Starting in Exile: Transmigrated as the Crown Prince's Lucky Little Wife

Chapter 141 Court Turmoil, Xiao Jingchuan's Decisive Actions

In the royal garden of the Nanzhao Kingdom, sunlight filters through the leaves, casting dappled shadows and adding a touch of vibrancy to this tranquil scene. A gentle breeze carries the fragrance of flowers, attracting butterflies to flutter about.

Xiao Han and Mu Qingling strolled hand in hand along the garden path. Although the years had etched their marks on their faces, their eyes were filled with love and happiness.

Today, they specially brought their beloved grandson Xiaoyi and granddaughter Xiaoyao to this Imperial Garden to enjoy this hard-won family time together.

Xiao Yi and Xiao Yao were seen holding hands tightly, like two lively and adorable little deer, skipping and jumping happily in front of them.

Xiao Yi and Xiao Yao were wearing blue brocade robes. The brocade was smooth and delicate, and it was embroidered with exquisite patterns, making it look exceptionally gorgeous.

A jade pendant, smooth and lustrous, hung from his waist, jingling melodiously with his movements. Xiao Yi and Xiao Yao's bright, expressive eyes sparkled with boundless curiosity about this new world.

He would sometimes stop and carefully examine the colorful exotic flowers and plants by the roadside; at other times he would excitedly turn around and eagerly report his "new discovery" to his grandfather and grandmother behind him.

Xiao Yao wore a pink silk dress with delicate flowers embroidered on the hem. Her hair was styled into two small buns, each adorned with a pretty hairpin, making her look like a little fairy who had stepped out of a painting. Her laughter was clear and melodious, echoing in the garden like silver bells.

"Grandpa, Grandma, come and see! This flower is so beautiful!" Xiao Yao stood in front of a cluster of blooming peonies and waved excitedly.

Xiao Han and Mu Qingling walked over quickly. Xiao Han bent down slightly, looked carefully at the peony, and said with a smile, "Xiao Yao has a good eye. This is the most beautiful peony in our Imperial Garden, just like our Xiao Yao."

Xiao Yao blushed upon hearing this and happily hugged Mu Qingling's neck: "Grandma, Grandpa said I'm pretty!" Mu Qingling gently stroked Xiao Yao's head, her eyes full of affection: "Our Xiao Yao is naturally pretty, and she's also very well-behaved and sensible."

Xiao Yi and Xiao Yao ran over at this moment. He was holding a big leaf in his hand and said excitedly, "Grandpa, look at this leaf, doesn't it look like a sword?"

Xiao Han took the leaf and pretended to wave it a few times, making Xiao Yi and Xiao Yao laugh out loud: "It's just like it, so much like it! Our Xiao Yi and Xiao Yao will definitely be brave little heroes in the future."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yi and Xiao Yao puffed out their chests proudly, saying, "We will protect Grandpa, Grandma, and my little sister from now on!"

Before long, they arrived at the small lake in the garden.

The lake water was crystal clear, and fish swam freely in it. Xiao Yao squatted by the lake, watching the fish in the water with curiosity. She reached out her little hand to touch them, but was afraid of startling them.

Mu Qingling gently reminded her from the side, "Xiao Yao, be careful not to fall into the water." Xiao Yao nodded obediently, but her eyes remained fixed on the fish.

Xiao Han then picked up a small pebble and taught Xiao Yi and Xiao Yao how to skip stones. "Come on, Xiao Yi and Xiao Yao, throw the pebble at an angle like Grandpa does."

As Xiao Han spoke, he demonstrated, with pebbles leaping on the water's surface and creating a series of ripples.

Xiao Yi and Xiao Yao imitated their grandfather, throwing the pebble with all their might. The pebble bounced only once before sinking into the water. He was a little disappointed, but he quickly cheered up and tried again.

With Xiao Han's patient guidance, Xiao Yi and Xiao Yao finally succeeded in skipping several stones on the water. He jumped up excitedly, "Grandpa, look, I did it!" Xiao Han smiled and clapped, "Xiao Yi and Xiao Yao are really amazing, they learn so quickly!"

Tired from playing, they sat down in the pavilion by the lake. Mu Qingling took some snacks and tea from the maid and handed them to the two children: "Come on, Xiao Yi, Xiao Yao, Xiao Yao, have some snacks and water, and rest for a while."

Xiao Yao picked up a piece of pastry, took a bite, and said with satisfaction, "Grandma, this pastry is so delicious!" Mu Qingling smiled and said, "If you like it, eat more. This was specially made for you by the Imperial Kitchen."

While eating snacks, Xiao Yi and Xiao Yao asked, "Grandpa, can you tell us a story?"

Xiao Han smiled and nodded, "Okay, Grandpa will tell you a story about a hero." Then, Xiao Han vividly recounted the legendary deeds of an ancient hero. Xiao Yi and Xiao Yao listened with great interest, their eyes fixed on Xiao Han, sometimes tense, sometimes excited.

After finishing the story, Xiao Yao leaned against Mu Qingling's chest, yawned, and seemed a little sleepy.

Mu Qingling gently patted her back and hummed a soft lullaby. Xiao Yao's eyelids grew heavier and heavier, and soon she drifted off into a sweet dream.

Xiao Yi and Xiao Yao, seeing their younger sister fast asleep, quieted down and nestled beside Xiao Han, listening to their grandfather recount interesting stories from the palace.

As the sun gradually set in the west, the sky was painted with a magnificent sunset, and the Imperial Garden appeared even more beautiful in the afterglow.

Xiao Han and Mu Qingling looked at the sleeping Xiao Yao and the attentive Xiao Yi and Xiao Yao listening to the story, their hearts filled with happiness. At this moment, they forgot the complicated affairs of the palace and were only immersed in this warm time between grandparents and grandchildren.

After a while, the maidservant gently reminded them, "Your Majesty, Your Majesty the Empress Dowager, it's getting late. It's time to send the young prince and princess back to rest."

Xiao Han and Mu Qingling then came to their senses. They gently woke Xiao Yao and took the two children away from the Imperial Garden. Along the way, although Xiao Yi and Xiao Yao were still a little sleepy, they held tightly to the hands of the Emperor Emeritus and the Empress Dowager, as if reluctant to let this beautiful time end.

After returning to the palace, Xiao Han and Mu Qingling watched as the two children lay down on the bed under the care of the maids, covered them with blankets, and then quietly left the room.

They stood at the door, gazing at their sleeping child, reluctant to leave for a long time.

"Time flies, the children are already two years old."

"Yes," Mu Qingling said with emotion. Xiao Han gently took her hand and said, "Looking at them is like seeing our past. I hope they can continue to grow up happily like this."

Inside Xianfu Palace, the flickering candlelight cast a warm yellow glow over the room. On the carved wooden bed, Xiao Jingchuan and Gu Liuli lay side by side.

A soft quilt was gently draped over them, and Gu Liuli's hand tenderly stroked her slightly protruding belly, where the fruit of their love was growing.

Xiao Jingchuan lay on his side, gently supporting his head with one hand, gazing lovingly at Gu Liuli, and whispered, "Liuli, thank you for being with me." His voice was deep and gentle, filled with gratitude and affection.

Gu Liuli smiled slightly and asked softly, "Did the ministers ask you to take more concubines during the morning court session?" Her eyes held a hint of curiosity and a touch of teasing.

Xiao Jingchuan nodded helplessly, then said firmly, "I promised you, one love for life, one partner." His tone was resolute, as if he were declaring his promise to Gu Liuli to the whole world.

The next day, the atmosphere in the imperial court was solemn and dignified. The ministers, dressed in their court robes, stood in neat rows.

A young minister, dressed in a dark purple court robe, stepped forward with a solemn expression.

He held the tablet in both hands, bowed slightly, and spoke in a loud but earnest voice: "Your Majesty, our Nanzhao Kingdom is now peaceful and prosperous. However, the matter of royal offspring is related to the succession of the nation. His Highness the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess have been married for a long time. Although the Crown Princess is currently pregnant, in order to ensure the prosperity of the royal bloodline, I humbly request Your Majesty to advise His Highness to take more concubines and have more children."

Upon hearing this, a murmur of discussion arose in the court, with some ministers nodding in agreement.

This time, a minister named Zhou Yuan, his face flushed and excited, stepped forward, his scepter trembling slightly from the force. "Your Majesty, please forgive my bluntness! The matter concerning the expansion of the imperial concubines a few days ago, I believe, has not been properly resolved. Although the Crown Princess is pregnant with the Emperor's child, matters of the royal family must be handled with utmost care." His voice, tinged with urgency, echoed through the court.

Xiao Jingchuan's face instantly darkened, a hint of displeasure flashing in his eyes. He stared intently at Zhou Yuan, his tone icy: "Lord Zhou, the Emperor Emeritus and I have already made this matter very clear. Why do you insist on bringing it up again?"

Zhou Yuan knelt down with a thud, tears streaming down his face, and said, "Your Majesty, I am utterly loyal to the royal family and have no intention of offending them. However, the royal bloodline is crucial to the foundation of the nation. What if something were to happen to the Crown Princess's heir? What would become of the country? I implore Your Majesty to reconsider!"

These words sparked another round of discussion in the court. Some ministers looked troubled, clearly worried about Zhou Yuan's bold suggestion; while others nodded slightly, seemingly swayed by Zhou Yuan's words.

Xiao Jingchuan slowly stood up, exuding an aura of authority, and the entire court fell silent instantly.

“Zhou Yuan,” Xiao Jingchuan said, enunciating each word clearly, “you keep saying you’re doing this for the sake of the country, but have you ever thought about the hurt your words have caused the Crown Princess and me? The Crown Princess and I have a deep affection for each other, and I will not easily change my promise of a lifetime of devotion to one another.”

Zhou Yuan remained unmoved and continued, "Your Majesty, while personal feelings are important, as the ruler of a nation, you should prioritize the well-being of the people. Having many concubines and producing many princes is for the sake of the Nanzhao Kingdom's long-term prosperity!"

Xiao Jingchuan laughed angrily: "What a fine excuse for the eternal prosperity of the Nanzhao Kingdom! I ask you, if I neglect the Crown Princess and cause her heartache for the sake of the so-called royal bloodline, is this what you consider the behavior of a wise ruler? If my harem is constantly embroiled in strife because of this, what good will it do for the country?"

Zhou Yuan wanted to argue, but Xiao Jingchuan gave him no chance. "Enough!" Xiao Jingchuan's voice rose eight octaves. "I have stated my position many times, yet you remain stubborn and openly challenge my authority. Guards, drag Zhou Yuan away and give him twenty strokes of the cane as a warning to others!"

Several guards immediately stepped forward, grabbed Zhou Yuan, and dragged him away. Zhou Yuan struggled and cried out, "Your Majesty, I am innocent! I have devoted myself to the country, why punish me..."

Upon seeing this, the ministers in the court all knelt down, not daring to utter a sound.

Xiao Jingchuan surveyed the crowd, his tone stern: "I hope all of you ministers understand that although I am young, I am by no means a foolish ruler. I govern the country with wisdom and strategy, and with the concerted efforts of all of you ministers, not with more princes. From now on, if anyone dares to disregard my decrees and arbitrarily interfere in my family affairs, Zhou Yuan will suffer the same fate!"

The retired emperor nestled in Mu Qingling's room, listening to the servants report on the affairs of the court. He nodded slightly as he listened to his son's decisive manner, his eyes filled with satisfaction.

He knew that Xiao Jingchuan had grown into a responsible and opinionated monarch.