“Sure, it’ll be good for you to see their faces,” Xi Linxuan replied.
The next day, during a regular court session, Xi Linxuan wasn’t in full imperial robes, and Wei Linxia was in casual palace attire, waiting in the side hall, listening to the drum music and the distinctive tones of the ministers in the main hall.
“If my memory serves me right, the elder has reached retirement age. You’ve served the court for over forty years, dedicating yourself to the nation. Now, you should enjoy your retirement, and I dare not burden you with state affairs,” Xi Linxuan said slowly but with undeniable momentum.
Wei Linxia smiled slightly. If it was the first time waiting for Xi Linxuan, one might think he was a ruler in his thirties, sophisticated and serious like an Emperor Emeritus.
The elderly minister seemed somewhat indignant as he thanked the emperor and left the hall.
After court adjourned, Wei Linxia stood at the hall entrance to welcome Xi Linxuan. He hurried over, stepped into the hall, and embraced her, apologizing profusely.
The pastry was still warm; if it cooled down, it would become hard. Wei Linxia pulled him to eat the meal she had prepared.
Xi Linxuan silently ate and let Wei Linxia wipe his hands.
“These tasks should be handled by a man…”
“Didn’t you say that husband and wife should support each other in adversity? You also said this world is ours. If you don’t plan to share it, what does it matter if I bear some infamy? Every ruler has faced criticism; after death, you can’t hear it, so why be cautious in life?”
“Marrying you is my blessing,” Xi Linxuan said sincerely.
“Of course. The fortune-teller said I bring good fortune to my husband and family. Whoever marries me has accumulated virtue in their previous life,” Wei Linxia replied proudly.
“So you’re just a good dog, here’s a bone for you,” Xi Linxuan laughed brightly, but Wei Linxia couldn’t feel at ease. His laughter felt like a final farewell.
“Oh, I have something to do,” Wei Linxia said, standing up in surprise.
“What is it?”
“The memorials should have been sent to the imperial study by now. I’ll go make a report,” Wei Linxia said.
