Xi Yaya commented that the people here were less lively than clay figures.
“They will become lively one day. Don’t tell your father about this; it will make him sad,” Wei Linxia instructed.
“Why?” Xi Yaya asked.
“Mother will explain later, okay?” Wei Linxia coaxed, and Xi Yaya nodded happily.
This new year was not pleasant for Wei Linxia. She felt uneasy about managing the empire for Xi Linxuan in his absence, as the distance to the grasslands weighed heavily on her.
“Take this silver needle; I hope you haven’t neglected your skills,” she said, packing the needle and manual into a bag.
“Chenbi, if it gets too tiring, don’t persist. We never cared much for this empire,” Xi Linxuan replied reluctantly.
Despite being attended by imperial physicians, this year had drained much of his energy, leaving his face pale.
“I know. Don’t slack off. I’ve arranged everything you’ll do daily and kept records. Everything will be carefully checked later,” Wei Linxia said with a smile.
They didn’t care, but they wouldn’t easily hand it over, especially not to those people. She would be unwilling.
She took out an imperial decree from a locked compartment and placed it in Xi Linxuan’s hand: “This is tomorrow’s imperial decree for suppressing rebels and military leadership appointments.”
That night was not peaceful. The usually quiet Xi Qi cried all night, making Wei Linxia’s eyes sore, but she could only endure.
Wei Linxia knew Xi Linxuan wasn’t asleep, though his eyes were closed. She wanted to look at him but didn’t dare, afraid of bursting into tears. She comforted herself that this brief separation was for a long-term reunion on their dreamed grasslands.
She hugged Xi Linxuan: “Xi Qiushui, you must wait for me and complete everything I’ve arranged.”
“Okay.”
“You must wait.”
“I will.” Xi Linxuan’s voice was slightly choked.
In the side hall, Wei Linxia heard Feng Shou read the imperial decree. After a long silence, Wang Ling’s voice opposed it, with Mu Feiyun supporting him.
Finally, she heard Xi Linxuan say, “My decision is final. After my personal expedition, you two chief ministers must work together to manage state affairs.”
For any unresolved matters, send an urgent message within six hundred li for my decision.”
