"Rourou, stop pacing in front of me, it’s making me restless," in Chuhua Palace, a palace maid was massaging the shoulders of the Empress Dowager.
In recent days, the Empress Dowager was in high spirits, ever since the day she took the Elixir Pills Lie Rou had sent, she felt her complexion improving day by day.
The appearance she made in Jinghua Garden also helped her save face, especially after hearing about the unnamed major fire in You Tan Palace, the sight of the Consort with her face covered in ash brought her great comfort.
The Empress Dowager didn’t have much affection for Yue Jinghua, she merely cared for Lie Rou because of the favor Lady Feng Wanwan showed her years back, thus she had taken care of Lie Rou and her daughter behind the scenes.
As for the marriage of Xiao Yi, she genuinely wanted to facilitate it, not only to give Yue Jinghua a Princess’ title but also to prevent Xiao Yi from aligning with other powers.
However, the simple-minded Lie Rou could not understand the deeper intentions of the Empress Dowager and the Emperor.
"Huahua and Chenchen have been out of touch, I want to go check on them," after being sent back by Xiao Yi, Lie Rou has not heard from her children. Although she has just been informed that the assassin in Youlian Palace has been repelled, she was still restless.
"Stop fussing around, the palace is so large, and you, a woman, will only add to the confusion. I have a question for you, Rourou, Yue Nian, that little rascal, has been missing for years, do you have plans?" the Empress Dowager kindly took Lie Rou’s hand and inquired.
"Plans? Why do you suddenly ask these questions, foster mother?" Lie Rou was puzzled.
"Rourou, I’ve been through this, if your children are capable, you may enjoy tranquility in the future. But Minzhi is still guarding Longzhan Country, and your young son is not thoughtful. As for Jinghua, she will need to be married off sooner or later. Your two uncles aren’t magnanimous people either. A woman’s beauty is the least durable thing in the world; while you are still young and beautiful, you should think ahead. Otherwise, what will you do once your children get married?" the Empress Dowager spoke meaningfully, still cherishing Lie Rou, her goddaughter.
"Foster mother, what are you talking about, I... no matter what people say outside, I’ve always believed that Yue Nian hasn’t abandoned us; he’s still alive, he must be, and he will definitely come back to find me and the children," Lie Rou said, looking agitated.
Yue Nian, a name like a magic spell, was always Lie Rou’s sore point.
However, in front of her children, she rarely mentioned Yue Nian, but when the night was quiet, Lie Rou often thought of that man who left without saying goodbye.
"Silly child, you’re still deceiving yourself. If he was going to come back, why hasn’t he sent even a single letter? If he cared about you, why did he leave without saying goodbye? A man’s heart can change, and once it does, everything else is futile. Listen to me, if you meet a good man, better commit your life plainly," the Empress Dowager finished speaking, glancing out towards the palace hall.
"The Emperor arrives--" After a long trailing note, King Fa Xiao Yun of Shang Kingdom entered with a man dressed as a military general.
Following them were Yue Chen and Hongling.
"Everyone, rise. The assassin in Youlian Palace has been repelled by General Tianwei and Younger Young Master Yue has been brought back. As for Miss Yue, she is currently visiting in Sha Fei Palace, Lady Yue need not worry overly," King Fa Xiao Yun had heard every word the Empress Dowager and Lady Yue were discussing.
Xiao Yi, though brothers with Fa Xiao Yun, looked nothing like him. Xiao Yi was handsome and exuded nobility.
Although King Fa Xiao Yun was a monarch, his appearance was merely ordinary, which is perhaps why he bullied Xiao Yi when they were younger.
With a narrow face and a short Ren Zhong, Fa Xiao Yun didn’t look like a magnanimous person. Since the downfall of Lie Rou’s family, he hadn’t bothered much with Lie Rou, but today he kindly offered advice, leaving Lie Rou somewhat flattered, and she thanked him verbally.
Looking at Yue Chen, his lips were tightly pursed, his small face strained, and Hongling also appeared ill at ease.
The reason for the unease of these two servants of the Yue Family was due to the middle-aged man standing only a few steps away from Lie Rou.
Being the Empress Dowager’s quarters, an inner hall, regular men were generally not allowed in. Let alone the Imperial Palace’s strict area, where carrying arms was forbidden, yet this man was wearing Armor, a Big Saber attached to his waist, its handle featuring a fierce lion’s head, and its back with six iron rings.