“I know Mother wants me, so here I am,” exclaimed a bouncing pink figure that sat beside her, mischievously crushing a pastry and tossing it into the water, attracting vibrant fish that competed to eat it.
“I was just starting to feel better from my headache, and you chose the perfect time to come,” Weilinxia said, tapping her forehead.
“Mother, not just me, but someone else has come too,” Xi Yaya said, glancing into the distance and waving.
A slender figure in dark clothing was reflected on the water surface, head lowered, standing timidly.
“Oh, I remember now, I’m here to get something. Mother, I’ll be back in a moment,” Xi Yaya said, leaving while pinching Xi Qi’s arm hard.
Noticing a small figure kneeling, Weilinxia continued sipping her tea thoughtfully.
“Mother, this child has made a mistake. Please punish me.”
“As the ancients said, the ability to recognize and correct one’s mistakes is commendable,” Weilinxia replied softly.
“Mother…?” Xi Qi looked bewildered, surprised by her words.
“But that’s for ordinary people. With an imperial position vacant, the emperor’s mistake is known to the world. While faults can be concealed from the common people, can the eyes of officials be blinded? If this continues, it will disappoint upright officials and encourage sycophants. How can such an empire endure?” Weilinxia’s voice remained soft.
“Yes, I know my mistake and will never believe rumors again. Please, Mother… forgive me this time. Do not be disappointed in me. I will accept any punishment you deem necessary!” Xi Qi kowtowed.
“Get up.”
I heard you’ve been kneeling in the Fengxian Hall these days. Coming to see me today, I assume you’ve reflected enough. You kneel before me not as an emperor admitting a mistake, but as a son who has hurt his mother’s heart,” Weilinxia said.
“If Mother forgives me, I hope you will continue to guide me,” Xi Qi refused to rise.
Weilinxia looked at him directly: “I’ve announced my retirement in front of officials and cannot go back on my word. You must persist as well. You’ve reinstated Wang Ling’s position, and with him and Left Minister Wei, there won’t be chaos. I want to ask you something. Did you send people to pursue Wang Ling?”
