"Mm, actually, there's something I wanted to tell you. Forgive my meddling, Xiao'er."
Yun Xiao cast a cold glance at him, wondering what he meant. She hoped it wasn't anything bad.
"Is it something bad?"
"What are you thinking?"
Ji Qingge chuckled wryly. Although his cousin was mostly sweet, she remained vigilant and guarded around them.
"It's like this, last time, the Emperor wanted to enfeoff you as a Heshuo Princess, granting you the treatment of a princess."
Yun Xiao frowned upon hearing this and waved her hand, "Spare me the formalities. Don't give me empty gestures. If you anger me, I'll leave. Don't think I can't."
"Yes, yes, wait until I finish speaking, alright?"
Ji Qingge wore a distressed look. As the person closest to her, he knew she wasn't a simple or kind soul. This was why he was openly seeking her help.
"Fine, go on."
Yun Xiao crossed her arms and walked with Ji Qingge in the garden of Huaqing Palace.
"Xiliang and Dong Qin are constantly at war, it's a drain on resources and people. I advocate for peaceful coexistence, but the Crown Prince and his faction are pushing for war, aiming to unify the world. While the dream is noble, the four kingdoms are currently of similar strength. If war breaks out, casualties will be extremely heavy, and it is the common people who will suffer the consequences, leaving countless families separated."
Yun Xiao found herself somewhat interested in Ji Qingge's words. She was a physician, someone who healed people, and naturally, she abhorred unnecessary casualties.
"That's excellent. Peaceful coexistence, each governing their own realm. Even if you conquer the world, you might not be able to rule it effectively. It would likely separate again anyway, and the common people would suffer the most."
As soon as Yun Xiao spoke, Ji Qingge finally breathed a sigh of relief.
"My father dotes on you and wanted to enfeoff you as a princess. I took the opportunity to propose a request. Because my aunt eloped with Yun Mo back then, it was due to the constant warfare between the two countries. If the nations were friendly, she wouldn't have suffered such hardship. She even feared contacting her family until her death. Therefore, I proposed a policy of amity between the two nations to my father. He initially agreed, but during the morning court session, the Crown Prince's faction unanimously opposed it. The court is now at a stalemate, and my father is in a difficult position. He is summoning you now, likely to compensate you in some other way."
Yun Xiao nodded, somewhat bewildered. Her uncle was truly something. She hadn't asked for any compensation, so why insist on giving her something? However, she understood Ji Qingge's intention.
"You want me to help you seize the opportunity to propose the matter of reconciliation between the two nations to my uncle, is that right?"
Ji Qingge nodded. He knew his cousin was intelligent and understood at once.
However, Yun Xiao narrowed her eyes, "Why should I help you?"
"I know you also wish for peace in the world and do not want to harm the common people. If not for your benevolent heart, you wouldn't have stayed in Xiliang."
Ji Qingge was certain of this. It was precisely because of her kindness that she had agreed to stay with the Empress Dowager.
"I didn't expect His Highness the Prince of Li to resort to flattery. Alright, I'll help you this once."
Yun Xiao nodded. In truth, she had thought of something else. Murong would likely seize the throne as soon as possible.
If he took the throne, the country would be in chaos for a short period. The court would need to adjust, and the populace would implement many new policies to strengthen the nation and enrich the people. This would require time.
Her actions would be killing two birds with one stone: protecting the common people and giving Murong ample time.
"Good, then let's go see my father."
Ji Qingge nodded joyfully. The gentle gaze in his eyes was no longer indifferent but held a touch of warmth.
The two left the back garden of Huaqing Palace, one after the other. Guards stood outside the garden gate, evidently Ji Qingge's men. They followed several people towards the Emperor's study.
Along the long corridor, intricately carved patterns adorned both sides. Throughout their walk, palace maids and eunuchs were visible everywhere, all bowing respectfully.
"His Highness the Prince of Li."
As they turned a corner and traversed a rather long bluestone path, they saw towering buildings with roofs that curled like clouds. Layer upon layer, the eaves jutted out, resembling jade terraces, their glazed tiles shimmering in the sunlight.
A line of eunuchs stood at the bottom of the steps before the entrance. Upon seeing Ji Qingge's figure, they immediately greeted him respectfully, "Greetings, Your Highness the Prince of Li."
"Mm, go and report to my father that I wish to see him."
As Ji Qingge spoke, the eunuch ahead looked somewhat troubled and carefully replied, "Reporting to Your Highness the Prince of Li, the Crown Prince is inside the study."
"Oh, then we shall wait."
Ji Qingge and Yun Xiao stood at the foot of the steps, leisurely gazing at the blue sky and white clouds. The vastness of the heavens and earth was breathtaking and invigorating.
However, they did not wait long before the Crown Prince emerged, his expression grim. He descended the steps, stared at Ji Qingge for a few moments, then his sinister eyes shifted to Yun Xiao. An unreadable emotion flickered within his gaze before he turned and left.
At this moment, a eunuch approached them and respectfully announced, "The Emperor summons Your Highness the Prince of Li and Miss Yun to an audience."
Ji Qingge led Yun Xiao into the study.
The study was resplendent and magnificent, adorned with many golden vessels that gleamed brilliantly, adding to its opulence.
Seated on the dragon throne, Emperor Jun appeared to be very angry, his majesty imbued with a sternness, his eyes deep and profound.
Ji Qingge spoke calmly, "Your son greets Father Emperor."
The Emperor let out a hum. Yun Xiao, standing to the side, quickly curtsied, "Yun Xiao greets Your Majesty."
This caused Emperor Jun's expression to falter. He showed a hint of a smile and waved his hand, "Xiao'er, why don't you call me Uncle? You address me as Emperor. We are family, no need to be so distant."
Yun Xiao seized the opportunity to say, "Xiao'er thanks Uncle."
Emperor Jun's mood finally brightened, and he said with a smile, "Both of you, please sit down."
"Thank you, Father Emperor (Uncle)."
The two sat down in the study. Emperor Jun's gaze turned affectionate as he looked at Yun Xiao and slowly said, "Xiao'er, I wish to enfeoff you as a Princess of Xiliang. What do you think?"
As Emperor Jun spoke, Yun Xiao's expression turned somewhat displeased. Ji Qingge clenched his fingers, his heart sinking. It seemed the Crown Prince and his father had argued, and his father was considering changing his mind. Ji Qingge felt an overwhelming heaviness; had all his efforts amounted to nothing?
Yun Xiao finally realized that her uncle had a weakness: indecisiveness. He had previously agreed with the Prince of Li, but now, with the Crown Prince's faction opposing it, he seemed to be changing his mind. Such wavering in a ruler was not a good sign.
Yun Xiao spoke neither humbly nor arrogantly, "Thank you, Uncle. Xiao'er does not require any compensation. Uncle should retract it."
"Xiao'er."
"Uncle should know that as the daughter of the Yun Prince's manor, I do not lack for food or clothing. I have everything I need. If I lack anything, it is my deceased mother. She died with the reputation of eloping, and I believe she cannot rest in peace in the netherworld."