279: An enlightened Empress Dowager! The proposal for an engagement!

Empress Dowager Su Jinyu saw the two fall silent, understanding that they had grasped her unspoken meaning.

She no longer beat around the bush, her gaze shifting between her daughter and Li Shengyuan, her tone gentle yet carrying an undeniable seriousness: "Qingning, Shengyuan, there are no outsiders here, so I will speak plainly."

She paused, looking at Li Shengyuan, "Shengyuan, your affection for Qingning is clear to all discerning eyes, both in and out of court."

"When you returned victorious from the northern border, Qingning personally greeted you with all the civil and military officials. The two of you in the imperial carriage... *cough*, that scene, though somewhat undignified, was enough to explain everything."

There was no blame in her words, but rather a hint of understanding. She then looked at Female Emperor Mu Qingning, her eyes slightly teasing:

"And that girl Princess Pingyang, her heart has long since flown away. When Shengyuan went north, she insisted on following him, and going to Jiangnan was even more natural for her. Her feelings, I'm afraid, couldn't even be hidden from the palace maids who sweep the floors."

Li Shengyuan touched his nose, while Female Emperor Mu Qingning slightly turned her face away, her earlobes flushing red.

To be so bluntly exposed by her own mother, even as the Female Emperor, she found it a bit overwhelming.

The Empress Dowager took in their reactions, sighed softly, and her tone became even more solemn:

"I am not one of those rigid people. Shengyuan, at such a young age, your cultivation has already reached the pinnacle of the second rank, truly unparalleled in this era!"

"Among your peers, in my opinion, only you are worthy of Qingning and Princess Pingyang. The imperial clan, I presume, will not, and dare not, have any objections."

Before Li Shengyuan first went to the northern border, she had quite a few reservations about the subtle relationship between Li Shengyuan and her two daughters.

But times had changed!

She looked at Li Shengyuan openly: "As for the other young ladies in your residence, the Shen Family girl, those two from Yuehua Palace, and Sect Leader Luo of Questioning Dao Sect..."

Li Shengyuan looked slightly embarrassed, thinking to himself that he and Luo Qingwan were merely friends who discussed the Dao, and their relationship wasn't like that yet.

The Empress Dowager continued: "They are all rare and extraordinary women in the world. I have no objection to your association with them. After all, with your abilities, having a few confidantes is quite normal."

These words were incredibly enlightened, almost clearing all obstacles for them.

Li Shengyuan's heart stirred slightly, and he bowed, saying, "Thank you, Empress Dowager, for your understanding."

The Empress Dowager waved her hand, her tone turning to one of urgency: "Understanding is one thing, but things must be settled!"

"You are all not young anymore, especially Qingning, who bears the responsibility of the nation. This marriage cannot be delayed any longer. I'm thinking, why don't we choose an auspicious day and hold the engagement ceremony first."

Upon hearing the words "engagement," Female Emperor Mu Qingning's delicate body trembled slightly, and the blush on her cheeks deepened, as if painted with the most beautiful rouge.

She subconsciously looked at Li Shengyuan, her eyes filled with inquiry, and also a hint of undeniable sweetness and anticipation.

To formalize her relationship with her junior brother was something she had long hoped for deep in her heart.

Li Shengyuan felt her gaze and responded with a gentle yet firm smile, nodding slightly, indicating that he would handle everything.

Female Emperor Mu Qingning's heart settled, but then she thought of something, a troubled expression appearing on her face. With a hint of shyness, she said to the Empress Dowager: "Mother, about this... your daughter is naturally willing."

"However, my master repeatedly warned me that due to my special physique and cultivation method, I must maintain my primordial yin until my cultivation reaches the first rank, otherwise..."

"Otherwise, it would hinder my future breakthrough to the legendary transcendent rank. This matter concerns the Great Dao and cannot be taken lightly..."

Her voice grew softer and softer. After all, discussing matters of primordial yin in front of her mother and lover was truly embarrassing.

The Empress Dowager, however, smiled dismissively, her posture graceful, and said, "Silly child, am I someone who is unreasonable?"

"Getting married is about formalizing your status, announcing it to the world, and stabilizing people's hearts. As for consummating the marriage..."

She gave them a meaningful look, "That is a matter between you two as husband and wife. When things naturally come to fruition, it will be according to your wishes. Will your mother really rush you on that?"

She paused, her tone becoming solemn: "But you must understand that a prosperous dynasty cannot have only an emperor."

"The existence of an imperial consort is itself a symbol of a stable national foundation, capable of reassuring court officials and solidifying the hopes of the common people. And for the imperial family, the continuation of the bloodline is of utmost importance. First, formalize your status; all other matters can then be leisurely planned!"

Upon hearing words like "consummating the marriage" and "husband and wife," Female Emperor Mu Qingning felt her face burning and her heart rate quicken slightly.

The most intimate she and her junior brother had been so far was only kissing, caressing, and teasing her breasts. Thinking of further intimacy, her heart was both shy and subtly expectant.

She forced herself to calm down, once again turning her gaze to Li Shengyuan, and softly asked:

"Junior brother, what do you think?"

Li Shengyuan stepped forward, took her hand, looked at her with clear and firm eyes, then turned to the Empress Dowager, and solemnly said:

"My senior sister's heart is my heart. It is my good fortune to have the favor of my senior sister and Princess Pingyang. The matter of the engagement is entirely up to the Empress Dowager and my senior sister."

He did not decline, and there was a touch of emotion in his heart. Strictly speaking, he and Yue Xiyan had already married in Yuehua Palace in the northern border. Although it was due to circumstances, it was still a step taken first.

Now, being able to formalize his relationship with his senior sister could be considered making up for a debt. As for his other confidantes, he would handle them properly and never let anyone down.

Seeing Li Shengyuan agree so readily, the Empress Dowager's face immediately broke into a joyful smile, and she repeatedly said:

"Good! Good! Good! Since that's the case, then this matter is settled!"

"Tomorrow, no... later today, I will personally go to the Li Residence to discuss the auspicious day and specific arrangements for the engagement with your grandfather and parents!"

A great weight was lifted from her heart. Looking at the perfect couple before her, the more she looked, the more satisfied she became, feeling that the future of the imperial family was promising, and the late emperor's spirit in heaven would also be comforted.

The atmosphere in the sleeping quarters finally shifted from its previous subtle solemnity to one of joy and warmth.

Female Emperor Mu Qingning looked at her junior brother beside her, her expression somewhat dazed.

Had she and her junior brother really reached this point...?