Chapter 216 – I Am The Empress Dowager, Who Am I Afraid Of? (part 9)
Sure enough, after her son arrived at Peaceful Age Palace, he got better day by day. He gained weight and became much more energetic.
At that time, Empress Jiang was very grateful to the empress dowager. But after her son was cured, the emperor never mentioned moving her son back, which made Empress Jiang feel uncomfortable. She was the empress. Her son was the crown prince and her son should be with her.
But seeing her son's heart gravitate towards the empress dowager every day, Empress Jiang's heart was extremely tormented. She had thought about opening her mouth to the emperor and taking her son back to raise her. But her son was raised in Peaceful Age Palace, so he saw the emperor more often than when he was raised in her palace. Her son was more favoured by the emperor. Empress Jiang hesitated again.
Everyone knew how filial the emperor was to the empress dowager. The benefits of having a son by the empress dowager's side were too obvious. Have the concubines with children started to worry at this time? Did they want to send their child to Peaceful Age Palace? Unfortunately, Peaceful Age Palace was not so easy to enter. The empress dowager would not raise everyone's children.
Thinking of this, Empress Jiang began to feel proud again.
Even her mother advised her, for the sake of His Royal Highness, that she shouldn't even think about bringing His Highness back to raise him! It was better to take advantage of this time to have another child and be a solid favourite.
But Empress Jiang was also in a difficult position. The emperor had always been indifferent to her. He only had respect for her. There was no love. In addition, since the emperor learned the reason for Yuanqi's illness, he had become even more indifferent to her. Although the emperor rested in her palace on the 15th day of every month according to the rules of their ancestors, they just slept. She also wanted to have another child, but the emperor did not cooperate. What could she do?!
Therefore, Empress Jiang was in a dilemma and she felt very tormented.
Of course, a single fool could not survive in the harem except for the original owner. Many people saw Empress Jiang's suffering. Emperor Long'an didn't seem to care if he knew, while the other concubines were jealous and disdainful.
She didn't know what virtues the empress dowager accumulated in her previous life for her to be so lucky in this life. Otherwise, was someone like her with no virtue or talent worthy of being the empress dowager?
The concubines who followed Empress Jiang were all full of disdain.
It was unfortunate that Empress Jiang didn't realise it. Her whole heart was with her son. After hesitating for a moment, she let the concubines go back to the palace and she went to the imperial garden.
The intrigue between the concubines did not affect Li Su. Li Su took her grandson to look for crickets in the imperial garden, but unfortunately, after searching for a long time, they found nothing. Their faces were dirty.
Li Su waved her hand. "No more. Imperial grandmother is tired." She sat on the chair while holding Wet Nurse Xu's hand. Yes, when they were scurrying around in the imperial garden, the servants followed behind with chairs and stools in case such a situation occurred.
Zhao Yuanqi immediately ran over. "Imperial grandmother, your grandson will massage your legs."
"Okay, Yuanqi is really good. It looks like we can't catch crickets today. Why don't we go back?" Li Su coaxed.
"But your grandson wants to catch a cricket and give it to emperor father and imperial grandmother." Zhao Yuanqi turned his head to see what was going on. He heard a lot of crickets calling at night, so why couldn't he find any during the day?
Li Su's mouth twitched. She knew that catching crickets was usually better at night, but she just wanted Zhao Yuanqi to be more active, so she accompanied him. Unexpectedly, this child really wanted to catch crickets.
"Since that's the case, why don't we try it at night?!" Li Su thought for a while and said, "Now you should go back to take a shower and then read a book."
Zhao Yuanqi was a little disappointed, but still nodded. "Okay, it's a deal. You can't lie to this grandson!"
"When has imperial grandmother lied to you?! Let's go back to the palace!" Li Su smiled and took Zhao Yuanqi's hand and walked back.
Empress Jiang fluttered in the imperial garden, then hurried to Peaceful Age Palace only to learn that the empress dowager and the prince were washing up and changing. After waiting for her son to finish cleaning up, Empress Jiang took her son's hand without saying a few words. The palace servant also mentioned it was time for class and the gentleman was waiting in the study.
Empress Jiang had no choice but to reluctantly let go of her impatient son's hand. She saw her son walk out with joyful steps. He was no longer the heavy and gloomy person when he used to study by her side.
Empress Jiang was a little puzzled. She had obviously done it for her son's good, but why didn't Yuanqi appreciate it?
Li Su, who came out of the bath, saw Empress Jiang like this and rolled her eyes. What an idiot! How could Empress Jiang compare to her? Li Su's rules were that there were three classes in the morning and two classes in the afternoon. Each class was three quarters of an hour, with 15 minutes of break between classes. There was also one day off for every 5 days. It was a good arrangement. Look how happy Yuanqi was now.
"Empress Mother!" Empress Jiang called out.
"Come on, let's have lunch together at noon!" Li Su said.
"Thank you, Empress Mother!" Empress Jiang said excitedly.
"It's a good thing to hope that your son will become a dragon, but Yuanqi is still young. With such an intense arrangement like yours, even an adult can't stand it, let alone a child like Yuanqi. Be kind to children," Li Su said.
But when she saw Empress Jiang's appearance, she knew that Empress Jiang didn't listen to her at all.
It's not that Li Su didn't think about □□ with this daughter-in-law. Unfortunately, Empress Jiang was stupid, stubborn, and had a big heart. After several attempts, there was no change and Li Su was also impatient. Empress Jiang was not her mission target either. Besides, as long as Emperor Long'an was well, Empress Jiang would not cause any trouble.
So, Li Su no longer cared about Empress Jiang.
"Okay, don't linger around here. Why don't you go?" Li Su said impatiently.
Empress Jiang remembered that the Mid-Autumn Festival was coming soon. The palace was going to prepare the Mid-Autumn Festival Banquet, and there were still a lot of things to arrange. She had to stand up quickly and say goodbye.
Li Su looked at her back and shook her head helplessly. "A-Xu, do you think the empress is getting older?"
"The empress manages the six palaces with all her energy," Wet Nurse Xu said with a straight face. This was how Empress Jiang looked like an empress. She had power and all the palace affairs were in her hands. She wasn't like the empress dowager, who just wanted to sleep for a few more hours every day and didn't care about palace affairs.
Li Su clicked her tongue. Anyway, she didn't understand Empress Jiang. Emperor Long'an was not someone who favoured concubines and exterminated his wife. Even if he was dissatisfied with Empress Jiang, he still gave her the honor of being an empress, and her son was the crown prince. It could be said that, so as long as Empress Jiang did not make big mistakes, her position would be stable. But Empress Jiang was still stubborn and refused to relax in the slightest.
Wet Nurse Xu was a little speechless. You are lucky to have met the late emperor. Otherwise, would you have even survived in the harem, let alone become the empress? When you became the empress, the late emperor thought of everything for you. You just needed to have fun. Empress Jiang was not as lucky as you. The current emperor was not a person who was fond of children. His thoughts were all in the past, and the only patience and warmth he had were directed towards you. In order to consolidate her position, Empress Jiang must not be exhausted!
"Hey, the Mid-Autumn Festival is coming soon. Do you think that damn boy, Defang, will come back?" Wet Nurse Xu, who had been following Li Su for a long time, couldn't keep up with Li Su's thoughts. Just now, Li Su mentioned the empress and now Li Su was talking about Prince Bao again.
Wet Nurse Xu was stunned for a rare moment before she said, "Maybe the prince won't be able to come back in time. Jiangxi is far from the capital."
Li Su was not disappointed either. "That damn boy must be having fun outside. He left his mother behind. Oh, I'm so envious. I also want to go out to play out there!"
Wet Nurse Xu couldn't help but roll her eyes. The empress dowager missing the prince was false. The last sentence was true! It had been several years, and His Majesty even dedicated his own son, His Royal Highness, to play with you. Why are you still thinking about running out? You have a delicate body, yet you are still thinking of going out there to play? Wouldn't that just be bullying yourself?
Wet Nurse Xu did not persuade Li Su to take advantage of the situation. She changed the subject very skillfully. "Empress Dowager, His Majesty is coming for lunch. What do you think we should prepare for lunch?"
Sure enough, Li Su was easily distracted. She sat up straight and discussed the lunch menu with Wet Nurse Xu. When she confirmed the menu, most of the morning had been spent. For the rest of the time, Wet Nurse Xu called the little palace maid again to paint Li Su's nails, and then asked people to bring over the new tribute materials from Jiangnan. She then summoned the embroidery lady from the to discuss what clothes should be made of that material.
When playtime was almost over, Li Yuanqi also left school. He ran in, quickly paid his respects, and went to Li Su to excitedly talk about today's classes and what happened.
After a while, Emperor Long'an and Empress Jiang also arrived. The most noble family in the world had a meal together.
Li Su thought that she had a really fulfilling day!
After lunch, Emperor Long'an accompanied them to talk again, then left. He took Empress Jiang with him. Empress Jiang originally wanted to express her motherly love and coax her son to take a nap. She didn't expect that her son would ignore her and only pay attention to Li Su, saying that he only wanted imperial grandmother to coax him. Empress Jiang had no choice but to follow Emperor Long'an sadly.
She also didn't expect that after leaving Peaceful Age Palace, Emperor Long'an would say that he still had a memorial to review, so he let the empress go back to the palace on her own.
Empress Jiang was angry and anxious, but she didn't dare to say anything, so she had to swallow her anger and go back to the palace.
Li Yuanqi was actually a very well-behaved child. He said he wanted Li Su to coax him, but in fact he fell asleep by himself not long after he lay down. Li Su also had the habit of taking naps. When she saw him sleeping so sweetly, she felt sleepy too and repeatedly yawned.
When Wet Nurse Xu saw this, she quickly helped Li Su back to the bedroom, took off her hairpin, took off her outer dress and embroidered shoes with pearls, and covered her with a quilt.
Wet Nurse Xu did not leave immediately, but stood by the bed and stayed silent for a while until she heard the sound of steady breathing. It was only then when she left quietly.
"Wet Nurse, the empress dowager has gone to bed. You should sleep for a while too!" the little palace maid said softly.
Wet Nurse Xu shook her head. She was old and she slept too much during the day so it was difficult for her to sleep at night. Unlike the empress dowager, no matter how much she slept during the day, she was still able to sleep at night. His Majesty was even very envious at this quality of sleep.
Chapter 217 – I Am The Empress Dowager, Who Am I Afraid Of? (part 10)
After sleeping for about half an hour, Wet Nurse Xu had someone wake up Li Yuanqi to wash his face and change his clothes before sending him to the study.
After returning, Wet Nurse Xu estimated that it was almost time and went in to wake Li Su.
Just looking at the empress dowager, who had wrapped herself into a ball and was huddled in the quilt again, caused Wet Nurse Xu to sigh helplessly. She was a grandmother and not a child.
Wet Nurse Xu did everything she could to drag the empress dowager from the bed. Of course, this took 15 minutes.
Just like this, Li Su still complained. "Why did you pull me up? There's nothing to do in the afternoon! Don't you have to study the evening menu again? It's just such a trivial matter, A-Xu, you can decide!"
Wet Nurse Xu sighed helplessly, and combed Li Su's hair. "This servant is doing this for your own good. What if this messes up your sleep schedule?"
Li Su didn't believe that. "A-Xu, you are talking nonsense. You know that I can fall asleep whenever I want."
Wet Nurse Xu's movements stopped. She angrily thought that, yes, people who were heartless had high quality sleep.
"But haven't you noticed that you've gotten fatter recently?" When Li Su heard Wet Nurse Xu's words, her expression became solemn. Wet Nurse Xu was a little proud. She was the person in the world who knew her girl best. The late emperor couldn't compare to her.
Li Su listened to Wet Nurse Xu's words and touched her waist subconsciously. It was as if she had more meat! "A-Xu, am I really fat?"
"Yes, feel the flesh on your waist. Haven't you gained a lot of weight?" Wet Nurse Xu continued.
Li Su took a deep breath and woke up immediately. "You're right, I can't sleep anymore. I have to lose weight."
Wet Nurse Xu's right eyebrow jumped. Why did she have a bad premonition?
Sure enough, Wet Nurse Xu's hunch was right.
Li Su felt that she was gaining weight and wanted to lose it. The first thing she thought of was using a skipping rope. So, she instructed the palace people to make her a skipping rope. As a result, after a few jumps, she sprained her foot.
Wet Nurse Xu looked at Li Su's red and swollen ankles and was very annoyed. She knew exactly what the empress dowager was like, so why did she try to coax her. She should sleep when she wanted to sleep and enjoy herself. Her girl was the empress dowager, and it wasn't as if they couldn't afford it.
Li Su felt nothing. She sighed at the fact that this body was so delicate that even jumping rope could cause a sprained ankle. But when she saw Wet Nurse Xu's red eyes, she smiled. "A-Xu, why are you crying? Isn't it just a sprained ankle? I just need to rest for two days. Don't be sad!"
When Wet Nurse Xu heard what she said, not only was she not moved, but she glared at Li Su. When the late emperor was alive, this girl had never gained surface injuries, but now she had a sprained ankle because of her. How could she face the late emperor when the time came?
Before the imperial doctor came, Emperor Long'an came in a hurry. When he saw Li Su's red and swollen ankle, his face was gloomy. The people around him were so frightened that they all knelt down.
Li Su said angrily, "It's okay. We are fine. It's just a sprained ankle. We just need to rest for a few days. Don't be stern and frighten everyone."
Emperor Long'an couldn't bear to look at it any longer. Empress mother was always afraid of pain, but he didn't know how painful it was now. Perhaps she pretended to be strong to comfort him. Presumably, her son was such a failure. How could his mother be hurt?
"Empress mother!" Emperor Long'an choked out.
Li Su was really speechless. She had just sprained her ankle. Why did everyone act like she had some kind of terminal illness?!
"How could such a thing happen to empress mother's foot? How did you serve her?!" Emperor Long'an wiped his tears and asked.
Wet Nurse Xu immediately knelt down. "It's because this servant is no good!"
"A-Xu, get up! I want to jump rope myself. What does it have to do with you?" Li Su said. "Wet Nurse Xu , get up."
Wet Nurse Xu was the dowry maid of the empress dowager. She accompanied the empress dowager for many years and watched Emperor Long'an grow up. Facing her, Emperor Long'an's face softened a lot. "If empress mother is bored, your son can order the servants to arrange some new plays for her to watch." Then, Emperor Long'an remembered that empress mother didn't like listening to dramas.
"Your son forgot that empress mother doesn't like watching dramas. So, when empress mother feels better, your son can go outside with empress mother?" Emperor Long'an racked his brains for ideas.
"Okay, your filial piety is known to empress mother. Empress mother doesn't really feel bored, but she feels that she has gained weight recently and just wants to lose weight." When Li Su said this, she felt a little guilty.
Emperor Long'an was stunned. Losing weight…
Wet Nurse Xu almost ended up laughing.
Emperor Long'an also recalled something at this time. It seemed that when he was a child, empress mother also had a trouble with this. It was also because she felt that she had gained weight, so she refused to eat dinner for several days. At that time, father emperor thought that empress mother was ill.
Emperor Long'an, who wanted to understand what was going on, was very confused. "Empress mother, you are not fat at all. Really, if you don't believe Us, ask Wet Nurse Xu."
Wet Nurse Xu lowered her head with a guilty conscience. She was the one who had said that the empress dowager was fat.
Emperor Long'an noticed something from Wet Nurse Xu's expression, but he also knew that Wet Nurse Xu was loyal to empress mother, so she must have her reasons.
"Even if empress mother really thinks you're fat, don't fool around. You can ask the imperial doctor to prescribe some medicine." Emperor Long'an advised.
"Really? Does the medicine prescribed by the imperial doctor work?" Li Su asked in surprise. Could Chinese medicine help with losing weight? It was so amazing?
"Of course it's true. In addition to medicine, acupuncture, massages, and other things, they are definitely effective. Your son will ask Zhang Yuanshou to give you a prescription later." Emperor Long'an said decisively. It must be useful. If it really didn't work, then it was better to ask Zhang Yuanshou to give empress mother a recipe to adjust her body than have empress mother play around and hurt her body.
Zhang Yuanshou hurried over and checked the empress dowager's injuries. They were nothing serious. She just needed to rest for a few days. After learning the reason for the empress dowager's injury, he was very speechless. Under Emperor Long'an's eyes, he patted his chest to indicate that he had an exclusive secret recipe so the empress dowager could lose weight.
This was true. Traditional Chinese medicine, combined with acupuncture, could indeed make people lose weight after a period of time. But, how was the empress dowager fat? If the empress dowager was considered fat, then what about his wife?
After coming out of Peaceful Age Palace, Zhang Yuanshou clutched his chest and felt so tired! This empress dowager and her son were really…
In the evening, when Zhao Yuanqi came back from school, he heard that imperial grandmother was injured, so he ran over immediately and rushed into Li Su's arms with tears in his eyes. "Imperial grandmother! Where are you injured? Is it serious?"
Li Su was a little embarrassed. "Imperial grandmother just sprained her ankle. It's okay, Yuanqi, don't be sad."
Zhao Yuanqi turned around immediately, insisting on looking at Li Su's feet.
Li Su was a little helpless. She had to lift the quilt and let Zhao Yuanqi see it.
Zhao Yuanqi rushed over and looked at Li Su's swollen ankle. Just as he was about to reach out to touch it, Wet Nurse Xu quickly stopped him. "Your Highness, there is ointment on it. Don't get your hands dirty."
Zhao Yuanqi burst into tears. "Imperial grandmother, does it hurt? Your grandson will blow on it!" He did not dislike the pungent smell of the ointment, so he leaned over and blew on the wound. In the past, when he fell, imperial grandmother would blow on his injury, saying that this would blow away the pain.
"Oh, you really are imperial grandmother's grandson. It doesn't hurt anymore. It doesn't hurt anymore." Li Su smiled and pulled her good grandson over into her arms. "Are you hungry? Go, wash your hands and change your clothes. Imperial grandmother will get people to get a meal."
Zhao Yuanqi nodded. "Imperial grandmother, your grandson will be here soon!"
After saying that, he jumped out of bed, bowed to Li Su, and then exited.
"His Royal Highness is really filial!" Wet Nurse Xu smiled with satisfaction.
Li Su looked at Zhao Yuanqi's back. Her family's Yuanqi was so sensible and filial. She couldn't see how he could be considered incompetent and cowardly no matter how hard she looked! It seemed that her butterfly wings were quite powerful!
When Empress Jiang heard about the empress dowager's injury, her first reaction was not to visit Peaceful Age Palace, but to think whether she could take this opportunity to bring her son back to raise him. She could bring him back and wait for the empress dowager to recover, then send her son back to Peaceful Age Palace.
The more Empress Jiang thought about it, the more she felt that this was a good idea. She even thought that she was being sympathetic to the empress dowager, doing this so that the empress dowager could recuperate from her injuries.
So Empress Jiang hurriedly went to the Supreme Hall and told Emperor Long'an of her thoughts. She sought the support of Emperor Long'an.
Emperor Long An was reviewing the memorials when he heard Empress Jiang's words. He threw the imperial pen he was holding. Qin Li and the people who were waiting for him quickly knelt down.
Empress Jiang did not expect that Emperor Long'an would be so angry, so she was a little uneasy.
Emperor Long'an glanced at Qin Li, Qin Li understood, and hurriedly signalled the other palace servants to retreat. No matter how dissatisfied His Majesty was with the empress, for the sake of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, His Majesty would still have to give the empress face in front of outsiders. Therefore, His Majesty would never let others see him reprimanding the empress.
"Empress mother is injured. Have you even visited empress mother in Peaceful Age Palace?" Emperor Long'a' asked angrily.
Empress Jiang flinched and shook her head. "Your concubine was thinking of going to Peaceful Age Palace after talking to His Majesty."
"Idiot!" Emperor Long'an couldn't bear it any longer, and said angrily, "If it wasn't for father emperor setting up this marriage, if it wasn't for Yuanqi's sake, We would have abandoned you as an idiot long ago! What kind of virtues do you have, and how are you capable of your position?!"
Empress Jiang's expression changed greatly. She knelt on the ground. She didn't understand why His Majesty was so angry!
"Your Majesty, what did your concubine do wrong? You want to accuse your concubine like this!" His Majesty said she was a fool! He also said such heart-wrenching words. If this got out, then wouldn't her position as empress be considered as a big joke?! What face would she have in the central palace!
"It was because of your incompetence that you couldn't even take care of a child well, and Yuanqi almost died. So We sent Yuanqi to Peaceful Age Palace to be raised by empress mother. What was Yuanqi like in your palace? What is he like in empress mother's palace? Don't you feel ashamed? Our son, the crown prince of Daliang, is not your tool to fight for power! Now that empress mother is injured, as a daughter-in-law, you don't go to visit, but think about taking Yuanqi back. Who is empress mother? Didn't she raise your son? You have no virtues as an empress. You are not a kind mother, and you are not filial to your mother-in-law. What right do you have to be so righteous and arrogant in front of me?!"
Usually, Empress Jiang's conduct was a mess and Emperor Long'an turned a blind eye for the sake of her father, Jiang Gelao, and Zhao Yuanqi. But Empress Jiang should look down on empress mother. Emperor Long'an couldn't bear it anymore.
Chapter 218 – I Am The Empress Dowager, Who Am I Afraid Of? (part 11)
Empress Jiang's face was pale and she was stunned. She looked at Emperor Long'an in disbelief. "Does Your Majesty think of your concubine? Your concubine is your wife!" She always knew that His Majesty did not give her special treatment. His Majesty treated all his concubines like this, and the only one who could make His Majesty care was probably the empress dowager.
She had also been indignant about this. She just wanted to understand this and there was nothing wrong with that. His Majesty attached great importance to the empress dowager, more than His Majesty placed on the other concubines.
But she didn't know that she was so unbearable in His Majesty's heart. They had been married for many years and kept each other company for that long. Was this all she was worth in His Majesty's heart?
"If the late emperor hadn't arranged this marriage, Our wife, do you think you could still be the empress? We don't understand. Jiang Gelao is so knowledgeable and intelligent. Why are you…" Emperor Long'an couldn't hide the disappointment in his eyes. "We know what you are thinking. You are afraid that Yuanqi will always be raised by empress mother, and will consider her to be his mother in the future, not you! Don't worry, I can't bear to let empress mother continue to work all the time. When Yuanqi turns ten years old, he will move to the East Palace. Leave!"
Emperor Long'an was too lazy to look at Empress Jiang again.
Qin Li immediately stepped forward to help Empress Jiang. "Empress, please!" She was out of luck. If she had brought this up at another time, he would guess that His Majesty would not have said this, even if His Majesty was angry. Empress Jiang came at a bad time. His Majesty was worried about the empress dowager's injury and couldn't find a place to vent. Empress Jiang just happened to suffer his temper.
Empress Jiang was embarrassed and angry. She hid her face and left.
The empress dowager was injured, and the concubines came to visit. They either came alone or brought the princes and princesses with them. There was an endless stream of visitors in Peaceful Age Palace.
Li Su was overwhelmed, so she asked Wet Nurse Xu to stop them, saying that she needed to rest.
"Hey, why didn't the empress come?" Li Su suddenly asked.
Wet Nurse Xu smiled. "It was said that she was ill, but this servant asked Jiexiang to go and see. Her face was so bad and she couldn't even get out of bed."
"Sick? What's wrong? Who will handle the palace affairs?" Li Su asked curiously.
"His Majesty has let Concubine Shu take charge. This is not a concern for the empress dowager. The only thing that matters is that you take good care of yourself," Wet Nurse Xu advised.
Li Su thought about it too. "When Yuanqi is out of school, I will send him to see the empress. After all, she is his mother."
"Understood. Don't worry. Drink the soothing soup, close your eyes, and rest. Should this servant ask someone to sing a song for you?" Wet Nurse Xu served Li Su the medicine.
Li Su nodded and took a candied fruit. The soothing soup was really bitter, but after drinking it, her feet didn't seem to hurt as much. Why did it feel like she was gaining weight again? Zhang Yuanshou insisted that the slimming treatment would not start until her feet were healed. Alas, she felt that when she recovered from her foot injury, she would gain weight again.
The sound of silk and bamboo echoed, accompanied by the musicians singing while wearing gold and jade.
But this candied fruit tasted really good. Was there a new product in the imperial kitchen? This pastry was also delicious, though it was a little greasy! "Ah-Xu, get a bowl of milk to cut through the grease!" Li Su called out loudly.
"This servant knows." Wet Nurse Xu quickly ordered someone to bring a bowl of milk.
Zhao Yuanqi had just finished school and was just about to return to Peaceful Age Palace when the eldest maid beside him bent down and said to him, "Your Highness, the empress dowager said that the empress is ill, so Your Highness should go and see the empress."
Empress mother was sick? Zhao Yuanqi frowned. He didn't want to go to Feminine Tranquility Palace. Although his own mother lived there, as soon as he stepped into Feminine Tranquility Palace, he would think of the time when he lived under the pressure of his mother. He would feel uncomfortable.
Zhao Yuanqi took heavy steps and went to Feminine Tranquility Palace.
Empress Jiang was indeed ill. Half of her illness was anger and half of it was shame. In fact, after listening to Emperor Long'an's words, she was very disheartened. The people around her couldn't understand her thoughts, and she didn't either. She also did not tell anyone what Emperor Long'an said, not even her own mother. She was so heartbroken.
At this time, after hearing that the crown prince had come, Empress Jiang had some energy. She was confused for a while, but then she had thought about things. What the empress dowager had today was due to the late emperor's favour, but also because she raised His Majesty. In this life, she couldn't count on her husband, but she still had a son! As long as her son ascended the throne, the current empress dowager's life could be hers!
"Yuanqi!" Now, Empress Jiang also understood that her son was her only hope, so she was even more reluctant to let go of his hand. She must let her son and herself be extremely close! The emperor said it simply. This was the son she gave birth to! Why should she make wedding clothes for others?
"Empress mother!" Empress Jiang's excitement made Zhao Yuanqi a little scared, and he unconsciously took a step back.
Empress Jiang was a little hurt by her son's actions. "Yuanqi, I am your mother. You are my flesh and blood. How can you be afraid of me?!"
The maid next to Empress Jiang, who was also the empress' wet nurse, quickly persuaded, "His Royal Highness is still young. You are too excited and scared His Highness."
Then, she said to Zhao Yuanqi, "Your Highness, the empress has missed you very much. Although she was ill, she was happy to see His Highness for a while."
After Zhao Yuanqi heard this, he took two steps forward.
Empress Jiang grabbed his hand and said, "My son, my heart and soul, you are the only hope of empress mother, and empress mother will depend on you for the rest of her life. You have to work hard, study and practice martial arts well, and be better than all your brothers! My son!"
When Zhao Yuanqi heard these familiar words, he seemed to return to the time when he was living in Feminine Tranquility Palace in the past, and he felt unwell. His face was pale and there was sweat on his forehead.
Seeing that something was wrong, the eldest wet nurse rushed forward and said gently in Zhao Yuanqi's ear, "Your Highness, Your Highness."
Zhao Yuanqi came back to his senses, glanced at the eldest wet nurse, and broke away from Empress Jiang's hand. "Empress mother, imperial grandmother said that your son's progress in reading is for himself, not for the sake of comparing to others. There is no limit to learning, and your son is not a saint. How can he compare to everyone?"
"Imperial grandmother said this. Imperial grandmother said that. Is everything your imperial grandmother said right? You are not her own, so how can she treat you sincerely?! Your emperor father has other children, not just you. Only your empress mother is truly there for you in this world! Only your empress mother is truly good to you. Good child, you can only listen to your empress mother's words. You should only be good to your empress mother, and you can't listen to the words of others, okay?" Empress Jiang said excitedly.
Zhao Yuanqi frowned. In the words of his empress mother, not only did she speak resentment to imperial grandmother, but what she said did not match the words of his masters in school! Empress mother was this confused?
When the eldest wet nurse heard this, she quickly said, "Empress, His Highness needs to go greet His Majesty. His Majesty will also ask about His Highness' homework during lunch."
The wet nurse next to Empress Jiang was also very anxious. "Don't delay, Your Highness. The empress is confused and talking nonsense. Don't take it to heart, Your Highness."
Then she took Zhao Yuanqi's hand away from Empress Jiang's and looked at the eldest wet nurse with a smile.
Empress mother was really sick and confused! How could she say such a disrespectful thing? The people serving by the crown prince were all arranged by His Majesty. If this reached His Majesty's ears, who knew what kind of turmoil would result from it?
When Zhao Yuanqi heard those words, he took two steps back and saluted Empress Jiang. "Since that's the case, your son will retire to let empress mother recuperate in peace. Your son will come to see you again." After speaking, he turned and walked away without hesitation.
The eldest wet nurse bowed to Empress Jiang, turned around, and quickly followed.
Empress Jiang saw Zhao Yuanqi leave without a second thought, and thumped the bed angrily and cried. "Did you see that?! This is my son, the son I almost died giving birth to, and he avoids me! Tell me, what else can I place my hopes on?!"
The wet nurse hugged Empress Jiang in distress. "Empress, the crown prince is still young. When His Imperial Highness grows up, he will understand your painstaking efforts." The empress was difficult. Ever since Jiang Gelao passed away, the Jiang family was not as good as before. All the aura of the Jiang family seemed to have gone to Jiang Gelao only. The men of this generation and the next generation of the Jiang family had nothing. Forget about studying, making progress, making contributions and supporting the empress. They all relied on the empress for everything.
There was no help from the outside, and there were threats inside, so the empress was nervous to the point of losing her senses, therefore forcing His Imperial Highness to make great achievements. They didn't expect that His Imperial Highness could not bear it. He ended up seriously ill and almost died. The empress was also very regretful, but His Majesty did not even discuss things with the empress and just took the Crown Prince to Peaceful Age Palace to be raised by the empress dowager. Wasn't this obviously disrespecting the empress?
But whether it was the empress or the people who served her, they did not dare to say anything about it. It was a good thing that His Imperial Highness was raised by the empress dowager. To the outside world, one had to pretend to be grateful and proud.
The most abhorrent thing was that there were those idiots who thought that the empress had planned all of this to allow the crown prince to be favoured, and therefore deliberately let His Imperial Highness pretend to be sick. She also used these words in her speech to the empress.
Really…
"Empress, we can only bear it for now," the wet nurse persuaded painstakingly.
"Endure? Why should I continue to endure? I have been enduring it since the day I married His Majesty. How long do I have to endure for?!" There was no hope. What hope did she have in her life?
Why did her dad marry her into the imperial family in the first place? If she had married into an ordinary family, she might have it a lot easier than she did now.
Empress Jiang complained about her deceased father for the thousandth time in her heart. Although, she had never thought about whether she was willing to give up the chance of marrying into the imperial family and possibly becoming the empress to become the wife of an ordinary commoner.
The wet nurse sighed. "You are the empress bestowed by the late emperor, and His Majesty's original wife. Even for His Imperial Highness' sake, His Majesty will not easily dismiss you. As long as you are still the empress, you will always have a chance to succeed. When that day arrives, Daliang will be ruled by filial piety!"
Right now, she could only comfort the empress like this. Although she did not know why the empress was ill, and what angered His Majesty so that His Majesty never came to see the empress even when she was ill, and why His Majesty ordered Concubine Shu to share the palace power with the empress, she knew that if the empress continued to be confused, it would be really dangerous.
Empress Jiang paused, obviously listening to this. Yes, Daliang ruled the world with filial piety, and the current empress dowager was just His Majesty's adoptive mother. If Yuanqi was enthroned as emperor in the future, then she would righteously be the empress dowager! Until then…
Empress Jiang's eyes were alight. It seems that she had her own life that was unique among thousands of people in the future!
Chapter 219 – I Am The Empress Dowager, Who Am I Afraid Of? (part 12)
Originally, the wet nurse had already appeased Empress Jiang. She didn't expect that Concubine Shu would be waiting for two days later to make a show of her strength under the pretense of paying her respects to Empress Jiang. It was then when Empress Jiang learned that His Majesty had assigned for Concubine Shu and several others to take over the power in the palace.
Empress Jiang fainted immediately. Concubine Shu and the others looked at each other. Didn't the empress know about it? They just came to show off, but they didn't want to anger the empress. If the empress was gone, and another empress came in who was more shrewd than this, then it would be tough for them.
Concubine Shu quickly said goodbye.
Among those who pinched Empress Jiang in distress, it was the wet nurse who managed to reawaken Empress Jiang. "Empress, your health is important. With regards to who holds the power in the palace, does it matter? When you are well, the power will be returned to you. Even if Concubine Shu has a few assistants in the Six Palaces, what can they do? Is the phoenix seal still with you? Don't they still need to obediently ask you?"
Empress Jiang burst into tears. Was this the same? The power had been divided, so how was it going to come back? She thought that if she was ill, His Majesty would hand over the palace power to the empress dowager for a while. Therefore, Empress Jiang had not been worried.
Unexpectedly, His Majesty actually did not hand it over to the empress dowager and did not discuss it with her. Instead, His Majesty divided the palace power to Concubine Shu and several others, and also promised them the right to assist her with the Six Palaces. His Majesty really hated her!
Although Empress Jiang was well prepared, she still had a hard time accepting this fact.
What did she do wrong? His Majesty was so ruthless! She just didn't visit the empress dowager in time and wanted to take advantage of the empress dowager's injury to bring her biological son back to live with her for a few days. Why was that unforgivable?!
His Majesty was so ruthless!
Empress Jiang lay on the pillow and cried.
The wet nurse was very distressed, but she didn't know how to comfort Empress Jiang.
In the end, it was Empress Jiang's mother who came to the palace and gave her daughter a good idea.
"You must be more stable. As long as you keep yourself safe, and for the sake of His Royal Highness, you will still be the empress!" Mrs. Qin persuaded.
"However, with the palace power gone, even if I am still the empress, it is just in name!" Empress Jiang leaned in her mother's arms and cried.
Mrs. Qin was still nearly 60 years old with gray hair. She had to work hard for her daughter and her family. "Empress! Even if it's just in name, as long as you take advantage of this title, there will always be a day when you can open the clouds and see the moonlight. Empress, mother told you a long time ago that His Imperial Highness being raised in Peaceful Age Palace will benefit you and His Highness, so why didn't you listen?"
Under the questioning of her mother, Empress Jiang finally opened her heart and shared all the real reasons of why she angered Emperor Long'an. Therefore, Mrs. Qin was very puzzled.
Empress Jiang cried. "Yuanqi is my son, so he should be the closest to me! But he…"
"You are confused! Your elder brothers were also raised by your grandmother when they were young. Did they get closer to your grandmother than me when they were older?" Mrs. Qin was speechless. She really didn't understand what her daughter was thinking. How could she not tell which one was more important?!
Mrs. Qin was very helpless. Her husband's amazing talent and ingenuity were extraordinary. How come none of the children inherited it at all! Mrs. Qin firmly refused to admit that she lowered the IQ of their children. Maybe it was inherited from generation to generation!
Empress Jiang was crying, and when she heard this. How could she forget this?
"Mother, do you have any ideas? Tell me quickly!" Empress Jiang said anxiously.
Mrs. Qin shook her head helplessly. "Mother and son are naturally related. When the children grow up, they will naturally know who is more important! Besides, your grandmother is an elder after all, so she can only live for a few more years!" They were in the palace so some things could not be said clearly. Mrs. Qin could only stop here. She hoped that her stupid daughter could understand what she meant.
Empress Jiang's eyes lit up. Yes, why didn't she think of this?
Mrs. Qin was afraid that her daughter would think nonsense again and get into trouble, so she simply said a few more words. "Your eldest brother was raised by your grandmother until he was seven years old. Among your brothers, he has the deepest relationship with your grandmother. When they grow up, it is better to be close to their grandmother than to me. Empress, do you know how I won back his heart?"
Empress Jiang understood. She looked at Mrs. Qin gratefully. How stupid was she before? There was a prime example in front of her. Why didn't she remember that?
She remembered that because her eldest brother was closer to their grandmother. Even his wife was personally selected by their grandmother. Her mother didn't care. She obeyed grandmother in everything, and was considered to be very filial. When she was young, she thought this was injustice towards her mother. Later, eldest brother thought that eldest sister-in-law was too serious and difficult to get close to. Mother gave a maid beside her to eldest brother as a servant who could serve him. Later, the concubines most favored by eldest brother were all from mother. Because of the pillow talk in those concubines' rooms, eldest brother increasingly became closer with mother.
In the end, mother's position in eldest brother's heart finally surpassed that of grandmother. Eldest brother had truly become mother's son.
The concubines of second older brother and third older brother were people arranged by mother. When mother did all this, she didn't hide it from her.
How could she forget something so important!
"Mother!" Empress Jiang held Mrs. Qin's hand tightly.
Mrs. Qin nodded slowly and whispered in Empress Jiang's ear, "Mother has secretly sent people to search for young and beautiful girls all over the country who are about the same age as His Imperial Highness. They will be carefully raised and taught. Don't worry!"
Mrs. Qin had thought about picking a good girl from the younger generation of the Jiang family and raising her carefully, so that she could become the crown prince's consort in the future and continue the glory of the Jiang family. It was a pity that, among the younger girls in the Jiang family, there was not a single one with good qualifications. How important was the crown princess' position? She couldn't take this risk if she didn't have a good enough girl.
In desperation, she had to retreat. Without vying for the position of crown princess, she would definitely be able to teach a little girl who was close to the Jiang family and the empress so that she could serve His Imperial Highness and become His Highness's favorite concubine in the future!
The knot in Empress Jiang's heart disappeared. "Mother, I will leave this matter to you! You must do it well!"
"Don't worry! Empress, if you and His Imperial Highness are well, then the Jiang family is well. Mother understands," Mrs. Qin said with a smile.
After the wife of an official entered the palace, Feminine Tranquility Palace finally fell silent.
After learning about it, Emperor Long'an snorted coldly. "Pay close attention to the Jiang family, especially Mrs. Qin's movements. The girls raised in the Jiang family's courtyard should carefully be investigated and people of unknown origin must not be allowed in. Put some people in." Since the Jiang family had ideas, then he would let them raise them so that they may have something to do. It would save them from running around like headless chickens and causing trouble.
As for how to educate them, that's not for the Jiang family to say!
As for their purpose… If Yuanqi couldn't resist even a woman's bewitching and was easily bewitched, then he wasn't qualified to be the emperor either.
On the other hand, Defang, this bastard, was playing outside. When he told Defang that empress mother was injured, he didn't come back! Defang was so unfilial. When Defang came back, he must teach him a good lesson!
Emperor Long'an thought angrily.
Li Su had never cared about Empress Jiang. As long as she kept herself safe and didn't scare the children, she didn't bother to care about her.
The last time Yuanqi went to see her, when she said those words, Yuanqi had a night terror that night. Really…
She really didn't know how the Jiang family taught their children. She had seen stupid people, but she had never seen them so stupid that they didn't know it. This was the case with Empress Jiang. Her mother, Mrs. Qin, didn't seem to be much smarter. It was said that the other daughters of the Jiang family were similar. Even the men of the Jiang family were like that.
Li Su didn't understand. It was said that Jiang Gelao was amazingly talented and resourceful, so how could his children turn out like this…
Was this just alternating levels of intelligence between generations?
When Zhao Defang finally came back, Li Su's foot injury had healed. She was now devoting herself to losing weight and it was quite effective.
When Zhao Defang heard that empress mother was injured, he was so anxious that he hurried back. However, when he saw Li Su, he felt a little at a loss.
Wasn't her ankle twisted? She seemed to have lost some weight? Could it be that someone abused empress mother? Who was so bold?! What about imperial brother? Didn't the emperor care?
Zhao Defang was a little confused.
"Defang is back? Tell empress mother quickly. Is empress mother thinner?" Li Su asked proudly.
Zhao Defang nodded blankly. "Empress mother, you have indeed lost weight. Didn't you say that your foot was injured? Isn't it better to recover from your foot injury? Why did you lose weight instead?"
Li Su had heard many people say that she was thin, but she didn't believe what those people said. Now, even Zhao Defang said that she has lost weight. That means that she was probably really thin.
Li Su was very happy. "It seems that Zhang Yuanshou was right. Let him prescribe medicine for Us tomorrow."
Wet Nurse Xu quickly stopped her and said, "Empress Dowager, you are perfect now. If you are too thin, you will not look good. If you don't believe me, ask the prince." Then, she quickly winked at Zhao Defang.
Zhao Defang scratched his head. "Empress mother, to be honest, I think you are too thin now. You don't have much flesh. You should be a bit fatter."
Li Su's face changed. "You think I am too skinny? Is it that scary?" She was very worried about her son's aesthetics. She was in good shape now. It was just that her clothes were not form fitting, so it was hard to see.
"Anyway, I don't like it." Zhao Defang shook his head fearfully. "Girls, they should be fatter and look good. They are blessed!" After speaking, Zhao Defang was in a trance for a while, and he suddenly thought of someone. She also had a small round face and laughed often. She was very cheerful.
Li Su saw something from Zhao Defang's expression, and didn't care about anything else. She immediately approached Zhao Defang. "Son, say, are you interested in someone? Which girl? Tell your empress mother. Empress mother will ask your imperial brother to bestow a marriage for you!"
Zhao Defang blushed. "Empress mother, don't talk nonsense. What person! It's nothing!"
Li Su didn't believe him, and this scene was obviously what it looked like. It seemed that spring had finally come for her son! This stinky boy didn't like feudal arranged marriages that much? She had introduced so many girls to him before, but he wasn't interested. As a result, he went out and found someone he liked.
Chapter 220 – I Am The Empress Dowager, Who Am I Afraid Of? (part 13)
When Emperor Long'an came to Peaceful Age Palace, Zhao Defang had already answered everything Li Su asked.
When Emperor Long'an arrived, Zhao Defang looked at him like he saw his savior. "Imperial brother! You are finally here." Then, he ran to Emperor Long'an's side quickly, held onto Emperor Long'an's sleeve, and refused to let go.
Emperor Long'an gave him a sympathetic look, but pulled away his sleeves. "Okay, okay." Then he greeted Li Su.
Li Su already knew everything he wanted to know, and happily said, "No need for such formalities. Defang has a crush. Hurry up and decree the marriage. I can't let my daughter-in-law run away."
Zhao Defang blushed. "Empress mother!" Could she stop talking? She didn't even know who the girl was! How could she be his wife?
Emperor Long'an frowned. "What's going on?" Defang had a private life with someone? Which lady was so ignorant? Could it be that she knew Defang's identity and did this on purpose? No, he had to carefully think about how to deal with this matter so as not to hurt Defang's heart, but also to mitigate the danger.
"Imperial brother, don't listen to empress mother's nonsense. It's nothing. I only said a few words to her, and she doesn't know who I am." Zhao Defang saw what imperial brother was worried about and immediately explained things.
But Emperor Long'an still heard the meaning of his words, "Oh? Who is the other party?"
Zhao Defang was a little apprehensive. The empress mother was easy to bypass. As long as he liked it, empress mother would definitely agree. On the other hand, he was afraid that imperial brother would not agree easily.
"She… She is the daughter of a local scholar." Zhao Defang was a little embarrassed. He also knew that Wan'er's status was too low. With such a status, her being a concubine was considered high. But he was also reluctant to let Wan'er be his concubine. She was so cute and good, and he wanted to give her the best.
"The daughter of a scholar?" Emperor Long'an frowned. This status was too low! Defang's wife, no matter how bad she was, must be the daughter of an official! "How is her father's knowledge?"
Zhao Defang coughed a few times in embarrassment. "The probability of her father ranking high in the exams is similar to that of emperor father being reborn!" He was also very helpless. Ever since he understood his own feelings, he had also thought about this. But after contacting him, he found that, If Wan'er's father was able to become a scholar, then that was already through the blessings of his ancestors. If he wanted to take a step forward, it was basically impossible in this life.
Fortunately, the other party was also quite self-aware, and his temperament was optimistic. He opened a private school in the countryside and took in some students. In his leisure time, he enjoyed the scenery of the countryside and lived comfortably.
Emperor Long'an glared at Zhao Defang. What kind of eyes did he have?!
Li Su said with a smile, "Her status is lower, but it's fine. As long as she has a good character, it's fine. A-Xu, We trust you the most. Go and see the little girl for Us. If she is really good, then We will decree for them to be married!"
Emperor Long'an quickly said, "Empress mother, why don't you think about this matter?! If Defang really likes her, then it's fine for her to be a concubine." Defang should marry a talented daughter to be his wife. If emperor father knew about this, then he would certainly tug at his ears and scold him in his dreams! Those court officials would likely have a lot to say.
Zhao Defang's expression changed slightly, and he pulled on Emperor Long'an's sleeve. "Imperial brother!" He only wanted Wan'er. He didn't want any concubines.
Li Su glanced at Zhao Defang. "You flatter your imperial brother all day long, but at critical moments, you still have to count on your empress mother!"
Zhao Defang immediately released his hand from Emperor Long'an's clothes and ran behind Li Su. He massaged her shoulders and back attentively.
Li Su proudly enjoyed her son's hospitality, and her eyes stopped Emperor Long'an from saying anything. After enjoying it for a while, she said, "Okay, sit down. Wait until A-Xu has seen this girl. If she is really good, then your empress mother will deal with it for you!"
"Empress mother!" Emperor Long'an called helplessly.
Li Su waved her hand and motioned for Emperor Long'an to sit down. After Emperor Long'an sat down, Li Su clapped her hands. "Emperor, empress mother knows what you are worried about. But this is Defang's decision and we should respect his intentions. If he regrets it in the future, then it is his business. Everyone has to be responsible for their own decisions. Besides, so what if she is a daughter of a scholar? Your grandfather wasn't even a scholar back then! Do you still dislike your empress mother?"
Emperor Long'an hurriedly stood up. "How would your son even dare?"
Zhao Defang looked on in agreement. "Empress mother is right!"
Li Su glanced at Zhao Defang. "Listen to me and don't interrupt. Emperor, sit down."
Emperor Long'an had to sit down again.
"In the beginning, your marriage was decided by your father and it was what your father wanted." Li Su shook her head incomprehensibly.
Wet Nurse Xu stood beside her. She was so speechless that she almost wanted to roll her eyes. Emperor Long'an raised his head slightly and glanced at Wet Nurse Xu.
"That Mrs. Jiang I chose for you at that time… Well, it's a long story. At that time, I thought that your father should not decide on Defang's marriage. As a result, I chose a few girls for Defang, and Defang didn't like any of them. Since that was the case, then let him choose! Let him call the shots for once," Li Su continued.
Emperor Long'an was still a little unhappy. His brother deserved better. But empress mother and Defang both said as such, so he had to agree.
"Since that's the case, your son will also send someone to investigate the situation of the family. If the family is clean, then that's fine. If there is anything wrong…"
Zhao Defang's eyes lit up. "Thank you, imperial brother. Don't worry, their family is the most harmonious family I have ever seen. Although they are not rich, their father is kind and filial. They are all peaceful and smile all day. I have never seen them argue."
Li Su glanced at him. "Didn't you just say that you only exchanged a few words with that Wan'er? How come you know so much about them?"
Zhao Defang laughed. Li Su and Emperor Long'an didn't understand when they saw him do this.
Li Su said angrily, "Was that why you were unwilling to come back? So it was that!" Li Su said as she got increasingly more angry. He found something in private and she wanted to slap this stinky boy. Emperor Long'an did not have much to say.
"You won't come back when empress mother is injured. Do you still even think about empress mother?" Emperor Long'an took out a horsetail whisk from the vase behind him and handed it to Li Su.
Zhao Defang ran quickly, while Li Su chased after him with the horsetail whisk.
Emperor Long'an thoughtfully asked Qin Li to take everyone out, fearing that it would not sound good. When Qin Li was leaving, he closed all the doors and windows, thus preventing Prince Bao from escaping.
Wet Nurse Xu brought melon seeds and tea with a smile. The two of them ate the melon seeds and drank tea. They also threw out some advice. "Defang, run slowly. Don't tire out empress mother!"
"Empress dowager, please be careful. If you hurt the prince, then you may feel bad again."
After several hits, Li Su stopped and threw the horsetail whisk aside. She was out of breath.
Emperor Long'an hurried over and helped Li Su to sit down. Wet Nurse Xu thoughtfully offered a cup of milk at just the right temperature, as well as a few plates of snacks to replenish Li Su's stamina.
Emperor Long'an waved his hands. "Look at you. Empress mother is tired! Can't you just stand there obediently and let empress mother blow some steam for a bit? I really don't understand your actions!"
Zhao Defang rolled his eyes. Ever since he was a child, he would behave like this in front of empress mother.
Emperor Long'an glanced over. What kind of eyes did this little brat have? Did he still want to marry that girl?
Zhao Defang was immediately persuaded. He walked over and obediently admitted his mistake. "Empress mother, it's all your son's fault. Don't be angry."
Li Su could also see that this brat probably really liked the girl, Wan'er. "Since you have chosen her, then cherish her and don't regret it in the future." In the original story, Zhao Defang's consort was personally selected by the original owner, so she was naturally the daughter of a powerful official. Although she didn't make many appearances, she and her mother's family were obsessed with power. They were the most attentive to Zhao Defang behind the scenes.
Now that Zhao Defang has chosen his own princess, things should be different!
Zhao Defang's expression was serious. "Empress mother, I know. I have seen how father emperor got along with you since I was a child. I was very envious and want to have that kind of relationship. Wan'er is really a good girl. Empress mother, I will not regret it."
Li Su and Emperor Long'an listened to him and looked at each other. Emperor Long'an said, "Wait until Wet Nurse Xu and Our people have seen that Wan'er."
Zhao Defang smiled. He was not worried at all. Wan'er was so good, empress mother and imperial brother would definitely like her.
Things went very smoothly after that. After Wet Nurse Xu came back, she didn't say much. She just nodded slightly. Li Su understood.
Similarly, Emperor Long'an also got the information he wanted. What he cared about was not what Qin Wan'er was like, but more about what the Qin family was like. He didn't want the Qin family to drag down Defang.
Fortunately, he was quite satisfied with the results.
Then, Zhao Defang began to look forward to his wedding.
However, the Qin family, who received the decree for marriage, were all stunned, especially Qin Wan'er. What happened?
It wasn't until Qin Wan'er saw An Hui, older brother A-De's companion, did she finally calm down.
When the messengers who issued the decree were sent away, the Qin family surrounded An Hui, "Brother An, what is going on? Didn't A-De come to propose marriage? What, what…"
Qin Wan'er also looked at An Hui with a concerned expression.
An Hui stroked his hair. "This is a long story. I couldn't explain it for a while. Girl, he has written you a letter, and you will understand after reading it. But, no matter what, don't be angry with him. He has his own problems."
Then he handed her a letter.
Qin Waner quickly took it and read it. The Qin family surrounded her and looked at her anxiously. "What the hell is going on?"
Qin Wan'er read the letter. Her face was red and white. She couldn't tell whether she was happy or not. It was very complicated, and it took a long time before she put down the letter. Her father immediately snatched up the letter.
Afterwards, Father Qin burst into laughter. "Hahaha! It turns out that A-De is Prince Bao, and my daughter is going to be a princess consort! Hahaha, that's great!"