A group of people headed towards the main hall of Prince Yun's mansion. Unexpectedly, they encountered the mansion's butler along the way.
It turned out that the Prince had quietly sent the butler to fetch Yun Xiao. Although the Emperor had repeatedly instructed Yun Xiao to rest, as a subordinate, Prince Yun felt uneasy and restless.
Yuxuan was quite a distance from the main hall of Prince Yun's mansion.
At this moment, the sky was as dark as ink. On both sides of the secluded path were short trees, rustling in the cold winter wind. The footsteps of the group were consistent, their movements heavy with each step.
With the master remaining silent, no one dared to speak. Moreover, anyone with eyes could see that the young lady seemed troubled. Except for Wan Wan and Liu Xing Jingyun, the mansion's stewards and servants did not know the reason for her distress. The Emperor had arrived, and it seemed he intended to marry the young lady. Shouldn't she be happy?
Yet, her demeanor suggested otherwise.
In the main hall of Prince Yun's mansion, occasional voices could be heard, mostly Prince Lin's, interspersed with hearty laughter. Yun Mo and Yun Zhen echoed his laughter.
Shangguan Yin's pair of dark, unfathomable eyes casually glanced towards the entrance, seemingly uninterested in anything else. He was reclined on the main seat, appearing lazy and casual.
However, with the Emperor present, Yun Mo and Yun Zhen were naturally reserved. More importantly, they knew that Yun Xiao currently had no desire to marry. How could they convey this to the Emperor?
If they were careless, the Emperor might become enraged and take another consort. Whispers had already surfaced in the court in the past couple of days about the Emperor needing to take a consort. While not explicitly stated, it was likely to happen soon. If Xiao'er angered the Emperor, she would suffer greatly.
Therefore, Yun Mo's heart was in torment. Fortunately, a clear announcement came from the entrance: "Miss has arrived."
Inside the main hall, Shangguan Lin stopped speaking, and everyone turned their gaze towards the entrance.
As expected, Yun Xiao led the way, followed by a young maid, Wan Wan, the two entering one after another.
Emperor Shangguan Yin's eyes lit up, brilliant like a luminous pearl, shining with vitality. His entire face was veiled in a layer of ethereal mist, making him exceptionally handsome.
Wan Wan sighed as she watched. Oh, young lady, the Emperor is so happy, how can you bear to refuse him? What should be done?
Yun Xiao, leading Wan Wan, gave a graceful bow to Shangguan Yin with a gentle smile.
"Xiao'er pays her respects to the Emperor."
"Rise. Did you sleep well?"
Shangguan Yin's magnetic voice was low and husky. His handsome features were as picturesque as a painting. Dressed in snow-white robes, his skin was like cold jade, and his cherry blossom-like lips were alluring. His eyes were clear and bright. Upon seeing Yun Xiao, the cold indifference that emanated from him vanished, replaced by tenderness and care.
Yun Xiao nodded, rose, and took a seat to the side of the main hall.
Although Shangguan Yin wished for Yun Xiao to sit beside him, this was Prince Yun's mansion. The two men within the mansion were eyeing him intently. It would not be appropriate to act too brazenly, so he simply smiled and looked at the people in the main hall.
Because of Yun Xiao's arrival, the Emperor's mood greatly improved, and a rare warmth finally filled the main hall.
Everyone looked at the Emperor. He gently pursed his lips, then spoke with solemnity.
"I wish to marry Xiao'er as the Empress of Dong Qin. I have already instructed the Imperial Astronomical Bureau to examine the auspicious days for the imperial succession. The fifteenth day of the first lunar month remains a highly auspicious day. At that time, I will welcome Xiao'er into the palace. As for the betrothal gifts, they will be presented on the sixth day of the first lunar month."
After the Emperor finished speaking, Yun Mo and Yun Zhen exchanged glances. They actually wanted to clap their hands in approval, seeing that the Emperor clearly doted on Xiao'er.
However, Xiao'er's thoughts differed from theirs, or perhaps her thoughts had always been unconventional. Suddenly not foolish, inexplicably brilliant, and with astonishing medical skills, it was no surprise that she did not wish to marry now.
But since the Emperor had spoken, what was to be done? As Yun Xiao's family, they did not wish for her to miss this good fortune.
At this moment, everyone in the main hall was looking at Yun Xiao. She did not display the overwhelming joy or excitement of a typical person. Instead, she offered a faint smile and slowly rose to her feet.
Yun Mo and Yun Zhen's palms were slick with sweat, their anxiety palpable. They knew what Xiao'er was about to say. Yun Mo couldn't help but interject.
"Xiao'er, you must think carefully."
Upon hearing Prince Yun's words, Shangguan Yin and Shangguan Lin grew even more perplexed. What was going on? This family's expressions were so unlike ordinary people. The Emperor himself had come to propose, even choosing her as Empress, yet each of them wore such strange and complex expressions.
Yun Xiao ignored Yun Mo and Yun Zhen. Her intelligent eyes fixed on Shangguan Yin as she spoke, word by word.
"If you wish for me to marry you, you must promise me one thing."
Hearing Yun Xiao's words, Yun Mo and Yun Zhen breathed a sigh of relief.
However, they still worried about what her condition might be, their hearts remaining in their throats.
Shangguan Lin, on the other hand, widened his eyes in curiosity, wondering what kind of request Yun Xiao would make. After all, most women sought gold and jewelry, or guarantees of status and recognition.
Shangguan Yin's lips curved into a smile. Whatever Xiao'er said, he would naturally agree. He nodded and said with a smile.
"Alright, speak."
"I do not wish to be an ordinary woman confined to the deep palace. If you wish for me to marry you, you must allow me to freely enter and exit the palace. Perhaps I will even represent you in inspecting the populace. In short, you must grant me this right."
As soon as Yun Xiao finished speaking, the main hall fell into a deathly silence. Everyone stared at her as if she were a monster. The imperial harem was forbidden from meddling in politics; had she not considered that?
Not only did she openly demand the freedom to leave the palace, but she also wanted to inspect the populace on behalf of the Emperor. Was she aspiring to be an imperial envoy?
Wan Wan's legs weakened, and she almost collapsed.
How audacious of the young lady, not only to dare to think such a thing but also to dare to speak it! Wan Wan cautiously cast a furtive glance at the people in the main hall. The Prince and the young lords seemed to have been stunned, their mouths agape, unable to utter a word.
Looking at Prince Shangguan, his expression was one of utter disbelief, as if she were a monster. Finally, there was the Emperor. One could only wonder what the man himself was thinking.
The Emperor's face, after a moment of stunned disbelief, returned to normal. However, it slowly grew cold and stern, his eyes veiled with a deep shadow as he gazed intently at Yun Xiao.
It was not that he would deny her freedom or disregard the prohibition against the harem interfering in politics.
However, if he allowed her to move freely in and out of the palace and travel on his behalf, how dangerous would that be? He would likely be restless within the palace. He wanted to marry her to cherish her, not to live in constant fear. Therefore, he was unwilling to make such a promise.
Shangguan Yin slowly stood up and walked to Yun Xiao's side, looking down at her from a commanding height. He spoke, word by word. "What if I do not agree?"
"Then I will not marry."
"Are you threatening me?"
Shangguan Yin gnashed his teeth in anger. He truly wished to marry her and bring her into the palace. However, such a matter could absolutely not be agreed upon. The thought of her frequently leaving the palace if he agreed filled him with worry. Therefore, he had to stop such a notion.