The young lady is delicate and soft, yet she criticizes the powerful minister for bowing and scrapin

The plum garden is adorned with pink and white blossoms, making it look like a sea of ​​fragrant snow from afar.

The golden light of dusk spilled onto the petals, creating a halo.

"Why is it so quiet?" Qi Yunli asked softly.

"I had the area cleared out yesterday."

Wei Jun naturally took her hand and led her through a grove of blooming plum blossoms.

The plum blossoms are in full bloom, and the air is filled with their fragrance.

The two walked side by side on the path through the plum grove, plum petals falling on their shoulders, and everything around them was quiet.

"Ah Li." He suddenly stopped at a corner and turned to face her.

"You previously said that you did not want to enter the palace as a concubine, fearing that the status of the harem would put you in danger, and even more so that you would be bound by the rules of the three palaces and six courtyards."

Qi Yunli looked up at him, pulled her hand back, and didn't understand why he suddenly brought this up.

Although their relationship was ambiguous, they never officially became a couple, and it was always Wei Jun who initiated things, which led to the subsequent developments.

Wei Jun tightened his grip on her hand again, refusing to let go, as if he had made a very important decision, and asked her:

"I'm not asking you today whether you're willing to enter the palace, I just want to ask you..."

"If you don't have to enter the palace as a concubine, but simply become my wife, the freest lady in the world, without the turmoil of the imperial harem, and if you, Asi, and I can live a peaceful life together, would you be willing to marry me?"

Qi Yunli was stunned.

Then he realized what he meant and assumed he was joking.

"You are an emperor, the ruler of the world, how could that be?"

Qi Yunli didn't want to be teased anymore and tried to pull her hand back, but the other person refused to let go.

"I'm not joking." Wei Jun took those hands and touched his cheeks.

"You know, when I received your brocade pouch, I had a misunderstanding. I mistook the twin orchids pattern on the pouch for a love token given by a woman from the capital to her beloved man."

"Many others have given me brocade pouches, but I have never been moved by them. However, I am unexpectedly fond of your brocade pouch."

"At the time, I didn't understand my own feelings. I just thought I liked having you around and that it was natural for us to have a relationship."

"Later, if you showed any sign of wanting to leave me, I would become suspicious, I would feel uneasy, and I would be afraid that you would slip away from me."

"There are voices outside pressuring me to get married, but I have no desire to get married. If you were my wife, I would be very happy to marry you."

"But fate is cruel. In the end, I failed you and failed to understand your feelings. I can't live without you, Ah Li. But I can't force you to stay by my side. If you have even the slightest affection for me, I will rush to you without hesitation."

"Even if it means relinquishing the throne."

Wei Jun said.

Qi Yunli's mind went completely blank, but her eyes involuntarily stung and reddened, tears welling up in her eyes.

The wind in the plum garden suddenly stopped, and even the sound of plum blossoms falling faded considerably.

All that remained of Qi Yunli's sense of touch was the clasped hands of the two of them.

"The throne you have worked so hard to obtain is not a game. If you give it up so easily, where will the peace and stability of the people be?"

"I know that even without me, there are still wise ministers who can help him recover, but without you, the world is nothing but a cold, meaningless piece of land to me."

Wei Jun pulled her hand and hugged her tightly: "Trust me, I can handle everything. You just need to stay where you are, I'll come over."

Seeing his appearance, Qi Yunli stopped saying anything more hurtful.

How could she not have feelings?

Otherwise, she wouldn't have invited him in from outside the courtyard time and time again. Her heart had long since drawn to him uncontrollably, but she was afraid that all of this was just a mirage, and that she would eventually be unable to escape the cruel tricks of the difference in their social status.

But now that he's willing to give up his throne, what else is there for her to fear?

"I am willing. If you are not an emperor, I can stay by your side, whether you are rich and powerful or live a simple life, and accompany you from youth to old age."

Wei Jun got the answer he wanted, and instantly tears streamed down his face like a burst faucet.

The woman in his arms was soft and warm, the home he had always dreamed of.

Wei Jun lowered his head and kissed her forehead, tears falling into her hair.

The two nestled together, feeling each other's heartbeats.

When the two returned to the courtyard hand in hand, Qi Yunsi was already waiting impatiently.

"If you don't come back soon, I'm going to report you to the authorities."

Seeing that the two were unharmed, Qi Yunsi finally felt relieved.

Even when the emperor is traveling, assassins could still appear.

He leaned closer to his sister and saw that her eyes were red, so he knew that something had happened between them when they went out.

Qi Yunsi quickly changed the subject: "I cooked porridge and made some pastries myself. Why don't you try them and see how they taste?"

Qi Yunli was a little shy, her cheeks flushed slightly, and followed her younger brother into the house, giving the person behind her a wink.

He's very busy with state affairs; it's time for him to return to the palace.

Wei Jun pretended not to receive the message from the glances and waited until the two siblings were asleep before quietly leaving the courtyard.

A few days later, Wei Jun summoned Wei En to his side.

"Your Majesty," Wei En bowed.

"I have summoned you here because I have a few things I wish to instruct you on."

"Your Majesty, please speak freely."

Wei Jun took out a pre-prepared edict from his sleeve and handed it to Wei En. "Tomorrow morning, take this edict to the Ministry of Personnel, the Ministry of Revenue, and the Ministry of War, and summon these senior officials to the Imperial Study. Remember, this matter must be kept secret and not publicized."

Wayne nodded in agreement.

The next morning, before dawn, several elderly officials with white hair and beards entered the Imperial Study in single file.

They all looked solemn, exchanging puzzled glances.

Wei Jun was not wearing a dragon robe in front of them; he was sitting on a side seat next to the dragon throne.

"His Majesty!"

They were all astonished to see his attire. Since they were in the palace, the emperor should be wearing a dragon robe to conform to the system.

"What is the purpose of Your Majesty's summons us here today? And what is Your Majesty's attire...?"

Wei Jun did not answer. Seeing that everyone had arrived, he picked up his brush, dipped it in the inkstone, and began writing on the imperial edict.

"My dear ministers, please take a good look. This is the abdication edict written by my own hand."

These words broke the silence in the hall, and they stared wide-eyed in disbelief.

"Since my ascension to the throne, I have worked diligently day and night to govern the country. However, while I am concerned about the well-being of the people, I am also feeling powerless as my health deteriorates. I have no children, but Prince Wei En is my blood relative. He is loyal to the emperor and the country, calm and wise, and considerate of the people's livelihood. He is capable of shouldering great responsibilities. I wish to abdicate and pass the throne to the Prince."

The veteran officials' expressions changed, and they all stepped forward, bowing and kneeling.

"Your Majesty, no! Abdication is a matter of great importance to the nation. How can it be done so hastily? It must be discussed by all civil and military officials before a decision can be made!"

Wei Jun raised his hand, "My mind is made up. With you key ministers here, there is no need for further discussion."

"I have been emperor for three years and have guarded the country for three years. Now I am tired. There are many capable people in the country. It will not be a problem if I am not here."