Xi Yaya said, “Mother, you must grant me a princess’s residence. I’m married and need to move out.”
“Wang Ling, you’ve been through a lot.” She thought the imperial decree would help him avoid disaster but didn’t expect it to be needed so soon.
“Been through a lot? You have no idea, Mother. When I found him, it was pouring rain. He was completely surrounded outside the broken temple. If I had arrived later, I might have had to ask you to bail him out,” Xi Yaya complained.
“Okay, Yaya, go change your clothes, fix your hair, and wash up. I want to speak with Wang Ling,” Wei Linxia instructed.
“Oh, don’t say anything about revoking the imperial decree, Mother!” Xi Yaya said expectantly.
Wei Linxia looked at Wang Ling, feeling apologetic: “If I’m not mistaken, those people were sent by Xi Qi, weren’t they?”
“This… let’s not discuss it for now. I, your subject, thank the Empress Dowager for saving my life,” Wang Ling replied.
Wei Linxia shook her head. “Xi Qi is young and impetuous, inevitably hearing rumors. He doesn’t understand, but how could I not know?”
Who doesn’t know that Wang Qing has been exhausting himself for this court over the years? With limited time, I couldn’t think of a better plan. Sending someone else would likely not succeed.
“Reporting to the Empress Dowager, His Majesty’s imperial decree summons the Imperial Son-in-law for an audience,” Feng Shou entered.
Wei Linxia frowned, knowing Wang Ling would not be in mortal danger, but Xi Qi was being too aggressive.
“Your Majesty, please allow me to retire and meet the Emperor,” Wang Ling said calmly.
“No rush. Although the betrothal was my intention, you should go together to see the Emperor with Yaya,” Wei Linxia said.
“I suppose the Emperor has some instructions for me, and I also have matters to report. Regardless, I am a retired prime minister, but please be assured,” Wang Ling bowed slightly and left with Feng Shou.
Xi Qi, if this was truly your doing, then my years of teaching have been in vain. How can I face your father the Emperor and the ancestors of the Xi family? How can I trust this empire to you?
Thinking too much, her recent headache worsened, her forehead feeling heavy.
