◎”But the Lotus Cannot Grow Without Pool Water, the Moon Cannot Shine Without Hanging in the Sky. Shanjun and I Complete Each Other.”◎

Yu Qingwu was someone who could set aside his pride. People say men have tears but don’t shed them lightly, but before Lan Shanjun, if he wanted to cry, he could cry.

With tears in his eyes, he lowered his head and said softly, “Shanjun, thank you. Actually, I’m in great pain inside.”

Lan Shanjun stared at him blankly, quite unable to react. But after a long while, she smiled.

With that smile, tears fell. Those feelings she had been forcefully holding back, that could only be hidden and not revealed, came pouring out. Though her tears weren’t many, her whole body trembled.

But because this time it came with a smile, it didn’t seem so painful.

Seeing this, Yu Qingwu also laughed out loud, and then sighed that he and Shanjun were truly a match made in heaven—both able to cry while laughing, laugh while crying.

Then he moved a small stool to sit closer to her, looking directly at her, but saw she was unmoved. He then pleaded, “Shanjun, I don’t have a handkerchief on me—I still want some dignity.”

Lan Shanjun felt guilty and quickly passed one over.

Yu Qingwu took it and “inadvertently” looked, discovering there was still a small tiger embroidered in the corner. He then had a sense of satisfaction at recovering what was lost.

He first used it to wipe his tears, then folded it up. While putting it in his sleeve, he said, “Don’t laugh at me. I’ve been holding it in for quite a while these past days.”

Always rushing forward, he had forgotten to stop and grieve.

So one could say, when life isn’t going well, there’s no time or opportunity even to cry.

Lan Shanjun felt the same way hearing him say this—how could she still care about his small gesture? Besides, after calming down, she was thinking about how to explain why she had reacted this way. Fortunately, he was truly an open-minded person and took the initiative to say, “When people want to cry, they cry. Where are so many reasons needed? You’ve also grieved for your brother and worried for me.”

He speculated, “Thus, today crying for General Duan’s circumstances is completely reasonable.”

What he most wanted to say was: “Before me, if you want to cry then cry. You don’t need many concerns. If you can’t even dare to cry, then what use is marrying me?”

He would be completely useless then.

But they weren’t close enough for such deep words. If he said this, in the future she would be even more afraid to cry.

Sigh, he could only cry with her this once. Men still shouldn’t cry too much. If he cried too much, would Shanjun think he was very weak?

He was actually also extremely resilient—dozens of rod strikes and he hadn’t cried out once—but Shanjun hadn’t seen it.

So it was better not to cry.

Lan Shanjun then discovered that if people had an underlying nature, Yu Qingwu’s underlying nature was the two words “gentleness.”

He was gentle toward the common people of the realm, and gentle toward her as well.

Because he was a gentle person, he could understand the suffering of all living beings and could say words about never changing.

That he was such a person—she was fortunate.

Lan Shanjun thought for a few moments, on one hand grateful for his goodness, but because she also had her own path to walk, on the other hand she couldn’t focus on how good he was. She only took the opportunity to say, “Yu Qingwu, I’m willing to help you.”

Yu Qingwu was surprised, “Help me?”

Lan Shanjun: “What you’re doing coincides with my own intentions. Though my strength is small, I also want to contribute.”

Hearing this, Yu Qingwu was greatly alarmed inside, not daring to let her get involved in these dangerous matters, but his expression didn’t change. He actually began to dissemble without any instruction, saying stiffly, “Is that so? That’s truly wonderful.”

But Lan Shanjun could see he didn’t believe her. This was nothing. What she would do, he would know sooner or later. Sooner or later he would know that in her heart she also had a scale, also unchanging for life.

She stood up and earnestly performed a great bow toward him, “From now on, through ten years of life and death, I wish to be with you.”

Why would she say ten years?—Yu Qingwu didn’t ask at the time, only managing to be moved. But that night when he returned, he tossed and turned unable to sleep. He simply got up and wrote in his notebook: “Shanjun promises ten years. My heart is uneasy, like a lotus flower in a pool, like the moon suspended in the sky. Though they are one entity, I know the lotus grows in the pool but doesn’t settle on the water’s surface, the moon hangs in the sky but doesn’t fix in one place… It seems I am to Shanjun—not settled, not fixed.”

He sighed, making himself look at it more openly, “But the lotus cannot grow without pool water, the moon cannot shine without hanging in the sky. Shanjun and I complete each other.”

The next day he rose early to go to work, but who knew Nanny Qian was even earlier, blocking him at the courtyard gate to interrogate him, “Did you make Shanjun cry yesterday?”

There were many types of crying, but from Nanny Qian’s observation, they absolutely weren’t crying tears of joy over the marriage being settled. The old lady had worried all night but didn’t dare ask Lan Shanjun, so she could only block Yu Qingwu to ask, “What exactly happened?”

Yu Qingwu comforted her, “Shanjun has a kind nature. I told her a tragic story from outside, and she empathized and cried.”

Nanny Qian made sounds of understanding and casually asked, “What story?”

Yu Qingwu thought about it and still didn’t hide it from Nanny Qian, “She should have wanted to ask about my past. I happened to mention General Duan Boyan who pacified the south. After hearing it, she felt General Duan had it extremely difficult, and feeling that I would also have difficulties in the future, she cried.”

These words made it sound like Lan Shanjun had deep feelings and loyalty toward him. Hearing this, Nanny Qian felt relieved, “I was still worried you two wouldn’t get along well. Unexpectedly it’s this good.”

Yu Qingwu: “Old lady, don’t worry. Just wait to drink the wedding wine.”

Nanny Qian made a sound of acknowledgment and walked away happily. Returning, she couldn’t help telling Old Madam Shou, “Does Shanjun count as not having awakened yet? Though there’s no obvious affection, she worries about Qingwu very much.”

But Old Madam Shou didn’t react for a long while. She asked slowly, “Qingwu spoke of Boyan’s past and she cried?”

Nanny Qian nodded, “That’s right.”

But Old Madam Shou recalled the three words “dian tian guang” that Lan Shanjun had said. Recalled the flower vase she placed by the window that was identical to Boyan’s.

Shanjun resembled an old friend.

Who the old friend was, she had never been able to figure out, but now she felt vaguely that it resembled Boyan somewhat.

But this matter was truly inconceivable, so she didn’t think deeply about it. She only said, “Don’t speak much of it. The young couple’s matters are nothing really. But if you get involved, the matter becomes bigger.”

Nanny Qian nodded vigorously, keeping it firmly in mind.

But a person’s body isn’t solely controlled by the heart. So when it was time for Lan Shanjun to return home, the old madam’s words went in one ear and out the other. Her mouth also couldn’t be controlled, opening and closing: “Shanjun, if Qingwu bullies you, you tell me!”

Lan Shanjun had rarely been cherished by elders like this. She nodded and smiled, “I’ll definitely tell you.”

So people and people were also strange—those who met by chance became like family.

——

When Lan Shanjun returned to Duke Zhenguo’s estate, Zhu Shi had been waiting early. Seeing her, she asked, “His Majesty truly granted the marriage?”

Lan Shanjun nodded, “Yes. Old Madam said His Majesty has been very busy recently and she can’t see him all the time. Empress Dowager’s health is poor and she rarely sees people, making it even harder to request a grant. So yesterday when entering the palace, when talking about the children’s marriage matters with His Majesty, she mentioned it and His Majesty happily agreed.”

She smiled, “Old Madam was also afraid you’d be unhappy and had me convey her apologies to you.”

Zhu Shi finally felt at ease. She said, “Tell Old Madam not to say such things. She’s the matchmaker—I’m happy beyond measure.”

With this marriage settled, it was better than anything. Whatever schemes the Song family had didn’t matter. So she no longer asked about matters between Yu Qingwu and Elder Statesman Wu. As Huihui had said, regardless of whether Yu Qingwu and Wu Qingchuan had truly fallen out now, who could say they wouldn’t reconcile in the future?

After all, they had a relationship like father and son. For now, Yu Qingwu being someone on His Majesty’s public roster was enough.

—Who else at Duke Zhenguo’s estate could His Majesty remember by name now?

She then said, “In that case, let the Yu family prepare to come with betrothal gifts.”

Lan Shanjun: “Yes, Shou Residence will help prepare.”

This was respectable. Zhu Shi nodded, “That’s fine too.”

What worried her now was still Third Brother Lan’s matter. She asked quietly, “Yesterday you told Old Madam Shou about the Song family matter?”

Lan Shanjun: “Yes, I did. She’s also puzzled, saying the Song family hasn’t discussed marriage for so many years—how could they suddenly take a liking to our family?”

Zhu Shi worried, “Old Madam has experienced much. If even she doesn’t know, then I can’t figure it out either.”

Lan Shanjun hesitated, “What did Third Brother say?”

Zhu Shi: “What could he say? He insists I’m overthinking it. And blames me for agreeing to Old Madam Shou.”

Lan Shanjun spoke gently, “What does he understand? He wanted to have heart-to-heart talks with Song Zhiwei lying foot to foot.”

Zhu Shi: “…”

She choked on her breath and said, “Don’t always mock him either. He is your third brother after all.”

Lan Shanjun: “Yes.”

Then she said, “In a few days, once the wedding date is set, I’d like to invite Miss Zhu Yun from the Zhu family to visit our home as a guest.”

She and Yunniang frequently exchanged letters but hadn’t seen each other in a long while.

Zhu Shi frowned, “Must you invite her?”

Lan Shanjun said seriously, “Mother, Yunniang is my good friend. Her temperament is pure and she has no other ulterior motives. I hope Mother will allow it.”

What else could Zhu Shi do?

What a mess.

But at least one thing was good. She breathed a sigh of relief: “Since His Majesty’s decree has come down, I won’t go ask your grandfather and father about it.”

Just sending someone to inform them would be fine.

But after waiting a bit, she felt this was improper, “Will your grandmother blame me?”

For a moment, she found it difficult.

Lan Shanjun saw she was so resistant to meeting Duke Zhenguo and his son, and was somewhat surprised. In her previous life, she hadn’t known Mother had this side to her.

However, in the third year after she married out, Grandfather died, and in the fourth year Father also died.

When those two passed away, even the funeral arrangements were simple. When Lan Shanjun returned, she still heard Mother complaining: “With the family fallen into decline, do they not show even a bit of human feeling?”

She also cried, “Dying one after another, your eldest brother had to keep running back. Now look—he’s even lost his official position. Your seventh sister is still waiting to marry.”

One could say those two died at a very inopportune time, casting a shadow over the entire household.

She then stood up and said, “Grandfather and Father have both achieved immortality and presumably don’t wish to concern themselves with worldly affairs. Mother just needs to send someone to tell them. As for Grandmother, she also doesn’t leave her courtyard—surely she can’t chase out to beat and scold, can she?”

These words suited Zhu Shi’s intentions, but she still had to maintain appearances, “Shanjun, watch your words.”

Lan Shanjun smiled and turned to leave.

Zhu Shi sighed and immediately went to invite Madam Wu.

Madam Wu was waiting at home! She came hurriedly, “What’s the word?”

Zhu Shi then said, “I won’t hide it from you. Before you came to propose marriage, Old Madam Shou had already taken a liking to my Shanjun and wanted to match her with Elder Statesman Wu’s disciple, Hanlin Academy Scholar Yu Qingwu.”

Madam Wu was surprised, “It’s actually Old Madam Shou matchmaking.”

Zhu Shi: “But at that time the matter wasn’t settled, so I couldn’t speak of it. Then yesterday Old Madam Shou entered the palace and mentioned this to His Majesty, requesting His Majesty to grant the marriage.”

There was even an imperial marriage grant! Madam Wu hadn’t heard of His Majesty granting marriages in many years. She said, “Your Shanjun is remarkable.”

Zhu Shi: “She’s very likable. Old Madam Shou even wants to add to her trousseau.”

Madam Wu understood and said, “Then I’ll go tell the Song family.”

Zhu Shi pressed her lips together, then looked around and pulled her close, saying quietly, “With our relationship of so many years, you tell me honestly—when Madam of Duke Songguo spoke to you about this marriage, her face looked unpleasant, didn’t it?”

Madam Wu’s eyes flickered, “Not unpleasant.”

But it wasn’t good-looking either.

She hesitated, “It seemed like Young Master Song was forcing the issue out of youthful infatuation—”

Zhu Shi said resentfully, “He’s already twenty-one—what youthful infatuation?”

Between her words, she had even begun disparaging Song Zhiwei.

Madam Wu sensed there was something here and quickly stood up, not daring to hear more, “While the sun is still out, I’ll make a trip to the Song family.”

Zhu Shi’s heart was also conflicted. She both wanted to tell others about Song Zhiwei’s matter to make Madam of Duke Songguo lose face, but also worried about appearances, afraid of harming her family’s dignity and afraid the Song family would blame them. So she could only show reluctance to speak.

Madam Wu fled as if escaping. But sitting in the carriage, the more she thought about it, the more wrong this matter seemed. So when she arrived at the Song family, she didn’t dare say much, only saying, “It’s truly unfortunate—Sixth Miss Lan’s marriage was settled long ago.”

Madam of Duke Songguo frowned: “Settled?”

Madam Wu: “It’s said that last time at Marquis Boyuan’s birthday banquet, Old Madam Shou was very fond of Sixth Miss Lan and made a match for her.”

Madam of Duke Songguo was at once happy and worried, “We were a step too late.”

Madam Wu hurried to leave, “Yes. I failed to make this match—I’m very ashamed.”

Madam of Duke Songguo held her, “That you were willing to help me make this trip, I’m extremely grateful.”

She also gave her a red envelope, “We’ll follow proper etiquette.”

Madam Wu glanced at her and saw she was indeed happy, knowing this marriage wasn’t what she wanted. She smiled and accepted the red envelope: “Next time if there’s such good fortune, come find me again. I’ll definitely help run the errand.”

Leaving the gate, she happened to encounter Song Zhiwei returning home. She looked at him, saw his face was cool and distant. Seeing her, clearly knowing she was there to arrange his marriage, he didn’t ask about the result like an eager young man would. He only performed the junior’s courtesy and left, completely unlike someone moved by feelings.

After returning, she told her daughter-in-law, “This is probably a strange case.”

Her daughter-in-law was surnamed Zhou and usually loved hearing about such things. Her mind turned and she said, “There must be hidden circumstances. Seeing someone once and becoming infatuated—that’s impossible. This isn’t a story book.”

She added, “By rights, with the Song family’s status, even with Old Madam Shou matchmaking, Madam of Duke Zhenguo would probably still hesitate in her heart. Didn’t Mother say that when you went last time, her face showed relief?”

Young Madam Zhou clapped her hands, “There must be something improper about this marriage, which is why they invited Old Madam Shou to quickly enter the palace to request His Majesty grant the marriage and settle the matter.”

But what could the matter be?

Madam Wu saw her face full of excitement and somewhat regretted telling her. She said, “You mustn’t speak of this elsewhere. We can’t afford to offend the Song family.”

Young Madam Zhou nodded, “Mother, rest assured. I absolutely won’t pry around randomly. Am I that kind of person?”

On the other side, at the Song residence, hearing the marriage was refused, Song Zhiwei couldn’t help frowning, “Which family was settled on?”

Madam of Duke Songguo: “…I didn’t ask.”

Song Zhiwei: “Please help inquire, Mother.”

Madam of Duke Songguo: “Alright! Fine.”

She hesitated and asked, “So what do we do now? Duke Zhenguo’s estate only has this one daughter of marriageable age. Should we go propose to their seventh miss? “

Song Zhiwei: “The seventh miss is too young, not suitable. When Father returns, I’ll discuss with Father about changing to another family.”

But he was still somewhat concerned about this matter. Sitting in his study, he recalled what Lan Shanjun had said to him that day.

—Medicine king body.

Could it be she thought he had a medicinal smell about him?

At first, he had thought Mother was right that she deliberately spoke nonsense to attract his attention. But then Duke Zhenguo’s whole family showed no attachment to this marriage, making him doubt again whether she had other intentions in saying those three words.

He was someone who, when unable to figure something out, would keep thinking about it, determined to carefully investigate right from wrong.

But though he searched through ancient texts, he couldn’t find these three words. He could only set it aside again.

He rubbed his brow, dismissed the thought, and began pondering again which family would be good to change to.

When Duke Songguo returned from the Ministry of Finance, Madam of Duke Songguo had already inquired: “Duke Zhenguo’s estate is speaking of Hanlin Academy Scholar Yu Qingwu. He’s the one who recently got into conflict with Prince Qi and Marquis Boyuan’s estate.”

But Duke Songguo thought of the relationship between the Imperial Grandson and Yu Qingwu, “What happened?”

Madam of Duke Songguo: “After Yu Qingwu fell out with Elder Statesman Wu, he moved into Old Madam Shou’s residence. Sixth Miss Lan also often goes there. Old Madam then arranged their marriage—perhaps they’ve long had private contact.”

In any case, she had no regard for this young lady.

Duke Songguo thought about it and nodded, “There are traceable connections.”

It probably wasn’t the Imperial Grandson’s intention.

But changing to someone on short notice—they didn’t know where to change to. Madam of Duke Songguo tentatively said, “I’ve had my eye on someone.”

Duke Songguo: “Who?”

Madam of Duke Songguo: “The only daughter of Marquis Wenyuan. Marquis Wenyuan retired from office early—isn’t that similar to Duke Zhenguo’s estate? I’ve seen that young lady at banquets several times. She’s very poised and has a straightforward temperament.”

In any case, she was better than Duke Zhenguo’s estate.

Duke Songguo considered it, “That could work.”

He said, “But we can’t rush. We just went to Duke Zhenguo’s estate, then immediately to Marquis Wenyuan’s estate—if word gets out, it wouldn’t look good.”

Song Zhiwei had the same thought, “When Mother had someone propose marriage, she said I fell in love with Sixth Miss Lan at first sight, right? In that case, it wouldn’t be good to fall in love with another young lady at first sight.”

Madam of Duke Songguo sighed, “How unlucky.”

But then she had Third Miss Song invite the eldest miss of Marquis Wenyuan’s estate to visit, “Aren’t you acquainted?”

Third Miss Song found it difficult, “We’re acquainted, but we haven’t spoken much.”

She was a quiet young lady, while the other was formidable. The two didn’t often talk together.

Madam of Duke Songguo originally looked down on her, but who told them they’d made a terrible move? She said, “Don’t invite only her—invite some others too. Won’t that work?”

Third Miss Song could only nod, “Yes.”

After Madam of Duke Songguo left, she hid alone and cried, feeling wronged. But being a concubine’s daughter whose mother died early and whose father didn’t care for her, she could only do as told and write invitation cards.

The cards were written respectably. She not only sent one to Marquis Wenyuan’s estate but also to those she was friendly with. Finally, after thinking, she also sent them to all those the eldest miss of Marquis Wenyuan played with—the strategy being strength in numbers. This way she would look better and not seem like she was deliberately ingratiating herself.

——

How the Song residence was doing, Lan Shanjun didn’t know. She only knew that because her matter with Yu Qingwu had passed before His Majesty’s eyes, things became simpler. They only needed to wait for the Yu family to come with betrothal gifts.

Before presenting betrothal gifts, Yu Qingwu still needed to visit once.

Zhu Shi asked Lan Shanjun, “Elder Statesman Wu truly won’t come?”

Lan Shanjun nodded, “Won’t come.”

She said, “It will be Old Madam Shou and Nanny Qian.”

Zhu Shi: “What, Nanny Qian will also sit at the table?”

Lan Shanjun: “Naturally she’ll sit in the main seat. This marriage was first proposed by her.”

Zhu Shi felt uncomfortable and began regretting again. So marriage alliances should still be between matching families.

She could only swallow this grievance and also told Third Brother Lan to stay home to accompany them, “The other side has no father or mother, no brothers—just one man coming. Naturally you should accompany him.”

But Third Young Master Lan was extremely dissatisfied with this marriage, “What is this about? What kind of person is he? Just like this he’s marrying Sixth Sister?”

He sighed, “Mother, you’re rejecting a son-in-law like Song Zhiwei and actually accepting a poor boy.”

But Zhu Shi was very wary of the three words “Song Zhiwei,” “Don’t mention him again. That person’s heart isn’t upright.”

Third Young Master Lan felt stifled inside. When he went out drinking with friends, he said, “Tell me, is my mother overthinking it? What kind of person is Song Zhiwei—how could he have improper thoughts about me?”

His friend: “…Yes, she’s probably overthinking it.”

He didn’t believe Song Zhiwei had a preference for men, but Song Zhiwei was someone who was very proud among his peers and hadn’t been heard to suffer setbacks. Today learning he’d been refused in marriage, the friend was still very interested, “So his family never came to your door again after that?”

Third Brother Lan: “No.”

Then recalling his agreement to drink together with him, he quickly said, “He won’t ignore me too, will he?”

The friend looked at him with amusement, not believing Third Brother Lan’s boasting about being close with Song Zhiwei. He only smiled without speaking, but turned around and told this matter to others.

He was willing to see Song Zhiwei lose face.

So when Third Young Master Lan sobered up from his wine, he discovered several people looking at him strangely. Someone even came over to ask, “Did Song Zhiwei really invite you to the Song family to talk heart-to-heart through the night?”

Third Young Master climbed socially by attaching to such a person and smiled, “Yes. Would I lie to you?”

That person then patted his shoulder and said, “Well done, you!”

Everyone didn’t believe Song Zhiwei was a cut-sleeve, but everyone loved watching drama.

So, one person telling another, by the time Song Zhiwei learned of it, it was too late.

He frowned deeply, feeling that approaching Third Brother Lan was his worst move. But all this commotion was a small matter and couldn’t harm him in the slightest. He only had someone go out and spread word that Third Brother Lan had lost his mind and was pestering their family gate.

Right now, going out to become an official was the important matter.

He couldn’t wait any longer.

Currently he only held an empty position at the Imperial Academy without real authority. Yet those inferior to him had already begun to show their talents.

He then thought of Yu Qingwu.

He and Yu Qingwu were the same age. When Yu Qingwu’s reputation first spread, he had also heard of it. What was first passed around was Yu Qingwu’s essays—they were indeed written well. At least he couldn’t write that well.

But he wasn’t bad either. It was just that when the two were placed together for comparison, who won and who lost was obvious at a glance.

Later when he heard of Yu Qingwu again, it was that he had become Third Place Scholar.

A seventeen-year-old Third Place Scholar, talked about by everyone, parading through the streets on horseback. Song Zhiwei had once stood in a wine house looking down, watching him proud in the spring breeze, young and reckless.

After returning, he had shut himself in his study and sat through another night.

If he had taken the examination, he probably could have placed Third Place Scholar too.

But Father wouldn’t allow it.

Father said, “You must endure, endure until the new emperor shows his prominence, then you can cleanly attach yourself to him.”

So he waited, waited until Yu Qingwu was demoted to Shuzhou, waited until he returned again and his reputation soared once more.

In this Marquis Boyuan estate case, many people knew the inside story. Who among those clear-headed wouldn’t say he was someone willing to risk everything, brave and resourceful, who could identify the right timing and stake his life?

Though he was still just a Hanlin Academy Scholar, a minor seventh-rank official, he had followed the Imperial Grandson and become the first person by his side.

Thinking of this, Song Zhiwei’s emotions became complex. According to his plan, before the Marquis Boyuan estate case, he should have been the first person by the Imperial Grandson’s side.

But the Imperial Grandson didn’t use him.

He also wasn’t willing to attach himself to Prince Qi’s estate. He was someone who, if he did something, wanted to be first. Prince Qi and Prince Wei had been in court for decades with deep roots. Even if he went, he could only rank at the end.

Moreover, the Imperial Grandson was the legitimate heir.

Song Zhiwei knew he couldn’t wait any longer. If he kept waiting, forget about the first chair by the Imperial Grandson’s side—even the second or third chair probably wouldn’t have his place.

He stood up and hurried to Duke Songguo’s study to discuss.

——

Yu Qingwu got up early in the morning to groom himself. Shaving, washing his face, dressing.

Old Madam Shou sat under the corridor lost in thought. Nanny Qian was in the room nervously helping him dress.

Today they were going to Duke Zhenguo’s estate for the visit—they couldn’t be careless.

The new son-in-law’s first visit required everything to be proper, otherwise the young lady would lose face. Nanny Qian had never married in her life, but she’d arranged many matches and had ample experience. She said, “When the time comes, meals will be separate. You’ll be on the other side where I can’t reach you. I only ask that you don’t speak carelessly.”

Yu Qingwu felt he wouldn’t. He smiled, “I’m quite steady when I’m outside.”

Nanny Qian: “That’s good then!”

She went out to see Old Madam Shou, “Why won’t you let me rest easy either? What is it now?”

Old Madam Shou murmured, “Tell me, why would the Empress bestow things?”

Yesterday when she entered the palace, the Emperor had laughed and said, “After all, it’s Wu family’s child. The Empress was actually willing to have the Imperial Grandson bestow some things.”

He said rather wisely, “Elder Sister, you’re right. She’s also grown old. Recently she’s been seeing the two children A’Li and A’Man more often.”

He was very happy, “I even gave Yuanniang advice to feign illness once and send the two children to the Empress, send them over and then leave without letting them return. How could the Empress not agree?”

“That child A’Li is also clever. Leading his sister around the palace—he’s even wandered into my Imperial Study. Why couldn’t he wander to the Empress’s Changle Palace?”

Hearing this, Old Madam Shou’s heart was full of doubts, but her face showed emotion as she said, “The events of that year weren’t Your Majesty’s fault. That she blames it on you is forcibly transferring anger. All these years, you’ve treated the Grand Grandson and her so well. She’s not a block of ice—sooner or later she’ll melt.”

Then she said, “Back when Qinghai was still alive and Qingchuan often followed him around, didn’t the Empress also treat Qingchuan like a younger brother?”

She sighed, “So many years have passed. The children’s children are about to marry. She must be thinking about it in her heart.”

The Emperor nodded repeatedly, “Exactly.”

The older he got, the more he hoped those from back then could forgive him. The Crown Prince’s son and mother were the best consolation.

He sat on a stool and sighed, “Being Emperor is difficult in many ways. With every step I take, I dare not lose my original heart and can only wrong many people.”

Old Madam continued flattering for a long while, but still couldn’t figure out the Empress’s intentions.

She murmured, “Jiji hates him and me to death. How could it be like this?”

The Empress’s given name was Jiji.

But aside from having the Imperial Grandson convey a message and things, Jiji had no other words.

She shook her head, “Could it really be that she’s grown old?”

Nanny Qian saw her murmuring to herself and scolded, “Stop fretting! Today is a good day—why think about those things?”

She went inside to hurry Yu Qingwu and saw him taking ten incense sticks to fumigate himself.

This time Nanny Qian’s eyes also wouldn’t obey—they rolled a solid white-eye!

She went over and respectfully scolded, “Young Master Yu, that’s strong enough to kill someone with fragrance!”