Both worlds are like dreams

Emperor Ling smiled. "The court officials often complained that he was not doing his job and was indulging in pleasure, but I know that he is a very upright person at heart. How can I not understand my own son? I have read all his articles. He has the talent to govern the country and the heart to rule the world. It's just that he was born in the wrong country."

"Perhaps it's because he has experienced the ups and downs of this world since he was a child, so he understands better what this country really needs." Xue Huang said calmly.

Emperor Ling looked a little disappointed. "I was confused before and always ignored him. But I didn't expect that he would grow up so well."

"Yes, it is because he has a sincere heart from beginning to end that he can grow into what he is today."

"So you also hope that he can become the crown prince?"

"I just hope he gets what he wants."

"Are you willing to help him?" Emperor Ling's eyes lit up.

"This is the real reason why His Majesty summoned me today."

"You are a descendant of Guigu, your uncle is also a well-known figure, and you are a princess of another country. I really hope to get help from Guigu. But among my sons, only the fifth son is the most suitable candidate."

"Your Majesty, Xue Huang once said that the Fifth Prince treated me with all his sincerity, and I am willing to return his sincerity, but what Your Majesty said is no different from a transaction."

"So what does this path of utmost sincerity refer to?"

"Only the most sincere people in the world can manage the great principles of the world and establish the foundation of the world. Xue Huang sincerely hopes that the fifth prince can get what he wants."

Emperor Ling stood up and said, "So, even if I decree a marriage between Gu Qinglan and Xingyue, causing you to lose your love, you will still help Lao Wu?"

"I will stand by his side and protect his safety. This is my personal opinion. It has nothing to do with Guigu, Dongchu, or any other identity." Xue Huang was very calm, but her determination could not be ignored.

From the beginning, her choice was only about herself and had nothing to do with any identity. She just thought that Murray had the qualities of an emperor. If he was willing to take this path, she would support him. If he was not willing, she would certainly not say anything.

Therefore, even if Emperor Ling really granted Gu Qinglan a marriage, she would not implicate Mo Ruilin because of his actions. These were two completely different things.

Emperor Ling looked at the pair of clear eyes and sighed slightly, "I understand, it's just that you chose him. But, have you ever thought about it? Without these identities, you can't interfere with my marriage to Gu Qinglan. You can stand here because of these identities of yours."

Xue Huang understood what he meant. Putting aside her status as a descendant of Guiguzi and a princess, she was just an ordinary person and had no qualifications or power to influence the emperor's decision. The emperor could not interfere with who she married, but he could interfere with who she could marry.

"So what does your majesty plan?"

Emperor Ling sighed, "I understand your thoughts, and I admire your broad-mindedness and righteousness, but I also need to consider Xingyue. If I don't choose Gu Qinglan, who else can I choose? The only option is marriage. But you also know that Xingyue doesn't want to marry."

"If His Majesty issues an order to marry Gu Qinglan and Princess Xingyue, I really have no right to interfere with His Majesty's decision." Xue Huang felt somewhat powerless. Mo Xingyue was her good friend, and she didn't want to marry. Of course, she couldn't watch her being forced to choose this path. But why? Why did it have to be Gu Qinglan? That was the person she liked!

But once the imperial decree was issued, she and Gu Qinglan would no longer be together in this life. Her hands in her sleeves dug into her flesh tightly, and her eyes could not hide the sadness.

She thought that if she came back regardless of everything, she would be able to stay with him well, but it turned out that fate was still playing tricks on her.

"Or, do you have a way to have the best of both worlds?" Emperor Ling asked. "You have helped Bei Ling a lot, and I know this is really unfair to you. If you can have a way to have the best of both worlds, I can consider it."

Xue Huang was silent. She had no way to have the best of both worlds. She couldn't push Mo Xingyue into a dilemma just because she liked Gu Qinglan.

"Father," Mo Xingyue suddenly rushed in and knelt on the ground, "Please don't embarrass her."

Emperor Ling frowned slightly, but he did not blame her for barging in. He sat down slowly and said, "Do you have something to say?"

"Father, I heard that you want to arrange a marriage between me and the prince of Jingguo?"

"Yes. I have this idea."

Mo Xingyue kowtowed heavily and said, "I beg you to take back your decision, father. I don't want to marry him."

"Do you know what you're talking about?"

"I know," Mo Xingyue said firmly, "but father, Xue Huang saved my second brother's life, and also saved me and my brother's life. She has also saved the lives of countless people in Beiling. I must not take her love away, otherwise what is the difference between this and repaying kindness with enmity? Please don't put me in such a situation. I am willing to marry someone else. Even if you want me to marry, I am willing to share your worries and have no complaints."

Xue Huang glanced at Mo Xingyue and sighed silently, what a fool, the dumbest princess in the world.

Emperor Ling was silent for a while, then said, "You guys go back first. I will think about this matter carefully."

"If your Majesty does not take back your order, I will kneel down forever."

"I haven't issued the decree yet. What are you taking back?" Emperor Ling seemed quite helpless.

Mo Xingyue still refused to get up, and said very seriously: "Then please change your mind, father, or I will continue to kneel down."

"Your mother's death anniversary is coming soon. According to national etiquette, you should go to the imperial mausoleum to pay homage, so go there. Afterwards, you can live in the royal temple and chant sutras for your mother."

"Father..."

"Okay," Ling Huang interrupted her, "You stay away from this matter for now and don't worry about it anymore."

Mo Xingyue wanted to say something, but Xue Huang shook her head at her. She said nothing more and stood up, saying, "Your son obeys your command."

Emperor Ling looked at Xue Huang, "Is there anything else you want to say to me?"

Xue Huang shook her head, "Xue Huang has nothing to say."

Emperor Ling stood up and handed a bright yellow silk to her. "This is the letter of exoneration you used to save Lao Wu. I will give it to you again."

Xue Huang did not take it, but asked: "If I accept this handwritten letter, does it count as a deal with His Majesty?"

Mo Xingyue widened her eyes and tugged at her sleeve, probably because she didn't expect Xue Huang to speak so directly.

Emperor Ling shook his head, "It has nothing to do with today's matter." At this moment, he was very clear that Xue Huang had never helped Mo Ruilin because of interests, but because of the sincerity of Chicheng. This might be the reason why they chose Mo Ruilin even though the second prince had the most advantage.

So today, he will not tempt them with benefits, as that will only backfire.

Emperor Ling continued, "Last time in the court, I didn't want to punish Lao Wu and you. You didn't have to take out this handwritten letter. You also contributed a lot in Guyan County last time. I should have rewarded you with the handwritten letter."

Mo Xingyue tugged at Xue Huang's hand, "What are you standing there for? Quickly accept my thanks."

Xue Huang took it with both hands, "Thank you, Your Majesty."

"Regarding the matter of granting marriage, I will consider it carefully. As for the third brother's request, I will not agree to it, you can rest assured."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

"You go back. Let them go back too."

"Xue Huang is leaving."

"My son, please retire."

Xue Huang put away the letter and left the imperial study with Mo Xingyue.

Mo Ruilin and Mo Yiming were standing aside waiting for them, while Gu Qinglan was kneeling on the ground.

"How is it?" Mo Ruilin asked.

Mo Xingyue frowned, shook his head, and looked at Xue Huang.

Xue Huang smiled faintly, went up to pull Gu Qinglan, and said, "Get up."

Gu Qinglan had realized from her expression that Emperor Ling had not changed his mind, so he did not get up.

"Let's talk about it when we get back." Xue Huang looked into his eyes and said.

Mo Ruilin also came over and pulled Gu Qinglan up with Xue Huang, "Go back first and discuss it slowly."

Gu Qinglan looked at Xue Huang's calm face, and for some reason, a heavy panic flashed through his heart. He didn't say anything, but held her hand tightly.

Mo Xingyue said, "Father asked you all to go back."

Mo Yiming glanced at the door of the imperial study and frowned slightly, "What did the emperor say?"

Mo Xingyue glanced at him and said unhappily, "Father will not agree to your request, so just give up."

Mo Yiming looked at Xue Huang with a hint of pride in his eyes, "Even if the emperor doesn't agree, so what? Do you think you can be together?"

Xue Huang's eyes instantly turned icy cold. "Third Prince, this is my final warning. Stay away from me."

"Princess Changle, you should face reality. No matter how noble your status is, you can't influence your father's thoughts."

Xue Huang narrowed her eyes slightly and approached him with a cold face.

"What are you doing?" Mo Yiming hurriedly stepped back. "If you dare to do anything to me in the imperial palace, my father will definitely punish you."

Xue Huang grabbed his collar and pressed him against the pillar fiercely, the murderous intent in her eyes was extremely obvious, "I may not be able to marry the person I want to marry, but if anyone forces me to marry someone I don't want to marry, I will definitely drag him to hell with me. The emperor can't, and neither can you!"

Mo Yiming deliberately shouted loudly: "Wei Xuehuang, you are rebelling, right?"

Xue Huang continued to exert force with her hands, but her face was calm. "Third Prince, I didn't do anything to you. They can all testify to that."

Mo Yiming felt her hand pressing on his throat like a rock, and it was hard for him to breathe. This was not to say that she did nothing. If she really did something, he would be dead.

Gu Qinglan came over and patted Xuehuang on the shoulder, "I'll take you home."

Xue Huang let go of her hand, looked at Mo Yiming, whose face was red, and said with a half-smile: "Third Prince, you are right. I can't do anything to you in the palace, but I can't guarantee anything if you leave the palace."

After saying that, she pulled Gu Qinglan over and slowly left.

Mo Ruilin and Mo Xingyue ignored him and followed Xue Huang silently.