Wen Mohan’s eyes held a hint of apology. As the only child of the Wen family, he had lived too freely, too willfully. He had lived up to the expectations of the world, but had failed his parents.
“Do not worry, Young Master. The Master and Madam will surely be safe,” Wei Feng understood his young master’s concern for his parents’ safety. “Besides, the Wen family’s hidden guards are accompanying them. The Master is not one to be trifled with. Those who wish to plot against him will have to weigh their options carefully.”
“I hope so.”
Wen Mohan sighed and continued to process official documents for Xiao Man. His gaze fell upon a memorial that had been pressed down by an inkstone. He couldn’t help but wonder why it was placed there. He moved the inkstone and took out the memorial. After reading it from beginning to end, Wen Mohan’s brows furrowed.
“Young Master, what is it?”
Wen Mohan closed the memorial and gestured for Wei Feng to leave. Wei Feng, though puzzled, did not object and left the room, thoughtfully closing the door behind him.
Wen Mohan reopened the memorial, his eyes settling on the final passage: Prince Yu Sheng of Qin had ascended the throne, becoming the new Emperor of Yu Sheng!
“Prince of Qin, no, you should be called Your Majesty now. The throne and her, you ultimately chose the throne.” Wen Mohan couldn’t articulate his feelings, a mixture of relief and worry. Relief that Nangong Yu had become Emperor of Yu Sheng, meaning there was no longer any possibility between him and Xiao Man. Worry that should the two of them ever come to conflict, Xiao Man might suffer, as she was always too soft-hearted.
“Young Master!” Wei Feng burst through the door, his face beaming with joy. “The Imperial Princess has returned.”
Wen Mohan quickly closed the memorial and rose to greet her. Indeed, Xiao Man entered, a smile on her face. “Today, I have prepared a surprise for you.”
Wen Mohan couldn’t help but smile. “What surprise?”
Xiao Man gestured for him to look outside. Wen Mohan followed her gaze and saw Minister Wen and his wife standing at the doorway, looking at him with affection.
“Father, Mother.” Wen Mohan rushed forward, lifting his robes and kneeling to kowtow to the elders.
The couple quickly helped their son up. “Hurry, get up, get up. Husband, has our son gained weight?”
Minister Wen examined Wen Mohan from head to toe. “He hasn’t gained weight, but his face is ruddy, which shows he’s been doing well.”
“Father, Mother, please come inside. It’s hot outside.” Wen Mohan hurriedly invited them in. He felt guilty for his willfulness and recklessness, which had implicated his parents, but if he had to choose again, he would make the same decision.
Xiao Man immediately instructed the kitchen to prepare Yu Sheng’s signature dishes, in case the elders were not accustomed to the local cuisine. She also ordered iced fruits and sweet soup to be served to alleviate the heat.
Minister Wen and Xiao Man chatted, while Madam Wen spoke with her son about everyday matters. She had always worried that her son would not adjust well in Lan Yue and might be bullied. Seeing him safe and sound now finally lifted a great weight from her heart.
“Heaven rewards the persistent; you are finally about to achieve your wish. Are you happy?” Madam Wen looked at Xiao Man, who was engrossed in conversation with Minister Wen, and asked in a low voice.
“Happy, very happy.” Wen Mohan nodded. “Mother, am I too greedy? Always wanting more.”
“What else do you want?”
“I want to grow old with Man’er, to build the world she desires with her, and to raise our children together, watching them grow up.”
“Silly child, isn’t this what should be?” Madam Wen teased. “After you marry, you’ll have children soon. From now on, you will be Xiao Man’s rightful husband. Having children with her and growing old together is only natural.”
Wen Mohan’s smile faded slightly. He gazed at Xiao Man with infatuation. When he couldn’t have her, he felt that just watching her was enough. Now that he had her, he wanted more, and even he felt greedy.
“Han’er, are you hiding something from your mother?” Madam Wen felt that Wen Mohan’s words held a deeper meaning, and a vague sense of unease settled in her heart. “Has there been a change in the wedding arrangements?”
Wen Mohan took Madam Wen’s hand. “Mother, you’re worrying too much. I just feel that Man’er is too tired, bearing the weight of the entire Lan Yue. I want to share some of her burden, but what I can do is ultimately limited.”
“Han’er, just do your best. Xiao Man is a considerate person. She sees and cherishes your efforts,” Madam Wen comforted him.
“Yes, Man’er is a considerate person.” Wen Mohan agreed. “So, Mother, no matter what happens in the future, please stand by Man’er’s side with Father and help her as much as you can.”
“Do you need to say that? She is my daughter-in-law. If I don’t help her, who will I help?” Madam Wen looked at Xiao Man. Previously, she had found fault with Xiao Man in every way, but now, she found her increasingly likable. Along the way, they had heard many tales of the Imperial Princess and her consort’s deep affection. Seeing it firsthand now, she was finally reassured. Xiao Man, after all, was devoted.
After settling Minister Wen and his wife, Xiao Man finally had time to attend to official matters. Her gaze fell upon a decree: the Imperial Edict appointing her as Empress’s Husband. She presumed her good master would be overjoyed to see this decree.
“Imperial Princess, Master Wen and Madam Wen have been settled,” Yin Zhu reported as she entered. “This is the guest list for the wedding day, please review it.”
Xiao Man said without looking up, “You decide.”
“Marriage is a significant event, and the guests are also important. If there are any guests that the Imperial Princess dislikes, please mention them, and I will remove them to avoid spoiling your mood.”
“As the Imperial Princess of Lan Yue, even if I dislike someone, I cannot show it. We will follow tradition. Let whoever wishes to come, come,” Xiao Man said softly, whether they were genuinely wishing her well or intending to harm her.
Yin Zhu hesitated for a moment, then nodded in agreement. She then went with Fu Dan to discuss the security arrangements for the wedding day. With more guests arriving, the situation would be more complex, and security was paramount, especially since her mistress’s status was now extraordinary, and there were many who wished her harm.
Xiao Man continued to read and write official documents. After a moment, her writing hand paused. She then said, “You can come out now.”
A figure emerged from behind a screen. He looked at Xiao Man, who was engrossed in her writing and not looking up, with an unusual emotion in his eyes. “A’man, I’m very unhappy.”
“That’s good.” Xiao Man replied indifferently. “If you were happy, then I would be unhappy.”
Murong Shengrui seemed to have expected Xiao Man to say nothing pleasant. “Nangong Yu has become the new Emperor of Yu Sheng and is about to get married. Do you know?”
Xiao Man remained unaffected, as if Nangong Yu becoming emperor or getting married had nothing to do with her.