After the meeting, Xiao Yan met with Chao Qinglan to discuss countermeasures. Chao Qinglan was not only his queen but also his trusted advisor. Whenever there were important matters of the state, he always liked to consult with her.
"Qinglan, what are your thoughts on the Zhao family?" Xiao Yan asked.
Chao Qinglan gave a faint smile, "Your Majesty, although the Zhao family is dissatisfied, they also know that without the Xiao Family, there would be no Liang Kingdom today. This matter is just a small ripple, with Your Majesty's wisdom, it can be easily resolved."
"As for Northern Wei, we not only need to defend, but also to win over their hearts. We can send envoys to initiate peace talks, while secretly strengthening our military preparations for any unforeseen circumstances."
Chao Qinglan flashed a glint of insight in her eyes, and every one of her suggestions was carefully considered. Xiao Yan listened and a glint of admiration flashed in his eyes.
"With you, Qinglan, I have no worries," Xiao Yan sighed. He deeply knew that Chao Qinglan not only held an important place in his heart, but was also a crucial pillar of the country.
Subsequently, Xiao Yan issued an edict, dispatching envoys to Northern Wei to express a desire for peace. Simultaneously, he secretly strengthened military training and bolstered border defenses to guard against unforeseen circumstances.
In response to the discontent of the Zhao family, Xiao Yan chose a more direct and gentle approach. He personally visited the Zhao family and held frank discussions with their elders, expressing his thoughts and trust in Empress Zhao Qinglan, and repeatedly assuring that if a prince were to be born, he would be adopted under the empress's name.
This action not only eased the dissatisfaction of the Zhao family, but also further solidified his relationship with the gentry.
In the following days, the internal and external situation of the Liang Kingdom gradually stabilized.
Northern Wei, due to Xiao Yan's proactive and peaceful strategy, both sides have reached a certain degree of tacit understanding, easing the tense situation at the border.
Meanwhile, domestically, the support for Xiao Yan from the Zhao family and other noble families has become even more steadfast as they work together for the prosperity and stability of the Liang Kingdom.
At a palace banquet, Xiao Yan and Chao Qinglan stood at a high place, overlooking the bustling guests below. Their eyes met, filled with mutual trust and support.
" Qinglan, with you by my side, it seems there is nothing we cannot overcome together," Xiao Yan said affectionately.
Chao Qinglan smiled with tenderness in her eyes, "As long as I stand by Your Majesty's side, I have no fear, even if we face hardships together."
At this moment, their hearts were once again closely connected, and they were unafraid of internal and external troubles or the changing winds and rains.
Liang Kindom is gradually moving towards greater prosperity and strength under the leadership of Xiao Yan and Chao Qinglan. Their love story has also become a famous tale in history.
In the palace garden, Li Shu-yi strolled alone, her steps light as if trying to appear carefree. However, the fleeting gaze she inadvertently revealed betrayed the complex emotions in her heart.
Since entering the palace, her life has undergone a tremendous change. Being chosen as the Crown prince's mother is an unimaginable honor for any woman, but for her, this honor is accompanied by endless pressure and fear.
As the sun sets, the evening glow reflects on her somewhat melancholic face, adding a touch of warmth. At this moment, Beyue approaches. She is Chao Qinglan's personal maid but always takes special care of Li Shu-yi.
" Shu Yi, the queen has asked me to find you. She said there is an important matter to discuss with you," Beyue said gently.
Li Shu-yi was slightly startled, then nodded. "Alright, I'll go over right away." A hint of doubt rose in her heart. What important matter could the queen have to discuss with her?
When Li Shu-yi entered the queen's bedchamber, she saw Chao Qinglan sitting there with a serious expression. Li Shu-yi respectfully bowed, "Greetings, Your Majesty the Queen."
Chao Qinglan nodded slightly, gesturing for her to sit down. " Shu Yi, since you entered the palace, there hasn't been much time for us to talk. I have summoned you today to hear your thoughts on your current life."
Li Shu-yi felt a tightness in her chest, but she still tried to maintain her composure. "Your Majesty, I am deeply honored to be able to contribute to Liang Kindom and the royal family. However..." She paused for a moment, as if carefully considering her words.
Chao Qinglan gently encouraged her, "But what? Shu Yi, you can speak frankly, there's no need to hold back."
Li Shu-yi took a deep breath and finally gathered the courage to express her worries, "I'm worried that if I really give birth to the heir... I'm worried about my position in the prince's heart."
Chao Qinglan listened and a hint of complex emotions flashed in her eyes. She knew that Li Shu-yi's worries were not unreasonable.
In the power and status struggles within the palace, for a new woman entering the palace, it is indeed full of unknowns and challenges. Chao Qinglan took a deep breath and said in her gentle yet firm voice:
" Shu Yi, I understand your concerns. But you must know that within this palace, no one's position is permanent. Whether it's the prince or us, we must learn to adapt and face change. The I guarantees that as long as it exists, it will not let you have no place in the prince's heart. You will still be the prince's birth mother."
Li Shu-yi Upon hearing these words, a hint of both gratitude and complexity flashed in her eyes. She never expected the Queen Mother to comfort her so kindly, giving her an inexplicable sense of reassurance.
"Thank you, Your Majesty. I will remember this and do my best to fulfill my duties for Liang Kindom and the royal family."
Chao Qinglan nodded, her eyes showing a hint of relief. "Alright, you go back first. Remember, no matter when, there is always I as your sister."
Li Shu-yi deeply bowed and left. Walking out of the palace, her mood was complex and indescribable. The Empress's words gave her courage and determination, but she also knew that the road ahead was long. She had to be even stronger, not only for herself but also for the royal heirs she might bear in the future.
The days passed by, and life in the palace seemed to return to calmness.
But everyone knew in their hearts that this was just the calm before the storm. The threat of the Northern Wei still loomed, and while the dissatisfaction of the Zhao family had been temporarily quelled, whether there would be further turmoil in the future, no one could say.
And with the arrival of Li Shu-yi, undoubtedly, a new variable has been added to the palace.
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