无翼乌工口里番无色无摭挡

Li Hongyuan and Jiang Ning both promised.

The Emperor waved for them to leave.

After leaving Crystal Frost Hall, Jiang Ning said, “The Emperor’s health has deteriorated further.”

“Mmm.”

Li Hongyuan nodded, “Ever since the concubine mother passed away, Emperor Father’s health has been deteriorating. The numerous medicines he’s taken have shown no effect.”

“The Emperor’s ailment is his heart. What’s the use of taking medicine?”

“Concubine mother has left us, and she won’t come back. I couldn’t have imagined the Emperor would be like this.”

“You did not expect the Emperor’s feelings for the concubine mother to be so deep and strong? His exclusive favor for so many years reveals his affection for her, wouldn’t you say?”

After some walk, Li Hongyuan’s voice came through the chilly snow, “Everyone thought that Emperor Father saw your own mother in the concubine. She herself believed so. Perhaps no one except Emperor Father knows of his true feelings for her.”

Jiang Ning sighed, “Years of companionship, but never truly knowing his own feelings. It must be a tragedy.”

“Indeed, it is a tragedy.”

Li Hongyuan looked at her, “Are you clear about your own feelings?”

“I am quite clear.” Jiang Ning looked up and smiled, “As husband and wife with the Crown Prince, we should stick together and face difficulties side by side. Rest assured, Your Highness, you are always the most important person to me.”

Li Hongyuan moved his gaze away from her beautiful face and said lightly, “Doesn’t your face ever turn red when lying?”

“I’m speaking my true feelings. What do I need to do to make you believe me? I am willing to do anything for you.”

“Oh.”

Li Hongyuan nodded and asked calmly, “If there was a day where you had to choose between me and the Jiang Family, who would you choose?”

Jiang Ning slightly hesitated but soon laughed, “Why must I choose one? You’re my husband, and the Jiang family has my parents, siblings, and relatives. There is no conflict.”

“If – I’m saying if – there was such a day.”

“There won’t be an ‘if’.” Jiang Ning tightened her hood and added, “I won’t let this situation happen.”

Li Hongyuan said no more.

Outside the Immortal-view Gate, the Ministry of Rites had already arranged the welcoming ceremony.

The Crown Prince and Princess Consort stood side by side, watching the slow arrival of the Silla convoy from afar.

Although Silla was a small country on the frontier, its strategic location was critical, shielding the Great Sheng Dynasty from the Prairie Cavalry beyond Shanhai Pass.

If Silla were destroyed, the fierce Prairie Cavalry would sweep through, causing significant impact on the Great Sheng Dynasty.

Thus, the Great Sheng Dynasty had always sought to appease Silla and never truly offend them.

Jiang Ning watched the colorful convoy and said softly, “It’s said that the Silla Princess is extremely beautiful, and the Silla Prince is tall, handsome, and talented.”

“Just rumors.” Li Hongyuan said indifferently.

“I’ve been wondering why Silla sent their delicate princess for this year-end tribute. Could it be that Silla wishes to form a marriage alliance with our Great Sheng Dynasty?” Jiang Ning asked Li Hongyuan.

“Who are they allying with?”

“Besides Your Highness, the Crown Prince, who else could it be? The Emperor doesn’t have any other suitable sons.”

“So you think Silla would offer their noble princess as a concubine for me?” Li Hongyuan kept his eyes on the approaching delegation and spoke softly, “Why do you not think that the Silla Princess is intended for Emperor Father?”