remarked with underlying intent, "No matter how well these flowers bloom, they still require someone with a heart to appreciate them. I have heard that you are yet to be wed; is it because your standards are too high?"

Yuwen Yue felt a tremor in his heart, though he remained composed, a faint flush rising to his handsome cheeks.

"You jest, Your Majesty. A man should prioritize his family and country. As for the matter of marriage, it rests entirely upon the commands of one’s parents and the words of the matchmaker."

"A fine answer—the commands of one's parents."

The Empress Dowager chuckled, her deep eyes seeming to peer into his very soul.

"Speaking of which, I recall an old matter. When the late Emperor was alive, he once mentioned to me that you and Qingning were of similar age, a talented man and a beautiful woman, truly a match made in heaven. He had intended to grant you a marriage, but the turmoil in the court delayed it."

"Boom!"

It was a casual remark, yet it resonated deeply with the listener.

Yuwen Yue felt as if fireworks had exploded in his mind; a surge of immense ecstasy swept through his entire body. It was an open secret among the noble circles of the capital that he had long admired the Eldest Princess, Li Qingning. He had once heard rumors of the late Emperor’s intentions and had secretly rejoiced for a long time, only to assume it was mere hearsay when nothing came of it.

To hear it confirmed today, straight from the lips of the Empress Dowager, was beyond expectation.

Suppressing the excitement in his heart and trying his best to appear calm, he asked tentatively, "Is that so? To have earned the late Emperor’s favor is my greatest honor. But I wonder, what does Her Highness the Princess..."

He wanted to ask what Li Qingning’s thoughts were, but the words felt too bold, so he stopped.

The Empress Dowager took in his expression, understanding everything, yet she only smiled faintly.

"That girl, Qingning, has been frail since childhood. All these years, she has been away seeking medical treatment, and her temperament has become somewhat colder than other women. Now that she has finally returned to the capital and regained her health, as a mother, I naturally hope she finds a good husband and lives a happy life."

She did not answer his question directly, but her words provided him with infinite room for hope. Indeed, the Eldest Princess was merely cold by nature; it did not mean she was indifferent to him. With the Empress Dowager personally brokering the match, was this union not a certainty?

Yuwen Yue grew more excited the more he thought about it, everything before him suddenly appearing incomparably beautiful.

He stood up, facing the autumn scenery beyond the pavilion, and recited in a clear voice: "The golden breeze brushes the imperial grounds, emerald clouds lean upon the jade towers. White dew rests upon the steps, colorful carp dance in the pool. My heart follows the wild geese into the distance, never daring to fail the sacred grace."

Though improvised, the poem was well-structured and evocative. It praised the vastness of the imperial favor while subtly expressing his hope that the wild geese might carry his heart to the distant beauty he longed for.

"A fine poem, indeed!" The Empress Dowager clapped and smiled, her eyes full of approval. "With such talent and ambition, if I were Qingning, I would certainly be moved by you. Come, follow me to the palace; it is time this matter was settled."

"I obey, Your Majesty." Yuwen Yue bowed, his handsome face unable to conceal his pride and joy any longer.

...

In the Imperial Palace, the Study of the Emperor.

Beside a mountain of memorials, the young Emperor of Qi, Li Qingzhi, rested his chin on his hands, looking utterly weary of life. He glanced toward the entrance of the study from time to time, his frustration growing.

Finally, when a familiar figure appeared at the doorway, he sprang up from the dragon throne like a cat whose tail had been stepped on. He rushed forward and hugged the newcomer around the waist, unable to resist rubbing his head against her.

The person who had arrived was none other than Li Qingning.

Looking at her younger brother, who was now nearly as tall as she was, Li Qingning felt a wave of emotion. She remembered that when she first left to seek treatment, Li Qingzhi had only reached her waist. In these few short years, he had grown into a young man. If their father were still alive, Li Qingzhi would likely be as tall as he was.

"Imperial Sister, you have no idea—being an emperor is so boring."

Before Li Qingning’s thoughts could settle, Li Qingzhi began to complain pitifully. "Every day it’s either reading these endless memorials or listening to those old men argue. My head feels like it’s going to explode, and I don’t even have time to go out and play."

His face was full of grievance, with no trace of the majesty of the Son of Heaven; he was simply a boy acting spoiled in front of his sister.

Seeing him like this, Li Qingning felt both annoyed and amused. She reached out and playfully flicked his nose. "You, you’re an emperor now, yet you still behave so improperly. These are your responsibilities; no matter how bitter or tiring, you must shoulder them."

"I know, I know." Li Qingzhi waved his hand impatiently, then, as if remembering something, he tugged at Li Qingning’s sleeve and said excitedly, "Imperial Sister, let me tell you, I’ve learned a new chess tactic recently, and even my teacher is no match for me. Will you play a game with me later?"

"I’m afraid that won’t be possible today." Li Qingning shook her head, the smile on her face fading as her expression turned solemn. "Zhier, I have come today because I need your help with a serious matter."

"What could be more important than playing chess with me?" Li Qingzhi muttered with some dissatisfaction.

Li Qingning looked at him, took a deep breath, and said, word by word, "I want to ask you to draft an imperial decree of marriage for me."

"What?" Li Qingzhi’s eyes widened instantly, his mouth agape wide enough to fit an egg. He looked his sister up and down as if he were seeing her for the first time.

"Imperial Sister, you’re getting married?" He exclaimed, then, remembering something, he leaned in with a mischievous grin. "Didn't you say you would never marry, that you would always watch over me and protect the Great Qi empire? How is it that after only a few years, you’ve changed your mind?"

His tone was teasing and playful.

Li Qingning’s cheeks unexpectedly flushed with heat. She thought of that scoundrel who had passed out on her bed, muttering that his body belonged to her, and an unusual feeling welled up in her heart.

"Stop with the nonsense," she scolded, glaring at him, and said with near-unreasonable insistence, "Just tell me, will you draft the decree or not?"

"I will, of course I will!" Seeing that his sister was becoming annoyed, Li Qingzhi hurriedly patted his chest in assurance. "My sister is getting married—this is a joyous occasion of the highest order! I wish I could announce it to the world and let everyone celebrate."

As he spoke, he leaned in toward Li Qingning again, grinning mischievously. "Tell me, which young nobleman has such great fortune to be able to marry my Imperial Sister?"