good season

The retired emperor looked gloomy: I never expected that bastard would want me to be a whetstone for his bastard son.

The retired emperor himself had been an emperor. He considered himself neither a wise nor a foolish ruler. As fellow emperors, he was able to understand the thoughts of Emperor Yongjia.

As Xiao Zhen said, although everyone thought that the Third Prince was the only choice for Crown Prince and Emperor Yongjia's favorite son, Emperor Yongjia did not think so. He was in the prime of his life and was not in a hurry to establish an heir. Therefore, what he really wanted to cultivate was the young prince.

However, before re-establishing a crown prince, the third prince cannot be wasted. Let the retired emperor be the third prince's whetstone, just like when the fourth prince killed Xiao Zhen.

Xiao Zhen of yesteryear, and the retired emperor of today, are both whetstones.

If successful and able to escape unscathed, then this son will still be useful, just like how Emperor Yongjia later heavily relied on the fourth prince. As long as the third prince can kill the retired emperor and successfully frame Zhao Guanyue, then the third prince can continue to be used. Before the next crown prince comes of age, the third prince can continue to receive his father's special favor.

He was not only a weapon in Emperor Yongjia's hands, but also a target used to draw enemy fire.

When the Third Prince's ambitions can no longer be satisfied with these favors, he will become the next Fourth Prince, and with just one stumble, he will be doomed.

By then, the seventh prince had grown up, a young prince, pure and innocent, without any flaws.
The Emperor Emeritus felt a tightness in his chest, as if he had swallowed a bunch of flies; not only was it tight, but it was also nauseating!

“Grandfather, since they want to harm you and frame your grandson, why not turn the tables on them?”

The retired emperor didn't actually want to do this. He was worried that his old bones wouldn't be able to hold up, and if something really happened to him, he would die!

However, Xiao Zhen and Zhao Shiqing both agreed with Zhao Guanyue's suggestion, so the Emperor Emeritus had to swallow back the words he was about to say.

After that, the three ignored him and huddled together to discuss countermeasures, leaving the retired emperor no chance to even interject.

Fortunately, Wan Ruyi was still there. She was a good-natured woman. The Emperor Emeritus pulled her aside to talk and asked her about her experiences over the years. Wan Ruyi told him about growing vegetables in the nunnery, how to grow cabbage and loofah, and how Aunt Ji taught her to make all kinds of noodles in Sweet Water Alley, and how Xiuxiu taught her to disguise herself. She also learned to do needlework. She took off her purse and said, "This is the first purse I made. It wasn't very good, but now I can make better ones."

The Emperor Emeritus suddenly felt like crying again: "Ruyi, would you please sew a purse for me and for your father as well?"

"Okay, but Father, please wait. I'll make clothes for Ah Huang and Xiao Ye after I finish making them for you. It's getting cold, and they'll be cold without clothes to wear."

The retired emperor hurriedly asked, "Who are Ah Huang and Xiao Ye? Are they your close friends?"

Wan Ruyi: "Ah Huang is Ah Huang, and Xiao Ye is Xiao Ye. They are not my best friends, but they are very capable. They can guard the house and even bite bad people."

"Guard the gate and protect the house? Bit bad guys? That sounds like a dog!" The Emperor Emeritus was completely bewildered.

Wan Ruyi: "They're dogs, Father. You're so stupid. You don't even know that Ah Huang and Xiao Ye are dogs."

The retired emperor: It seems that being as naive as a child is not a good thing.

"Ruyi, do you like Qingqing?"

Wan Ruyi: "I like her. The Second Miss is the best girl ever, as are Xiuxiu and Lingbo."

"Then how about you become Qingqing's mother?" the Emperor Emeritus asked.

Wan Ruyi blinked and asked, "Like Aunt Ji's mother?"

Of all the people she knew, only Aunt Ji's son had a mother. Zhen Wuduo didn't, Zhao Shiqing didn't, Xiuxiu didn't, Lingbo didn't, and neither did Niqiu, Shen Wangxing, or any of the guards!
Actually, she had never met Aunt Ji's son, but Aunt Ji talked about her son all the time, and Wan Ruyi got to know him through Aunt Ji's words.

The Emperor Emeritus had no idea who Aunt Ji was: "Yes, everyone has a mother, but many people's mothers are no longer here. For example, Qingqing's biological mother passed away early. If you like her, you can be Qingqing's mother."

Unexpectedly, Wan Ruyi shook her head: "Second Miss is a good girl. I will not scold her, nor will I call her a brat or a heartless wretch."

If the Emperor Emeritus hadn't spent those days on the mountain, he certainly wouldn't have understood what Wan Ruyi was saying. Fortunately, while he was on the mountain, he listened to Granny Sun's grumbling all day long and chatted with the old men and women. He knew that "brat" was a term of endearment used by many mothers for their children.

“You don’t need to scold her. Once you become her mother, you’ll have someone to talk to and play with. You can make clothes for her, and when she gets married, she can have a child to play with.”

The retired emperor wanted to say that after you die, there will still be people to visit your grave and burn paper money for you. But after thinking about it, he realized that Ruyi was so naive. What if she took it seriously and actually died? So he held back and didn't say it.

Wan Ruyi was already delighted: "Great! Great! Then the Second Miss won't call me Aunt Ruyi anymore, she'll call me Mother Ruyi!"

The Emperor Emeritus felt a lump in his throat. He owed his daughter a great deal and hoped she would be happy for the rest of her life. Rather than finding her an unreliable, irresponsible, and scheming husband, he thought it would be better to find her a good daughter.

The following day, the retired emperor summoned many people to the Wuji Temple.

Emperor Yongjia and Empress, Prince Fu and his grandson Zhao Tingluo, Prince Lu and his heir, and even Zhao Chen, who was recuperating, were brought over. In addition, there were Jiayi, Jianing, Jiarou, Princess Jia'an, who was not even allowed to enter the gate last time, Consort Li, Consort Meng, and Consort Qiao from the palace, and even Old Madam Wei, who lived in the palace, was summoned over.

In front of the Emperor, Empress, and members of the royal family, the retired Emperor announced something.

"Forty years ago, my eldest daughter was lost among the common people. Now she has finally been found. Today, I will let her recognize her ancestors and return to her family."

The moment the words "eldest daughter of the emperor" were uttered, everyone's expression changed.

Princess Jiayi almost burst into tears. "I have been the eldest princess for so many years, and today you say that your eldest princess is someone else?"
"Father, what about me?" she couldn't help but ask.

The Emperor Emeritus glanced at her: "You are my legitimate daughter, born to the Empress Dowager. Your birth mother is Empress Dowager Zhong. Although Jia Bao's birth mother was of lowly birth, she was indeed my flesh and blood. She is you."

The Emperor Emeritus then looked at the other princesses: "She is your eldest sister! It's pitiful that she was taken away by villains as soon as she was born. A princess of the royal family was imprisoned for a full forty years. If I hadn't gone to Tongzhou this time, I wouldn't have known that she was still alive!"

Although Princess Jiayi lost her title as the eldest daughter of the emperor, the retired emperor reaffirmed her status as the legitimate daughter. Furthermore, because Empress Wang was deposed, she was the retired emperor's only legitimate daughter.

Princess Jiayi felt better, but her eyes reddened: "Father, my sister is so pitiful. Has that villain been caught? He must be executed by slow slicing!"

Everyone was shocked by the Emperor Emeritus's words. Only Consort Li and Madam Wei were shocked, but their shock was different from that of the others.

Consort Li couldn't help but look at Old Madam Wei. Wasn't that child long dead? Could it be that, besides that child, before Princess Jiayi, another woman had given birth to a daughter for the Emperor Emeritus?
By the way, the Emperor Emeritus said that this princess's birth mother was a lowly person. I come from the Wei family, an old and prestigious family, and am absolutely not lowly.

However, Madam Wei avoided Consort Li's gaze. Only she knew that the child imprisoned in the nunnery had disappeared last year.

Not only the child went missing, but also Xu Lin and his two sons. She had been unable to find out who had taken the four of them, but now she finally knew—it was the Emperor Emeritus!

It seems the retired emperor had already investigated what happened back then. Since he was able to find out about this princess, he must also know that the one on the dragon throne now is a fake.

Old Madam Wei bit her lip tightly. She had never imagined that the Emperor Emeritus already knew about this matter.

She had originally planned to continue using Consort Li, but now it seems that Consort Li's good days are over.

At this moment, Zhao Shiqing helped Wan Ruyi out. Wan Ruyi was not only skillful, but also learned etiquette very quickly. Zhao Shiqing only taught her once, and she was able to perform the proper etiquette. Although she was still a little stiff, in everyone's eyes, considering her experience of growing up in the countryside, her performance was already very good.

Emperor Yongjia remained silent, wondering what kind of trick the retired emperor was up to this time.
Zhao Guanyue is clearly the Emperor Emeritus's biological grandson, but he appears as his adopted grandson.

Therefore, the princess who appeared as the biological daughter must be a fake daughter.

If it's fake, then what is her real identity?
Killer?
A 40-year-old female assassin?
But the moment Wan Ruyi raised her head, Emperor Yongjia's doubts vanished.

This Jiabao is genuine!
That face bears a resemblance to Jiayi, Jiaan, and Jianing. They are clearly not born to the same mother, but they look like sisters at first glance!

"Mother! She looks just like Mother! So much like her!"

Prince Lu's tears came suddenly, streaming down his face. Anyone who didn't know better would have thought he was Empress Dowager Qi's biological son.

How could Prince Fu let Prince Lu steal all the limelight? He cried too!

"Could it be that the Heavenly Venerable One took pity on my filial piety and sent my mother to appear before me, allowing me to see her divine countenance again in my lifetime?"

The Emperor Emeritus secretly curled his lip. When the Empress Dowager was alive, a single cough from her could scare the two of you so much that you wet your pants. If she were to actually manifest herself, the first ones to be scared to death would be you two bastards!
"Jiabao resembles the Empress Dowager, Jiayi, Jia'an, and Jianing also look alike, and Jiarou also bears some resemblance. Among the sisters, Jiabao is the most similar!"

Emperor Yongjia said loudly, "Your son congratulates Father and Imperial Sister on their family reunion. May our ancestors bless you and Imperial Sister with their abundant blessings. This is a great fortune for the Zhao imperial family!"

Everyone offered their congratulations, which greatly pleased the retired emperor.

"Your Majesty, Jia Bao should be granted the title of Grand Princess. Furthermore, since Jia Bao has no children, let this goddaughter of mine be registered under Jia Bao's name. She is an adopted daughter of the Liang Prince's Mansion and is now Jia Bao's goddaughter. These two things do not conflict. Her surname is Zhao, and she is a daughter of the Zhao family. She can be granted the title of Princess."

“Yes, that is the way it should be. I will draft the decree as soon as my son returns to the palace,” Emperor Yongjia said.

He roughly guessed who Princess Jiabao's birth mother was.

As the Emperor Emeritus just said, Jia Bao's birth mother came from a lowly background. Since she was of lowly birth, she was definitely not a concubine in the palace, nor could she be a noble lady from a prestigious family. So, even if this woman was not a courtesan, she was a servant!

Therefore, the greatest blessing for a princess who was found from the common people, plus a princess who was adopted, is to find a suitable husband and have a good marriage.

For Emperor Yongjia, neither Wan Ruyi nor Zhao Shiqing posed a threat to him.

On the contrary, the more he gives to them, the more it demonstrates his kindness and tolerance.

Emperor Yongjia decided that since he was going to bestow favors, he should do it even better, and reward the recipients with more gold, silver and valuables. He then instructed the Empress to handle the arrangements upon returning to the palace.

At this thought, Emperor Yongjia had an idea and said, "Since we are going to bestow titles, why not include Guanyue as well? Guanyue is my elder brother's adopted son, so this title is appropriate."

Before he could finish speaking, the Emperor Emeritus interrupted him: "Guan Yue, don't rush. He's still young. Your princes haven't been granted titles yet, so let him wait a little longer."

Emperor Yongjia's heart sank.

Since Zhao Guanyue was to succeed Emperor Xiaokang, he should rightfully be granted the title of king. However, the retired emperor refused to grant Zhao Guanyue the title on the grounds that the prince had not yet been granted the title of king.

I do not bestow titles upon the princes because once they are made kings, it means they will lose their chance at the throne. I want to keep them in the position of crown prince, so of course I cannot rush to make them kings.

But Zhao Guanyue's situation is clearly not like that!

If the retired emperor doesn't grant Zhao Guanyue the title of prince, does he still want him to be the crown prince?
dream!

As everyone left, they each had their own thoughts. Princess Jiayi, however, refused to leave. Upon learning that Wan Ruyi didn't even have a residence, Jiayi invited Wan Ruyi to stay at her own residence. Wan Ruyi was startled; she had just become a mother and didn't want to be separated from her daughter.

She pointed at Zhao Shiqing and said to Princess Jiayi, "I live in Qingqing's house. Qingqing said that it is my home too."

Before she could finish speaking, Princess Jiayi grabbed Zhao Shiqing's hand and said, "I've finally seen you! You've grown taller and more beautiful. I've told you eight hundred times that I want you to come to my house, but that brat Zhen always finds excuses. I'm hosting a banquet in a few days, and you absolutely have to come!"

The Emperor Emeritus coughed twice and said irritably, "Jiayi, Xiao Zhen and Qingqing are now cousins."

Princess Jiayi: "They are just cousins, not blood relatives. Do you think you should bestow the marriage directly, or should you first obtain the consent of the Liang Prince's Mansion?"

After saying that, she smiled and said to Wan Ruyi, "I'm sure my elder sister won't have any objections, right?"

Wan Ruyi nodded: "No objection."

In fact, Wan Ruyi had no idea what she was talking about. There was nothing she could do; she wasn't familiar with Xiao Zhen. In the past, Xiao Zhen always wore a fake face when he came to Tianshui Hutong. Therefore, until now, she hadn't connected Young Master Zhen with Xiao Zhen.

The retired emperor thought to himself, "There are so many things to do now, but any one of them is more important than this."

"Alright, alright, I understand. You may return to your residence. I'm going to meditate."

Princess Jiayi rolled her eyes, but before leaving, she didn't forget to hold Zhao Shiqing's hand: "You must come, come with your mother."

The imperial edict was issued the following day.

Wan Ruyi was granted the title of Princess Jiabao, and Zhao Shiqing was granted the title of Princess Nanyang. (End of Chapter)