My Lord is A Stone Chapter 77

Li Shan Rong angrily said, “Who do you think you are? Even high official Lord Li has to show some courtesy towards my father, being so arrogant in this way, you seriously think because your appearance is rather well you can do as you please?”

Zhao Jin Yu was both in a good mood and finding it funny, this girl was tactfully praising the emperor as handsome?

Zhao Jin Yu cautiously looked the emperor up and down, under the faint yellow light, the emperor's handsome face was pleasing to the eyes like a portrait, especially those pair of deep serene eyes, a kind of enigmatic charm.

Her own man was handsome.

Zhao Jin Yu foolishly looked at the emperor, a sweet expression.

The emperor simply couldn't restrain his anger, in the end turning his head he saw Zhao Jin Yu's infatuated expression…, he coughed heavily once, when he turned to face Li Shan Rong, he regained a cold expression, saying, “Call your father over, straightaway you will know whether I can do whatever I please.”

Li Shan Rong said, “No need for him to come, I can take charge of my own matters.”

“Young lady, marriage is dictated by the parents, how can you make the decision yourself?” Some of the bystanders couldn't bear to watch any longer, and asked out of curiosity.

Some people heckled saying, “That's because philanthropist Li don't agree with her! Zeze, having only a daughter, who would have imagined she would be disobedient to her parents like this, and don't know how to be ashamed, forcing someone to marry her in public, where's her dignity? 

Philanthropist Li's reputation has been ruined by you.”

“What do you know!” Li Shan Rong yelled facing that person with a fierce expression, “Get lost!”

That person was intimidated by Li Shan Rong, stumbling a step back, nevertheless his face showed an expression of not backing down, saying, “What? Doing such a scandalous thing, but not allowing people to speak?”

“I don't have such a father!”

Zhao Jin Yu had felt this Li Shan Rong was similar to a bandit, but hearing these words she felt there seemed to be some ulterior motive for this, a young lady of an official, showing her face like this in public to select a husband was rather inappropriate, what's more she knew the emperor has a wife…yet in spite of this still want to be his concubine, it was only natural for Zhao Jin Yu to think the emperor was the best man in the world, but what daughter of a good family would be willing to be someone's concubine?

“Philanthropist Li actually raised such a daughter?”

“I really didn't imagine this.”

“No wonder she would fight over a man here so brazenly, like she hasn't seen a man in her entire life.”

No matter how strong Li Shan Rong was she was still only a young lady raised inside her home, bystanders saying such things, she nevertheless couldn't help crouch on the ground covering her face and crying, “What do you know…”

Zhao Jin Yu suddenly felt rather pitiful for this girl, who would unless as a last resort use such a lousy and degrading thing, yes that's right…, it seemed to Zhao Jin Yu, everything this girl has done was like she had seen through the illusion and acted throwing caution to the wind sticking to her guns than live a shameful life.

Li Shan Rong was gasping for breath from weeping, all of a sudden she saw the woman who previously stood behind that handsome man crouch on the ground looking at her face to face, she softly patted her shoulder, gently saying, “Do you have some problem that has given you no choice?”

“No.”

“Then why with such a good family background, must you insist on being my husband's concubine? This isn't something a daughter from a good family would want.” Zhao Jin Yu was not angry, asking tenderly.

“I'm willing.”

Zhao Jin Yu, “…”

“You're willing, my father however doesn't, who do you think you are?” A melodious voice came from outside, it turns out consort Shu had lead Zhaoyang princess here.

Consort Shu frowned, quietly saying, “Princess…”

Zhaoyang princess stubbornly pursed her lips, muttering, “Auntie, am I not right? How is she suitable for my father?” After what had previously happened the emperor's position in Zhaoyang princess's had surprisingly elevated.

The emperor suddenly felt this daughter seemed very adorable!

Coughing, of course she has always been adorable, just not obedient at all!

More and more people stood around watching, the emperor did not want to be tangled up n this, he had wanted to order someone to punish this girl, not counting others, the crime of enraging the emperor was enough, publicly hara.s.sing the emperor…, was this something she was allowed to do?

However thinking that it was rare for them to come out to play, even if he wanted to punish her…, he guessed Zhao Jin Yu would not be approve, she was always soft-hearted.

Li Shan Rong still wanted to carry on, An Wen Yao stood to the side with an Imperial bodyguard having received the emperor's secret signal, prepared to protect the emperor and leave, he was constantly waiting for the emperor's order…, because after all they were mingling with the people incognito, if he came out too soon it might effect the emperor's mood to have fun.

As a result these Imperial guards, it was very important for them to appear when appropriate.

Li Shan Rong suddenly discovered, a lot of imposing imperial guards appeared beside that man, even though they wore simple clothing, but each person emitted a formidable force, a kind which made people retreat with fear.

Who exactly was this man? Unexpectedly bringing such perceptive and piercing Imperial guards? 

Who again would dare to bring such experts in the capital city?

In a flash a thought rushed to her head! Could it be…, truly?

A feeling like seeing hope suddenly among the despair…, overwhelming Li Shan Rong with unknown feelings, she thought, it doesn't matter whether she guesses right or wrong, this was an opportunity! Trying everything in a desperate situation, maybe it'll be useful?

In any case she was in a life and death struggle, might as well have a try!

Zhao Jin Yu had wanted to leave, who would have imagined Li Shan Rong who was still extremely stubborn just a moment ago would suddenly kneel by Zhao Jin Yu's leg, she cried out, “Lady, you seem to be a kind-hearted person, I beg you to save me.”

Zhao Jin Yu frowned, she didn't know why this girl would suddenly change her way of thinking…, but she clearly was in a difficult position, it seems she guessed right.

“Young lady, this isn't a convenient place to talk, follow me.” Since she was involved she couldn't ignore her, Zhao Jin Yu felt she wasn't just the empress now, furthermore she was the mother of the nation, this girl was also her people, besides…, she has obtained all of the emperor's love, she wanted to share it, she was willing to give her all to help those she can help.

Li Shan Rong did not think this lady would be so kind, cleverly she nodded saying, “If this lady has no objections we can sit in the pavilion to the side.” Afterwards she pointed to a little pavilion by the river.

That pavilion had already been set up, curtains had been covered on all side, clearly it was the place Li Shan Rong previously stayed at.

Zhao Jin Yu looked to the emperor…, the emperor was originally very impatient, but seeing Zhao Jin Yu's expecting gaze he actually couldn't be ruthless, indicating it was fine, just listen to what this girl had to say.

The emperor slightly nodded at An Wen Yao.

An Wen Yao checked out the pavilion with the imperial guards, sensing there was nothing dangerous then did he indicate for Zhao Jin Yu and the emperor to enter.

Li Shan Rong personally poured and handed teas to the emperor and Zhao Jin Yu, seeming very respectful…, and facing such respect, the emperor and Zhao Jin Yu were very used to it.

Only someone who has been in a position of power for a long time would be so proper and expect it, the ripples in Li Shan Rong's heart expanded more and more, recalling what the man had said before, call for your father, see if he thinks you're suitable or not?

They ought to have been offensive words, now thinking about them she nevertheless felt excited, when she finished pouring the tea she knelt on the ground with a plop, she said, “My lady, this girl's surname is Li name is Shan Rong, father is a minister at the Ministry of Revenue Li Zheng Ran, my mother died early, father was afraid a stepmother would treat me poorly, he has not remarried…, bringing me up like a pearl in his palm since I was young, because my father was busy with work he often sent me to the neighbouring Xiu family to raise.”

“That Xiu family is also of an official background, uncle Xiu is a high ranking official of the Justice of peace, he previously saved my father's life, and only has a son, called Xiu Jian, older brother Xiu and I grew up together as childhood friends, our parents had already allowed our marriage…, I had thought I would be able to marry when I came of age.” Li Shan Rong spoke up to here then tears again began to violently fall as if she was wronged, a good while later did she then stop weeping saying, “Who would have imagined, a few months ago my father suddenly broke off the engagement, wanting me to marry another man.”

“Why?”

Li Shan Rong used her handkerchief to wipe her tears, lowering her head she said, “I shouldn't have reproached my father in the first place, father gave me life and raised me, showing kindness as weighty as a mountain, I ought to listen and be obedient to him, but…”

“What happened after?”

“Afterwards older brother Xu fell gravely ill never to recover due to heartbreak, I heard a few days ago he has already…” Speaking to here Li Shan Rong unconsciously began to choke with emotion, “medicine already has no effect.”

Zhao Jin Yu seemed to be able to sense Li Shan Rong's strong and unyielding feeling, the two people were very much in love with each other.

“Uncle Xu beseeched father, to let me go see older brother Xu once, who knew…” Heartbreak and grieve appeared in Li Shan Rong's eyes, biting her lips she said, “Who knew father actually didn't agree, and chased uncle Xu away, saying, your Xu family is already at the end of your rope, don't cause trouble for my daughter.”

“Don't tell me the Xu family committed a crime?” Zhao Jin Yu lifted her head to look at the emperor.

There were many officials in the court, just a very few were memorable to the emperor, naturally…, those he remembered were close to him of high positions, those the emperor feel at ease with doing their job.

The emperor shook his head, quietly saying, “We don't remember such a person.”

“Afterwards I heard, it turns out the Xu family and Tiangui sect had some relations.h.i.+p, and father was afraid of being implicated with the Xu family, that's why he decided to break off the engagement.” Li Shan Rong showed a rather unwavering determination when she spoke up to here, “I Li Shan Rong is a person who clings abjectly to life, I went to beg father, I said I agree to severe my relations.h.i.+p with father thereby preserving our Li family, the main problem is older brother Xu can no longer wait any 

more.”

“Your father still didn't agree?” Zhao Jin Yu appeared to understand father Li's thoughts, how could he let his daughter jump knowing it was into a firepit?

“Yes, father didn't agree. However…” Li Shan Rong cried, “Xu family has shown kindness to our family, I and older brother are also childhood sweethearts, can I look on helplessly as older brother Xu dies? Watch as the Xu family loses their only child? I haven't been able to sleep these past days, yesterday I thought of the absurd matter of selecting a husband using lanterns, I thought since father won't agree, I might as well ruin my own reputation, then my father can't do anything about it.” Li Shan Rong's voice gradually became quieter towards the end, apparently she also knew what she was doing was wrong.

Zhao Jin Yu smiled saying, “You also know it's absurd? No wonder you insisted on being my husband's concubine, so it was merely an excuse nothing more, you're simply not sincere, I'm afraid if my father agreed to take you…, later on you would find a way to free yourself from it.”

“Yes.”

“However you didn't think, if by chance you met a calculating person with bad intentions, promising you nicely in front of everyone, but selling you off after?”

Li Shan Rong turned deathly pale, as if she just now felt the fear.

“Lady, I know you're a kind-hearted person, I beg you to help me.” Li Shan Rong already no longer had a way out, she could only pray that she had guessed correctly.

“Having some relations.h.i.+p with the Tiangui sect, clearly their not good people, you really want to marry into the family?” Zhao Jin Yu really didn't have much of an opinion for the Tiangui sect, even though adoptive father…, she had previously also pleaded to the emperor for leniency and release him, because she knew he needed to pay the price, although it was really difficult for her, but thinking of the other common people devastated by the Tiangui sect, she again could only endure it.

“No, I know…, Xu family had broken off their relations.h.i.+p with the Tiangui sect long ago, only their ancestors had previously believed in the Tiangui sect that's all.”

“How do you know?”

“At that time I was rather impatient, I directly went and asked uncle Xu.” Li Shan Rong earnestly said, “Besides, lady if you have a mind you can go make some inquiries, uncle Xu is an honest and good official, to date he only has two maids in his home, living very frugally.”

“Lady I beg you.”

It was at this moment, a young maid ran in hastily, tear stains covered her face, weeping she said, 

“Young lady it's not good, I heard young master Xu has pa.s.sed out having found out you're selecting your husband with lanterns, the doctor said if he doesn't wake this time there's no hope!”

Li Shan Rong only felt the world fall around her, panting.

“Evil creatures, you want me to die from anger, you're actually recklessly looking for someone to get married to here!” The angry voice of a man could be heard, soon after the curtain was pushed apart a middle aged man coming in, he was in such a rush he almost tripped over the threshold onto the ground, when he steadied himself he set forth to pull on Li Shan Rong, saying, “Quickly come home with me.”

“I won't, I want to marry older brother Xu.”

Li Shan Rong hadn't finished talking before Li Zheng Ran slapped her across the face, with the sharp and clear sound of a slap, everyone stared blankly, the atmosphere also became heavy, it became extremely quiet in the pavilion.

“Why are you kneeling on the ground begging some rough and tumble person? The crime of your 

uncle Xu is related to the Tiangui sect! His Majesty the emperor has already said, he won't tolerate anyone related to the Tiangui sect, are you courting death?”

“Father, they are high ranking people.”

“What high ranking people! Only His Majesty the emperor coming here could deal with this matter.”

Rui Fu coughed heavily once, kneading his throat he said, “This is Lord Li?”

Li Zheng Ran stubbornly wouldn't listen to his daughter, who would have imagined suddenly hearing a hoa.r.s.e voice similar to an eunuch, he froze then lifted his head to take a look, immediately he was besides himself, staring blankly he kneeled, crying out he said, “Your Majesty…, why are you here?”

Different from Li Zheng Ran's fear, Li Shan Rong actually smiled in pleasant surprise, she shook off 

Li Zheng Ran's hand, on her knees she made her way to tug on Zhao Jin Yu's skirt saying, “Lady, lady…, I beg you, if something happens to older brother Xu I don't want to live, I beg you.”

Zhao Jin Yu seeing her sorrowful and inconsolable appearance, also felt an unpleasant feeling in her heart, however she didn't dare to rashly respond, because it concerned the Tiangui sect, she couldn't make the decision herself.

Even if Li Shan Rong was willing to marry into the Xu family…, could she watch from the side as this girl jumped into a bottomless abyss? Xu family was linked with the Tiangui sect, so they're renegades, equal to have committed a crime against the nation.

However she again recalled what Li Shan Rong had said just now, the Xu family was only linked to 

the Tiangui sect due to their ancestors, and in fact the current Xu family actually didn't partic.i.p.ate in matters of the Tiangui sect.

What was actually going on?

Zhao Jin Yu's gaze lingered on Li Shan Rong, seeing her pair of tearful hazy eyes watch her, her heart ached, standing she helped her up saying, “This…, I've decided to let you see young master Xu, but I am powerless in other matters.”

Li Shan Rong gaze gradually dimmed, nevertheless she was still so grateful she wanted to kneel and kowtow, saying, “Thank you lady, that's enough…that's enough.” She however still thought in her heart…if worse comes to worst, if he pa.s.ses, I will go down to keep him company.

Zhao Jin Yu stopped her, saying, “Don't mention it.” Following which she turned her head to say to the emperor, “Your Majesty…”

The emperor heaved a sigh, thinking Zhao Jin Yu's heart truly was made of water, too soft, but he again didn't want to disappoint her, he said, “We allow it.”

“You Majesty, empress, this is unacceptable.”

The emperor shot a glance at Li Zheng Ran, he immediately shut his mouth in fear, getting up he said, “Since Your Majesty has commanded it, this humble servant naturally will comply.”

The entire way Zhao Jin Yu was silent, the emperor tightly held her hand.

Zhao Jin Yu felt the warmth from the emperor's hand, finally she couldn't help but ask, “Your Majesty…, what exactly is the Tiangui sect? I once heard even Ningguo princess also believed them…, and the issues of ancestors.”

“It's a long story.” The emperor held Zhao Jin Yu in his arms, gently stroking her silk like hair, his gaze profound, he said, “You may not know, our great Zhou and Tiangui sect have an inseparable relations.h.i.+p.”

“What?” Zhao Jin Yu looked at the emperor stunned.

“At that time my ancestor gathered soldiers to revolt against Qin, but midway they encountered heavy losses, the leader of Tiangui sect back then lent a hand without delay, after this my ancestor and the leader of the Tiangui sect became sworn brothers, when my ancestor established the nation, Tiangui sect stepped back when the goals were achieved, but some of the officials who weren't of the Tiangui sect became relatives with the Tiangui sect by marriage, the great Zhou had already almost been completely engulfed by the Tiangui sect's influence.”

This was the first time Zhao Jin Yu had heard the story of the Tiangui sect, it turns out the Zhou dynasty relied on the a.s.sistance of the Tiangui sect to establish the great Zhou?

“And then?”

“The Tiangui sect merely cleverly hid, but did not give up their longing for power, afterwards…, in order to balance these powers, the emperor had no choice but to reach an agreement with the Tiangui sect, each appointed empress must come from the Tiangui sect.”

“Ningguo princess's husband, Xu family, generalissimo w.a.n.g Qi…, a lot of family's with great reputations are followers of the Tiangui sect.” The emperor smiled ironically.

“How can this be…”

“Since emperor Ren Zong the struggle for power with the Tiangui sect began, it has always been a struggle, my emperor father…” The emperor grasped Zhao Jin Yu's hand rather tightly, like he wanted to vent the pent up frustration in his heart, “before emperor father met his end he said to me, he was dying with a grievance, he hoped I could finish this matter on his behalf.”

“Many people say it was Your Majesty who harmed the eldest princes…” Even though Zhao Jin Yu did not believe it, only stating what others have been saying that's all.

The emperor laughed grimly, saying, “Actually emperor father preferred older brother the most, but in the end he actually pa.s.sed on the position to me, guess why that was?”

A horrifying thought floated into Zhao Jin Yu's mind, she said, “Your Majesty…you mean, the eldest prince was a member of the Tiangui sect?”

“Right, you forgot, each succession of empresses all came from the Tiangui sect, that's why since Ren Zong, each crown prince was not born from the empress, this was merely a father having to choose without a choice nothing more, they all say the eldest prince has already been killed by me, what they actually don't know is…, the person who ordered his death was actually emperor father, sadly he managed to escape, ultimately leading the Tiangui sect to attempt to seize the throne.”

“Your Majesty…, it's actually very difficult for you to bear right.”

“How is it difficult for me to bear.”

Zhao Jin Yu tightly hugged the emperor, saying, “Did the former emperor love you?”

The emperor suddenly felt his nose twitch under Zhao Jin Yu's familiar gaze…, since he was a child empress mother did not love him, emperor father did not care about him, he practically grew up staggering along relying on himself.

“Must have, if not why would he have pa.s.sed on the throne to me?”

“No…, he must not have cared for you, otherwise he wouldn't have waited until the end to kill the eldest prince, and allow you to bear so much contempt, bear such a heavy burden, handing over a dynasty on the verge of collapse into your hands.”

Listening to here Zhao Jin Yu was already very clear, she said, “Moreover so many people, including those literary officials persecuted to death were because of their connection to the Tiangui sect?”

“How did you guess?”

“Because when Your Majesty first started, you did not dare to brazenly take down the Tiangui sect…, afraid the followers of the Tiangui sect in the court would also fall, that's why you found so many other reason.” After that his ruthless reputation was spread little by little.

How much burden has he bore by himself?

The rim of Zhao Jin Yu's eyes were red, she rubbed her cheek against the emperor, tenderly saying, 

“They don't care for you, I care for you.”

The emperor couldn't help want to smile, thinking Zhao Jin Yu's tone was like that used to coax Zhaoyang princess, but he didn't know why…, that tender tone blew into his heart similar to a summer warm breeze, warm, gentle, caressing his heart, make him want to cry a little, he lowered is head to kiss Zhao Jin Yu's lips.

Speaking of which Zhao Jin Yu had gone quite a trial, abandoned by her adoptive mother, her grandmother pa.s.sed away, but still staunchly persevered by herself, without losing  her conscience, yet he possessed a lot more than Zhao Jin Yu, so why couldn't he take a lighter view?

He wanted to hold Zhao Jin Yu, together until the end of time.

In just a moment, Rui Fu outside the palanquin said, “Your Majesty, we've arrived at the Xu residence.”

The emperor helped Zhao Jin Yu down from the palanquin, seeing the extremely ordinary door outside, the black paint on it seemed to be at the end of its life, bright yet shabby and was flaking, as if it would fall down with a blow of the wind.

Zhao Jin Yu did not think a Lord Chancellor would actually live in such a place, people from ancient times loved to hold their prestige the most, so long as they could continue living, they would use up all their resources on their door.

That Lord Chancellor Xu and his wife stood at the doorway looking from a distance, they had been waiting for Li Shan Rong, who would have imagined it was the current emperor and the empress who actually came out of the palanquin Lord chancellor Xu's complexion changed greatly, pulling at his wife he made her kneel on the ground with their back straight he said, “Respectfully welcome Your Majesty, Empress niangniang, long live the emperor.”

The emperor raised his hand saying, “Rise.” Following which he pointed at the father and daughter Li Shan Rong standing behind Zhao Jin Yu he said, “Today we almost got pulled into being this girl's groom, it was truly very novel.”

Li Zheng Ran turned green in anger, fiercely staring at Li Shan Rong, and Lord chancellor Xu husband and wife showed a stunned expression, they had watched Li Shan Rong go up, this girl was not someone who is unable to distinguish right and wrong, how could she do such a preposterous 

thing?

“This humble servant is guilty!” Li Zhen Rang kneeled on the ground with a plop, repeatedly kowtowing he said.

Even though Lord chancellor Xu husband and wife did not know what was happening, but they vaguely knew it had something to do with their son, they seemed to have heard Li Shan Rong say in a fit of anger, if she couldn't marry into their family she would randomly find someone to marry.

Who knew at random…she would randomly choose His Majesty the emperor?

The two people also followed suit kneeling on the ground, saying, “This humble servant is panic-stricken, please may His Majesty forgive us.”

Zhao Jin Yu seeing everyone panic like this, hastened to step forward saying, “All rise, I heard your esteemed son has already collapsed, and your waiting for young lady Li to go save his life, don't delay here any longer.” Then she glanced at the emperor, the look said don't scare them, = . =

“Why are you all kneeling, since the empress has decreed it, why don't carry it out.”

Li Shan Rong burned with anxiety, without turning her head she lifted her skirt running inside, today she was carrying out the task decreed by the emperor, at this moment her father wouldn't stop her right?

However having just entered for a moment she came out weeping aloud.

The sad inconsolable sound of crying echoed, like her chest had been slashed, so much pain, and so unbearable.

Zhao Jin Yu recalled the scene of her grandmother pa.s.sing away…, she only felt an indescribable sorrow in her heart, she heard the imperial physician speak with Lord chancellor Xu as they walked out side by side, a helpless expression on his face.

“Lord Xu, I've already done my best, there's no hope, he can only hold on for today.”

Again another sound of painful weeping came from inside, afterwards came the frightened voice of a maid, “Young lady, don't take things too hard, if you go, how could the master live by himself.”

Lady Xu who had heard of the grave news had already fainted from crying.

Watching such a human tragedy, Zhao Jin Yu's nose twitched, only when the emperor tightly held her hand did she return to her senses, she looked at the emperor saying, “Your Majesty, I actually don't want to say such words…,but  if…”

“Say whatever you want to say, there are no misgivings in front of us.”

Zhao Jin Yu clenched her teeth saying, “Your Majesty, the ancestors of the Xu family were of the Tiangui sect, but it doesn't mean they are now…, even if he is, so long as he has not done anything evil, not having hurt the common people, can bygones be bygones?”

The emperor's face suddenly sunk.

Zhao Jin Yu also knew it wasn't right for her to be like this, but she still felt if Lord chancellor Xu has not betrayed the great Zhou, then him being implicated was also quite an injustice.

However she also knew, the emperor naturally had his own apprehensions.

All around the atmosphere suddenly chilled, the emperor face was grave and stern, his lips pursed tightly.

“Jin Yu, can you really forget the evil deeds of the Tiangui sect?” Throughout the emperor's life he had almost been destroyed by the Tiangui sect, his bitterness towards the Tiangui sect in this lifetime 

was like a wound in his chest, forever unable to heal.

The former emperor had no choice, his mother was a stranger, the eldest prince was dignified, every person had stabbed him once in the heart.

“Me?”

“How did your grandmother die?”

Zhao Jin Yu paled.

The emperor again said, “Zhao Chang Chun is your adoptive father, we cannot kill, we also don't want you to be upset, but other people?” The emperor saw Zhao Jin Yu on the verge of collapsing, his heart was very distressed, but he still continued saying, “Jin Yu, we want to completely eliminate the Tiangui sect, there must be a price for this, besides…, it's not like we haven't investigated the Xu family.”

“It's merely a question of time.” Zhao Jin Yu said, she knew the emperor still had not decided on these peoples' crimes, because it wasn't the time, when those serious criminals has been completely dealt with, afterwards it would be the families like the Xu family.

“Why are you always so soft-hearted?”

Zhao Jin Yu clenched her fists and opened, once again clenching them, it seemed like a century had pa.s.sed, or maybe it was just a short intake of breath, she looked at the emperor and said, “Your Majesty, I hate the Tiangui sect more than you, I also know father is guilty, that's why I did not have any extravagant hopes for you to free him, placing him under house arrest at Fahua temple is already a special favour, but other people…, aren't you too harsh? Who can choose the family they're born into? I once heard father say, if he could he would not have wanted to be born in the Jun family, but since birth he has been carrying such a burden.”

The emperor coldly, “Then your meaning is, they are innocent? It's we who are heartless?”

“No.” Zhao Jin Yu stepped forward holding the emperor's hand, she said, “It's not like that, Your Majesty, don't be angry, let's talk properly.”

“We are talking to you properly, it's you who is being deliberately provocative.”

“My meaning is can…” As she was saying this, a person suddenly ran out of the house, kneeling in front of Zhao Jin Yu kowtowing as if she didn't care for her life, in a moment blood came out from her knocking, she said, “Empress niangniang, you are a kind hearted person, a living Buddha, I beg you to decree, grant the marriage between me and older brother Xu.”

Zhao Jin Yu hurried to help her up, she said, “Quickly get up, hasn't the imperial physician already said…”

Li Shan Rong choked with emotions said, “I know, but if he dies, I will also die.” Li Shan Rong touched her own chest, “Niangniang, do you know what a walking corpse is?”

“Stop talking, you unfilial daughter!” Li Zheng Ran came over in a fl.u.s.ter finally seeing his daughter's actions, again he was angry, and afraid to enrage the empress, out of his wits in fright.

“Daddy…” Li Shan Rong turned her head crying she said to Li Zheng Ran, “Daddy, this child is unfilial, I want to listen to you and marry someone else, live my life peacefully, but it's impossible for me, if you have to blame something then blame that you shouldn't have placed me in the care of uncle Xu's home back then, you shouldn't have allowed me and older brother Xu to grow up as childhood sweethearts.”