Extra 1

In the main hall of the Qianqing Palace, Princess Dunsu was grinning from ear to ear, shaking her head non-stop: "Your Majesty, please stop praising them. These days the prince consort is angered by them every day. I have to say, Zijun's studies are still somewhat passable, but Ziren, haha... In the past few years at the academy, he nearly drove the teachers to retire. If it weren't for me and the prince consort still having some influence, he would have long been kicked out. What's the point of him studying and pursuing scholarship!"

Qi Xiao smiled gently: "Aunt is being too modest. If cousin is more martial than scholarly inclined, there's no need to restrain him too much. For now, send him to the army to train for a few years, and later... it will work out."

Princess Dunsu instantly understood Qi Xiao's implied meaning... First go train in the army for a few years, slowly gain experience and prestige, and it would be best if he could accumulate some military accomplishments.

Then with Qi Xiao looking out for him, slowly promoting him, in the future even if not as illustrious as civil officials, he could still bring glory to the family.

Moreover, He Ziren really wasn't cut out for studying. Princess Dunsu never had high hopes for him in that regard. Seeing Qi Xiao make such considerations, Princess Dunsu felt extremely gratified and repeatedly sighed: "It's hard on the Emperor to think so much for him."

Qi Xiao chuckled lightly: "Putting aside family ties, the two cousins grew up with me since childhood. Just for that alone, I can't stand by and watch cousin get punished daily by uncle for not being able to recite his studies."

Princess Dunsu couldn't help but laugh: "Don't even mention it... A few days ago when I went to visit Old Prince Chun, I took a liking to Old Prince Chun's little granddaughter at first sight. In just half a year of not seeing her, she has grown into such a fine young lady. What's even rarer is her graceful, dignified and polite manners. She's neither arrogant nor overly shy, truly wonderful. I couldn't help but adore her.

"I won't hide from Your Majesty... I had always wanted to find such a wife for Ziren. Of course it would also be good if she was as gentle and pleasant as Roujia, but I'm just afraid she wouldn't be able to handle my boy. Now that such a good girl has fallen from the sky, I probed a bit at the time. The child is fourteen this year and not yet engaged. Princess Chun probably understood my intentions too and seemed willing. It's just that she has been accompanying Prince Chun in his fief these past years and long forgot what Ziren looks like. The implication was to have them meet. I hurriedly returned to arrange for Ziren to pay respects to Old Prince Chun, but who knew..."

Princess Dunsu was both amused and exasperated: "The prince consort dug out a few miscellaneous books from that good-for-nothing study and blew his top. When I returned to the manor... Ziren was running and hiding all over the place. The prince consort had already struck a date-sized lump on his forehead. So... the matter of the meeting was left unsettled."

Qi Xiao couldn't help laughing and after a pause said with a smile: "If aunt likes the girl from Prince Chun's family, I can issue an edict for the marriage."

"No, no." Princess Dunsu felt reassured hearing this but declined with a laugh, "First let that good-for-nothing heal his injury and let them meet before deciding. If they like each other, Your Majesty can decree the marriage then. That would be the best case. If they don't fancy each other... Although the prince and princess consort wouldn't dare say anything, it wouldn't be good."

Qi Xiao nodded with a smile: "Alright, let's wait until Aunt and Prince Chun's family have discussed it then."

"Yes, now that Your Majesty has bestowed such great grace upon him with this good position, I think Prince Chun will be quite satisfied. Actually..." Princess Dunsu lowered her voice and gave a bitter smile, "I heard from the princess consort that she is also willing to settle the engagement for her younger daughter soon. Old Prince Chun's health... is really not well."

Qi Xiao put down his teacup and said softly: "I already asked the imperial physicians before. They said... if he can make it through this summer, he should be able to enjoy peace in the autumn."

Princess Dunsu shook her head and sighed: "But from what I saw a few days ago, let alone autumn, I'm afraid even this summer... Alas, such is fate."

Old Prince Chun had spoken up for Qi Xiao's sake in earlier years. Later, when Qi Xiao let Bairen go in the Southern Frontier, Old Prince Chun, muddled as he was, still hobbled into the palace on his cane to rebuke the Emperor. For him to do this much was already very decent. Qi Xiao said calmly: "In the future... Old Prince Chun will not lack for an honored place."

Princess Dunsu nodded and after some hesitation, said with a smile: "Speaking of this, I remembered... How is that person in Dexin Palace doing now?"

Qi Xiao smiled faintly: "Feeding him medicine day and night. I dare not neglect him."

Princess Dunsu shivered inwardly. After Qi Xiao ascended the throne, he moved Qi Jing to Dexin Palace under the pretext of "summer heat".

Dexin Palace had a nice-sounding name, but it was actually a place where a disgraced imperial consort had lived before. That imperial consort resided in this palace for thirteen years. By the time she died, she was no longer human in appearance. Since then, it became a cold palace that even someone like Princess Dunsu who had lived in the palace for most of her life had never been to, showing how secluded it was.

Qi Xiao publicly stated that Qi Jing needed to recuperate in peace, so he never allowed anyone to visit. Princess Dunsu didn't know what the situation was inside. She only heard a little eunuch who delivered medicine there every day mention that agonized screams often came from within, especially chilling at night.

The physician attending Qi Jing was still Liu Yuanpan. Liu Yuanpan used to occasionally mention Qi Jing, but now whenever someone probed, Liu Yuanpan remained silent. Even Princess Dunsu had no way of knowing the Emperor's current condition. She only knew that Qi Xiao had previously given Liu Yuanpan a deadly order... No matter what, Qi Jing must not be allowed to die.

As for the rest, Princess Dunsu dared not think too deeply.

"It's not proper for me to mention these things to Your Majesty, but since I bear the empty title of aunt, there are some words I must advise you..." Princess Dunsu smiled, patting the gold phoenix hairpin with coiled silk and pressed pearls at her temple, and said softly, "Your Majesty is kindhearted, always having Liu Yuanpan treat him with utmost care. But... I don't mean to sound harsh, but his health was already like that before. Unless he begged the Jade Emperor for an immortality pill, how much longer can he live?"

Princess Dunsu forced a smile and said, "Old Prince Chun is not doing well. The Princess Consort should start making arrangements for her daughter. With his health like that... I should advise you too. Although he's unwell, he still holds a title. Even if he passes, the Emperor will carry on as usual regardless. As for your grand wedding... it's better to make plans early."

Qi Xiao lowered his eyes. After a while, he suddenly smiled and said, "It's been a long time since I last saw my cousin. Counting the months... she must be pregnant by now."

"Indeed," Princess Dunsu's face was full of smiles when speaking of her eldest daughter. "Several imperial physicians have examined her and said this pregnancy is another boy. She was so flippant, sighing to me that it was not to her liking. She already has several sons and didn't expect to not have a daughter! I scolded her thoroughly. It's fine if I hear such words, but if the in-laws' old madam heard it, wouldn't she be so angry her nose would go crooked!"

Qi Xiao smiled gently, "I have an imperial edict for my cousin. If the in-laws' madam learns of it, I believe my cousin will never anger her again in the future."

Princess Dunsu smiled in confusion, "What edict?"

Qi Xiao smiled faintly, "Among the current Princesses and two Commandery Princesses, only my aunt has a noble status. Moreover, my aunt raised me in my childhood, so it can be said she has made great contributions to the country. Now that I have ascended the throne and bestowed rewards on so many old ministers, I cannot forget my aunt."

Princess Dunsu repeatedly shook her head and sighed, "Your Majesty exaggerates. Since your ascension, I have seen how you have elevated the He family and my two sons. That is already enough."

Qi Xiao shook his head and smiled, "Aunt is too polite... I wish to give my aunt a great gift, but your status is already so noble and honorable that it cannot be further elevated. I have no choice but to bestow this grace upon your children instead."

Qi Xiao lightly stroked the command tablet at his waist and slowly said, "Cousin Fang He... virtuous, gentle, and respectful, versed in etiquette, can be granted the title of Princess Hua'an, with a fief of a thousand households."

Princess Dunsu was greatly surprised and hurriedly stood up to decline. Before she could speak, Qi Xiao continued, "Younger cousin He... elegant, beautiful, gentle and virtuous, trained in etiquette and well-versed in poetry since a young age, can be granted the title of Princess Qianping, also with a fief of a thousand households."

Princess Dunsu's heart felt empty. She immediately expressed her thanks and said, "No, no, this is too much for them... They are so young and have not made the slightest contribution to the emperor or the country..."

Qi Xiao stood up, held Princess Dunsu's hand, and helped her sit down. He said softly, "Didn't I just say that this grace is actually for my aunt? But you are already the most noble Princess, so I can only bestow it upon my two cousins instead."

Qi Xiao laughed lightly, "I have already instructed the Ministry of Rites. The two edicts will be issued in a few days. This way, my elder cousin can have peace of mind during her pregnancy, and it can also... provide an extra boost for my younger cousin's marriage prospects."

Princess Dunsu tried to decline in every way but had no choice except to agree. After a while, she shook her head and said with a wry smile, "First you promoted my son-in-law's official rank, then vigorously elevated several young members of the He family, and found such a good future for Ziren. Now you even... Your Majesty, how can I feel at ease in my heart?"

Qi Xiao held Princess Dunsu's hand and said softly, "Since ascending the throne... you have never called me Xiao'er again."

Princess Dunsu didn't expect Qi Xiao to suddenly mention this. She was stunned for a moment and then said with a smile, "Etiquette cannot be abandoned..."

Qi Xiao looked steadily into Princess Dunsu's eyes, "There has never been any emperor-subject etiquette between us... Back then, it was not easy for us aunt and nephew to make it through. Why have we become so distant today?"

Princess Dunsu's nose turned sour and her eyes reddened. Qi Xiao comforted her softly, "I know what you are afraid of, but your husband is not an ambitious person. The He family has been a prestigious aristocratic family for hundreds of years, with strict family discipline no less than the imperial family.

"The He children know when to advance and when to retreat. You can rest assured. My two cousins have an extraordinary friendship with me. It is not inappropriate for me to value them more."

Princess Dunsu kept nodding, choking with sobs, "Good child, I knew... I knew..."

As Qi Xiao was comforting Princess Dunsu, Jiang Deqing entered and bowed, "Reporting to Your Majesty, the King of Lingnan has arrived."

Princess Dunsu's heart stirred. Jiang Deqing said "the King of Lingnan has arrived" instead of "the King of Lingnan requests an audience".

Qi Xiao nodded. Before long, Bairen walked in. Seeing Princess Dunsu was also present, he hurriedly bowed in greeting. Princess Dunsu stood up and smiled, "Greetings, Prince."

"We meet often, no need for such formalities," Qi Xiao looked at Bairen and frowned slightly. "What did I instruct you before? Wait until the sun sets before coming over. It's so hot outside, what if you get heat stroke, is this a game?"

Seeing Qi Xiao's serious expression, Bairen hurriedly bowed his head and said obediently, "I was going to wait a while before coming, but seeing the sky was a bit overcast today, I thought it would be fine..."

"Even on an overcast day, it's still swelteringly humid," Seeing Bairen's flushed complexion, Qi Xiao felt quite displeased and turned to instruct the palace servants, "Add two more basins of ice."

The palace servants hurried to fetch the ice. Princess Dunsu glanced at Bairen and saw that his face was fair and delicate, with a few beads of sweat on his forehead, making his skin appear even more tender. Looking at his attire... although it was just ordinary clothing, upon closer inspection it was extraordinary, from the fabric to the patterns to the stitching, all of the highest quality.

Princess Dunsu's heart felt a bit dazed, remembering that when Qi Xiao had just ascended the throne, Bairen was still quite thin and haggard. Now, although still slender, he had filled out quite a bit, and his complexion was even better than her own pampered little daughter. Princess Dunsu sighed inwardly, cherished as the apple of the eye by the ruler of a nation with a thousand graces, it would be strange if his complexion was not good.

Bairen had a sweet tooth and disliked sour flavors. Qi Xiao had the sour plum soup replaced and sweet lotus seed soup with rock sugar served instead. Bairen was very thirsty and, not minding that someone else was present, drank a small bowl right away.

Qi Xiao's expression was the same as usual, but his eyes revealed a deep doting affection as he said, "Have some more?"

Bairen smiled and nodded: "It would be even better with some ice."

"No ice for you." Although Qi Xiao said this, he still instructed the palace servants, "Rinse it with ice water, but don't make it too cold."

The palace servants quickly acknowledged the order and left. Princess Dunsu was a bit restless, so she stood up, smiled and said, "I've been talking with Your Majesty for quite a while, I should return to my residence first. I still need to urgently prepare the gifts for Ziren who is leaving for the army."

Qi Xiao nodded and had Jiang Deqing properly escort Princess Dunsu out.

After exiting the palace gates, Princess Dunsu, leaning on her trusted female servant, got into the carriage. As soon as the carriage started moving, the female servant couldn't help but say, "Princess... that was such a great opportunity just now, why didn't you mention it to His Majesty?"

Princess Dunsu's expression was displeased: "Mention what?"

The female servant anxiously said, "About the marriage between the young lady and His Majesty!"

"Hush!" Princess Dunsu sternly interrupted the female servant, "Don't ever bring this up again!"

The female servant had no choice but to bow her head and apologize. Princess Dunsu sighed and slowly said, "I know you are doing this for me and for Fang'er, but didn't you hear His Majesty's intention just now? As soon as I brought up the matter of marriage, before I could even mention Fang'er, His Majesty immediately bestowed princess titles to two people. How could I continue to speak after that?"

Princess Dunsu sighed, "I had originally wanted to further strengthen our relationship through marriage, but that would require His Majesty to be willing..."

The female servant couldn't help but say, "Princess, you have shown great kindness to His Majesty. If you speak, His Majesty will not refuse."

"One must never use kindness to coerce the Emperor," Princess Dunsu shook her head. "What is the Emperor's temperament? If handled poorly, it could ruin the decades of relationship between him and I. Besides, hasn't the Emperor been good enough to me? Ever since he ascended the throne, rewards big and small have never ceased. Today, he even bestowed upon me a great favor. And I should go ask for my daughter to be the Empress on top of that? Not to mention whether the Emperor would agree, I myself would be embarrassed to death!"

The female servant felt it was a pity, "But... our young lady is so wonderful. Even if His Majesty looks, could he find anyone better?"

Princess Dunsu sighed, "What I'm afraid of now is that he doesn't want anyone..."

The female servant was stunned for a moment and didn't respond, "Princess, what do you mean by that?"

Princess Dunsu shook her head and didn't say anything more. Qi Xiao had bestowed this great favor before she could even speak, clearly indicating he didn't want her daughter. But looking around, were there any more suitable candidates than her youngest daughter? There really weren't...

Recalling the various situations in the imperial presence just now, Princess Dunsu felt both worried and relieved in her heart. She was worried that Qi Xiao's indulgence in male companions would likely cause issues with producing an heir in the future. But she was relieved that...

The scene in the imperial presence was still vivid before her eyes. Princess Dunsu understood in her heart that the two of them had given their hearts to each other.

If previously Qi Xiao had just been acting on impulse, if before Bairen had no choice, after the turmoil in Southern Xinjiang, after the matter of succession, these two could no longer be separated.

Even if her daughter truly became the Empress, stuck between these two, could she have good days?

Princess Dunsu slowly understood Qi Xiao's profound meaning and shook her head with a smile, "He is also afraid of making things difficult for me in the future..."

The female servant couldn't understand. After thinking for a bit, she comforted herself, "Forget it... having the title of princess is already a rare honor. Although a princess' manor wasn't bestowed, at least there is a fief both in name and reality. In the future, would our young lady still need to worry about not finding a good marriage?"

These words resonated with Princess Dunsu. She patted the female servant's hand and smiled, "That's exactly right..."