Wei Linxia also had concerns that had persisted since marrying into the royal family. When Xi Linxuan was the crown prince, he was confined to a wheelchair and not favored by the court’s nobles. Now, having ascended the throne and left the wheelchair behind, many officials would likely offer their daughters to him.
She and Xi Linxuan were childhood sweethearts who had shared both hardships and joys, but that was only for a few short years. The future held many uncertainties.
She understood Xi Linxuan’s intentions in establishing her as crown princess to reassure her, but how could her heart be at peace? It wasn’t that she didn’t trust Xi Linxuan, but the fading of beauty was an unchanging truth in the palace.
The newly enthroned Xi Linxuan was busy, often returning late at night and leaving before dawn. They barely exchanged words, but his presence beside her brought comfort.
When Xi Linxuan began rewarding merits, Wei Linxia remembered Li Weiheng. It had been four years since the Old Empress Dowager arranged their marriage, and they were still not wed. She seized the opportunity during the merit rewards to discuss their marriage with Xi Linxuan. When she brought it up, he raised an eyebrow and said, “If I hadn’t remembered, she would have become an old maid. Her sister Shi Bi already has two children. Let Wang Qing have double happiness.”
“Double happiness? Did you arrange another marriage for him?” Wei Linxia frowned, having promised Li Weiheng she wouldn’t let him suffer.
“Promotion, wealth, and a wedding – where are your thoughts wandering?” Xi Linxuan laughed. “Besides, we received great help from the King of Huo this time. We must consider the King of Huo’s face as well.”
“Even if not for them, we must consider the Old Empress Dowager,” Wei Linxia said, her gaze drifting over Xi Linxuan’s body. Where was he injured? The Retired Emperor had led troops on the battlefield since youth; how could Xi Linxuan withstand a blow from him?
“What are you looking at?” Xi Linxuan noticed her gaze.
“How Your Majesty seems to have been working too hard and appears to have lost weight,” Wei Linxia deflected.
Someone glanced around the hall, indifferent to the palace servants standing stiffly like wooden posts.
