"Is that so?" Xiao Zhen asked calmly. "Mother doesn't think I know anything, does she? The people in the palace made you ruin Man'er's reputation, and then marry her off to just anyone. Who did you choose at first? Oh, I remember, a poor scholar surnamed Liang."
The old madam swallowed subconsciously. "She was the one who didn't cherish herself, fooling around with that scholar surnamed Liang. How can you blame me?"
"Mother, will you ever admit you were wrong? Or acknowledge the mistakes you've made?" Xiao Zhen asked with disappointment.
"I haven't done anything, so what should I admit?"
"Mother, I am truly too disappointed in you!" Xiao Zhen sighed. "I thought that after living so long, you would be a person of insight. I never imagined you're not as clear-sighted as Man'er."
"Don't mention that calamity to me!" the old Madam Xiao roared indignantly. "How much trouble has she caused the General's mansion? This good home has been torn apart by her!"
"Did she really tear it apart?" Xiao Zhen sneered. "You were the one who wanted to break up this family!"
"Xiao Zhen, I am your mother. How can you speak to me like this!"
"If I could, I truly wouldn't want to acknowledge you as my mother." Xiao Zhen took a deep breath. "Pack your things. You will return to Cangzhou tomorrow."
"I will not go to Cangzhou, nor can I," the old Madam Xiao said coldly. "Her Majesty the Empress Dowager is about to return. She has sent word, ordering me to enter the palace to accompany her."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Zhen chuckled. "So, Mother is acting on the Empress Dowager's orders."
The old Madam Xiao's expression changed. "Zhen'er, everything I've done is for your own good, for the good of the General's mansion. This mansion has been passed down for a hundred years; it cannot be ruined by a mere young girl."
Xiao Zhen gave a bitter smile, then stood up and walked towards the exit. He paused at the doorway. "If Mother insists on this, your son is helpless. Please take care of yourself."
Mid-Autumn Festival was approaching, and the Empress Dowager was soon to return. Nangong Wu had gone to the imperial villa early to greet her. Several princes, after finishing their court sessions, waited by the palace gates.
In the carriage, Nangong Wu occasionally lifted the curtain to look outside. "Imperial Grandmother, look how lively it is outside. Under Father Emperor's governance, Yusheng is prosperous and flourishing, and the people live and work in peace and contentment. Our Yusheng empire will surely flourish forever."
The Empress Dowager gently poked Nangong Wu's forehead. "You child, your words are as sweet as honey. But they are the truth. Our Yusheng will certainly become the most powerful nation and unify the world."
The Empress Dowager's imperial carriage stopped at the palace gates. Nangong Wu helped the Empress Dowager alight from the imperial chariot and saw the Emperor, Empress, princes, and consorts waiting. A benevolent smile appeared on her face.
"Greetings to Mother Empress."
"Greetings to Imperial Grandmother."
"Rise, everyone, rise," the Empress Dowager said with a smile. "It's so hot, yet you came to the palace gates to welcome me. Don't get sunstroke."
"Mother Empress, no matter how hot it is, we must come to welcome you back," the old Emperor said with a smile, helping the Empress Dowager onto the sedan chair. The others followed on foot.
"Empress, has everything been well in the palace recently?" the Empress Dowager inquired as she sat on the sedan chair.
"Reporting to Mother Empress, everything in the palace is well."
"Hmm, I knew you were capable," the Empress Dowager praised. "Crown Prince, how are your studies progressing? Are you handling court affairs with ease under your Father Emperor's guidance?"
"Reporting to Imperial Grandmother, your grandson completes his studies on time each day. Under Father Emperor's guidance and with the assistance of the Grand Councilors, I am gradually getting the hang of things."
"Good, good," the Empress Dowager said with a smile, then asked, "Prince Chu, how is your health? Have you recovered completely?"
"Reporting to Imperial Grandmother, your grandson's health has recovered about seventy to eighty percent, and he should be fully healed soon. Thank you for your concern, Imperial Grandmother."
The Empress Dowager nodded slowly, her gaze falling on Nangong Yu, who stood tall and straight like a pine tree. "Prince Qin."
"Your grandson is here."
"Now that your brothers are all married, and your younger brother's wedding is approaching, do you have someone in mind?" the Empress Dowager asked kindly.
Nangong Yu replied gently, "Reporting to Imperial Grandmother, your grandson does have someone in mind, but Father Emperor does not permit the marriage."
The Empress Dowager looked at the Emperor, who glared at Nangong Yu. "Mother Empress, don't listen to this scamp. He simply doesn't want to get married and is trying to placate us!"
"What do you mean?" the Empress Dowager asked, confused.
"Reporting to Imperial Grandmother, your grandson fancies the young lady of the Xiao family, but Father Emperor will not allow the marriage."
"Am I the one preventing the marriage?" the old Emperor reprimanded. "The Xiao family has so many daughters, yet you insist on Xiao Man, who is seriously injured, unconscious, and may never recover. Do you dare say you're not trying to placate us!"
Nangong Yu lowered his gaze, his eyes focused on his nose and his nose on his heart. "Your grandson swears to heaven that he truly wishes to marry Xiao Man. However, Xiao Man is seriously injured and unconscious. Your grandson will marry her when she wakes up."
"The imperial physicians say she is barely hanging on by a thread and might pass away at any moment. Stop using her as an excuse!" the old Emperor said irritably. "Coincidentally, Mother Empress, you are back. This scamp will need your guidance." Su Dan Novel Network
The Empress Dowager smiled. "That girl Xiao Man is a good person. I've met her before. How did she get injured?"
"She was attacked by assassins and sustained severe injuries. She is currently recuperating at Gan Ye Temple and remains unconscious," the Emperor explained. "Xiao Zhen has been extremely worried about his daughter."
"The Great General's love for his daughter is well-known. It seems this girl is not fated for good fortune, but I hope she can overcome this disaster," the Empress Dowager said with compassion. "As for the selection of Princess Qin, we shall discuss it later."
"Prince Qi, has the date for your wedding been set?"
"Reporting to Imperial Grandmother, it has been set for the ninth day of the ninth month," Nangong Yi replied, a hint of discomfort flashing in his eyes. The original date set by the Imperial Observatory was not this day. He had insisted on changing it to the ninth day of the ninth month, which was also Xiao Man's birthday.
"The young lady from the Grand Tutor's mansion is exceptional in both character and talent. You should settle down and stop your reckless behavior."
"Imperial Grandmother's teachings are correct. Your grandson will mend his ways."
The Empress Dowager listened and nodded with a smile. The sedan chair proceeded to the Empress Dowager's Cining Palace. The Emperor spoke for a while before attending to state affairs. The princes also departed, but the consorts did not dare to leave.
"Have there been any new additions to the harem?" the Empress Dowager inquired.
"Reporting to Mother Empress, several new beauties have been added."
"Have any of the consorts shown signs of pregnancy?"
"There have been no developments," the Empress replied truthfully.
The Empress Dowager could not help but sigh. She wished for the imperial family to flourish, but the imperial family had not produced any heirs for a long time. Beauties came and went, but there were no pregnancies. The Empress Dowager felt a sense of helplessness.
"His Majesty is busy with state affairs; he must take care of his imperial health. Empress, as the mistress of the inner palace, you must set a good example."
"Yes, Mother Empress."