CHAPTER 651: CHAPTER 638: THE DOOMED PRINCESS 6

Emperor Xiande, though he had come to terms with the situation, still felt some discontent in his heart.

After all, the delicate flower he had nurtured for many years was about to bloom, and now it was to be taken away pot and all by someone else, which was certainly hard for Emperor Xiande to bear.

It would have been one thing if the person taking her away was a talented and handsome young man, but it was intolerable that a fool would be the one.

But what could be done?

After all, a father can hardly go against his daughter’s wishes; if she has taken a fancy to someone, he would have to agree.

Emperor Xiande couldn’t blame his daughter, so would he blame a simpleton instead?

Emperor Xiande ordered the eunuch to deliver a royal decree to the Xue Family, summoning Xue He to the palace.

Mr. Xue was now bedridden with illness, aware that his time was running out.

His only worry was that after he passed away, no one would protect his foolish grandson.

Mr. Xue had always been strong and assertive, but the children he had brought into this world were somewhat disappointing, except for his eldest son who was quite promising and a kind man. Yet, as they say, good people don’t always have long lives; he passed away early. Not long after giving birth to Xue He, his eldest daughter-in-law also passed away.

Over the years, Mr. Xue had always looked after Xue He, out of fear that his other sons would harbor dark intentions towards his grandson.

But being a courtier who had to attend court and deal with numerous official duties, he could not always keep an eye on him. As a result, Xue He once became the victim of a malicious act and was nearly drowned in a lake. Although he was saved, he developed a fever that night that damaged his brain, and from that time on, he was no longer as astute as before.

That made Mr. Xue even more worried; he was deeply concerned for his grandson.

While he was still alive, someone would still look after this simple grandson, but once he passed away, his sons definitely wouldn’t care for Xue He.

Even from his sickbed, Mr. Xue was planning how to secure his foolish grandson’s future.

Xue He was aware of Mr. Xue’s concern for him, and he would attend to him daily, knowing that the old man didn’t have much time left and wanting to spend as much of it with him as he could.

On this day, while Xue He was accompanying Mr. Xue, he had just brewed some medicine and was bringing the medicine bowl in.

Because he wasn’t adept at preparing medicine, Xue He was covered in soot, and even his face was smeared with black ash, making him look like a little flower cat.

Carefully, he approached with the medicine bowl, "Grandfather, it’s time for your medicine."

Mr. Xue looked into the child’s innocent eyes, feeling a sour and bitter sensation in his heart.

"Put it down over there."

Mr. Xue pointed to a table nearby. After Xue He placed the medicine bowl down, he pulled Xue He to his side and cautioned him carefully, "He’er, have you remembered all the things grandfather has told you?"

Xue He nodded, "I’ve remembered it all."

"Do you remember the residence? You must not forget it. If your grandfather is gone one day, don’t quarrel with your uncles and aunts. Whatever they say goes. You just need to keep yourself well; don’t worry about anything else. If they kick you out, just cry. If they really push you out, go to the residence grandfather told you about. It’s in a secluded place; your uncles and aunts don’t know it. Grandfather has left money and people there for you. Remember the place; you must not get lost."

Xue He obediently nodded, "Grandfather, I am smart, I remember everything, I will not get lost."

Mr. Xue smiled, "Hmm, our He’er is indeed smart."

Despite all his worries and countless admonitions, he was still not at ease. But what could he do? This was the best arrangement he could make for Xue He; he could not attend to anything else.

While Mr. Xue was full of worries, a person sent by Emperor Xiande arrived to deliver the imperial edict, stating that Xue He was to enter the palace for an audience.

Mr. Xue, unaware of why His Majesty had summoned Xue He to the palace, could only hurriedly have someone tidy Xue He up and send him to follow the man to the palace.

Xue He had to continue playing the fool, appearing somewhat slow and dazed, but he was still very obedient.

Cleaned up, he followed the young eunuch into the palace. Along the way, the young eunuch kept sizing him up.

Xue He knew exactly what was happening.

He understood why this was occurring.

He guessed that Anning must have returned, and moreover, Anning was still thinking of Xue He, which meant she must have caused a commotion with Emperor Xiande. Surely Anning was making an uproar, insisting on marrying Xue He.

Thinking of these, Xue He felt unbearably bitter.

He had followed Anning through so many lives, giving his all each time, yet Anning was never completely trustful of him. Her affection always seemed dispensable, never taking the initiative.

Yet this time, as soon as she returned, she discarded everything for Xue He - face, rules, dignity, all thrown aside just to be with Xue He in perfect harmony. This left Xue He’s heart steeped in jealousy.

Though Xue He was her lover from a previous life, he couldn’t help but feel jealous.

Following the eunuch to the entrance of Tianji Palace, the young eunuch went inside to announce their arrival, while Xue He stood at the gate looking around, his face full of curiosity.

The guards stationed at the entrance also quietly observed Xue He.

They were truly curious as they knew about the fuss Princess Anning had caused over this fool; now that he had arrived, they wanted to see just how attractive a fool could be.

And to their astonishment, they were indeed dazzled.

The fool in simple attire, yet tidily kept, stood out there alone, making one think of the phrase: singularly brilliant, without an equal in this world.

The guards thought to themselves, no wonder the Princess insisted on marrying this fool; he was extraordinarily handsome. Even if a bit foolish, it would be a pleasure to have such a sight to behold every day.

Xue He had been standing at the entrance for a long time before Emperor Xiande allowed him in.

He entered and performed the ritual prostration. As he knelt down, he felt a piercing gaze upon him. Emperor Xiande’s eyes were fixed fiercely on him, making him feel uncomfortable all over.

Xue He knelt motionless, appearing obedient and helpless.

After all, he was now considered a fool, so he showed a pitiable and helpless demeanor to see how Emperor Xiande would bully him.

Emperor Xiande actually felt guilty.

He touched his nose, thinking to himself, what’s the point of taking issue with a fool?

"Rise," said the Emperor.

Xue He quickly stood up, a smile playing on his lips, his eyes beaming at Emperor Xiande: "Your Majesty, why is there a golden dragon behind you? Such a majestic golden dragon it is."

Eh?

Even Emperor Xiande couldn’t keep a straight face.

Anyone directly praised that way would feel immensely pleased.

And besides, the praise came from a fool. Could a fool tell lies? Surely not.

"What golden dragon? Where did this dragon come from?" asked Emperor Xiande with a chuckling rebuke: "Even a little fool like you has learned how to flatter?"

"Flattery?" Xue He tilted his head, his face filled with confusion: "There are no horses here, how can I flatter a horse? I, I can’t tell lies, my grandfather said that children who lie are naughty and unlovable. I really do see a golden dragon behind Your Majesty, so beautiful and majestic."

Such words were indeed endearing.

A smile clearly appeared in Emperor Xiande’s eyes: "Alright, no need to stand anymore. Take a seat."

"Okay." With that, Xue He agreed without any hesitation, directly settling himself into the chair.

Usually when the Ministers come to discuss state affairs, Emperor Xiande would also grant them a seat, but they would sit cautiously, repeatedly declining before daring to sit down and never firmly; only perching on the edge of their seats.

But Xue He seated himself sincerely, without any refusal, planted firmly in his seat, which Emperor Xiande found quite refreshing.

Emperor Xiande looked Xue He over, the more he observed, the more he realized the fool was quite good-looking - no wonder his own daughter was head over heels for him.

"Xue He, what do you think if I were to grant you a marriage?" Emperor Xiande tentatively asked Xue He, still mulling over bestowing him a noble lady from a prestigious family. If a marriage were granted, Anning might give up on him.

To his surprise, Xue He was shocked, quickly rising to his feet and looking at Emperor Xiande nervously, his hands flailing: "Marrying? No, no, I already have a wife."