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Qidi has passed away, and the entire nation is in mourning.
The Crown Prince kneels before Qidi's coffin, his expression calm and silent. Su Hong approaches with concern and softly says, "Even in sorrow, you must take care of yourself."
The Crown Prince silently shakes his head. Seeing this, Su Hong stands by for a while, then sighs and takes back the untouched food box that has long gone cold. Yang Yunqing does not turn around; he only hears Su Hong's footsteps growing fainter. He lowers his eyelids, his expression blank, and no one knows what he is thinking.
Due to Qidi's death, the entire capital must observe a month of fasting, during which marriages, celebrations, and slaughtering activities are prohibited.
The Xuanping Prince's Mansion is no exception; the whole family has changed into plain clothes and will eat vegetarian meals for the entire month. Xiao Yao calculates the days and estimates that it will just coincide with the New Year when they can finally wear festive clothing again.
Of course, a nation cannot be without a ruler for even a day.
The Crown Prince keeps vigil at Qidi's spirit for seven days without sleep or food before officially ascending the throne.
During this time, He Yu is also extremely busy. The Crown Prince's ascension is naturally good news for the Xuanping Prince's Mansion. From the very beginning, He Yu has been the Crown Prince's most loyal supporter, discussing important matters together; now they have finally reached this moment.
During the coronation ceremony, no mistakes are allowed; otherwise, all efforts will be in vain. He Yu practically lives at the Ministry of Rites, running back and forth between the Internal Affairs Office and the Ministry of Rites. Many matters must be personally overseen to ensure peace of mind. The court officials see how dedicated He Yu is and begin to understand while also feeling astonished.
It turns out that the relationship between Xuanping Wang and the Crown Prince is so close that it seems like he is about to ascend himself.
However, upon reflection, there is nothing wrong with this. Since Xuanping Wang and the Crown Prince are so close, it is only natural that when the Crown Prince ascends, Xuanping Wang would benefit most from it. Thinking this way, everyone cannot help but start feeling jealous of Xuanping Wang. It seems that after being suppressed by the late emperor for so long, Xuanping Wang is about to rise once the new emperor takes the throne.
This thought makes everyone feel uneasy. Those who are quick-witted begin to try to get closer to He Yu.
However, without exception, they all hit a wall.
No one expected that Xuanping Wang would be so unyielding; he appears polite on the surface but does not regard anyone seriously. No matter what, He Yu remains tight-lipped and does not show any attitude—he treats everyone with his usual demeanor.
Some people choose to retreat upon realizing this difficulty. Others stubbornly plan to approach through He Yu's family, which consists mainly of Xiao Yao and her children.
They initially thought that Xiao Yao, being a girl from the countryside raised by He Yu, would be easier to win over since she likely hasn't seen much of the world. They decide to find some rare treasures from their homes to show "Consort Xuanping" a thing or two.
However, Xiao Yao gave these people a lesson called "If we are not family, we do not enter the same door."
At first, Xiao Yao politely invited them in to sit down, but upon seeing the things they brought out, she immediately understood and stood up, starting to chase them away without caring about their feelings.
If you think I am just a wild girl from the countryside who has never seen the world, then I will truly show you what "wild" looks like.
Later on, the main door was firmly closed, refusing to see guests. She even left a remark: "I, Consort Xuanping, as a mere woman, have also never seen much of the world. My words and actions may be crude and vulgar. For the sake of your dignity, it is better if you do not come."
Hearing the housekeeper of Xuanping Prince's Mansion expressionlessly repeat Xiao Yao's words, the wives of the court officials could not withstand the embarrassment and left one after another. Only then did Xiao Yao find some peace.
In the palace, He Yu and the Crown Prince found this amusing and refreshing. It was about time! Such people should be taught a lesson by those officials who usually look down on others.
A few days later, the Crown Prince ascended to the throne and changed the era name to Xuanqing, marking it as the Year of Xuanqing starting from New Year.
After a month of continuous work, He Yu finally had a break after Xuanqing Emperor ascended to the throne and returned home exhausted.
Originally playing with their daughter, Xiao Yao noticed He Yu's tired face and quickly asked Nursemaid to take the child away. She then pulled He Yu onto the bed, letting him lean against her while she gently massaged his temples and some acupoints on his head.
He Yu comfortably leaned in Xiao Yao's embrace and sighed, "It really is most comfortable at home. I can't sleep well at all in those places like the Ministry of Rites."
"Then why do you stay there and not come back at night?" Xiao Yao glared at He Yu, dissatisfied.
"I had no choice; things were too urgent. Wasting time on the road would be better spent finishing everything before coming back so as not to disturb your rest," He Yu said as he took one of Xiao Yao's hands and kissed it. "So how about it? Have you missed me these days?"
"I have missed you, of course!" Xiao Yao was not shy at all and openly expressed her feelings. Then she worriedly asked, "Now that the new emperor has ascended, are you going to take on duties?"
He Yu did not answer directly but instead asked back, "Do you want me to take on duties?"
After thinking for a moment, Xiao Yao pursed her lips and replied, "Actually, I don't know. I just feel that this is quite good."
He Yu chuckled and said, "There are still some matters that need to be completed with this momentum. Once they are done, shall we return to Jiangnan?"
"Eh?" Xiao Yao widened her eyes in disbelief, "Really? Can we really go back to Jiangnan?"
Seeing Xiao Yao's astonished expression, Liuguang's eyes sparkled with joy, and He Yu was naturally filled with relief. "Of course it's true. I have no interest in this corrupt court. If it weren't for helping the Crown Prince ascend the throne, I would have probably left long ago."
Thinking back to the story He Yu had told her about his past life, Xiao Yao understood. Supporting the Crown Prince was merely a way for him to repay a debt of gratitude, so it was something he had to do. Xiao Yao nodded, "Alright, once you finish what you need to do, we'll go back to Jiangnan!"
"Yes, there are quite a few things to take care of. But first, let's do something we enjoy." As he said this ambiguous line, he moved closer and wrapped his arms tightly around Xiao Yao.
Initially thinking that Xiao Yao would go along with him, He Yu was surprised when she suddenly slapped his head. "What are you doing? Have you bathed yet? You've been at the Ministry of Rites for so long. I haven't seen you change into a clean outfit. Zhao Hezhong isn't coming back to help you either. Get off me; you're filthy! Hurry up and take a shower!"
See? This is what happens when a man is under the control of his wife.
He Yu looked like a dog that hadn't received its master's reward, sulking as he got up to prepare for a bath. Xiao Yao watched him from the side and thought that if this man had dog ears and a tail right now, they would definitely be drooping.
Seeing He Yu looking pitiful, Xiao Yao touched her nose and softened her heart as she reached out to pat He Yu's head. "Alright, go wash up obediently, and I'll give you something to eat afterward."
"What will I eat?" Upon hearing Xiao Yao's words, He Yu's eyes lit up instantly.
"You can eat whatever you want, okay?" After saying this, Xiao Yao couldn't help but blush with embarrassment. He Yu was overjoyed and immediately rushed off to bathe and change.
When He Yu returned after his shower, he immediately scooped up Xiao Yao and charged toward the bed. Xiao Yao quickly stopped him, "Isn't this during the mourning period? Wouldn't that be inappropriate...?"
"What's inappropriate about it?" He Yu didn't care at all. "The mourning period is just something the Crown Prince has to endure. If we close the door and do our own thing, who will know? Come on, don't overthink it; we're not at home and can't follow all those rules!"
With that, he swept Xiao Yao into his arms and walked into the room.
Yun Zhu and Yun Yue, who had overheard their conversation, wisely stepped outside to prevent the children from barging in unexpectedly. After all, some things are better left unknown to kids.
By the time He Yu woke up feeling refreshed, it was already early morning of the next day.
Having not seen each other for quite some time, they had played around so much that they even forgot about dinner; fortunately, neither felt hungry.
He Yu looked at Xiao Yao, who was still sound asleep in his arms, and his heart was filled with warmth. He carefully adjusted her position to make her more comfortable while he quietly got up.
Since he didn't have to attend court today, He Yu took his time getting ready and changed into a fresh set of clothes before leisurely stepping out the door. At the entrance, Yun Zhu and Yun Yue immediately bowed to him. He Yu waved his hand and asked, "Where is the Princess?"
"Replying to the Prince," Yun Zhu answered, "the Princess is currently in the backyard watching the young masters practice!"
Upon hearing this, He Yu frowned. "What if Yuhui gets hurt?" His tone carried an unusual sternness, causing Yun Zhu to turn pale and quickly lower her head. "Replying to the Prince, it was the Princess who allowed it. The young masters were just practicing with their spears and staffs this morning; there won't be any danger, which is why she took the Princess with her."
Knowing that it was Xiao Yao's permission, He Yu's expression softened slightly as he continued to ask, "Is anyone accompanying them?"
"Yes, yes!" Yun Zhu and Yun Yue nodded vigorously. "The Nursemaid has also sent two other Servants to keep an eye on them!"
"That's good." While speaking, He Yu started walking toward the backyard. Since Xiao Yao had not yet woken up, he decided to check on the children first. Zhao Hezhong saw his master heading out and hurriedly followed.
Once He Yu was out of sight, Yun Zhu and Yun Yue let out a long sigh of relief. "That scared me! It's rare to see the Prince so angry."
Yun Zhu echoed her sentiment, "Yes, ever since the Princess entered the manor, we haven't seen the Prince frown like that."
This sudden display of anger was indeed a bit overwhelming.
When He Yu arrived in the backyard, he saw several boys silently practicing their stances while his Yuhui Princess stood nearby, watching quietly. The instructor was teaching with strictness, which He Yu had specifically requested; after all, just because these kids were young masters of the royal household didn't mean they should be treated leniently.
If they were coddled now, it could lead to disaster on the battlefield in the future—there was no room for negotiation on that matter.
Noticing someone approaching, Yuhui instinctively turned her head and broke into a bright smile upon seeing him. She started running towards him with unsteady steps on the uneven ground. He Yu quickly quickened his pace and scooped her up in his arms, laughing as he asked, "How is it, my Princess? Are your brothers impressive?"
"Impressive!" Yuhui giggled and clapped her hands.
At this point, Yuhui had grown closer to He Yu than even Xiao Yao. After all, Xiao Yao was her mother; mothers tended to fuss over their children with endless reminders about what not to do and concerns about getting their clothes dirty. However, things were different with Father; he always played fun games with her and didn't mind if her clothes got dirty—she could just change into another set.
As a child, naturally, she was closer to her father.
He Yu saw Yuhui looking at her brothers with admiration, and he couldn't help but feel a bit jealous. So this father began to feel envious of his own sons for the sake of his daughter, saying, "Brothers are amazing, but Father is even more amazing! Come on, let Father show you how it's done; it's incredible! I can defeat thousands of troops..."
While saying this, he gradually led his daughter, Princess, away, leaving the few sons behind, unsure of how much of an impact this had on them...
When Xiao Yao woke up, Yuhui ran to find her, stuttering as she recounted what happened that morning. With stars in her eyes, she said to Xiao Yao, "Mother, Father is really amazing! Even better than my brothers!"
Hearing this, Xiao Yao covered her laughing stomach while feeling quite speechless. It was enough for her to be jealous of her own son; she truly didn't know how to describe it.
Just as she was thinking about how to explain the difference to her daughter, He Yu walked in with a playful smile. Upon seeing her father, Yuhui immediately let go of Xiao Yao and rushed to hug He Yu. He Yu affectionately picked up his daughter and gave Xiao Yao a proud wink. Yuhui saw this and, not understanding its meaning, mimicked the gesture.
"..." Xiao Yao was utterly speechless. Then she playfully retorted, "Well, it’s true that this daughter is the lover from your past life. There’s no denying that. You used to spoil our sons so much; if Yuhui ends up being spoiled by you beyond reason in the future, don’t blame me!"
"What’s wrong with that?" He Yu replied nonchalantly. "Our daughter is only second to Princess Yangling in the palace; how could she be worse than anyone else? I’m more than happy to spoil our daughter! Daughters need to be cherished!" (To be continued)
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