It’s awkward for Ye Zi’an considering his current identity; he is no longer an official and thus not a subject. Calling himself a commoner doesn’t quite fit since he is not of lower status, so he had to choose the term "at your service."
"Oh? It seems your wife’s sister is married to a family in the Capital City? May I ask which family?"
"Replying to Prince Le, it’s the Luo Family in the Capital City."
"Luo Family?" Prince Le mused upon hearing this and glanced at Luo Linhao. Suddenly, he chuckled, "Could it be that she married Minor General Luo here?"
"Haha, indeed, it is I, Your Highness," Luo Linhao responded with a smile.
"Very well, strengthening ties through marriage is certainly a joyous affair; I congratulate you. Now, may I ask Lord Ye when you plan to return ho?"
"This... is uncertain for now." Ye Zi’an replied, feeling uneasy, and lowered his head, "The wedding date is still under discussion; the return ho might have to wait until after everything is settled."
"Oh..." Prince Le elongated this syllable, then with a hint of amusent said, "In the Capital City where there are many people with many affairs, one can easily get stuck in the quagmire. Today you drink fine wine, tomorrow it may be poisoned wine. Lord Ye, it’s best to return ho early after your matters are settled."
For those unaware, Prince Le’s words might seem unfitting for soone absent from public view, yet he delivered his advice in such a bitter tone.
But the three here knew Prince Le well; hearing his words, they recognized it as a threat, a blatant threat.
He was implying that Ye Zi’an should leave the Capital soon to avoid getting caught in the turmoil, or he might not know how he will et his end.
"Yes, Your Highness is right, thank you for the reminder."
"Hehe," Prince Le chuckled again, "Lord Ye, don’t feel offended by my words. In truth, after several encounters, I find us quite congenial, hence I spoke candidly. Moreover, the deep affection between you and your wife indeed moved ; such genuine feelings, no doubt everyone hopes you both will endure forever."
"Yes, thank you for your kindness, Your Highness," Ye Zi’an replied.
"Well, I’ve said what I wished to say, so I’ll take my leave first. Father Emperor is fond of paintings and calligraphy, and coincidentally today I ca across a good piece on my way back to the residence. I will present it for him to enjoy."
Having spoken, Prince Le mounted his horse and rode into the palace.
Watching his departing figure, Ye Zi’an couldn’t help but ponder deeply.
He actually gained the privilege to ride a horse within the palace? Could there be so significant change in the Capital that he was unaware of in such a short ti?
However, this wasn’t the ti for him to dwell deeply.
He knew the palace was vast, yet this was the first ti he profoundly realized it. By the ti they reached the Imperial Study, the Emperor had already viewed the painting presented by Prince Le, and Prince Le had already left.
The eunuch didn’t keep them waiting long. After reporting, Luo Linhao was the first to enter, and after a little over a quarter of an hour, the eunuch ushered Ye Zi’an and Lele inside.
"I thought you would return to Funan," the Emperor spoke upon seeing the father and son enter, not waiting for them to pay respects, waving his hand, "Let’s dispense with the formalities, no need for bows."
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Hearing his inquiry, Ye Zi’an explained, "Originally, we planned to return ho, but with my wife’s sister soon to wed Linhao, my wife wishes to remain in the Capital to oversee the marriage."
"Is that so?" The Emperor was enlightened upon hearing this, saying again, "Hey, you’ve set things quite swiftly, haven’t you? I was initially considering arranging a marriage for this young man."
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