Striding into the inner hall, Sui Tingheng subconsciously looked at Yun Fuyi, who was seated beside his mother.
“Heng’er, why are you here at this hour?” The Empress was momentarily startled by Sui Tingheng’s sudden arrival. “You know already?”
Sui Tingheng’s heart skipped a few beats, an unbearable pain surging within him. Just now, his mother had mentioned something about a beauty—was she planning to choose a crown princess for him?
His eyelids trembled slightly as he bowed and performed a greeting. “Son pays his respects to Mother Empress. I recently obtained a tin of floral tea and wished to bring it for you to try.”
“Sit down first.” The Empress took the tea and gestured for a palace maid to brew it. “So, you still don’t know what’s going on.”
Sui Tingheng lifted his head, shifting his gaze from his mother to Fuyi. “May Miss Yun enlighten me?”
“Greetings, Your Imperial Highness.” Fuyi rose and replied, “This subject daughter is here to beg forgiveness for my reckless action.”
Sui Tingheng wanted her to remain seated while speaking, but seeing the palace attendants filling the hall, he instead took the teacup presented by a maid and placed it before his mother. Folding his hands behind his back, he asked, “Why does Miss Yun say this?”
Fuyi then recounted everything that had transpired after she noticed something suspicious about a middle-aged man, leading her to have him monitored.
“Given the urgency, this subject daughter had no choice but to act on my own and capture the strategist. I humbly seek Your Majesty’s and Your Imperial Highness’s pardon.”
“Hahahahaha! That’s what we call seizing the opportunity! Don’t worry, not only are you blameless for this matter, but you’ve also rendered great merit.” The Emperor strode into the hall, laughing heartily, and raised a hand to signal that Fuyi need not bow. “As expected of a daughter of the Yun family—sharp-minded indeed.”
He took the Empress’s hand and led her to sit beside him, then gestured to Sui Tingheng and Yun Fuyi. “Heng’er and Fuyi, you should also sit and speak.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.” As soon as Fuyi sat down, she heard the Emperor ask curiously, “Just what kind of beauty could possibly make Zhen so utterly bewitched to the point of forsaking my empress?”
“Uh…” Fuyi stiffened, glancing first at the Empress and then at the Crown Prince. ‘Your Majesty, must you be this curious? If we bring them into the palace for you to see, wouldn’t the entire capital know someone tried to use a honey trap on you?’
Unfortunately, the Emperor cared little for appearances and immediately ordered the Dragon Guard to bring the three beauties before him.
When they were finally presented, the Emperor barely spared them a glance before losing interest and waving the so-called beauties away. “Thin arms and slender legs—nowhere near the Empress’s grace. How could Zhen possibly fall for such a stupid trick?”
“Your Majesty and Her Majesty share a deep bond. Naturally, no other woman could catch Your Majesty’s eye.” Fuyi smiled. “But how many men in this world are as devoted as Your Majesty? To them, women are merely ornamental. The only reason Your Majesty has not wavered is that no suitable woman has appeared… or so they believed.”
Hearing Fuyi’s praise of his deep affection for his wife, the Emperor’s smile grew even more satisfied. “Zhen is the true Son of Heaven—how could Zhen be like those ordinary men?”
‘Beauty is common; true devotion is rare. What do those vulgar men know about love?’
“But perhaps not all three beauties were sent for Your Majesty.” Fuyi’s lips curved slightly as she glanced at Sui Tingheng.
“Hmm…” The Emperor caught on and turned to his son. “What kind of woman do you like? Tell your father, and I should settle it sooner rather than later, lest you become the next target of such stupid schemes.”
“Father Emperor, your son has no intention of marrying at the moment.” Sui Tingheng looked at the Empress. “Moreover, Son is never fond of a woman who is as serene as the moon and talented to boot.”
The Empress, confused by her son’s gaze, thought, ‘If you don’t like them, so be it. Why look at me?’
Seeing the imperial family beginning to discuss the Crown Prince’s marriage, Fuyi lowered her head to minimize her presence, racking her brain for an excuse to slip away.
“If not someone as serene as the moon, then do you prefer someone as passionate as fire?” The Emperor turned to Fuyi. “Fuyi, you are familiar with the young ladies of the capital. Which ones are more fiery in temperament?”
Fuyi: “…”
‘Your Majesty, is this an appropriate question for me? I am merely the daughter of an official, not your daughter. You’re treating me far too much like family!!’
She turned to look at the Empress, only to find her watching expectantly as well. Fuyi truly could not understand why the imperial couple placed such trust in her.
Thankfully, the Crown Prince immediately interjected, his brows furrowed, “Imperial Father, it is very improper for you to ask Miss Yun about such matters.”
‘Fortunately, fortunately, at least one rational person remained in the imperial family.’ Fuyi let out a subtle sigh of relief.
“If word spreads, would it not bring undue rumors and trouble upon Miss Yun?”
‘Is that the point?! Your Imperial Highness, please be more rational!!’
“You are right; it is indeed inappropriate.” His parents nodded in unison. The Emperor waved his hand and said to Fuyi, “Zhen was overthinking it. Tomorrow, let’s have someone else—”
“Father Emperor, your son does not like passionate and fiery women, either.” Sui Tingheng, unable to bear it any longer, interrupted. “Please don’t concern yourself with this.”
“You dislike this, and you dislike that. What is your ideal woman, then? A celestial maiden?” The Emperor’s face was full of suspicion. “Or… have you already taken a fancy to someone?”
“No.” Sui Tingheng lowered his gaze. He knew Fuyi was also looking at him at this moment. Taking a deep breath to keep his emotions in check, he responded calmly, “The national treasury is currently empty, and neighboring countries are eyeing us hungrily. This son has no time for romance.”
“The treasury may be empty, but your father still has enough money to arrange a marriage for you—”
“Enough,” the Empress cut in. “This matter is not urgent; we can discuss it later. It’s time for lunch. Let us eat first.”
After the meal, the Emperor stood up and said, “Heng’er, Fuyi, come take a walk with Zhen.”
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