Chapter 409 Heart-to-Heart

"Speaking of this, Feng Xiwu held Lu Qingwan's hand with emotion, and said with envy, 'Forty years of marriage, we agreed to go to the underworld together. From beginning to end, grandfather and grandmother never quarreled once. I heard that they even walked to their deaths with smiles.' Lu Qingwan listened intently and couldn't help but ask, 'The former Emperor and Consort Jinghui had a deep love, but what about the Empress Dowager? And those other consorts, did they deserve to live a lonely life, acting as cannon fodder for others' happiness?' Feng Xiwu was stunned at first, then chuckled and pinched her cheek, 'You truly have a way of spoiling the mood!' Lu Qingwan herself couldn't help but laugh, 'Blame me for being allergic to romance, but I'm truly curious. If the former Emperor loved Consort Jinghui so deeply, how could he have had sons like Emperor Gengshi and Prince Qingzhou? Or is it that men, especially royal men like you, can truly separate love and sex completely?' 'We are talking about grandfather, don't drag me into it.' Feng Xiwu playfully tugged Lu Qingwan's ear, but did not shy away from the question. 'In the royal family, there are indeed many things beyond one's control. For example, grandfather, when he ascended the throne, it was during the rebellion of the feudal lords, and Northern Qi, the Turks, Southern Yue, and Western Rong were all coveting Da Qin. Taking consorts was to win over court officials, but one thing grandfather did that I deeply admire is that he specially asked grandmother to speak with these noble daughters. He personally sought their opinions, told them about the potential situations they might face after entering the palace, and repeatedly assured them that even if they did not wish to enter the palace, the court would not cause any trouble for them or their families. Therefore, the women who entered the palace at that time did so willingly.' Feng Xiwu said, and clasped Lu Qingwan's hand in his own. 'My brother has told me bits and pieces over the years to help me not feel too unfamiliar with Da Qin. As for why I can understand grandfather taking consorts, it's because I think of my elder brother in Da Gan.' Compared to the brotherly affection between me and the Crown Prince of Da Qin, our years of brotherly harmony with Emperor Jingyou were purely due to the attraction of each other's personal charisma. Feng Xiwu sighed, 'My elder brother was already acclaimed as a wise ruler in his lifetime. If he had more heirs to choose from, even if just one was to his liking, his later years would not have been so difficult. From this perspective, it is understandable for a ruler to have three thousand concubines in his harem, at least I can understand it.' The facts were undeniable, and even Lu Qingwan could not stubbornly advocate for monogamy. She murmured, 'I will find a tutor for Xiao Yuan'er and teach him well. At least, I will never force you and my elder brother to have to take concubines and become tools for the continuation of the lineage due to a lack of heirs.' After saying that, a thought struck her, 'Da Qin is currently full of crises, and even we adults are in precarious situations. It is truly dangerous for Xiao Yuan'er to remain in Shangjing. What do you think, if we send Xiao Yuan'er to the Samsara Palace for Old Man Liu to teach, would my elder brother and sister-in-law be willing?' Feng Xiwu was surprised, 'Are you truly willing to be the Saintess of the Samsara Palace now?' If she only held the honorary title of Saintess of the Samsara Palace, Lu Qingwan would still have a way out if one day she no longer wished to be involved with the Samsara Palace. But if even Xiao Yuan'er were to join the Samsara Palace, it would not be so easy to sever ties with them. Lu Qingwan's eyes curved into a smile, as if resigned or perhaps accepting her fate. 'Yes.' Her smile did not change, 'The Saintess of the Samsara Palace, how many people wish to be but cannot! If I continue to use their manpower and resources while refusing this position, it would be impolite.' That smile, as if painted on, caused Feng Xiwu's heart to ache. If he were stronger, more unrestrained, Lu Qingwan would not have to force herself to accept the Samsara Palace and do things she didn't want to do. But the reality was that in Da Qin, he was like a toddling infant who couldn't stand steadily. He spoke of protecting Lu Qingwan, but it was always Lu Qingwan who compromised and retreated from her principles to protect him. At this moment, Feng Xiwu didn't even have the courage to hug Lu Qingwan. He suppressed the surging emotions and said to Lu Qingwan, 'On the Zhongyuan Festival, we will discuss it with my elder brother and sister-in-law. If they agree, we will send Yuan'er to the Samsara Palace first.' After speaking, Feng Xiwu made up his mind in his heart that he must eliminate Feng Qingheng, Emperor Gengshi, and other obstacles faster and more thoroughly. He could not continue to burden Lu Qingwan like this. As his thoughts churned, the carriage had stopped. As soon as they got out of the carriage, they saw the approaching carriage of the Crown Prince's manor. Li Yang exclaimed, 'Your Highness, Your Highness the Crown Princess, the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess are also here?' While speaking, the Crown Prince's carriage had also drawn near. The Crown Prince alighted first, then helped the Crown Princess down. Lu Qingwan, who had entered the manor blind yesterday, could now see their appearances clearly today. The Crown Prince and Feng Xiwu were almost carved from the same mold, except that Feng Xiwu, having served in the army for many years, had a more robust and sharp demeanor. The Crown Prince, on the other hand, was gentler. The Crown Princess was amusing; she had a delicate and fair face, the kind that looked like she could burst into tears at any moment. Recalling her straightforward tone yesterday, Lu Qingwan inexplicably felt a sense of contrast between a mature woman and a fragile flower. She contained her emotions and poked Feng Xiwu's arm, 'No wonder Xiao Yuan'er looks so much like you. Are you sure you and the Crown Prince aren't twins?' 'Sister-in-law, please don't joke. For commoners, twins are a great joy, but in the royal family, it's a great taboo.' The Crown Princess gracefully walked forward. Seeing Lu Qingwan's eyes fixed on her face, she chuckled, 'Sister-in-law is a peerless beauty, has my face disappointed you?' Lu Qingwan repeatedly shook her head, 'Sister, what are you saying? To be honest, I, who can pass for a man by wearing men's clothing, am most fond of delicate and soft girls like you. If I were as delicate and soft as you, why would I have gotten into fights with girls and suffered losses this time?' The Crown Princess laughed heartily, 'Sister, aren't you saying it backwards? If girls truly fight, it should be people like me who are weak and frail who suffer, not a spirited girl like you.' Lu Qingwan shook her head and said sagely, 'No, no, no, sister, you must understand that unless it's on the battlefield, girls fighting is never about winning or losing, but about reputation. You say I am tall and strong, which is a spirited girl if you're being nice, but a tomboy if you're being harsh. And you, who are like a willow swaying in the wind and might fall, one look and people will think I'm bullying you! You don't even have to lift a finger, and a group of escorts will come to beat me to death, this fierce woman who destroys flowers!'"