Group pet Xiaopangbao: I have four big daddies

Chapter 1339 It’s a worthwhile trip
Upon hearing this, Xi Yun's smile widened: "I was right about you. When I heard that Qian Fanji had a child, I couldn't tell whether I was sad or angry. I just felt that the engagement could not be dissolved. The ridicule around me intensified, and I brushed off my father's repeated attempts to change his mind. But when I heard the news of your death and the Qian family's decision, I was surprised and developed admiration for Qian Fanji."

Xi Yun admired and envied her. In this era, women were as insignificant as dust. No noble family would risk the future of their entire clan, give up their nationality, and leave for a 'deceased' girl.

Ye Qianning looked at her profile. Her eyes and brows carried a gentle grace that came with the passage of time, yet they also revealed a resilience that had endured many hardships.

Xi Yun looked at her and said, “In the past ten years, I have written him many letters, but he has never replied. I had people investigate his past and his situation. To outsiders, it seems that I am deeply in love with him. But at that time, I was just curious about him, and it had nothing to do with love.”

"And now?" Ye Qianning asked.

Xi Yun's eyes flickered slightly: "Later, as I read the reports from the investigations about him, seeing how he persevered through adversity and did things that defied human comprehension, I began to look forward to news of him, day after day. Now, I don't even know if my feelings for him are love or just habit, or perhaps they have long since transcended romantic love."

At this moment, Ye Qianning admired her greatly: "The word 'love' in this world is the most elusive. Princess, meet my father Qian, and the outcome will be clear."

“I must see him. I want to ask him myself whether he saw my letter or not.” Xi Yun’s voice rose a few decibels. “I came to Beili this time to make up for the regret of that year. Not attending Beili with the Crown Prince back then is the thing I regret the most. If I had come, I could have seen him and you back then. I wanted to know what kind of child could make that person love you so much. Seeing you now makes the trip worthwhile. I also hope that when I see Qian Fanji, I will feel that the trip was worthwhile as well.”

Ye Qianning couldn't help but smile. From Xi Yun's words, she knew that whether it was admiration or habit, Qian's father had taken root in Xi Yun's heart.

-

The incense burning in the Imperial Study of the palace was strong, and the smoke slowly rose around the gilded dragon lamp pillars hanging from the beams, dissipating under the dark dome.

Emperor Beili closed his eyes to rest, but ever since he left the capital with his family, he had not been able to sleep soundly.

In his dazed state, he dreamt of the Qian family from years ago, and saw Qian Fanji coming with a long sword in his hand. He suddenly woke up.

A breeze blew in from outside, scattering the smoke from the burning incense burner and making the entire imperial study somewhat misty.

Sweat beaded on the forehead of the Northern Emperor, his gaze unconsciously falling on the empty jade table at the corner of the table.

Ten years ago, right here, a stack of sealed letters covered with vermilion clay lay quietly, containing irrefutable evidence that could overturn the shocking injustice of seventeen years ago, as well as a list of officials who framed thousands of families.

He didn't even remove the seal before instructing Eunuch Li to throw the evidence into the fire pit.

The crackling sound of flames licking at the paper still echoed in my ears. As long as those things disappeared, the crime of betraying the country and colluding with the enemy would be forever nailed to the history books, and the dignity of the Northern Li royal family would not be damaged in the slightest.

"Your Majesty, His Highness the Crown Prince and Prince Yu, the envoy from Nanyuan, request an audience." Li Quande entered the hall, interrupting the Northern Li Emperor's recollection.