Although Lu Qi had wandered among the common folk for many years, enduring countless hardships, he never gave up his pursuit of knowledge.
Not only was he exceptionally talented and able to recite the Four Books and Five Classics from memory, but he also possessed unique insights into matters of state, offering genuine wisdom without empty rhetoric.
Emperor Liang was greatly pleased.
To govern the realm, one required someone who understood the people’s suffering, and his Imperial Grandson was undoubtedly the best choice.
Heaven bless Great Liang.
"These years have been hard on you."
Emperor Liang said to Lu Qi.
Lu Qi cupped his hands respectfully and answered, "Grandson’s hardships are all worth it if it means one day I can assist Imperial Grandfather and Father in governing the realm."
Emperor Liang nodded. "Your mother taught you very well."
Lu Qi softly replied, "Indeed, these years have been hard on Mother."
Emperor Liang turned to the Crown Prince and said, "Qi’er’s mother has been living in the Crown Prince Mansion for some time. What are your thoughts on this?"
The Crown Prince glanced at Lu Qi, then turned back to Emperor Liang. "Father’s meaning is—"
Emperor Liang replied blandly, "Do you really not understand my meaning? Must you put on your act in front of me? Do I not know you inside out?"
The Crown Prince said nothing.
Emperor Liang continued, "Qi’er is your only son and my only Imperial Grandson. I intend to confer upon him the title of Imperial Grandson after his marriage."
Lu Qi was shocked. "Imperial Grandfather!"
Emperor Liang raised a hand, signaling him to stay calm, and continued speaking to his son. "His mother endured immense hardship to raise him. Now that Qi’er is accomplished, it shouldn’t be just I, his grandfather, doting on him. Isn’t it time you granted him the status of a legitimate son?"
Lu Qi’s breath caught.
The status of a legitimate son... So this meant Imperial Grandfather planned to bestow the title of Crown Princess Consort on his mother?
Emperor Liang said to the Crown Prince, "Settle this matter before their wedding. It would be fitting for Qi’er’s mother to receive foreign envoys as the Crown Princess Consort."
Emperor Liang was a domineering man.
Once he made a decision, there was no room for negotiation, not even for his own son.
Dou Qingyi had just arrived at the study door with a tray of medicinal soup when she overheard Emperor Liang announcing his decision to name her the Crown Princess Consort.
She was so overwhelmed with excitement that she almost tumbled down the stairs.
She was going to be the Crown Princess Consort!
She was going to be the Crown Princess Consort!
"If you have no objections, I shall issue the decree immediately—"
Before Emperor Liang could finish, a sudden uproar erupted from outside the courtyard.
Moments later, a servant shouted, "Fire! Mr. Zimu’s courtyard is on fire!"
If any other courtyard caught fire, the servants would never dare yell .
But Mr. Zimu was a guest of great importance to His Majesty. Should anything happen to him, the entire Crown Prince Mansion’s staff would pay with their lives!
Upon hearing that Mr. Zimu was in danger, Emperor Liang immediately flicked his sleeve and rushed out without looking back.
The Crown Prince hurried after him.
In the urgency of the moment, neither man noticed Dou Qingyi standing to the side.
Not until Lu Qi stepped out of the room and spotted Dou Qingyi did he exclaim in surprise, "Mother, why are you here?"
Dou Qingyi closed her eyes briefly. So close. If this fire had come earlier or later, but no, it had to happen at this critical moment—
Furious and embarrassed, she took several deep breaths to steady herself before answering, "I brought medicinal soup for you all. Go and see what’s happening."
He too felt the timing of this fire was lamentable. He had been so close to obtaining the status of a legitimate son.
While being a legitimate son or not wouldn’t affect his claim to the throne, being born legitimate still made a difference.
Who wouldn’t wish for a perfect birthright?
Mr. Zimu’s courtyard was right next to Lu Qi’s. Just yesterday, Lu Qi had marveled at the convenience of being close to Mr. Zimu, thinking he could frequently interact with him. Now, he felt some regret.
If they had lived farther apart, his mother would already be the Crown Princess Consort.
But such thoughts could only remain in his heart. Voicing them would surely displease both his Imperial Grandfather and his father.
When Emperor Liang arrived at Mr. Zimu’s courtyard, he didn’t say a word before charging into the flames.
Eunuch Yu turned pale with fright.
For the first time in his life, he defied heaven’s will and reached out to grab the Emperor.
But he was a step too late.
The Emperor, being a skilled martial artist, reacted far faster than a mere eunuch could match.
Not even the Imperial Guards accompanying the Emperor managed to stop him.
In an instant, the Emperor’s figure was engulfed by the roaring flames.
"Imperial Grandfather—"
Lu Qi watched in horror and desperately tried to rush in, only to be restrained by two Imperial Guards.
Lu Zhaoyan remained calm, staring at the billowing smoke without panic. Instead, he methodically directed the servants to extinguish the fire.
"Father, Imperial Grandfather went inside..."
Lu Qi said urgently, "Let me go in and rescue him!"
Lu Zhaoyan did not respond.