The imperial capital, Royal Palace.
Bai Li Xi, having returned to the palace, had changed back into his imperial dragon robes and now sat behind the dragon desk, preparing to review the memorials submitted by his ministers over the past few days.
"Your Majesty, the Empress of the Eastern Palace requests an audience," came the voice of an elderly eunuch from outside.
"Let her in," Bai Li Xi said, not lifting his head as he focused on the memorial in front of him.
The Empress of the Eastern Palace was none other than Bai Li Mo Xue’s mother, the legitimate daughter of the Summer Clan from Tongshan.
"Your consort pays her respects to Your Majesty," a stately and elegant woman in a phoenix robe entered the royal study with measured steps, bowing deeply in deference.
"Take a seat," Bai Li Xi said flatly, still engrossed in his work.
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
The Empress took her seat to the side, her gaze lingering on the emperor as he continued to read. After a long silence, she finally spoke, her tone soft and measured.
"Has Xue’er returned yet?"
At this, Bai Li Xi’s brow furrowed slightly.
Had his trip to the Yun Cang Yun Clan, disguised and incognito with his daughter, been discovered?
"What do you mean? Isn’t Xue’er in her chambers, focused on her cultivation?"
"But when I visited her quarters a few days ago, the eunuchs and maids told me she wasn’t there."
"She must have gone out to relax and enjoy herself," Bai Li Xi replied, his tone unchanged.
"Why do you ask?"
"It is about this: my family’s patriarch intends to arrange a marriage between Xue’er and Wang Li Yuan of the Yulin Wang Clan.
I have inquired about Wang Li Yuan—he is the first prodigy of the Wang Clan, extraordinarily talented, and has already comprehended sword intent at a young age. He will soon enter the Qi Refining stage.
He is an exceptional young man.
I’ve come to inform Your Majesty, hoping you will approve of this marriage," the Empress explained, her voice calm but with a hint of expectation.
"I’m afraid that would not be appropriate," Bai Li Xi responded evenly, placing the memorial he had just reviewed neatly to the side.
Marry Xue’er to the Wang Clan, making them imperial in-laws?
The Three Great Families and Seven Clans were already ambitious and dangerous enough—how could he allow them to grow stronger?
His palace and court were already riddled with their influence. Letting them infiltrate further would be folly.
"What is inappropriate about it?"
"Wang Li Yuan is more than worthy of Xue’er, and with the Wang Clan as imperial relatives, Your Majesty’s reign would be even more secure."
"There’s no need to discuss this further. I’ve said it’s inappropriate, and so it is!"
The Empress’s composed expression faltered slightly at Bai Li Xi’s blunt refusal.
"My family’s patriarch has already privately discussed this matter with the Wang Clan’s patriarch.
If Your Majesty refuses, it would offend both my family’s patriarch and the Wang Clan.
In the future..."
Her voice was gentle, but her words carried a veiled threat as she gazed at Bai Li Xi.
"Are you threatening me?"
Bai Li Xi’s eyes turned cold, his tone sharpening as an icy chill filled the room.
"Your consort wouldn’t dare," she replied, bowing her head quickly.
"Hmph! You had better not!
As long as my patriarch and I remain, this kingdom will bear the name Bai Li!
In this palace, major decisions are for me to make, not your family’s patriarch.
Xue’er is my daughter. I will decide whom she marries, not anyone else.
Return and tell your patriarch to keep his hands out of palace affairs. The marriage decisions of imperial sons and daughters are not his to dictate!"
Bai Li Xi’s earlier good mood from his visit to the Yun Cang Yun Clan had entirely dissipated. His expression was one of cold fury as he glared at the Empress, his frustration palpable.
"Your Majesty, Xue’er is also my daughter. She is a part of me—her marriage is something I should have a say in!"
Despite the emperor’s anger, the Empress showed little fear. She stood firm, her voice resolute.
"Fine. Since you’ve put it this way, this matter will no longer be for either of us to decide.
Xue’er will decide for herself whether she wishes to marry."
"Agreed," the Empress replied, nodding slightly.
"Grand Eunuch Wei."
"Your servant is here. What are Your Majesty’s orders?"
"Summon the Seventh Princess to the royal study. Tell her I wish to see her."
"Your servant will go at once," the elderly eunuch replied, bowing before hurrying off to carry out the emperor’s orders.
The atmosphere in the royal study turned heavy, the silence stretching like a dense fog.
After a while, Bai Li Mo Xue arrived, having been summoned by her father. Entering the room, she immediately bowed respectfully to her parents.
"Xue’er."
The Empress’s expression softened the moment she saw her daughter. She approached her, gently caressing her cheek. "You’ve been so focused on your cultivation lately—you look thinner."
"It’s nothing. The servants have been taking good care of me," Bai Li Mo Xue replied with a faint smile before turning to her father.
"Father, why have you summoned me so suddenly? Is there something important?"
"Ask your mother," Bai Li Xi replied tersely, not looking up.
Bai Li Mo Xue glanced at her mother, her expression puzzled.
"Your grandmother intends to arrange a marriage between you and Wang Li Yuan of the Yulin Wang Clan.
He’s an exceptional young man—talented, virtuous, and backed by the powerful Wang Clan.
Tell me, Xue’er, would you agree to such a match?" the Empress asked with a light smile.
Hearing her mother’s words and seeing the stern look on her father’s face, Bai Li Mo Xue quickly pieced together the situation.
"Mother, I wish to focus on my cultivation. I have no interest in matters of romance," she said firmly.
At her words, Bai Li Xi, seated at the head of the room, let out an imperceptible sigh of relief. Stay connected with Freewebnovel
However, the Empress frowned slightly. "Xue’er, romance and cultivation are not mutually exclusive."
"My mind is made up, Mother. Please respect my decision," Bai Li Mo Xue replied, stepping back and bowing deeply.
"Xue’er, you..."
The Empress was clearly displeased, but seeing her daughter’s resolve, she held back her temper.
"Very well. For now, we will set the matter aside. I’ve heard the Hundred Clans Assembly is approaching.
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Wang Li Yuan will be there as well. Perhaps, when you meet him in person, you’ll change your mind."
Bai Li Mo Xue said nothing in response.
Instead, her thoughts drifted to another face—Yun Yan Tian. She remembered the ease and joy of her time with the younger generation of the Yun Cang Yun Clan, the lively warmth of their gathering.
"Your Majesty, I shall take my leave," the Empress said, realizing it would be unwise to push her daughter further on the matter. She gracefully departed the study.
"Father..."
"There’s no need to say more. This decision is yours to make.
For now, focus on your cultivation and prepare for the upcoming Hundred Clans Assembly. I have many other matters to attend to," Bai Li Xi said, his tone softening slightly.
"Understood, Father. I’ll take my leave," Bai Li Mo Xue said, bowing again before exiting the room.
Outside the royal study, the Empress’s expression darkened.
"The Emperor and Xue’er have both been absent from the palace recently. Where exactly did they go?"
She turned to a maid standing by her side—a plain-looking woman with a sword on her back, her demeanor calm and collected.
The maid, a rogue cultivator in service to the Summer Clan, bowed. "Your servant conducted an investigation, but the Emperor’s movements are tightly guarded. We were unable to uncover any details."
"The Emperor’s strong opposition to this marriage suggests there’s more to this than we know. Send a message to the family. Have them investigate further," the Empress ordered, her narrow eyes glinting with a cold light.
"As you command."
Yunzhang County, Yun Clan Estate.
"For this trip to the Hundred Clans Assembly, you must give it your all. Winning or losing doesn’t matter as much as bringing home a daughter-in-law for me!"
Standing beside the carriage, Yun Yun Yue offered a stream of instructions to Yun Yan Tian, his tone both encouraging and teasing.
"Father, I understand," Yun Yan Tian replied, looking thoroughly embarrassed.
"Shuang’er, you must help your elder brother. Win over your future sister-in-law if you can!"
"Don’t worry, Second Uncle. I’ll do my best," Yun Yan Shuang said with a mischievous smile.
"And Yan Shui, your elder brother isn’t great with words when it comes to matters of the heart.
You’re thick-skinned—use that to your advantage. Go with your uncle to the assembly, learn from him, and help your brother court his future wife," Yun Yun Yue instructed.
"Rest assured, Second Uncle. I’ll ensure we bring back a beautiful daughter-in-law for you. Who knows? At this rate, you might even have a grandchild soon!"
"Haha! Good! If you succeed, Second Uncle will treat you to the finest food and wine!"
The family burst into laughter, the lively exchange setting a warm tone as the group prepared for the journey ahead.