Peaceful Farm Life

Chapter 970: Chapter 971: Speaking Out Bravely

”Thank you, Prince, Princess,” Tobanya did not refuse Meng Zhuqing’s escort.

Meng Zhuqing was very grateful in his heart. An Jing and Xiao Changyi intended to let him have one more glimpse of Tobanya to alleviate his yearning, but he did not show any of it on his face.

After seeing An Jing and Xiao Changyi off, Tobanya turned around, got into the carriage, and headed back to King Sheng’s mansion.

On the way, the curtain of the carriage swayed.

Through the swaying gap, Tobanya could see outside—Meng Zhuqing rode a tall horse beside the carriage, escorting her.

Even though she could not see Meng Zhuqing’s face, she was still filled with contentment.

Ever since she moved away from Prince Yi’s Mansion, she hadn’t seen him. Being able to see him today made her happy, even though the two of them actually hadn’t spoken a word today.

Just like this is good... Just like this is good...

...

The next day, An Jing and Xiao Changyi were once again summoned to the palace.

This time it was not to attend any banquet but because the Emperor of Xiyun had matters to discuss with them.

Comparing the inconvenience for the Emperor of Xiyun, an older man, to come to Prince Yi’s Mansion, An Jing and Xiao Changyi much preferred being summoned to the palace.

”Father Emperor, what did you want to see us about?” An Jing asked as soon as they entered the Jun Palace.

The Emperor of Xiyun first gestured for them to sit down, and after the palace maid had served them tea, he laughed and said, ”Chengyu told me that the Seventh Prince of Dongqing has a good impression of Wild Goose Jade. Chengyu and I are thinking of betrothing her to him to strengthen the alliance between the two nations, but considering your close relationship with Wild Goose Jade, we thought it best to ask for your opinions first, so I called you over.”

After exchanging a glance with Xiao Changyi, An Jing said, ”Father Emperor and Chengyu want to arrange a marriage alliance for Wild Goose Jade. I think it’s best to ask for her own opinion first. However, since Father Emperor has asked for my opinion, I will tell you honestly, I do not approve of this marriage alliance. The Tuoba family has always been loyal to Father Emperor, and their integrity is as clear as the sun and moon. Now the Tuoba family only has Wild Goose Jade left. If she is married off to another country, Sheng Wangye’s spirit in heaven will likely be disheartened, and other loyal subjects who hear of this will also be disheartened.”

”I hope I may be so bold,” An Jing stood up, her expression serious, and performed a solemn bow to the Emperor of Xiyun, ”to say that after this, who will be truly willing to serve Father Emperor, to follow Father Emperor.”

The Emperor of Xiyun’s smile disappeared from his face instantaneously.

But he couldn’t deny that what An Jing said was true. For someone so loyal to him to end up like this, not only were the Five Clans executed, but the only remaining daughter was to be sent off in a marriage alliance — this indeed was enough to cool the hearts of people and could shake the resolve of those still loyal to him, making them think that those loyal to him have no good end.

The Emperor of Xiyun did not immediately respond to An Jing but turned to Xiao Changyi and asked, ”Yi Er, what do you think?”

Xiao Changyi spoke without hesitation, ”My wife’s opinion is my opinion.”

The Emperor of Xiyun laughed wryly but didn’t continue speaking with Xiao Changyi. Instead, he turned his head back toward An Jing and smiled, ”Since both you and Changyi disagree, naturally, I will not proceed with the marriage alliance for Wild Goose Jade.”

Only then did An Jing also smile, ”It’s good that Father Emperor is not angry.”

The Emperor of Xiyun shook his head helplessly while smiling, ”Only you two would dare to speak so irreverently to me.”

An Jing felt even more relaxed and joked, ”I used not to dare, but Father Emperor values my husband too much, so I’m just riding on his coattails.”