The emperor's gaze stayed on Sheng Rao for a moment, and finally fell on Li Ye, with a complex emotion flashing in his eyes.

"Ye'er, you are back, and you brought back this..." His voice was low and majestic, and every word seemed to carry an irresistible power.

Li Ye bowed slightly, his tone respectful but firm: "Father, she is Sheng Rao, the love of my life, and also your daughter-in-law."

Upon hearing this, Sheng Rao took a step forward and performed a standard court salute.

"Good day, Your Majesty."

The emperor nodded slightly, looked at Sheng Rao carefully, and frowned.

"Ye'er, did you know that she was once your brother's fiancée?"

There was an unquestionable majesty in the emperor's words, but it could not hide a hint of subtle fatigue.

He stared at Sheng Rao, his eyes that had experienced many vicissitudes of life seemed to be able to see into the deepest secrets of the human heart.

Sheng Rao maintained a proper smile and said in a neither humble nor arrogant manner: "Your Majesty, the past is like a passing cloud. There is no real love between His Highness Li Xingchen and I. Now, my heart belongs to Li Ye, and he treats me like a treasure. I am willing to spend my life hand in hand with him."

Although the emperor is old, he knows clearly what Li Xingchen has done. What Li Xingchen has done can to a large extent destroy the peace agreement between the mermaids and humans, but the emperor chooses not to intervene. One reason is that he dotes on his son Li Xingchen, and the second reason is that this matter must not be known by the mermaids, so he chooses to remain silent.

But his eldest son, Li Ye, was also his favorite son, and he didn't know how to make a choice for a moment.

Originally, the third son could marry into the mermaid tribe, and he had already made plans to let the third son inherit the throne, but the third son's behavior was really unorthodox, and now the eldest son has feelings for the mermaid princess, so he has to reconsider.

The emperor also knew that all this was Li Xingchen's fault and had nothing to do with Sheng Rao, the mermaid princess. Moreover, Sheng Rao was a victim. He felt very guilty towards Sheng Rao. Now he could only hope that Sheng Rao could forgive Li Xingchen's mistakes and let the peace between the mermaids and humans continue.

However, the emperor was still worried about what people would say, and was even more worried that his eldest son would be affected by it.

"Ye'er, do you know what this decision means?" The emperor finally spoke, turning his eyes to Li Ye, his tone more severe and warning.

Li Ye did not flinch, staring directly into the emperor's eyes, and said firmly: "Father, I know it, but I know even better that true happiness should not be bound by worldly prejudices and established rules. Sheng Rao is my only partner in this life. I will protect her with everything I have."

Upon hearing this, the emperor sighed deeply, with a complex emotion flashing in his eyes. He knew Li Ye's character very well, and once he made a decision, he would not change it easily. At the same time, he also saw the unique tenacity and wisdom in Sheng Rao. Perhaps, this is exactly what Li Ye values.

"Well, since you have made up your mind, I will not stop you." The emperor finally gave in, his tone revealing a bit of helplessness and compromise, "But you must know that this road is not easy to walk. You need to face not only the rumors from the outside world, but also the unpredictable human heart and the game of power. Li Ye, you are my eldest son and the future crown prince. Every decision you make is related to the fate of the country and the well-being of the people. Sheng Rao, as a princess of the mermaid tribe, your identity is also sensitive and important. Your union is not only a personal emotional belonging, but also a bridge of peace and trust between the two races."

There was a hint of deep worry in the emperor's words. He slowly stood up, walked to the window, looked at the prosperous capital city outside the window, with a myriad of thoughts surging in his heart.

The sunlight shone through the clouds, dappled onto his face, reflecting his weathered and resolute features.

"I hope you can understand that this love is not just a matter between two people. It carries the expectations and responsibilities of too many people. You must be more cautious and tenacious than ordinary people to protect this hard-earned relationship and the peace and tranquility behind it."

Li Ye and Sheng Rao looked at each other and saw firmness and determination in each other's eyes.

They walked forward slowly, stood side by side beside the emperor, and looked out at the vast sky and earth together, as if declaring their determination and courage with their actions.

"Father, we understand." Li Ye's voice was steady and powerful. "We are willing to take on this responsibility and prove with our actions that true love can transcend race and overcome all difficulties. We will work hard to become each other's support and the pillars of the country, protecting every inch of land and every bit of peace."

Sheng Rao also echoed softly: "Your Majesty, although I am a mermaid, I have long regarded this land as my second home. I am willing to use my wisdom and strength to contribute to the harmonious coexistence between the two races. I believe that as long as we are united in heart and hand, nothing is impossible."

The emperor turned around, glanced at the two of them gently, and a warm feeling surged in his heart.

He stretched out his hand, patted Li Ye's shoulder gently, then turned to Sheng Rao and gave him one.

"Okay, I believe in you. From today on, you are no longer isolated individuals, but the common hope of this country and these two races. I will fully support you, but at the same time, you also need to prove to everyone that your choice is correct."

"Also, I apologize to you on behalf of Xingchen. I hope you can forgive him for what he did." The emperor said this to Sheng Rao.

"Your Majesty, it is Li Xingchen's job to apologize. Besides, if it weren't for Li Ye's rescue, I might not be able to come back."

Sheng Rao’s words said it all, she would not forgive Li Xingchen.

When the emperor heard this, a complex emotion flashed in his eyes. He admired Sheng Rao for sticking to her principles, but also felt helpless and disappointed with Li Xingchen's behavior.

He was silent for a moment, as if he was weighing something, and finally spoke slowly: "Sheng Rao, I understand your position. Xingchen's fault must be borne by him, but I hope you can understand that there are always inextricable connections between family and country, and personal grudges sometimes have to give way to the overall situation. However, I will not force you to forgive him. Your tolerance depends entirely on your own heart."

Sheng Rao nodded. Although her answer was brief, it revealed an unquestionable firmness: "Your Majesty, I understand what you mean, but in my heart, love and forgiveness are two different things. I can put aside personal grudges for the sake of peace and the overall situation, but true forgiveness requires time and sincere change. I hope that His Highness Xingchen can truly reflect on his actions and take responsibility for his mistakes."

The emperor sighed softly, as if he had expected such an outcome, but also felt a little relieved. As long as Sheng Rao could allow the mermaids and humans to continue to coexist peacefully, it would be fine.

"Okay, I am pleased with your maturity and rationality. I will talk to Xingchen, make him understand his responsibilities and mistakes, and let him atone for his sins to you."

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