Chapter 434 – The Bloodline of the Former Dynasty

Chapter 434 - The Bloodline of the Former Dynasty

As time passed, an unexpected incident occurred in June.

It was something that Yun Li had never anticipated.

The incident involved Ruan Shi.

Ruan Shi herself was not the issue; the problem arose when a court official submitted a memorial suggesting that she was unsuitable to be the Crown Princess.

The reason given was that Ruan Shi was once a member of the royal family of the previous dynasty.

This former dynasty referred to the third one before the Great Jin...

Yun Li was at a loss for words as she read the memorial sent by the emperor.

Ruan Shi stood there, extremely nervous. "Your subject has no idea..."

Ruan Shi had no knowledge of this matter at all.

Yun Li couldn't help but chuckle and shake her head. "It doesn't matter. It seems someone is causing trouble."

"Zhu Ding, has there been any news from the palace?" Yun Li asked.

"Replying Your Highness, it rained a few days ago, so it might have been delayed. I reckon it should arrive within the next couple of days," Zhu Ding replied.

"Mm-hmm, keep a close eye on it. There's no need to specially inquire about matters in the court; I'll ask the crown prince about them later," Yun Li said. With the crown prince around, it was much easier than sending eunuchs to gather information.

Before long, the crown prince arrived. Even Lady Ruani didn't dare lift her head.

"Mother," the crown prince said as he sat down and sipped his tea. "I know about this already. What kind of issue is this? They must have nothing better to do. Why would they object to my choosing a crown princess over this?"

"Because they will tell you that Lady Ruani used to be part of the royal family," Yun Li explained. "If she were to bear you children, they fear the Ruani clan might rise again."

Lady Ruani's face turned pale with fright.

The crown prince looked speechlessly at Yun Li. "Are these people...a little crazy?"

"Yes, because your royal bloodline is supreme," Yun Li replied.

The prince's lips twitched. "They're really sick."

"Haha, you should send someone to investigate who's courting death," Yun Li said.

The prince nodded.

"By the way, Mother, I don't think there's anything wrong with this, right? Father doesn't seem to mind. It's been almost a thousand years, and Father doesn't mind. She's not even a princess from the previous dynasty," the prince said, pointing at Ruan Shi.

"Of course, there's nothing to worry about," Yun Li said with a chuckle. "Zihui, come sit down."

Ruan Shi came over and sat down, her head lowered.

"What are you so nervous about?" Yun Li asked with a smile. "Even if you're nervous inside when others are trying to trap you, you have to stand firm. At a time like this, you should argue your case logically. Your royal lineage has been severed for many generations. There's no difference in surname. One day, the He family will become ordinary people, just like you."

"Yes, thank you for your teachings, Your Majesty," Ruan Shi replied.

"Alright, both His Majesty and I have accepted you, and the prince has too. There's no need to be nervous. Lift your head up; those lurking in the shadows should be the ones feeling ashamed." Yun Li patted her wrist.

"Okay." Ruan Shi's eyes welled up with tears.

Even if Concubine Xian was admirable, she still held her breath in anxiety.

She was terrified of making a misstep. Now that she had heard these words, she truly felt a sense of relief wash over her.

After bidding farewell to Lady Ruan, Yun Li said, "Investigate thoroughly. Since this incident has occurred, there must be more to it."

"The Emperor also believes that this matter won't have much impact. But if too many people submit memorials, it might become troublesome," the Crown Prince frowned.

"Hopefully, it won't be too many. Let's observe for a few days and see how this unfolds," Yun Li replied.

"Mother, do you think it's Lady Shu?" the Crown Prince asked.

"I'm not sure. But regardless of who it is, they don't want you to get married just yet. This delay might lead to unforeseen incidents. Or, even if you were to marry, there could be lingering resentment towards Lady Ruan. It might affect your relationship with any children she bears in the future." One couldn't underestimate the significance of this.

Ancient emperors were like those with inherited illnesses.

Under normal circumstances, an emperor would be concerned.

But Little Nine waved it off. "They're just bored. Never mind that it's been hundreds of years, what difference does it make if the princess is from the previous dynasty? Aren't the children I bear my sons? Won't they inherit what belongs to me? Would anyone change dynasties just because their mother's bloodline is from the previous dynasty? What kind of thinking is that?"

Yun Li chuckled. Indeed, the logic was simple.

But there were just too many people who couldn't see through it.

"Seems like it's not feasible to target the Empress. Actually, the best way to delay your wedding would be if something happened to the Empress. But both your father and mother have people keeping an eye on her, so she won't easily be in any danger," Yun Li said.

The crown prince nodded. "Alright, don't worry about it. Leave this matter to me. They probably can't find any fault with the Ruan family. It seems that my future queen dowager's family is quite clean."

With this method of digging, any issue at all would be exposed.

Yun Li nodded. Indeed, this was good news.

The crown prince had other matters to attend to and didn't stay long.

In the evening, He Jinli called Yun Li out to watch the sunset, something he had learned from Yun Li.

He wasn't particularly interested.

But on the grasslands, at this time, there were usually many mosquitoes. Fortunately, there was a bit of wind today.

"Rest assured about the matter with Princess Ruan. I've already instructed an investigation. If it's merely concern from others, that's fine. But if someone is plotting behind our backs, they won't escape punishment," said Emperor Jianli.

Yun Li sighed. "Even with the crown prince appointed, others still refuse to accept their fate. They truly have perseverance."

Emperor Jianli sighed in response. "Do you remember the Rebellion of the Rebellious King and the Vicious King? Even after four years on the throne, there are still attempts at uprising."

Yun Li stopped walking to look at him. "Don't worry. Your own sons wouldn't go that far."

Knowing Yun Li was trying to reassure him, Emperor Jianli felt much better.

The two watched the sunset before returning home.

After dinner, they retired early to bed.

Holding Yun Li in his arms, Emperor Jianli found resistance. Yun Li insisted on turning the tables.

Reluctantly, Emperor Jianli faced away, allowing Yun Li to wrap his arms around his waist.

"What's with this habit of yours?"

Yun Li harrumphed, "As long as you're comfortable, are you not?"

He Jinli smiled wryly, having grown accustomed to it.

"Is it perhaps some strange thought bothering you? Like, 'I'm a man, how can I be held by you'?" Yun Li asked.

He Jinli chuckled, "I've never thought of that."

Yun Li's hand slipped into his inner clothing, wandering and probing. "Really?"

"Ah... " He Jinli gasped as certain sensitive spots were tickled. "You're not planning on sleeping, then?"

"I do want to sleep, but I also crave some meat," Yun Li pressed closer, "Your Majesty may not be in your twenties anymore, but what if you're still too delectable to resist?"

With that, Yun Li playfully nipped at the back of He Jinli's neck.

Softly, without causing pain or discomfort, He Jinli's entire body tensed up.

"Is Your Majesty perhaps a cat demon?" How could there still be such lingering sensuality?

Hekinli turned over and embraced her. "You're not being honest. If you don't want to sleep, then let's not."

"I need to be full before I can sleep. Your Majesty, don't just talk the talk, show me some action." Yun Li extended one leg to hook around his waist, rubbing against him playfully.

Hekinli's gaze darkened as he lowered his head to bite her lips. "I'll exhaust you!"

Soon, harmonious sounds echoed within the tent.

The attendants, in unspoken understanding, began to walk out... But where could they go? They were left with no choice but to listen passively.

They tried their best to distance themselves.

Standing outside in the middle of the night would be too conspicuous.