There are always some special experiences in a person's life, such as buying a treehouse to fulfill filial duties toward the retired emperor.
How dare he even mention the words "filial duties"?!
The spy looked ashen-faced at the two people before him, already envisioning where his grave would be dug—after all, this amounted to treason and rebellion.
Unexpectedly, after disdainfully dismissing His Majesty's token, the two didn't press the matter further. The retired emperor turned away to cook, while Mingyi sat down in a chair and continued questioning him: "What happened that made him come looking for us?"
Both had gentle demeanors, nothing like the tyrannical figures of legend. Grateful, the spy answered every question: "The dense fog around the Azure Cloud Realm has dispersed, revealing new islands. His Majesty wishes the retired emperor to lead the campaign."
Mingyi rolled her eyes upon hearing this. "Pathetic. Grown man still running to his elders when there's a fight."
"His Majesty believes only the retired emperor and Your Ladyship possess Essence Power surpassing his own."
"Bah! He hasn't sparred with anyone since ascending the throne." Mingyi scoffed. "That He boy seems perfectly capable—born with Crimson Meridians and never slacked in cultivation even after marrying our daughter. We ran into him during our visit two years ago."
From the kitchen, Ji Bozhai chimed in: "Indeed, one could tell at a glance his Essence Power was extraordinary."
The spy started, giving the pair an astonished look.
By convention, the imperial family always viewed royal sons-in-law with suspicion. For a consort to continue rigorous cultivation carried implications of ambition. Why weren't they angered but instead seemed approving?
Mingyi even stood to draft a letter while muttering: "If Mingcheng can't handle a dozen old ministers objecting to Commander He's appointment, then his throne is wasted."
Cold sweat dripped down the spy's forehead. "Your Ladyship, granting the royal consort military authority truly poses... certain risks to the dynasty."
Human nature was fickle. Though the consort had remained devoted to the princess all these years, bestowing such power—what if he succumbed to temptation?
"You think he covets such things?" Mingyi chuckled while writing. "When he came begging for the marriage, I offered him a marshal's position in exchange. He didn't even glance at the Military Tally."
Fourteen thousand troops—enough to establish his own domain or wed fairer, nobler maidens. Yet He Jianghe hadn't batted an eye, merely stating coldly: "With my abilities, high rank and wealth would take but a year or two of effort at court. What I seek today is what years of striving might never obtain."
Chang Le's indifference had left him no choice but to secure the match first and plan later.
For this, the He elders had lashed him thirty times and confined him in the ancestral hall for two days.
Emerging, He Jianghe had repeated: "I only ask my parents not to make things difficult for Chang Le hereafter."
Mingyi understood the He family's position—what kin would willingly see their Crimson Meridian descendant shackled as a royal consort with dim prospects? Yet He Jianghe never regretted it. During their encounter two years prior, walking the Palace road beside Chang Le, his entire bearing had radiated tenderness.
Having once been constrained by status herself, Mingyi saw no need to bind He Jianghe with the consort's limitations. That man belonged on the battlefield by nature.The spy saw her mind was made up and couldn't help but glance at the retired emperor in the kitchen.
The retired emperor came out with freshly cooked meat and raised an eyebrow at him. "Why look at me? Our lady calls the shots here."
The spy: "..."
If not for recognizing the token, he would have doubted he'd come to the wrong place. Was this really the same Ji Bozhai rumored to be vicious and tyrannical?
Ji Bozhai took one look at his expression and snorted. "Remember this—a real man's ferocity should be directed outward. Those who bully their own are rarely worth anything."
It sounded reasonable, but somehow it also felt like a jab at Patrol Inspector Li.
Back then, some said Princess Chang Le had favored Patrol Inspector Li the most, even going so far as to secure him an official position as an exception. Yet all these years later, Patrol Inspector Li remained just that—Patrol Inspector Li, without a single promotion. If not for Chang Le's sake, he might not even have kept his current post.
Last year, Patrol Inspector Li married a slightly plump girl. Rumors said he was strict with his wife—cold looks if the food wasn't to his liking, cold looks if the clothes weren't finely made. But outside, he was usually humble and obedient, never showing displeasure to anyone.
When the spy heard these stories, he thought it was normal. Men were just like that.
But now, after the retired emperor's words, he suddenly felt Patrol Inspector Li was rather pathetic—not half as impressive as the current consort.
"On your way back, take this to Chang Le for me," Mingyi said, handing him a letter along with a packet of seeds. "Tell her to plant them."
"Yes." Professionalism kept him from asking why. He respectfully took the letter and seeds and swiftly returned to the Palace City.
Chang Le was staring blankly at He Jianghe's profile.
He Jianghe had grown even more handsome, his already striking features now radiant and dignified, gilded by the sunset like a celestial being.
He was absorbed in reading the letter in his hands and hadn't noticed her gaze, so she indulged herself freely.
After being married for so long, she had grown accustomed to being woken every morning by him pinching her nose, to eating, strolling, and practicing together. Yet for some reason, it was only recently that she belatedly realized how extraordinarily good-looking He Jianghe was—often to the point of losing herself in staring.
Fortunately, he was the type to zone out when reading, so he wouldn't suddenly look up and catch her in such an embarrassing state.
Chang Le covered her mouth to stifle a giggle.
The maid beside her, noticing the consort's faintly curved lips, wanted to remind the princess—who reads a letter without ever turning the page? But she didn't dare. The consort had a habit of sending maids away, and she didn't want to be dismissed.
Only when Chang Le had her fill of looking did He Jianghe finally snap out of his daze, frowning as he told her, "Your mother wants me to lead the army."
Chang Le hummed. "That's fine."
He Jianghe's face darkened. "If I lead the campaign, I won't see you for a long time. And you think that's fine?"
"It's a matter of state. What can we do? You'll come back eventually."
The romantic atmosphere vanished instantly. A cold breeze swept through, making Chang Le shiver. She glanced around, puzzled. "It's only August—why is the wind so chilly already?"
He Jianghe said nothing, picking up the letter and leaving.
"Eh?" Chang Le belatedly turned to her maid. "Was he... angry?"The head maid sighed deeply, "Your Highness, you and the consort are husband and wife. When facing separation, you should at least show some sorrow. Being so indifferent, the consort will surely think you don't care for him at all. How could he not be angry?"