Chapter 158 Only when mountains crumble and heaven and earth unite will I dare to part from you.
"Hmm..."
Emperor Ren's expression softened, changing from gloomy to pleasant.
"Now that you mention it, I was being narrow-minded.
This child, after suffering so much, still thinks of me. I was overthinking things."
Emperor Ren's mood improved significantly, and a smile appeared on his face.
"He Shun, go tell the Princess that I have granted her request.
Tomorrow, from my private treasury, select a few decent items to add to her dowry."
He Shun bowed and accepted the order, a barely perceptible smile playing on the corners of his lips.
"Your Majesty is wise."
...Just as the Princess was about to step into her carriage to return to her residence, a hurried sound of footsteps came from behind her.
"Princess, wait!"
She turned around to see Eunuch He Shun.
He Shun had been running all the way, and his nether regions were a bit sore. After all, he had just undergone surgery and was still adapting.
The Princess understood, but her face remained impassive. She feigned surprise and said,
"Eunuch He Shun, is something the matter?"
He Shun wiped the sweat from his forehead, a smile appearing on his face.
"Congratulations, Princess! His Majesty has granted your request and has even ordered this old servant to select a few suitable dowry gifts for you from his private treasury. This old servant offers his congratulations in advance on your joyous occasion!"
The Princess nodded slightly, pulled out a wad of silver notes from her sleeve, and discreetly slipped them into He Shun's hand.
"Thank you for your trouble, Eunuch. This is a small token for you to buy some tea."
He Shun clutched the thick wad of silver notes, his eyes narrowing into slits as he smiled.
"You are too kind, Princess. It's just my duty. I won't delay you any further. Please take care."
He Shun couldn't help but sigh with emotion, thinking that the Princess and her husband were both exceptionally capable.
Although He Shun wasn't after the money, the Princess's attitude was far superior to that of others.
Upon returning to the Princesss Residence, everyone was waiting anxiously.
"How did it go? What did His Majesty say?"
The Princess recounted Emperor Ren's reaction, and everyone finally breathed a long sigh of relief.
Shen Yulou's lips curved into a cold smile.
"If Consort Shu doesn't make a move in this matter, then so be it. But once she does, and brings out Prince Chen's portrait at the wedding banquet, then we'll have an opportunity to deal with her.
At that time, no matter how she explains, once the seed of suspicion is planted in His Majesty's heart, the initiative will be in our hands."
The Princess nodded, agreeing with Shen Yulou's reasoning.
The Princess was in a good mood: "Today, I'm treating everyone to a meal at Jue Wei Lou. Commander Li, bring your Madam Li and children along too, let's make it lively!"
Li Hui quickly cupped his hands in thanks, then turned and excitedly prepared to go home and pick up his family.
"Wait a moment!"
Shen Yulou called out to him, a hint of teasing in his eyes.
"Commander Li, has Sister-in-law calmed down?"
Li Hui's old face immediately flushed red, and he awkwardly scratched the back of his head.
"Ahem, Madam Li has been threatening to go back to her maiden home these past few days, and has packed her luggage several times, but she hasn't actually left."
Well, it seemed the cold war wasn't over yet.
Shen Yulou took a piece of paper from his bosom, swiftly wrote a few words, folded it, handed it to Li Hui, and patted him on the shoulder.
"Commander Li, read this to Sister-in-law. It guarantees a cure and immediate results."
This is all I can do for you, my brother.
Li Hui received it like a treasure, thanked him repeatedly, and ran home with the note tucked away.
Upon reaching his doorstep, he eagerly opened the note and, upon closer inspection, was instantly amazed, his pupils dilating.
Holy cow!
Lord Shen is awesome!
How could a human possibly come up with such words?
He took a deep breath and pushed open the door.
Sure enough, Madam Li was facing away from him, stuffing clothes into a bundle, looking as if she absolutely had to leave today.
Li Hui rushed forward and hugged Madam Li tightly from behind.
"Madam Li, what are you doing?"
Madam Li's body stiffened, and she struggled desperately.
"Let go! Let me go!"
Li Hui buried his face in her neck, asking in a muffled voice, "Madam Li, where are you going?"
"Back to my maiden home! To make space for you to take a concubine!" Madam Li's voice was tearful.
"How could I, how could I," Li Hui quickly declared his loyalty, "How could I ever be separated from Madam Li?"
Madam Li sneered, "I think you'd be glad to be rid of me!"
"Even if we were to separate, now isn't the right time." Li Hui tried to recall the essence of Shen Yulou's teaching: suppress first, then elevate.
As soon as these words left his mouth, Madam Li completely lost her composure. Her eyes welled up with tears from anger, and she suddenly turned around, punching him in the chest.
"Li Hui! You really are something! Then tell me, when do you think it would be appropriate to separate from me?!"
Here it comes!
I've been waiting for you to ask!
Li Hui cleared his throat, his eyes instantly becoming deeply affectionate, even carrying a hint of a flamboyant air that he himself didn't notice.
He held Madam Li's hand and, enunciating each word, recited in the gentlest tone he had ever used in his life:
"Only when mountains have no ridges, and heaven and earth merge, would I dare to part from you."
"..."
Madam Li was stunned, the anger in her eyes instantly replaced by shock and bewilderment.
Li Hui struck while the iron was hot, embracing her again and saying softly,
"Madam Li, in this life, the next life, and the life after that, I would never dare to part from you."
"Wuwu—"
Madam Li's tears instantly burst forth. Her 'little pink fists' now pounded on his body, and then she completely threw herself into his arms, weeping profusely.
Li Hui gently patted her back, his admiration for Shen Yulou flowing like an endless river.
He coughed and said in a serious tone,
"Madam Li, your pouting strength is a bit much. Sometimes I even feel like hitting back."
Madam Li was amused by him and burst into laughter through her tears, giving him a hard pinch on his waist... Inside a private room at Jue Wei Lou.
As soon as the Princess saw Li Hui's robust little boy, she was utterly smitten. She immediately took off a peace lock from her own neck and personally put it on the child.
Madam Li was overwhelmed by the favor and repeatedly expressed her gratitude.
For Shen Yulou, having someone like Li Hui on his side ensured the greatest possible security.
And for Madam Li, her child would certainly need Shen Yulou's help in the future, and he had taken the initiative to show goodwill.
Moreover, Shen Yulou and the Princess were both good people, so naturally, they would grow closer over time.
After several rounds of drinks and dishes.
Everyone started chatting about the Imperial Academy, and Madam Li's eyes lit up. She suddenly asked,
"Lord Shen, do you think my son could also be sent to the Imperial Academy? To eat and live with the princes and princesses, that would be an immense blessing!"
Li Hui was startled and quickly kicked her under the table, frantically winking at her.
What nonsense are you talking about!
That's a place for princes, why are we trying to join in on the fun!
Madam Li, however, was not convinced and glared at him: What's wrong with asking? If it's not possible, then it's not possible. It's not like we'll lose a piece of flesh!
Unexpectedly, Shen Yulou slapped his thigh and said,
"Sister-in-law's idea is excellent!"
The more he thought about it, the more reliable it seemed. After all, the Imperial Academy grounds were vast enough for horse racing, and there was more than enough room to cram in another hundred or so children.
"I'll submit a memorial to His Majesty later, saying that in order to expand the imperial family's lineage, descendants of imperial relatives and meritorious officials can enroll by choice.
As for the treatment, there will certainly be some differences compared to the princes and princesses, but it will definitely be a hundred times better than the private schools outside!"
Upon hearing this, Madam Li's face flushed with excitement. She raised her wine cup to offer a toast.
"Then I thank Lord Shen immensely! I thank you on behalf of my son!"
Shen Yulou waved his hand and smiled.
"Since it was Sister-in-law who proposed it, then perhaps Sister-in-law could take the lead and visit the various imperial relatives' residences to compile a list, how about that?"
"No problem! Leave it to me!" Madam Li readily agreed.
Shen Yulou took a satisfied sip of wine.
Heh, that's another large sum of money coming in!
If he could control all these second-generation officials and imperial relatives, wouldn't he, Shen Yulou, become the Gao Qiqiang of the Hun Kingdom?
Life was getting more and more promising.