Deng Jieyu secretly gritted her teeth, indeed, every time it involved Prince Rong, the Empress would become sharp-tongued, no longer the previously calm and indifferent figure, pretending she didnāt want power, it was all fake. If it werenāt for her son being so young... Deng Jieyu hid the unwillingness in her eyes, and when she raised her head, she wore a cheerful mask: "Empress, you shouldnāt have said that. Itās all my fault for being talkative, itās just that Iām afraid outsiders will misunderstand that the Prince isnāt pleased with the marriage being bestowed."
"After all, Lord Chuās injury truly makes people worry."
Deng Jieyu saw the Emperorās slight frown due to her last words, and quickly shifted the topic: "Empress, I know you care for Prince Rong. You are indifferent to other things but pay close attention to the Princeās matters, it is rare, after all, the younger generation always has people concerned about them. Just like how I wish to bring Yu Er to the palace banquet to see the excitement, but unfortunately, heās too young. I can only feel regret, but as long as he is healthy, I am content, everything else is secondary."
The Empress glanced at her, hearing Deng Jieyuās implication that she wanted to stay in power by leaning on Prince Rong, the Emperorās son.
Itās funny to think, she is the main palace Empress. Even if in the future another prince ascends to this position, she would still be the Dowager Empress, enjoying the fruits of heaven. Emperor Xuanming likely sees it this way.
And since Emperor Xuanming sees it this way, she naturally acts accordingly, hasnāt she been living steadily all these years like this?
Deng Jieyu wants to deliberately provoke and bring her down, truly thinks she values power so much, dumb enough to fall for it?
As long as she does not start plotting against the royal heirs or involve herself in the struggles between the princes, she can always remain in the Empressās position!
And as long as she is in this position, it means support for Jināer.
"Deng Jieyuās words are correct, I am getting older and just love to live peacefully, caring for the Princeās life. Although I am not his biological mother, I am also his aunt, caring for the younger generation is appropriate, especially as the mother of the palace, I should be doing these things." The Empress replied calmly to Deng Jieyu and looked at Emperor Xuanming, waiting for his response.
Deng Jieyu still wanted to speak further.
Emperor Xuanming raised his hand, stopping her from continuing and looked at the Empress, his gaze was no different from usual, but if one looked closely, they could sense he was satisfied with the Empressās actions.
"Good, you keep him in the palace, sort out this marriage. The Ministry of Rites will have people to cooperate with him, according to the rules."
"Yes, I will make sure to instruct properly." The Empress and Emperor Xuanming showed mutual respect, without warmth.
Deng Jieyu watched, though not satisfied, yet was pleased, as the Empress had nothing beyond the necessary respect.
Now, she was the most favored in the Imperial Harem, so she seized the opportunity to invite: "Emperor, recently Yu Er has been able to recognize people, and keeps calling for Father Emperor."
"You teach Yu Er well, I will visit him when I have time."
Deng Jieyu instantly gave a triumphant smile towards the Empress where Emperor Xuanming couldnāt see.
By the time the banquet ended, it was already late.
Chu Ziluo followed Huo Hongyan and the others out of the palace.
Prince Rong had long stayed in the palace with the Empress.
Walking on the spacious and deep palace paths, Huo Hongyan felt a bit emotional, with a surprising look hidden in her eyes: "I didnāt expect you, Chu Ziluo, would be getting married soon, itās truly too fast."
"Ms. Huo, your time is near too, no need to rush," Chu Ziluo said in a straightforward manner.