Chapter 868: Chapter 868: Delayed
If this child had initially taken him as a mentor, no matter what happened, he would have to give him some protection both emotionally and rationally.
At that time, the world would have known him as his disciple, so somewhat he would be given a bit of face.
But Lian Musu never thought of leveraging his influence; he originally didn’t want a mentor, but was coerced into it. Even so, he insisted on resolving matters himself, unwilling to taint his name even slightly.
What an upright character! Zheng Heting chose well; his disciple is the best.
Thinking about passing this hurdle, the disciple would be his, Minister Fan couldn’t help but ignite with fighting spirit, what are those few stubborn old men anyway? He could handle a hundred and eighty of them!
On the Emperor’s side, he had fully grasped the reactions of the court and the folks, pondering over them again and again. On this day, while he gently brushed his Little Concubine’s soft hair, he asked, "Nannan, what are your thoughts on your brothers’ future plans?"
At that time, Lian Hua, having just recovered and not having taken a nice warm bath in a long time, felt immensely comfortable after bathing, lazily enjoying the Emperor’s tender care.
Upon hearing this, she turned her head and asked, "What plans?"
The Emperor saw her cheeks were red and her expression had a hint of foxlike laziness. He leaned over to give her a kiss, then explained, "Your brothers are all talented men, they are not young anymore. I wonder what their plans are, whether they intend to achieve something?"
Lian Hua was taken aback; she hadn’t thought about this before. Now thinking carefully, isn’t it true?
The eldest brother is already twenty-six, the second brother twenty-three, and the third brother twenty. By the time she reaches their age, her children would roughly be between three and nine years old.
Hmm... this is indeed a significant matter!
However, after briefly thinking, she understood and said, "His Majesty, whatever my brothers want to do is up to them, as long as they’re happy."
As long as their family is well, everything else is according to their wishes.
The Emperor continued to help her with her hair, and after a moment of silence, said, "If I were to assign them difficult tasks, where their achievements are unrecognized and their failures unacknowledged, would you... be willing?"
Lian Hua tilted her head, biting her lip, pondering over this. Can she help with these tough matters?
After a moment’s hesitation, she weakly asked, "Master, is it very difficult?"
The Emperor nodded affirmatively, "Very difficult."
"Then..." Lian Hua racked her brain, eventually letting out a sigh, "Master, why wouldn’t I be willing? You say it’s difficult, naturally it is challenging, and I don’t have good ways to help you. Thankfully, my brothers are more capable than me, you should look for them."
The Emperor looked surprised, "You’re not afraid they’ll endure hardships and struggles, and their accomplishments will not be recognized by the world?"
"Eh..." Lian Hua wondered, "Don’t you already know? Why let so many people know?"
The Emperor was startled, indeed, there’s truth to that. From what he knew, the Lian Family members were not ones to seek vanity, they wouldn’t care about such empty fame. But: "Nannan, I’m afraid there might be dangerous situations among them, they will need to resolve them on their own..." There would come a time when he couldn’t reach them.
"Ah? Is that so..." Lian Hua frowned, listening, it seemed it wasn’t a small matter. If it were simple, they could just do it.
But if it’s a major issue, after contemplating carefully, she truly couldn’t decide for her brothers, so she said, "Master, you should ask my brothers, the eldest brother, second brother, and third brother, they each have different strengths. If you need a fight, look for the second brother, if you need brainwork, look for the eldest and third brothers, they’re all capable."
Saying this, she suddenly realized something, widening her eyes at the Emperor: "Master, are you considering me? Ah, no need to worry; if they’re happy, I’m happy. The most difficult thing in this world is realizing one’s aspirations, they must be willing and delighted, just like me, who never wished to be confined at home embroidering as a child. They should be the same. Even if..."
Saying this, Lian Hua couldn’t help but embrace the Emperor, speaking with difficulty, "Even in the face of some unfavorable events, I believe my brothers can turn danger into safety..." As their sister, she could only trust them and support them; the most important thing was their happiness.
The Emperor thoroughly understood her thoughts. She might be afraid, but she would not back down or hinder.
He had thought about it long ago; what he wanted Lian Musu to do was incredibly difficult, upon knowing it was her eldest brother, he once hesitated, but now her words completely dispelled his doubts.
The Emperor embraced her back, saying, "I will give them choices and opportunities..." not forcing them.
Later that day, the Emperor also told Lian Hua some good news, making her unable to stop smiling, unable to close her grin.
The next noon, Lian Hua continuously smiled, enjoying herself greatly. She was eager to share the good news while dining with Nanny Qi.
She smiled and said, "Nanny, my parents and brothers are soon to be cleared of accusations, and those bad people will be punished by His Majesty, haha..." Truly joyous, finally the day has come.
Nanny Qi was also very happy, formally congratulating Lian Hua, then chatting with her about the daily life of the Lian Family.
Upon learning the ages of Lian Hua’s brothers, she couldn’t help but sigh, "What a pity, such excellent lads being delayed by villains, otherwise they would be married long ago. Even if not married, with your mother’s abilities, she would have long arranged suitable wives. Alas, at such ages they haven’t established careers, what a shame. It’s hard to find suitable partners, as girls of comparable age have long been promised to others, sigh..."
Nanny Qi sighed repeatedly, feeling sorry for the Lian Family’s young masters. As far as she could see, the three young masters were surely dragons among men, but such promising time was wasted, their ages advancing, yet they hadn’t established careers, uncertain about their futures.
Now, Su Ran was no longer the eldest miss of Marquis of Zhenyuan’s Mansion, and the Lian Family had just been cleared of injustice, meaning they had no family pedigree or wealth. In this large Capital City, which family’s girl would find them worthy?
Thinking of this, Nanny Qi became worried, unable to help but sigh, and realizing her mistake, she suddenly closed her mouth in panic. Thankfully, she almost forgot the young maiden was present, couldn’t let her worry.
Lian Hua blinked, then blinked again. Before she could savor the thought thoroughly, Zhang Qing appeared, smiling outside the warm corridor and asked for an audience, "Master Lian, His Majesty requests your presence."
After Lian Hua wrapped herself tightly with her cloak, along with her round belly, bundled up like a ball, she went out and inquired Zhang Qing, only to learn she was heading to the Star Palace.
She carried a heater and sat in a wind-shielding palanquin, as the pregnancy was advanced and she hadn’t fully recovered, the Emperor specially appointed people to have her escorted by palanquin.
Sitting atop, she found it novel and refreshing, this is what it feels like to ride a palanquin, a bit jolting; how shall it be described? It’s alright, but not as fun as a swing.