"Is that so? Ah-Jian is indeed fortunate!" The Empress giggled.
"Asking the Empress, how did Your Majesty meet His Majesty?" Shen Tianyu asked back.
"Mn... I'll tell you if you stop calling me so formally~ We're already a family, there's no need for you to be so formal. Just call me Mother like the boys do~" Kuian Xiaoli coaxed Shen Tianyu.
"Empress, I'm only engaged, we're not officially married yet."
"That's no matter. We like you so of course we're going to let you get married to Jian'er. Unless you don't want to? Jian'er didn't bully you into this, did he?"
"No, Your Majesty. I merely think it a bit inappropriate. And the people might talk which would be unfavorable to the royal reputation."
"There's no need for you to worry over that too much, we'll be fine. Besides, the people do like an exciting love story. It's not like the officials have any say in the marriage matters of the royal family anyways. Now, come, call me Mother."
Sincere thanks to kcat_10, DaylithNight, Stumblmer, MasterWolf40, Cool28, and weepingclouds (awww, don't cry) for the orange stones!
Is anyone planning or is already doing a summer program from your local library? Some library have online platforms and virtual events you can attend.