Chapter 063.1 – Reunion (1

T/N: Chapter sponsored by Ami! Thank you for sponsoring!

“Miss, the one wearing the black armor is Ding w.a.n.g, next to him is Great General Ji, and the one in white armor is

Young General Ji.” Qiao Zhu quietly whispered behind Du Xiao Li.

Du Xiao Li paid her respects to the army and said, “Du Manor third daughter, Xiao Li, greets Ding w.a.n.g, Great

General, Young General. Congratulation everyone, returning in victory, bringing the people of Ming Feng peace.”

Han Ming Yi looked to the person bowing below, his cold gaze slightly flickering, as he said, “You're excused.”

“Xiao Li? You?” Before the others spoke, Ji Liu Feng somewhat excitedly said.

Du Xiao Li got up and somewhat skeptically looked to Ji Liu Feng. Afterwards, she finally said in slight surprise,

“You are big brother Liu Feng?”

“Haha, looks like you still haven't forgotten me!” Ji Liu Feng got down from his horse and came to Du Xiao Li's

side. Looking to the already grown up Du Xiao Li, he laughed out loud, “We learned that you'd came to the capital,

but didn't expect that the first person we'd meet coming back would be you, hahaha!”

“You all?”

“Yes.” Ji Liu Feng nodded.

“Liu Feng, you two know each other?” Ji Lun looked to Ji Liu Feng's smiling face and asked.

“Father, this is that girl I told you about, the one Ming Yi and I met at Du village.” Ji Liu Feng said.

“What Ming Yi, that's Ding w.a.n.g! Right now, we're back in the capital, you can't be disrespectful like this!” Ji Lun

berated.

“Ding w.a.n.g?” Du Xiao Li's surprised gaze landed on the slender figure on the black horse. He's Han Ming Yi?

One separation, six years, Han Ming Yi's change was very big too. In the beginning, she'd just felt he was a bit like a

ice cold little shota*. Now, he's already grown into a country corrupting devilish beauty. In addition to that body of

icy chill and killing intent, and his mouth and lower jaw being covered by the helmet, Du Xiao Li truly didn't

recognize him.

(*T/N: It means cute young boy; the original chinese term used 'zheng tai' is literally the chinese reading of the

j.a.panese word shota, tho the actual word itself doesn't have much meaning in chinese.)

If Han Ming Yi really is Ding w.a.n.g, then back then, she'd kicked a prince?

Han Ming Yi, seeing Du Xiao Li's shocked appearance, took down his helmet and faintly said, “Long time no see.”

Du Xiao Li dazedly stared at Han Ming Yi, carefully studying him, dimly trying to find some shadow of the past.

She curtsied and said, “That year, I didn't know it was your highness, Ding w.a.n.g. Xiao Li have much offended,

asking Ding w.a.n.g to please forgive.”

“No matter.” He still faintly replied.

“Hehe, the wild little girl from before has also grown up now! Are you living in the Du Manor now? Later, when

there's time, we'll go look for you. Right now, we have to go report to his Majesty.” Ji Liu Feng finished saying and

returned to his horse. White horse matched with white armor made him appear distinguished and elegant. Right

now, there's definitely going to be a lot of people waiting to watch. This appearance of his, she believed will

definitely steal quite a few young maiden's hearts.

“Respectfully seeing off Ding w.a.n.g and Generals!” Du Xiao Li curtsied and retreated far away with Xia Yuan and

Qiao Zhu. Their horse carriage also was driven further away, giving way to the army.

“Aiyaa, why did we run into this girl here.” Niu Jing was in the horse carriage in the back, and seeing Du Xiao Li's

figure, he quickly had the curtains put down, patting his own chest. All the way until the horse carriage pa.s.sed by

Du Xiao Li's side did he finally relax. But before he could cheer for joy, he heard a voice reach his ears.

“Senior brother, wait until I come find you to settle the score later!”

Niu Jing pulled open the window curtains for a look. The surrounding people seemingly all didn't react, inwardly

thinking to himself, could it be that he'd imagined it?

Du Xiao Li watched Han Ming Yi and them leave. She didn't expect that she would encounter them this soon, and

she further didn't expect that they, who'd once played with her in the countryside, would actually have such

prominent statuses.

However, thinking about it, it was about right. Niu Jing was an imperial physician. To be able to let him go to Du

village, such a far away place, keep watch there for that many years, and wholeheartedly treat him, he naturally

wouldn't be just an ordinary wealthy person. But unfortunately, she didn't expect that she would come to the capital

this early, so towards the imperial household, she still wasn't very familiar with.

“Miss, you're even familiar with Ding w.a.n.g and them?” Qiao Zhu said, “Heard this Ding w.a.n.g isn't someone easy

to get along with, however Young General Ji's character is very good.”

“Qiao Zhu, later, tell me about the affairs and people of the capital.” Du Xiao Li said. She actually didn't know Han

Ming Yi was Ding w.a.n.g!? Could it be that she's really ignored these matters for too long and became an ignorant

village girl for real?

“Alright miss.” Qiao Zhu replied.

The current emperor, Han Ming Ze succeeded the throne six years ago, currently 26 years old. He was the oldest of

the six princes at the time and was also the crown prince. However, the previous second prince also had the power

to steal the throne, and at the time, started a coup. Moreover, when he was nearly about to kill the emperor, who'd

just succeeded the throne for a few hours, in moment of life and death, the fifth prince blocked that arrow for his

eldest brother, and almost 'returned to the western paradise*' himself. After several days of the imperial physicians'

emergency rescue, he finally lived.

(*T/N: Euphemism for death)

The third and second caused the coup together, and after failing, were ordered to commit suicide by their eldest

brother. Everyone all say, he sat on the throne bathed in blood.

The fourth, Han Ming Hong, was older than Han Ming Yi by two years, and was granted the t.i.tle Ren w.a.n.g.

Although he was twenty, he only has two side consorts, and doesn't have a main consort.

(T/N: ML is the fifth prince in case you forgot)

The sixth, Han Ming Yuan was the same age as Han Ming Yi, also 18 this year, and was granted the t.i.tle Xian

w.a.n.g. Heard this t.i.tle was requested by him, because he felt he was precisely an idle person. Towards the affairs of

the court, he didn't have the slightest interest. He further yearned for a life in the pugilistic world, so he was often

away from the capital.

(T/N: Xian means idle or carefree)

The previous emperor, aside from having six princes, also had seven daughters. However, right now, they've all

already married. Three married in the capital, two married outside the capital, and one was politically married to

another country. Right now, only Princess Changle remain unmarried, and at present, she was already 16 years of

age.

As for the ma.s.sive pile of imperial relatives, Qiao Zhu momentarily couldn't finish explaining them all, so Du Xiao

Li just let her continue when they return.

“Ah!” Qiao Zhu suddenly called out.

“What's wrong?” Du Xiao Li, seeing Qiao Zhu's fl.u.s.tered appearance, asked.

“Miss, this Ren w.a.n.g has an engagement with the Du family. In the beginning, it said that it was with the Du

family's di daughter, and once Du Ke Xin reached marriageable age, she'll marry over as the main consort. Now that

miss has returned, then won't this engagement land on miss's head?” Qiao Zhu said.

“What?! Engagement?”

Qiao Zhu nodded and said, “Heard this engagement was the Empress Dowager's intention. The decree was pa.s.sed a

year ago.”

“Eh, in other words, our miss's future husband?” Xia Yuan said.

“But this Ren w.a.n.g actually isn't some good bird. Although his reputation on the surface is good, I have a friend

that was beaten to death by him, just because that friend of mine accidentally ran into him.” Qiao Zhu angrily said.

“Even has two side consorts at home, I suppose his concubines and whatnot are definitely numerous. This isn't my

type!” Du Xiao Li said.

“Miss, you might not fancy him, but he probably doesn't even fancy you either!” Qiao Zhu said, “Right now, in the

capital, all say you're talentless and without virtue, merely just a countryside girl. That Ren w.a.n.g is very prideful.”

“Is that so? Then it can't get better. If we can have this engagement broken, that would be great!” Du Xiao Li said,

“However, thinking about this now is still early.”

T/N: First meeting a bit anti-climatic but wait until ML comes visit MC in private ohoohhoooo

Chapter 63.2 – Reunion (2)

T/N: Chapter sponsored by Azurixa and Anon! Thank you for sponsoring!

Although Du Xiao Li felt it was still early, there was someone that couldn't sit still anymore. Thus, the morning of

the day after the army returned to the city, he performed for the entire capital an engagement breaking play.

Du Xiao Li had just returned from walking Silver and them, when outside sent someone to come look for her,

saying to let her go to the front courtyard and that someone was looking for her.

Because she wasn't going out, Du Xiao Li dressed rather causally. Judging from that servant girl's appearance, Du

Yun Han seemingly was looking for her in a hurry. Thus, she took Xia Yuan and Qiao Zhu with her and followed the

servant girl to the front courtyard reception hall.

“Father, you were looking for me?” After entering, Du Xiao Li saw Du Yun Han sitting at the main seat, and next to

him was a handsome looking man dressed in a luxurious blue brocade gown.

“Xiao Li, this is Ren w.a.n.g.” Du Yun Han introduced.

“Greetings Ren w.a.n.g.” Du Xiao Li performed a bow, and seeing Han Ming Hong wave his hand, she stood up. She

looked to Du Yun Han and asked, “Is father looking for me for something?”

“It's like this, last year, the Empress Dowager pa.s.sed a decree, letting the Prime Minister Manor's di daughter marry

Ren w.a.n.g after reaching marriageable age. Previously, we didn't know you were still alive, so it was said to be your

second sister Ke Xin. But now that you've returned, this di daughter's position thus is yours. w.a.n.gye came to see

you.” Du Yun Han, seeing the discontent in Du Xiao Li's eyes, was somewhat unable to continue speaking.

“Prime Minister Du, you've misunderstood.” Han Ming Hong, seeing Du Xiao Li dressed so plainly, let out an

unconcealable disgust in his eyes, saying: “This prince came to day to break the engagement!”

He'd already heard previously that this Du family third miss grew up in a farming village, unlearned, and didn't have

any talents either, completely incomparable to her older sister, Du Ke Xin. Originally, he still didn't believe, but he'd

already learned what happened at Feng Xue Lou yesterday, proving that the rumors were all true. Moreover, seeing

Du Xiao Li dress so plainly today, without the slightest bit of image, he was further determined to break off this

engagement.

“What?” Du Yun Han stared at Han Ming Hong and said, “Ren w.a.n.g, this can't be used as a joke!”

“It isn't a joke, this prince is serious!” Ren w.a.n.g took out a piece of paper from his chest and placed it on the table,

saying, “This is this prince's engagement breaking letter. From today onwards, this prince and the Du family's di

miss's engagement will thus be cancelled.”

Du Yun Han picked up the engagement breaking letter and read it. Afterwards, he angrily slammed it on the table,

saying: “Ren w.a.n.g, what is the meaning of this? This was a marriage bestowed by the Empress Dowager, with you

as such, how will Xiao Li continue living in the capital from now on.”

“This matter is this prince's fault. This prince will enter the palace later to ask for imperial mother's forgiveness. But

this marriage, this prince is determine to break off today.” Han Ming Hong said, “The position of this prince's main

consort can only belong to a woman like Du Ke Xin that's overflowing with talent. Besides, Ke Xin and I truly love

each other. Although I broke my engagement with third miss, I will still ask imperial mother to pa.s.s a decree to let

me marry Ke Xin as my side consort. I will still become connected to the Du family by marriage. This to the Prime

Minister Manor isn't that damaging.”

Because Han Ming Hong and the emperor, Han Ming Ze, were both born from the Empress Dowager, they both

called the Empress Dowager, imperial mother. In the beginning, only for the sake of becoming even more connected

with her younger sister, the Empress Dowager bestowed this marriage. Who knew that halfway came a Du Xiao Li,

this di daughter.

“Ren w.a.n.g, you are taking it too far! I absolutely won't agree.” Du Yun Han directly stood up and said with a heavy

expression, “You….”

“Father.” Du Xiao Li suddenly spoke, drawing over Du Yun Han and Han Ming Hong's attention. “Father, since Ren

w.a.n.g wants to break off the engagement, why don't you just agree to it.”

“Xiao Li, do you know what you're saying?”

Du Xiao Li smiled and said, “Father, I know what I'm saying. I agree to breaking off the engagement with Ren

w.a.n.g. When the time comes, whether Ren w.a.n.g marries second sister, or marries some other lady, it'll all have

nothing to do with me.”

“Xiao Li you….” Du Yun Han looked to Du Xiao Li, thinking that she didn't know the harm in having this

engagement broken. He wanted to continue to say something, but Du Xiao Li was no longer paying attention to him,

and had turned to Han Ming Hong, “This marriage originally was bestowed by the Empress Dowager. Now that

you've brought it up, you will have to resolve this matter. If the Empress Dowager were to blame, it has nothing to

do with our Du family.”

“Alright, deal! I'll enter the palace right away to tell imperial mother. Prime Minister Du, farewell.” Han Ming Hong

said, and then walked out. He originally even thought that Du Xiao Li would cling on and not let go. He'd even

thought of a way to deal with that kind of scene. However, he didn't expect that she'd agree that easily.

Unexpectedly, just as he exited, he ran into Du Ke Xin.

“Greetings Ren w.a.n.g.” Du Ke Xin greeted Han Ming Hong with a bow.

Han Ming Hong went forward to help Du Ke Xin up and said, “Ke Xin, you didn't go to the academy today?”

“Replying to w.a.n.gye, because the army returned from victory, the academy cancelled cla.s.s for yesterday and

today.” Du Ke Xin said. “w.a.n.gye came today to find father?”

“More or less. I've already broken my engagement with Du third miss. Right now, she and I already have no

relations. I'll enter the palace right away and ask imperial mother to bestow a marriage for us.” Han Ming Hong

looked to Du Ke Xin's bashful appearance and recalled Du Xiao Li's uncouth appearance just now, increasingly

feeling that his decision to break the engagement today was correct.

“w.a.n.gye broke the engagement with third sister?” Du Ke Xin said in surprise.

“The person I like is you, how could I marry a wild girl from the countryside. Don't worry, I will go find imperial

mother right away for a decree. Wait for my news.” Han Ming Hong softly said.

Du Ke Xin happily looked to Han Ming Hong and nodded, “I'll wait for you!”

Seeing that there was no one in the courtyard, Han Ming Hong reached out and lightly pinched Du Ke Xin's face,

saying: “Then I'll be leaving first.”

In the room, Du Xiao Li had Han Ming Hong and Du Ke Xin's conversation heard clearly, and very soon, Du Ke

Xin came to the reception hall.

“Father.”

“Ke Xin, do you need something?” Du Yun Han was still angry. Du Xiao Li, because she'd been listening to what

Du Ke Xin and Han Ming Hong were saying, still hadn't told him her intentions yet.

“Father, Ren w.a.n.g said he came to break off the engagement?” Du Ke Xin asked.

“Yes, hmph! Don't think just because he's the emperor's younger brother he can just act like this.” Du Yun Han

slammed his hand down on the engagement breaking letter and almost had the letter damaged.

“Aiyaa, father, be careful!” Du Xiao Li quickly went forward and s.n.a.t.c.hed the letter over, carefully storing it away.

“Xiao Li, what are you doing? That Ren w.a.n.g insulted you, how can you still treasure this paper?” Du Yun Han

angrily said.

“Of course I need to treasure it, with this, Ren w.a.n.g and I won't have an engagement between us anymore.” Du

Xiao Li said.

“You don't want to marry Ren w.a.n.g?” Du Yun Han asked.

“Don't want to. I've never met him before in the past, why would I want to marry him?” Du Xiao Li said, “I was just

hoping for him to break the engagement. Never thought that he would understand my intentions this much, and have

this engagement breaking letter offered up right away.”

“Third sister, this Ren w.a.n.g is the emperor's full blooded younger brother. Moreover, his appearance is good, and

his talent is also top notch. How many can't even imagine marrying him.” Du Ke Xin said, somewhat regrettably.

“Really?” Du Xiao Li looked to Du Ke Xin's pretentious curtsey and said, “Since that many people want to marry

him, then just let them go marry him instead. That kind of stud horse, I'm not interested in.”

“Stud, stud horse?”

“Keke, didn't Ren w.a.n.g say just now that he was going to ask the empress dowager for a decree to marry second

sister? Then I'll be congratulating second sister! Father, if there's nothing else, I'll be returning to my courtyard

first.” Du Xiao Li said.

“Sigh, really don't know what to do with you. Why don't you go back first then.” Du Yun Han waved his hand and

said.

Du Xiao Li walked two steps, stopped and said, “That's right, father, the thing I let you handle, don't forget!”

“I know. I'll go take care of it in a bit.”

Du Xiao Li finally left the reception hall contently, taking Xia Yuan and Qiao Zhu back to Jade Bamboo Courtyard.

Chapter 63.3 – Reunion (3)

T/N: Chapter sponsored by Anons and egosumqt! Thank you for supporting!

As soon as Du Xiao Li returned, Silver and Gold ran up. Ying Ge came out, and upon seeing Du Xiao Li, said,

“Seeing Silver and them hastily run out, I just knew miss has returned. What was master looking for miss for?”

“Ha, a good thing!” Du Xiao Li's mood was quite good. She leaned over and patted Silver, saying, “Come, I'll take

you all to stroll around in the back.”

With that said, she went out the back gate with Silver and Gold, preparing to go across the river for a stroll.

Ying Ge, Xia Yuan, and Qiao Zhu followed behind her. By now, a small boat had already been prepared in the back,

and they traveled across in the boat.

“Did something happen to miss for her to be this happy?” Ying Ge looked to Du Xiao Li's appearance, and pulled

Xia Yuan aside to ask.

Xia Yuan, seeing that Du Xiao Li and Silver have already reached the other side, said, “Just now, that Ren w.a.n.g

came to break off the engagement with miss.”

“Got her engagement broken, and she's still this happy?” Ying Ge said, “Wait, that's not right, when did miss have

an engagement?”

Xia Yuan had the entire matter from beginning to end explained to Ying Ge. After Ying Ge finished listening, she

said, “It really is a good thing!”

“Right? Miss was previously just thinking about how to let the other party break the engagement. Now that he came,

how can miss not be in a good mood.” Xia Yuan said, “Let's go over too.”

Seeing the only boat rowed to the other side by Du Xiao Li, Qiao Zhu said, “Without a boat, how are we going to

get over there?”

Xia Yuan and Ying Ge giggled, as both of them held onto each of Qiao Zhu's arms and simultaneously leapt, flying

over to the other side with her in tow.

“Qing, qinggong?!” After landing, Qiao Zhu exclaimed in surprise.

Du Xiao Li, feeling that her mood was quite good, said: “It'd be great if there were horses to ride right now!”

'De de de—'

Just as Du Xiao Li's words landed, the sound of horse hooves came through. Du Xiao Li followed the sound and

looked over, seeing two horses currently running towards her. The ones on the horse's back were obviously Ji Liu

Feng, who'd just returned to the capital yesterday, and Ji Liu Xia.

The horses stopped in front of Du Xiao Li. Ji Liu Xia wore a body of fiery red riding clothes, while Ji Liu Feng's

was white like snow.

“Brother, didn't I say we'd be able to meet Xiao Li here?” Ji Liu Xia proudly said to Ji Liu Feng.

Ji Liu Feng got down from his horse and looked to Du Xiao Li, “Little girl, having not met in this long, did you miss

us?”

“Young general, Miss Ji.” Du Xiao Li nodded at the two of them.

“What young general, just call me big brother Liu Feng like when you were little. Liu Xia is a little bit older than

you, you can just call her big sister Liu Xia.” Ji Liu Feng said. Just then, he saw running in the distance, Silver and

Gold. “Silver has already grown this big? And the other wolf is also yours?”

“That's Silver's wife that he brought back on his own, Gold. I've already raised her for more than a year.” Du Xiao

Li looked to Silver and said, her eyes filled with affection.

“Silver, Gold, this money loving personality of yours still hasn't changed!” Ji Liu Feng laughed as he teased.

“This is my lifetime pursuit, how can it change!” Du Xiao Li discontentedly shot a glare at Ji Liu Feng.

At this time, Silver ran over. Clearly, he still remembered Ji Liu Feng, and after running over, squeezed next to his

side and rubbed against his legs.

“Haha, Silver, in the past, you would always face your b.u.t.t towards us, now that we've separated, you finally know

to miss me?” Ji Liu Feng didn't expect that this time he was able to receive such a pa.s.sionate reaction from Silver.

“Big brother already knew Silver in the past?” Ji Liu Xia also got down from her horse. Seeing Silver, she was still a

bit scared.

“En, at that time, she'd just brought Silver back. When she'd given him the name Silver, she even got laughed at by

Leng Er and I for a long time!” Ji Liu Feng explained.

“So you and Xiao Li were already acquainted!” Ji Liu Xia said somewhat unhappily, “Can't believe I was even

telling you how interesting Du family's third miss was!”

“Haha, actually, although you didn't know her, you've also came in contact with her before. That pot for hotpot in

our house was forged that year by the blacksmith on her request. And the hotpot you like so much was also invented

by her.”

“Really! That hotpot was invented by you Xiao Li?” Ji Liu Xia listened and immediately looked to Du Xiao Li in

surprise.

“Keke, can be considered yes.” Du Xiao Li rubbed her nose, and didn't say that hotpots were everywhere in her past

life.

“Ah, didn't think that I'd still be able to meet you again. Tsk tsk, your ident.i.ty really changed drastically, all of a

sudden from a village girl to the di daughter of the prime minister. Ming Yi and I were both surprised!” Even now, Ji

Liu Feng still felt somewhat bewildered. When he'd heard this matter from Niu Jing, he and Han Ming Yi were

really shocked.

“This perhaps is just the so called 'affairs of the world, difficult to predict'.” Du Xiao Li said.

“Truthfully speaking, right now, I really miss your cooking, especially when I was at the military camp. When are

you going to invite us for a meal? Just see it as thanking us for protecting the country and creating a peaceful

environment for you to earn money, how about it?” Ji Liu Feng said laughing.

“Okay! However, still need to wait some time. I just arrived in the capital and still have a lot to do. Once everything

is more or less taken care of, I'll go invite you all.” Du Xiao Li said, “That's right, why didn't I see Leng Yi and them

yesterday?”

“They were sent away on a mission by Han Ming Yi, but they'll be able to return very soon. Now that we're back, if

there's anything, you can come find us.” Ji Liu Feng said.

“I know.” Du Xiao Li said with smile.

“Ah, that's right, don't know who, but someone had spread what had happened at the gathering the day before

yesterday. Everyone's all saying that you're talentless and without virtue. I just knew Du Ke Xin didn't have good

intentions taking you to partic.i.p.ate in the gathering.” Ji Liu Xia pulled Du Xiao Li's hands and said.

(T/N: For some reason I really want to see Ji Liu Xia fight Du Ke Xin…..)

“I understand, and also know the reason why she's doing this. She's achieved her purpose already, but this doesn't

affect me too much either.” Du Xiao Li unconcernedly said.

“Purpose? What purpose?” Ji Liu Feng asked.

“This morning, Ren w.a.n.g came to break off his engagement with me.” Du Xiao Li nonchalantly said, seemingly

like the person with the broken engagement wasn't her.

“Ah, that's right, you're now the Du Manor di miss. The engagement that the Empress Dowager bestowed became

yours.” Ji Liu Xia suddenly came to realization.

“What, he actually dare to break the engagement!? I'm gonna go reason with him!” Ji Liu Feng angrily said.

Sweat. “Big brother Liu Feng, I was just hoping for him to break the engagement, what are you stupidly getting

angry for!” Du Xiao Li quickly grabbed Ji Liu Feng to stop him.

“Do you know how big of an insult and damage a broken engagement is to a girl?”

“I know, girls that have been rejected in marriage will get looked down on by others.” Du Xiao Li said as she let go

of him. “But someone that truly loves me won't care about this. If he cares, then that can only mean that he doesn't

really like me. Since that's the case, why be together? Compared to this, marrying that stud horse is even more

unbearable.”

“Stud horse? What does that mean?” This was Ji Liu Xia's first time hearing this phrase, so she curiously asked.

Ji Liu Feng although never heard of it before, he more or less could guess the meaning.

“That Ren w.a.n.g already has a pile of concubines, everyday sowing his seeds everywhere, if that is not a stud horse,

what is?” Du Xiao Li explained, “Alright, big brother Liu Feng, let's not talk about unhappy things today, else I'll

have Silver bite you!”

“Really can't win you!” Ji Liu Feng helplessly looked to Du Xiao Li and asked, “Where's that Han Ming Hong? Did

he get beat up by Prime Minister Du?”

“Since I agreed, what can my father still say. As for that stud horse, he should be entering the palace to look for the

Empress Dowager right about now. Although he and I both agreed to breaking the engagement, it's still a decree

pa.s.sed by the Empress Dowager after all. He went to go explain himself to the Empress Dowager, and also probably

ask for a decree to marry my second sister while he's at it.” Du Xiao Li guessed.

“What?!” This time, both Ji Liu Feng and Ji Liu Xia cried out in surprised. Du Xiao Li scratched her ear and went to

go play with Silver.

Chapter 63.4 – Reunion (4)

T/N: Chapter sponsored by Anon! Thank you for sponsoring!

Just as Du Xiao Li said, at the moment, Han Ming Hong had already reached the imperial palace, directly heading

to Shouyang Hall, where the Empress Dowager resided. Arriving at the main hall, and before entering, he heard the

sound of laughter coming from inside.

“This son greets imperial mother.” After entering, Han Ming Hong brushed his clothes and bowed to the Empress

Dowager.

“Hong'er has come.” The Empress Dowager, Zhong Li Ya, looked to Han Ming Hong and said, “Quickly get up,

why did you all decide to come see this grieving one* today. Someone come, quickly get Ming Hong a seat.”

(T/N: Self-address of the empress dowager is 'aijia' which translates to 'this grieving one', because she's supposed to

be grieving for the late emperor.)

Han Ming Hong got up and saw that the Emperor Han Ming Ze, the Empress, Han Ming Yi, and also Han Ming

Xiang were all present. Soon after, he immediately bowed to the Emperor and Empress as well, only getting up after

receiving the Emperor's permission, and sat down on the seat that was prepared just now.

“Hong'er, did you come for something today?” Zhong Li Ya looked to Han Ming Hong and said.

“Imperial mother, this son had gone to Prime Minister Du's home earlier.” Han Ming Hong said, “And then, gave Du

Xiao Li an engagement breaking letter.”

“What did you say?”

“Imperial mother, this son has dissolved the engagement with Du Xiao Li of my own accord.” Han Ming Hong got

up and knelt down.

“Preposterous!” The Empress Dowager slammed her hand on the armrest at once as she berated.

“Imperial mother, in the beginning, the target of the marriage decree never was Du Xiao Li, why should this son

marry her?” Han Ming Hong, seeing the Empress Dowager get angry, instantly cowered. He then took a deep breath

and continued, “In the beginning, the engagement was with Ke Xin, just at the time, we didn't know about Du Xiao

Li's existence, so it was said as the Du family's di daughter. Now that Du Xiao Li has returned, why have this son

matched together with a countryside girl? The one this son wants to marry is Ke Xin, not Du Xiao Li. That's why

today this son went to have the engagement breaking letter delivered.”

“Are you treating this grieving one's words as a joke?” The Empress Dowager angrily said.

“Imperial mother, you don't want this son's main consort to be a talentless and virtueless countryside girl either,

right?” Han Ming Hong said.

“Imperial mother, don't be angry, Ren w.a.n.g must have his own reasoning.” At this time, the Emperor spoke.

Afterwards, he turned to Han Ming Hong and asked, “How do you know the other party is a talentless and virtueless

person? Have you interacted with her before?”

“Although I haven't interacted with her before, a few days ago, when Ke Xin invited everyone to Feng Xue Lou,

many people all saw her. That day Changle also went, right?” Han Ming Hong said.

“Oh? Imperial sister also went?” Han Ming Ze asked.

“Yes.” Han Ming Xiang nodded.

“Then is what they say true? Is she really like what old four says?” The Empress asked.

“That day, we certainly did play a game, by spinning a teacup on the table, and whoever the teacup stops in front of

will have to perform something. When it stopped in front of Xiao Li, she only sang a song without accompaniment.”

Han Ming Xiang replied.

Han Ming Yi sat in his seat and didn't say a word the entire time. Only when Han Ming Xiang spoke did he lift his

eyes to glance at her, following which he lowered his head again, playing with the teacup in hand, but his attention

was clearly not on his hands.

“Imperial mother, see, even Changle says so. How can this kind of girl be the main consort of the Ren w.a.n.g

Manor.” Han Ming Hong looked to the Empress Dowager in grievance, “Moreover, Du Xiao Li has already

accepted the engagement breaking letter.”

(T/N: d.a.m.n, I didn't think one song can cause this big of a scandal, this is like the funniest 'reputation ruiner' I've

ever read in any cnovel. Sing one song and bye bye reputation.)

The teacup in Han Ming Yi's hand stopped spinning.

“She accepted?” The Empress Dowager was still very angry, but she'd obviously calmed down quite a bit already.

“Yes.” Han Ming Hong nodded.

“Imperial mother, the letter I've already written, and she's also accepted. Since it's already like this, don't be angry

anymore.” Han Ming Hong said.

“But you were also too reckless! What kind of position are you putting Prime Minister Du in like this?” The

Empress Dowager said.

“When Du Xiao Li accepted the letter, Prime Minister Du was also present. This son promised him to marry Ke Xin.

This doesn't really affect him that much either. Imperial mother, just bestow a marriage for this son and Ke Xin!”

Han Ming Hong said.

“Nonsense, you breaking off your engagement with Du Xiao Li is already making others laugh at you. If this

grieving one were to pa.s.s a decree again to engage you and Ke Xin, what will Prime Minister Du think? What will

the people of the world think of our imperial family?”

“Imperial mother, no matter what, I want to marry Ke Xin. Once she reaches marriageable age, I will marry her.”

Han Ming Hong said.

“Right now, this isn't something you can decide!” The Empress Dowager directly picked up the teacup on the table

and threw it at Han Ming Hong in anger, hitting him straight in the forehead. Instantly, the blood rushed forth,

flowing down along his cheek.

“Imperial mother, please quell your anger.”

“Empress Dowager, please quell your anger.”

“Someone, quickly summon an imperial physician.”

Momentarily, the room broke out in clamor. On one hand, they needed to worry about the Empress Dowager's

mood, and on the other hand, needed to let the imperial physician bandage Han Ming Hong's wound. After the

imperial physician finished treating Han Ming Hong's wound, the room finally settled down again.

The Empress Dowager angrily looked Han Ming Hong, who had a white gauze wrapped around his head. When her

eyes landed on the dark red area of the wound, her gaze softened a bit.

“No matter what, this grieving one won't decree a marriage for you and Ke Xin again. You cancelling the

engagement on your own will already make the commoners of the world laugh at our imperial family. If we were to

then abandon the di and marry the shu, our imperial family's face, do you still want or not?!”

Han Ming Hong didn't speak and just stubbornly knelt on the ground.

“Imperial mother, don't be angry anymore, careful not to harm your body from anger.” The Empress softly said.

“Hmph, how I see it, he probably wants to anger this grieving one to death, so that he can do whatever he pleases!”

The Empress Dowager angrily said.

“This son doesn't dare!” Han Ming Hong heavily kowtowed his head to the ground.

“Imperial mother, calm your anger, Ming Hong's thoughts, we all understand. He's always viewed his feelings rather

seriously and has been waiting to marry Du Ke Xin. But with the sudden appearance of Du Xiao Li, for him to do

something like this, it is also within reason.”

“You're still helping him talk! Just look at the foolish thing he did!”

“Imperial mother, it's not like this matter can't be resolved.” The Emperor said.

“What method do you have?” The Empress Dowager asked.

“Since Ming Hong and Du Xiao Li's engagement is already broken now, and he's also insisting on marrying Du Ke

Xin, why don't we just bestow another marriage for Du Xiao Li.” The Emperor replied.

“Bestow another marriage?”