Chapter 74: The Intrigues of the Ancient Palace

Chapter 74

The snow that had fallen all night gradually melted, leaving the windows bright and the room clean. It should have been the most cheerful morning, but the air in the imperial study froze for a moment, with no one daring to speak.

Grandfather Zhang's words were like a bolt of lightning, shattering the peaceful atmosphere in the hall. The emperor was initially furious. This old man was too insensitive, he thought. After such a large family had finally escaped their ordeal and achieved their goal, he was now urging his daughter-in-law to seek a divorce. The emperor's expression turned grim.

But soon, his anger dissipated as his gaze met those eyes filled with sorrow, fear, and the lingering trauma of a bird startled by an arrow. He understood that the old man had lived on thin ice for thirty years, with his life hanging by a thread. Every scar on his face bore witness to the hardships he had endured. Yunqi was raised by him, and it was only natural for him to wish for his granddaughter to live a peaceful life.

In comparison to ordinary households, the palace inevitably held more strife and conflict.

As the emperor pondered how to address the old man's request, someone rose to their feet and took a step forward.

He looked towards the person.

Xun Yunhe silently approached Xu Yunqi, coincidentally positioning himself between Pei Muheng and Xu Yunqi.

He raised his sleeves and spoke, "As the Prime Minister, it is my duty to remind Your Majesty that Princess Consort's status may indeed cause a great upheaval. It has only been three days since Your Majesty ascended the throne, and the officials are occupied with the funeral and coronation ceremonies. Once the situation stabilizes, the scholars from the Ministry of Rites, the Academy of Literary Arts, and the Board of Censors will all be watching this closely. These people are the voices of the Great Jin court – can Your Majesty silence the multitude of opinions?"

"Secondly, as a father, I believe that Yunqi is not suitable to remain in the palace."

Then, he turned to his daughter at his side and asked, "Yunqi, what do you think?"

At this moment, the kneeling elder gently tugged on his granddaughter's sleeve and said in a gentle voice, "Child, come here and pay your respects to His Majesty, thanking him for his leniency."

Xu Yunqi was jolted by his tug, and the confusion in her eyes also faded.

Yes, this wasn't the Xihua Palace; it was the imperial palace.

Having grown up in the countryside, Xu Yunqi's understanding and reverence of the palace were limited. It wasn't until these past few days, when she personally experienced the power struggles within the royal family, found herself amidst treacherous politics, and witnessed the bloodshed resulting from internal strife… She couldn't help but feel a sense of bewilderment and entanglement in her heart.

Was she afraid? To some extent, yes.

But those concerns and hesitations were ultimately melted away and driven out by the warmth and solidity of that figure that comforted her in the middle of the night.

Upon hearing the old man's words, she was forced to confront a harsh reality.

Would she be the queen that Pei Muheng desired?

More precisely, would she be the princess consort that the hundred officials wished for?

The answer was undeniable.

If not for the late emperor's arranged marriage, Pei Muheng would never have taken her as his wife under any circumstances.

After all the twists and turns, they had returned to where they started.

Out of commitment and responsibility, affection had gradually grown between them, leading them through a bumpy journey until now. Perhaps in the future, he might even have to stand against the entire court for her sake.

It was too much to ask of him.

With the late emperor's passing, the burden that had weighed on Pei Muheng's shoulders was lifted.

He no longer needed to fulfill that marriage contract; he could make a better choice.

Rationality compelled Xu Yunqi to slowly bend her knees, gently kneeling down. She touched her forehead to the ground and whispered softly,

"I humbly request Your Majesty's consent."

Pei Muheng's mind exploded with a loud noise. His deep, dark eyes seemed to hold an abyss of emotion, and anger gradually gathered between his brows, forming a sharp glint. Holding back his pent-up fury, his face alternated between red and pale. Upon hearing her plea for "His Majesty's consent," all his annoyance and frustration turned into a chaotic panic.

She had claimed she would peacefully bear a child with her grandfather, but it was clear she only sought an escape from this marriage.

She was always so nonchalant and unrestrained, able to turn away at a moment's notice.

She was always so composed and self-assured, never willing to entrust him with her vulnerability.

He had known that this day would come eventually.

Seeing the three individuals in front of him share the same attitude, the emperor's expression darkened completely. He looked at his son and asked,

"Heng'er?"

Pei Muheng remained unresponsive. Standing alone, his pale, handsome face appeared more lifeless and colorless than ever, as if he had lost his soul.

The Emperor observed his son's lifeless expression, remaining silent throughout. He couldn't tell if Xu Yunqi was stubbornly refusing to yield out of anger or had some other plan in mind. If it were in the past when he was still Prince Xi, he would have surely cleared his throat, made a jest, and dismissed the matter with a wave of his hand.

But as the ruler, he had to address this issue seriously now that he sat on the throne.

This was the insurmountable chasm that had always existed between Xu Yunqi and Pei Muheng.

There had never been a queen who practiced medicine in any previous dynasty. Xu Yunqi had shown time and again through her actions that she wouldn't budge on this matter. Thus, letting her go would be the most suitable choice – a swift pain rather than a prolonged one.

However, the Emperor was an emotional and loyal man.

He truly couldn't bear to let Xu Yunqi leave.

After much deliberation, he spoke, "I will give this matter careful consideration. Elder, please retire for now."

Neither the Emperor nor Pei Muheng attempted to persuade the elder to stay, implying that the matter was essentially settled from his perspective.

He leaned on Xu Yunqi and Yinxing's arms to stand up slowly. Glancing at Xu Yunqi, who kept her gaze lowered, her dense eyelashes hiding all her emotions, the elder, having raised her since she was young, knew his niece's disposition all too well. He gently patted her hand,

"Everything will pass…"

Three decades of wandering have passed; how could a mere year of wedded life compare?

Pei Muheng will soon welcome a new favorite into the palace, and she, too, will encounter a more suitable match in the vast world beyond.

The old man, having seen the vicissitudes of life and experienced the wickedness of human hearts, did not attach much significance to this matter.

The three of them retreated together, then turned and left the hall.

Yu Guangming caught sight of the fluttering corner of Xu Yunqi's garment, but she remained expressionless, making no pause. Having decided to depart, it was only fitting to sever ties decisively, without any hesitation or lingering attachments.

Pei Muheng closed his eyes deeply, his sharp Adam's apple rolling fiercely as his throat filled with the acrid taste of blood, which he forcefully swallowed down.

Xun Yunhe glanced at father and son before pushing up his sleeves and rushing out after them.

The old man's mobility was impaired, so he descended the steps of the Heavenly Mandate Hall very slowly. Xun Yunhe quickly caught up to the trio's rear.

"Yunqi..."

Xu Yunqi paused in her step. Hearing that voice, for some reason, she felt a momentary dizziness.

Xun Yunhe intercepted her, rushing to stand before her and gazing into her eyes. "Yunqi."

Xu Yunqi's translucent skin seemed to hold a fragile, almost overflowing flush. Unaware of it, she smiled as usual. "What's the matter?"

The winter sun, peeking through the clouds, cast a dazzling glow. Today's sunlight felt especially piercing, she thought.

Xun Yunhe looked deeply at his daughter, speaking with determination, "Don't be afraid, Yunqi. March forward boldly. Father will take care of everything behind you."

It was the first time she had sensed the greatness of a father.

Xu Yunqi's pale smile became more genuine; she nodded firmly. "Okay."

Then, Xun Yunhe watched as they descended the terrace that didn't belong to them. Standing alone for a moment, he suddenly remembered something and called out to Yinxing, "Yinxing, remember to send your lady and the old master to the Xun residence, do you understand?"

Yinxing waved back from a distance. "I understand, sir. Don't worry."

A knowing smile graced Xun Yunhe's face. As he turned to re-enter the hall, he saw Pei Muhang standing on the terrace, hands clasped behind his back, gazing ahead.

Uncertain of Pei Muhang's intentions, Xun Yunhe climbed the steps to stand before him and bowed respectfully. "Your Highness, the Crown Prince."

The late emperor had just passed, and both were clad in pristine white mourning attire, which only accentuated Pei Muheng's ethereally pale complexion.

His gaze never left her figure, even when it became blurred. He could still vividly sketch her delicate, graceful silhouette from memory.

"Are you determined to tear us apart?" Pei Muheng asked expressionlessly.

Xun Yunhe replied straightforwardly, "You should understand that the two of you are not a match. If it hadn't been for His Majesty's mistaken marriage arrangement, His Highness would never have taken a woman like her as his wife."

"Do not speak of the past, and do not tell me about 'ifs'..." Pei Muheng's face was almost devoid of emotion. "What has happened is what it is. There are no 'ifs' or 'buts.' Now, she is my wife, an unalterable fact. I love her and wish to keep her by my side. No one can stop me."

Already the Crown Prince, Pei Muhang no longer exhibited the deliberation and restraint of his past. The innate arrogance and decisiveness in his bones were now unmistakable.

Xun Yunhe's lips curled into a mocking smile at this, not backing down in the slightest.

"In this newly established dynasty, Your Highness has finally ascended to the Eastern Palace. You should prioritize state affairs," he said.

"Moreover, Your Highness should understand that I would risk everything to ensure her safety."

Pei Muhang turned slowly to face him, his gaze unwavering.

"You're an experienced figure in the court. You should be well aware of the status and fate of a former Crown Princess. Aren't you afraid that one day, even if she's married and has children, I might still bring her back? Have you considered the consequences? With the current emperor watching her like a hawk, can she truly live a peaceful life?"

Xun Yunhe's expression held a profound meaning. "Qingyu, I dare to bet because you're a wise and composed ruler, the most suitable to inherit the throne. For decades, you've meticulously planned for this moment, cherishing this hard-earned achievement more than anyone else. Stability for the realm, unity under one roof, and prosperity for the people are your greatest aspirations."

"As for women..." Xun Yunhe said with a hint of irony, "Will you ever lack them? Your deficiency in affection for Yunqi will eventually be filled by other concubines with different charms."

"If you truly love her, you should grant her freedom and let her live the life she desires. You know she's not skilled in vying for attention or sacrificing anything for you. While there are no children yet, and no bonds tying you two, both of you should step back and find your own horizons."

Pei Muheng keenly grasped the core issue from his words.

"Do you believe Yunqi can be replaced? Do you have so little faith in me?"

Xun Yunhe smiled bitterly. "I'm also a man, and I once yearned for a woman. Yet now, I can still let her go because I know it's for the best. I have to tell you, I have to admit, my obsession with Qingniang pales in comparison to Yunqi. And once, I vowed to spend a lifetime with her as a couple."

As Xun Yunhe spoke, a bitter and self-deprecating tinge could be seen in his eyes.

"Qingyu, it's not that I lack faith in you; it's that I lack faith in time, in the imperial rules of multiple consorts throughout history."

"As a father, as long as there's a sliver of possibility, I wish to secure a broad and fearless future for her."

Pei Mucheng listened quietly as he finished speaking, then slowly nodded. "I understand." With that, he turned and entered the inner chamber.

Xun Yunhe silently bowed his respects towards the man's towering figure before turning back to the cabinet.

Upon returning to the imperial study, Pei Mucheng resumed his seat behind the desk, continuing to review documents. The emperor, who had just dealt with several ministers, stomped in to see Pei Mucheng diligently attending to official duties, and couldn't help but fume.

"Hey, your wife is about to leave, and you're still focused on going through these reports? What exactly are your plans? Why didn't you say anything just now?"

By this point, Pei Mucheng had completely calmed down. Elder Zhang was not a significant threat, but Xun Yunhe's words carried weight. His concerns needed to be addressed. As for Yunqi... This marriage had originated from coercion and reluctance, lacking a touch of perfection.

He intends to bestow upon her perfection.

Bai Muheng closed his eyes briefly, took a deep breath, and said, "Your Highness, please issue your decree."

With those words, he continued writing tirelessly.

The emperor was astounded, more so than when the elder had just proposed a divorce.

"You... you!" As the reigning emperor, it was understandable that he had to consider the impact of Xu Yunqi's status on the political situation. However, the fact that his own son was even more indifferent and ruthless than him was quite unexpected.

The Emperor could not tolerate it and fretted, hopping on one foot.

"You'll regret this!" he exclaimed.

He refused to believe that his son would so easily abandon Xu Yunqi.

*

The three elders left the palace at a leisurely pace. When they reached the Donghua Gate, a gentle and refined woman stood by a carriage. Upon recognizing her figure, Old Master Zhang froze in his tracks.

Tears glistened in Zhang Qingniang's eyes as she stood against the wind, scanning the thin old man for any trace of the person she once knew. Unfortunately, there was none.

She fell to her knees before the elder, bowing deeply. "Father!"

Xu Ke also knelt down beside her, following suit.

It had been around five or six years since the old master had seen his daughter. A wave of nostalgia washed over him, and he wiped away his tears, hurriedly reaching out his hand.

"Both of you, rise... rise..."

Zhang Qingniang and Xu Ke climbed into the carriage as he beckoned. Silver apricot followed the guards outside to drive, while Xu Yunqi accompanied them inside.

Zhang Qingniang clung to her father's arm, repeatedly asking for the details of the incident. The elder had intended for Xu Yunqi to deal with it, but seeing him leaning against the carriage wall with a weary expression, he brushed off her questions with vague responses.

This scene was no stranger to Zhang Qingniang. In the past, she and her grandfather had interacted similarly, with very few truthful words exchanged between them.

Wiping away her tears, Zhang Qingniang finally said, "The past is in the past. Father, come back to the Xu residence with me. Let's live together from now on, and stop wandering around."

Xu Ke hurriedly agreed, "Yes, yes, that way we'll have the chance to show our filial piety to you."

Elder Zhang looked at the two of them thoughtfully and smiled. "No need, Yunqi and I have already decided to leave the capital."

Zhang Qingniang was stunned. Her gaze swept towards Xu Yunqi. "Yunqi, you're planning to leave the capital? What about the prince?"

Xu Yunqi chuckled. "Don't worry about me, I know what I'm doing."

Zhang Qingniang didn't press further. She wouldn't delve deeper in front of Xu Ke. It was likely that Xu Yunqi's decision also involved Xun Yunhe. Since Xun Yunhe was involved, she felt reassured and no longer worried.

Elder Zhang did not follow Zhang Qingniang back to the Xu family nor did he go to the Xun residence. Like Xu Yunqi, he chose as his final destination the place where he felt most at ease: the Chengyang Medical Clinic.

It was peculiar, but both Elder Zhang and Xu Yunqi seemed more familiar and comfortable with Shopkeeper Hu than with anyone else, despite being outsiders.

The medical clinic was an inseparable part of their lives after more than a decade away from home.

Knowing she couldn't persuade her father, Zhang Qingniang sobbed, "I'm an un filial daughter. I've let you down."

Seated comfortably in a master chair on the second floor of the clinic, the old man said nonchalantly, "Silly girl, without you, there would be no Yunqi. Having such a wonderful granddaughter to bring us joy is your greatest act of filial piety. As long as you're doing well, my mind is at ease."

As always, it was the same old line.

With a complicated heart, Zhang Qingniang watched her father and daughter, both sitting on either side, identical expressions and tones. It was a mutual understanding she could never penetrate.

Like the old man, Xu Yunqi saw only the good in others and didn't burden them with excessive expectations.

Zhang Qingniang clenched her teeth and asked, "When are you leaving?"

The old man glanced at Xu Yunqi. "We'll go once we receive the imperial edict. It should be within these few days."

Covering her mouth, Zhang Qingniang cried out. The old man comforted her, and fortunately, they were accustomed to such scenes. Soon, Zhang Qingniang regained her composure and followed Xu Ke back to the Xu residence.

Ginkgo tidied the room, while the old man was invited downstairs by Shopkeeper Hu to chat over tea. Xu Yunqi sat alone by the window. A young apprentice brought her a cup of tea, which she took without realizing its warmth. Outside the window, the crowd bustled with activity. Some carried children, purchasing sugar-coated hawthorn skewers, while others wandered from door to door with their wares. A voice sang an unknown folk song down the street.

Her heart felt hollow.

Her thoughts were overwhelmed by a inexplicable sorrow. What was happening to her?

How long had it been since she left? Was she already unable to adapt?

After all, they had shared a bed for over a year; it was natural to find it hard to accept all at once. She consoled herself with this thought.

In that moment, two female apprentices supported a woman up the stairs. "Madam Xu, this auntie has been suffering from abdominal pain for three days. Could you please attend to her?"

Xu Yunqi froze, then stiffly turned around to see the woman's pained expression. Hesitantly, she replied, "Yes, I'll be right there..."

Just as she stood up, Ginkgo emerged from the west chamber. "Miss, take a rest. I'll lend a hand." Ginkgo had grown up with Yunqi; she had never seen her so lost and knew she was upset.

She handed Xu Yunqi a warm handkerchief. Xu Yunqi accepted it in a daze, watching as Ginkgo stepped into the private room in her place.

It was Ginkgo who had cried bitterly last time, and it was Xu Yunqi who had thrown herself into the diagnosis without hesitation or reservation.

Xu Yunqi pressed her slender fingers against her forehead, gazing out the window in silence for a long while.

In this moment, she suddenly felt like a traitor.

He must be devastated, and undoubtedly, he would hate her too.

Well, it wouldn't be long before new consorts entered the palace, and his affection for her would eventually be drowned out by the cooing and whispers of other women.

Seeing Xu Yunqi sitting alone by the window, lost in thought, the elder approached to rest. He walked over and gently patted her shoulder, speaking with the wisdom of someone who had been there before,

"At first, it might be challenging, but it'll get better with time."

Xu Yunqi turned to him, offering a reassuring smile. "Granddaughter understands."

She had never been one to cause worry.

Noticing the glistening tears in her eyes, the elder nodded in approval.

That night, after finishing his official duties, Xun Yunhe rushed home, eager to prepare a few dishes for his daughter personally. However, he was informed by the butler that Xu Yunqi had not returned. Enraged, Xun Yunhe's vision blurred, and he mounted his horse, dashing toward Chengyang Medical Clinic. Upon entering the main hall, he heard the elder's laughter upstairs and ascended the stairs with a grim expression.

In a corner, he found Xu Yunqi.

"Yunqi, why aren't you home?" He approached and asked her.

Xu Yunqi slowly stood up.

Seeing this, the elder waved his hand, dismissing Hu Manager and the others. After the unrelated people had left, he leisurely sat down and spoke to Xun Yunhe,

"Qingniang has left you. What right do I have to live in the Xun residence? Xun Yu, allowing Yunqi and me to live our lives freely is more important than anything else."

Upon thinking of his daughter leaving the capital, Xun Yunhe couldn't bear it. Ignoring the elder, he pulled Xu Yunqi to sit with him and held her warm wrist tightly.

"My dear child, return to Jingzhou first. Father has already sent someone to prepare a courtyard there. You can open a medical clinic in Jingzhou. Once Father settles everything in the capital, I'll come back to be with you."

The elder, hearing this, was immediately stunned. "You're not going to be the Prime Minister anymore?"

Looking at his daughter, Xun Yunhe replied, "No, I never want to be separated from my daughter again in this life."

He would personally escort her on her wedding day and protect her for the rest of her life.

Xu Yunqi watched him in silence, her nose tingling with emotion.

On the other end of the line, Elder Zhang responded with mocking sarcasm, "If you had figured it out sooner, wouldn't this all be fine? If you had listened to me and quietly been a schoolteacher in Jiangling, you and Qingniang would probably have a dozen children by now, and Yunqi wouldn't have to endure the hardships of traveling with me."

Upon hearing this, Xun Yunhe was momentarily stunned, unusually silent in his response.

Unfortunately, one can only understand true happiness after experiencing hardship; living a peaceful life and cherishing each moment is the greatest blessing in the world.

Before leaving, Xun Yunhe assigned two men to escort Xu Yunqi back to Jingzhou and told her,

"The emperor's decree should arrive tomorrow."

Xu Yunqi simply acknowledged with an "oh," saying nothing more.

That night, two more seriously ill patients were brought in. Xu Yunqi summoned her energy to tend to them, working until late into the night. Drifting off into a daze, she slept through until the next morning when the clinic was at its busiest. Living here, it was impossible not to lend a hand. It wasn't until the afternoon that Xu Yunqi finally found some free time.

In a private room, the elder was personally instructing Manager Hu on the essentials of the Thirteen Needles technique. Meanwhile, Ginkgo was coaxing a feverish child to eat. Xu Yunqi noticed from afar that a tray of medicinal herbs had toppled over in the backyard. She descended the stairs alone to gather the scattered honeysuckle.

From an upstairs window, half of Ginkgo's face peeked out, smiling down at her.

"Maid, our bundles are all packed. Shopkeeper Hu mentioned there's a convoy returning to Jingzhou this evening. We can take advantage and travel back together, providing mutual support along the way."

"Ai..." Xu Yunqi stood elegantly under the blazing sun, giving a soft response.

The emptiness within her grew more profound.

Was it time to leave?

Throughout her life, she had constantly encountered new people and bid them farewell without hesitation. For the first time, her steps wavered.

Jasmines piled in the center of the plate, and Xu Yunqi gently pushed them aside. The tiny yellow blossoms released their sweet fragrance under the sunlight. As she fiddled with them, she suddenly heard a voice behind her.

"Yunqi..."

Upon hearing that familiar voice, Xu Yunqi's shoulders trembled.

Was it an illusion?

Probably so.

Xu Yunqi continued her task at hand.

This time, his voice rang out more distinctly,

"Yunqi." It seemed to echo in her ear.

Xu Yunqi abruptly turned her head. That slender, fair figure stood right in the center of the courtyard. A myriad of vibrant lights intertwined in his eyes, making his porcelain-white handsome face shine radiantly, almost dazzling to look at. Xu Yunqi couldn't quite believe her own eyes and exclaimed in disbelief,

"How did you... come here?"

She nervously clenched and unclenched her fists, feeling somewhat at a loss.

Realizing that she might have appeared a bit disoriented, she forced a faint smile, trying her best to keep her voice calm and composed, "Have you had your noon meal yet?"

Pei Muheng gazed at her silently. She seemed to have lost some weight since he last saw her; there were subtle dark circles under her eyes.

Did she not rest well at the clinic?

Or was the food not to her liking?

He gazed longingly at that familiar face as if they hadn't seen each other in three years, unwilling to divert his gaze. Yet, he still managed to suppress his emotions, revealing a refined smile. "I am here to deliver the imperial edict."

He pointed to his own palm.

In his fair fingers was a bright yellow imperial decree.

Xu Yunqi was taken aback. Suddenly, tears threatened to overflow from her eyes. Unaccustomed to losing her composure, she quickly lowered her gaze to conceal her emotions and stiffly replied, "Oh..."

Why did he have to deliver it personally? Couldn't he just have sent a palace attendant to convey the edict?

Xu Yunqi thought to herself, feeling humiliated.

"Thank you." Maintaining her poise, she reached out her hand towards him, asking for the divorce edict.

Pei Muheng lowered his eyes and slowly placed one end of the decree in her palm. Xu Yunqi held it gently, their gazes meeting on the imperial document, neither letting go.

"Yunqi, I suddenly realized that our previous marriage was filled with regrets. I never personally asked for your hand in marriage, didn't escort you on our wedding day, and we didn't consummate our union," he said in a hoarse voice.

Tears welled up in Xu Yunqi's eyes. She suppressed them, laughing bitterly. "That's all in the past now." She tugged at the decree, but Pei Muheng didn't release his grip immediately. His dark eyes remained fixed on her. "But my heart has been filled with pain and deep self-reproach all this time."

Xu Yunqi was suddenly at a loss for words. Couldn't he make amends by taking the princess as his empress in the future? But the mere thought of growing old with another woman weighed heavily on Xu Yunqi's heart, causing him immense distress. He tugged on the imperial edict with renewed strength.

Pei Muheng finally released his grip.

Xu Yunqi felt an emptiness wash over him.

The sun was setting, casting long shadows of the two figures in winter's fading light. Half of their shadows intertwined upon the weathered courtyard wall,

"Yunqi…" Pei Muheng spoke with a clear, cold tone, standing just one step away, "You're free now."

A chill wind brushed past the ends of her hair, causing a few stray strands to dance at her temple. Xu Yunqi narrowed her eyes, contemplating, Freedom?

The anticipated sense of relief seemed absent.

"You have the right to choose your marriage now," he told her.

Xu Yunqi looked at him in bewilderment, suddenly recalling the day of the imperial edict. She had been engaged, yet faced with an unexpected royal command, she had felt helpless. Slowly, she nodded. "Yes, you do too."

Pei Musheng suddenly smiled, his eyes glowing with an earnestness as pure as a newborn's. "My choice has always been Yunqi. So, would you, Yunqi, be willing to marry me again?"

Xu Yunqi's smile gradually froze, and his expression changed instantly.

The confusion in his eyes vanished abruptly, revealing an incomparably clear and bright gaze. "What did you say?"

Didn't he come to deliver the imperial edict of separation?

Had he made up his mind?

Out of so many noble ladies, he still wanted to marry her?

Pei Muheng's gaze was unwavering as he took another step forward. His deep eyes were like an endless starry sky pouring down. "Yunqi, would you marry me? Not under the pressure of an imperial edict, but with genuine feelings, choosing me wholeheartedly?"

His gaze was so intense that it seemed to pierce through her cheeks.

Staring at him in a daze, Xu Yunqi's mind was blank. Before she could react, her lips moved, and three unexpected words escaped her lips.

"I am willing..."

When Xu Yunqi said these three words, she herself was taken aback.

Is this truly the voice of her heart?

No wonder she felt a heavy ache in her chest, as if her steps were anchored, unwilling to depart.

Pei Muheng noticed the faintest whisper escaping her lips, too soft to decipher.

"What did you say?" he asked anxiously.

Xu Yunqi's eyelashes fluttered gently, and she began to examine his words earnestly, along with the grandeur of their impending marriage.

Was she afraid of being confined by the palace walls?

No, freedom was found in the wild, and it could also be claimed within the imperial palace. Wherever her heart found peace, that was home.

Being bound by palace walls had never been a reason to leave him.

She had always been free - freely accepting the imperial marriage proposal, living each day and night in the Xi Palace with autonomy. Nothing could deter her from doing as she wished; she always found a way to achieve her goals through her own means.

Truly powerful individuals were never constrained by external objects.

She had already packed her belongings, and his clear eyes, soft lips, and the memory of him pressing her against the ladder for an uninhibited kiss flashed before her. It was then she realized how intimately familiar she was with this man; she could sketch his outline with her eyes closed. She knew he enjoyed her gentle bites, her fingertips tracing over his sharp Adam's apple, and her nibbling on his earlobe as she called him husband in the heat of passion.

This moment of hesitation revealed her true feelings. The pent-up longing that she had suppressed for fifteen years swelled forth with those silent three words. She yearned to be loved, to love, to openly and wholeheartedly love someone, to be bound, restricted, and imprisoned by love.

Tears shimmered like spring water in her eyes, but Xu Yunqi's gaze was resolute. With determination, she spoke, "I am willing."

Last time, they were bound by imperial edict, embarking on an imperfect marriage. This time, they were unshackled, guided only by their hearts, ready to start anew.

Pei Mucheng covered his eyes deeply. Letting go was not an option; he was even prepared to shuttle between court and the martial world. Now, with Xu Yunqi's consent, Pei Mucheng held onto her as if he had survived a great calamity,

"Yunqi, don't leave, I don't want you to leave. I have already pledged before your father and the civil and military officials that I will marry no one but you, Xun Yunqi, for this lifetime. I will establish a national medical clinic outside the palace walls, allowing you to practice medicine, teach apprentices, promote the Thirteen Needles, and ensure that there are no incurable illnesses in the world."

With each word, Xu Yunqi's heart leaped, eventually surging with emotion. Was it freedom she lacked? No, it was a love that remained steadfast without the constraints of imperial decrees!

Tears streaming down her face, she threw herself into his arms, encircling his neck tightly, and vowed,

"Qingyu, I promise you, I will never leave your side again."

A belated pang of sorrow welled up in Pei Mucheng's heart as he held her firmly, asking through gritted teeth, "Are you serious? You won't mention divorce anymore?"

"Your word is your bond!"

The evening breeze carried these four words through the heavens and earth, etching them deeply into his heart.

(End of the main text)

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