"Did you all hear what the national teacher just said?"
"Come on. If we can't hear it even when we're this close, are we deaf?"
"However, it's the first time that a marriage has been proposed between the national teacher and the empress dowager. Why would the national teacher suddenly make such an outrageous request? Where does this put the empress dowager's status? And where does it put the emperor? This is simply absurd."
"Is the national teacher still half - asleep today? Otherwise, he wouldn't have said such crazy things."
For the first time, everyone in the court didn't split into different factions but stood on the same front.
However, they were also on the opposite side of the two people and strongly opposed the idea.
The man calmly blocked those unfriendly looks.
He coldly scanned everyone in the grand hall and then left the choice to the person sitting on the high throne.
"Does Your Majesty think the same as these mediocre men?"
The young emperor twitched the corner of his mouth slightly. In fact, after all these things, he could see clearly. Back then, his father had almost imprisoned his mother in the harem. Their marriage was just for power.
His mother was like a widow in the harem, not getting her husband's love but suffering from coldness instead.
However, he couldn't ignore the opposition from the court officials below.
As a monarch, he knew how important the opinions of these officials were.
"Dear ministers, please think it over carefully before speaking."
The hint in his words was obvious, which made all the court officials stunned.
Could it be that the emperor had already agreed to the national teacher's proposal? If so, where would the common people of the world stand?
They thought about it and said it out. The young emperor sat on the high throne unmoved.
But the man couldn't stand listening to what these people were saying.
"Enough! You people can only talk big. When it really comes to taking action, you all shrink back like turtles. It's really eye - opening for this national teacher. Rather than being like you, I might as well give up this position. From now on, if there's any war, please solve it by yourselves."
He flicked his sleeves and left. This time, Shi Muyuan didn't stay either.
Since the two main characters had left, it didn't make any sense for others to stay.
After the court was adjourned, the young emperor couldn't wait a moment and went straight to the Palace of Longevity and Health.
He dismissed all the palace servants. Looking at the figure sitting sideways, he took the initiative to step forward.
"Mother, what do you think of today's matter?"
Hearing the voice, the young girl turned her head. She pursed her lips slightly: "Does Your Majesty think that the national teacher and I have brought shame to you?"
"Why would Mother think so?"
"Your Majesty, don't comfort me. I know that even though the empress dowager holds great power, this matter still can't be understood by others. But this time, I'm not going to be timid anymore."
The young emperor smiled and calmly sat down on one side.
"I'm very happy that Mother can pursue her own happiness. How could I stop you? Besides, it was Father who let you down. If it weren't for Father back then, you wouldn't have been a widow for so long. Now that there's finally something that makes you happy, as your son, I definitely won't stop you."
The young girl widened her eyes in surprise. The light in her eyes was undeniable.
"Does Your Majesty agree with me?"
"Of course. But has Mother ever thought that if you insist on this path, you may have to pay a heavier price than ordinary people."
Shi Muyuan hooked her lips and didn't take this matter to heart at all.
"I've lived for others for too long. I don't want to go on like this anymore. Now, as long as I look up, I can see the light. Why don't I look up?"
"Even if it means giving up your position?"
"Your Highness, you're wrong. I've never been greedy for the power in the palace. Father and the others will also whole - heartedly serve you. I'm just a bond to help you stabilize the country. That's what your father thought back then. Now, the country is safe and sound. Mother is content. As long as you close relatives can support me, I'll have no regrets even if I die."
"It won't be that serious. Sister, since you've already made up your mind, we'll just cooperate with you."
The young girl suddenly turned her head and met the eyes of several people at the door.
When she saw that all her relatives had come, she was a little surprised. But when she saw her father, her eyes still dodged a little.
"Why did you suddenly come into the palace?"
"Such a big thing has happened. Of course, we can't just sit back and do nothing. Moreover, Father also has a lot to tell you."
Duke Shi was really too embarrassed. He hid behind his son.
"Just tell your sister what you want to say. Why drag your old man into it?"
Shi An curved his lips and stepped aside.
"Since Father has something to tell Sister, it's more sincere for you to say it."
"Good for you, you little brat. I'll deal with you when we get home."
This harmonious atmosphere made Shi Muyuan a little touched.
She took the initiative to speak and called out to her nominal father.
"Father, if you have something to say, just say it directly."
Duke Shi blushed slightly at the ears and shyly turned his head.
"I've heard what happened in the court. At first, I thought you were forced, and I wanted to avenge you. Now it seems that's not necessary."
Shi Muyuan was extremely touched. This nominal father, no, now he was her real father.
After going through so many things, Shi Muyuan had completely accepted all the people around the original owner.
On the surface, this duke was greedy for power and was even willing to sacrifice his daughter's life for it. But only their relatives knew.
The duke just wanted to protect the whole family. What he did back then was all out of necessity. Now he just wanted his children to be safe and happy. Otherwise, he wouldn't have given up all his power again and again for his daughter's safety.
"If Father had known that the late emperor would treat you like that, he definitely wouldn't have made such a decision. He would rather the Shi family just be a small noble family..."
Before he could finish his words, he was interrupted by the young girl.
"Father, you've done enough for this family and for me. I've never blamed you for sending me into the harem."
At this moment, the mighty Duke Shi shed tears, which made the people around him unable to bear to watch.
Shi An pushed his father aside: "We're here today to discuss how to make Sister happy. Father crying here like this, what's that? Quickly hold back your tears. Just from the fact that the national teacher has saved Sister from death so many times, we can see that he's actually a person worthy of Sister's trust for life."
With the eldest young master's mediation, smiles gradually appeared on everyone's faces.
"Yes, the national teacher is really good to Sister. It's just that those old - fashioned people are too pedantic."