You’ve served the court for over forty years, dedicating yourself tirelessly. Now that you’re advanced in years, you should enjoy your retirement. I won’t trouble you with state affairs anymore.” Xi Linxuan’s voice was slow yet carried undeniable momentum.
Wei Linxia’s lips curved slightly. If this were the first time waiting for Xi Linxuan, one might think he was a thirty-something emperor with a sophisticated demeanor, much like the Grand Emperor.
The elder seemed somewhat indignant as he thanked and left the hall.
After court adjourned, Wei Linxia stood at the hall door to welcome Xi Linxuan. He hurried in and embraced Wei Linxia, saying, “I’m sorry, Shenbi, I’m sorry.”
“The snacks are still warm. They’ll get hard if they cool down. Let’s eat first, and we can talk later.” Wei Linxia pulled away and led him to the meal.
Xi Linxuan silently ate two pastries as Wei Linxia wiped his hands.
“These matters should be handled by men…”
“Didn’t you say husband and wife should support each other in adversity? You also said—” holding his hands gently, “you said this world is ours. If you don’t plan to share it with other women, what does it matter if I bear some criticism? Throughout history, which ruler hasn’t been scolded? You can’t hear posthumous criticism, so why be so 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, family, and descendants. Whoever marries me has accumulated virtue in their previous life,” Wei Linxia said with pride.
“So you’re just a good dog. Here, have a bone,” Xi Linxuan laughed brightly, but his laughter felt like a final farewell to Wei Linxia.
“Oh, I have something to do,” Wei Linxia stood up, feigning surprise.
“What is it?”
“The memorials should be in the imperial study by now. I’ll go make a report,” Wei Linxia replied.
Autumn arrived suddenly. In Yan Jing south of Qi River, the greens that had endured summer’s heat looked dispirited. Xi Linxuan often accompanied her in reviewing memorials, and his focused gaze unsettled her.
Lately, she had been thinking about something that kept her awake at night.
“Qiushui, there might be a good opportunity to silence the ministers next spring,” Wei Linxia said.
