A Shocking Dream

Qin Ruoyu was slightly startled, clearly not expecting his father to suddenly bring up this topic. A complex expression flashed across his eyes: surprise, hesitation, and a subtle resistance. He was silent for a moment before slowly speaking, "Father, I don't have many thoughts on this marriage. Marriage is a matter of life and death, and I believe it should be carefully considered."

Qin Ronghuan frowned slightly. "Kou Yurou is from a prominent family, well-educated, gentle and generous. She's a perfect match for you. Besides, this is also the wish of your mother and your grandmother."

"My child knows that marriage is a matter for the Emperor to decide." Qin Ruoyu knew resistance was futile, so he simply acquiesced. He lowered his head slightly, a hint of helplessness in his expression. That helplessness, like a faint wisp of smoke, lingered in his eyes, dimming their once bright glow.

He stood there quietly, his posture still upright, but he could not hide the disappointment in his heart. Qin Ruoyu's fingers curled slightly, as if trying to suppress the waves in his heart. He understood that in this palace, marriage is often not just a matter between two people, but also involves many factors such as politics and family.

He sighed softly inwardly, his thoughts drifting off into the distance. Kanan's image flashed through his mind, her smile as warm as the sun, her coldness and kindness captivating his heart. However, now it seemed all of this would be shattered by this unexpected marriage arrangement.

Qin Ruoyu pursed his lips slightly, trying to calm himself down. He knew that as the crown prince, he shouldered a heavy responsibility and couldn't just act recklessly for his own feelings. But that hint of helplessness always lingered, like a shadow.

The imperial study was completely silent, Qin Ruoyu's silence seeming to reveal his inner struggle. And amidst this helplessness, his fate was being pushed step by step towards an unknown direction.

Qin Ronghuan narrowed his eyes slightly, examining his son. "I heard that you brought a woman back from Qiuluo Mountain and are interested in her?" His voice was neither hurried nor slow, yet it carried a sense of authority and oppression.

Qin Ruoyu's heart tightened. He hadn't expected his father to be so well-informed. He hesitated for a moment, then whispered, "Father, I did bring a woman back from Qiuluo Mountain. I wasn't interested in her, but... the circumstances were special, so I had to bring her back."

A hint of doubt flashed across Qin Ronghuan's eyes. "Oh? Special circumstances? Tell me about it."

Qin Ruoyu gathered himself and began to recount his experiences at Qiuluo Mountain. Naturally, he kept some things to himself. "I ran into some trouble there, and that woman came to my aid. To repay her, I took her back to the capital. But I have no romantic feelings for her. And she had no feelings for me either." He tried to remain calm, not wanting his father to see his true thoughts.

Qin Ronghuan listened to Qin Ruoyu's explanation and was silent for a moment. "In that case, you and Kou Yurou should be married as soon as possible. There is no further delay." His tone was firm and unquestionable.

Qin Ruoyu felt helpless, but he could only answer respectfully, "My son obeys your command." In this imperial study, Qin Ruoyu's fate seemed to be firmly controlled by his father's hands, and his feelings for Kankan could only be deeply buried.

"You went to Qiuluo Mountain just to understand the people's sentiments? If I hadn't sent General Yang, would you have kept your intentions secret?" Qin Ronghuan's voice echoed in the imperial study, a hint of questioning. His eyes were fixed on Qin Ruoyu, as if he wanted to see through his heart.

Qin Ruoyu had thought he could keep it a secret, but he hadn't expected Qin Ronghuan to bring it up again, disbelieving him. His heart tightened slightly, but he tried to maintain composure. "Father, I went to Qiuluo Mountain to understand the people's sentiments and sufferings, so that I could better serve them." His voice was steady, trying to make his answer sound more credible.

Qin Ronghuan frowned slightly, clearly dissatisfied with Qin Ruoyu's answer. "Hmph, do you think I'll believe you? As the Crown Prince, your every move affects the safety of the nation. You must have other motives for going to Qiuluo Mountain." His tone was harsh and oppressive.

Qin Ruoyu was silent for a moment, knowing that hiding the truth any further would be futile. He took a deep breath and slowly spoke, "Your Majesty is wise. I do have another purpose for going to Qiuluo Mountain. I've heard that there's a hermit there, said to possess extraordinary wisdom and talent. I'd like to visit him and ask for advice on how to govern the country."

Qin Ronghuan's expression softened slightly, but his eyes were still filled with suspicion. "Why didn't you inform me beforehand? Do you know the potential risks of your unauthorized actions?"

Qin Ruoyu lowered his head and explained seriously, "Father, I know my actions were somewhat rash, but they were also motivated by a sincere heart. The country is currently facing many challenges, and I deeply feel my own limitations. I urgently want to share your worries and work for the benefit of the people. That hermit is well-known among the people. I have heard that he has unique insights and wisdom on national affairs, so I wanted to pay him a quiet visit, hoping to gain some inspiration from him and find a better direction for the country's development. I originally wanted to report to you after I had gained something, but I didn't expect to cause you any concern. I admit my mistake."

In the imperial study, the atmosphere between father and son became somewhat tense. Qin Ruoyu knew that his behavior had caused his father's dissatisfaction, and he had to find a way to save the situation and regain his father's trust.

"The reclusive master you mentioned is the Wu Nian Mechanism, right? It was the mechanism developed by her that provided your royal grandfather with great help in conquering the four countries." Qin Ronghuan's voice sounded slowly in the imperial study, carrying with it the emotion of years of sedimentation.

Qin Ruoyu nodded slightly, his eyes reflecting respect. "I've heard of Senior Wu Nian's legendary deeds and have great respect for her. Her techniques are so powerful, it's a blessing for Daqi."

Qin Ronghuan narrowed her eyes slightly, as if lost in distant memories. "Back then, the four kingdoms were at war, and the situation was turbulent. Your royal grandfather led his army on numerous campaigns, facing immense hardship. The emergence of the Wunian mechanism was like a ray of light in the darkness. The mechanism she developed could be used to capture cities or keep enemies at bay, making a significant contribution to Daqi's victory."

Qin Ruoyu listened quietly, her mind surfacing with scenes of intense battles, imagining Senior Wu Nian's heroic presence on the battlefield. "That Senior Wu Nian is truly a remarkable woman, both courageous and resourceful, truly admirable."