The Emperor heard these words and felt a grudge in his heart.
The Commandery Princess, the legitimate elder sister of the former emperor, had been transcendent from the moment of her birth, and the former emperor had always listened to her in everything, never once showing any displeasure in decades.
How could he, the Emperor, not listen to her words?
"Aunt’s words are indeed correct. Let the ladies of each family all return. When the time comes, they can return to the palace seven days in advance to keep vigil!" The Emperor said, and then asked, "Aunt, in the meantime, should everything else remain as usual?"
"As usual, as long as it is not excessive!"
The Emperor conceded.
After all, she was not his biological mother; he could act as he pleased.
The Commandery Princess glanced at the Emperor, knowing he was reluctant, but during this time, Mingming’s marriage could not be delayed, and Jinnian’s coming-of-age ceremony could not be too restrained.
Moreover, with Ayu’s temperament, if there were an uproar at this moment...
"Since that’s the case, I shall leave the palace. At my age, even such a short time is exhausting!"
"Allow me to escort Aunt!"
The Emperor walked beside the Commandery Princess, holding her hand in support.
"No matter the circumstances, it has been many years; she did raise you, and you must give her the due respect. Do not let the world make a mockery of you!"
As soon as the Commandery Princess left, the Emperor issued a decree.
The families of the civil and military officials breathed a sigh of relief, each leaving the palace to return to their residences. Yun Jinnian and Mrs. Han walked together, leaving the palace and boarding the Vermilion Carriages.
Mrs. Han tightly held Yun Jinnian’s hand, "Everyone ultimately faces death!"
Yun Jinnian leaned on Mrs. Han’s shoulder, "Mother, I know, it’s just that the person we saw this morning, now only a few hours later, has passed away. And Eunuch An..."
Yun Jinnian had already learned that Eunuch An had passed away.
"Don’t think too much about it, let’s go home!" Mrs. Han comforted.
She did not want Yun Jinnian to overthink or get involved.
Too many complex intrigues occurred within the Imperial Palace.
They returned together to the Yun Residence.
Yun Jinnian returned to Niannian Garden, washed up, changed clothes, and lay down to rest.
Yaniang brought a soup.
Hemei carried the soup into the room and saw Yun Jinnian looking dejected. She advised, "Commandery Princess, Yaniang has cooked your favorite soup, have some!"
"I have no appetite!"
Yun Jinnian said faintly, lying in bed and pulling the blanket over herself.
Taking a deep breath, "I want to sleep for a while, call me at dinner time!"
Hemei responded and left the bedchamber.
She shook her head at Henuan, Shi Jiayu, and Ru Yue.
The three glanced at the bedchamber but dared not say more.
After all, the Empress Dowager had been genuinely kind to Yun Jinnian.
Much better than some people in the residence.
Hearts are made of flesh, and people can feel kindness or harm. The servants attending by her side could see that as well.
Pretenses would eventually be exposed and would not stand up to scrutiny.
Yun Kuan, Yun He, and Yun Mu came over, and Shi Jiayu stepped forward to block them, "The Commandery Princess is unwell and resting!"
"What’s wrong with sister?" Yun Kuan asked.
His heart filled with worry.
Was it because he annoyed his sister last night?
"Yes, what’s wrong with sister?" Yun He and Yun Mu also asked urgently.
"Not ill, just tired. You are all good children, do not disturb sister, alright?" Yun Zuomo stepped forward.
Holding Yun Kuan’s hand, she pulled Yun He and Yun Mu to her side, "How about Fifth Sister plays Eagle Catching Chicks with you?"
Yun Kuan shook his head.
He did not like Eagle Catching Chicks; he liked being with his sister.