My father, Li Shimin, requests Your Majesty to become the Retired Emperor.

Cai Xiang advised, "Empress, this is His Majesty's token of affection."

If it were any other concubine,

They'll probably start fighting over it, and they'd be happy to take it all. You should at least pick a little. Otherwise, wouldn't that upset the Emperor?

Empress Zhangsun found some merit in what Caixiang said.

She looked around and saw many items inside, such as jadeite and cat's-eye stones—something extremely valuable and priceless. She didn't want any of those.

There was also some silver.

I don't want the money either.

Finally, Empress Zhangsun chose a gold hairpin.

Cai Xiang asked with a smile, "Your Majesty, those cat-ear-shaped beads and pearls are so precious, why don't you want them?"

Empress Zhangsun laughed and said, "If I were to choose something like a luminous pearl, it would seem that I am too greedy."

"Then why don't you want those silver items?"

"If I were to choose those, it would seem too hypocritical, so I'll pick one that's neither here nor there."

"Your Majesty, I have learned a great deal from your words."

Empress Zhangsun put the hairpin in her hair and asked, "Does it look alright?"

"It's so beautiful! Only someone as noble as the Empress is suitable to wear such a gold hairpin," Cai Xiang praised. Although her words were somewhat exaggerated and seemed to be flattery, most of them were true.

"This servant senses that His Majesty seems to be visiting you more often lately."

Empress Zhangsun smiled and said, "Yes, it's probably because His Majesty is happy about our marriage alliance with Tibet, so he came to chat with me. And last night, he stayed here with me."

Empress Zhangsun blushed as she spoke.

"Is that so? Congratulations, Your Majesty!"

So, His Majesty's feelings for the Empress are quite deep.

You've done so much for him, bearing him so many children; he should treat you well.

"I have never dared to hope that His Majesty would thank me."

"Just avoid making mistakes." Empress Zhangsun's voice was calm.

"You have devoted yourself to the Tang Dynasty and helped His Majesty overcome difficulties at critical moments. For example, during the Xuanwu Gate Incident, His Majesty would have had a hard time getting through the crisis without your help."

It's still uncertain who will emerge victorious.

And you've given birth to all these children for him.

Giving birth is like walking through the gates of hell for a woman; one wrong move and she could lose her life.

Fortunately, these children were all exceptionally intelligent and talented.

"Especially Crown Prince Li Chengqian is wise and brave, handsome and intelligent, a blessing to the Tang Dynasty." Cai Xiang sighed with emotion.

"To be fair, Chenggan is a very filial son."

However, it's just that his zodiac sign clashes with his father's; they seem to be incompatible. Empress Zhangsun's expression turned worried as she said this.

Cai Xiang advised, "People say that the bond between father and daughter is the closest."

It's normal for father and son to sometimes disagree; the Empress shouldn't take it to heart.

"I've been busy with Princess Wencheng's marriage to Songtsen Gampo lately. Any news from Chang'an?"

"Yes, I've heard that Princess Gaoyang and Li Yuanjing have a close relationship."

"Oh, is that so?"

"What is Gao Yang doing there, going to Li Yuanjing's place?"

"It is said that she brought some snacks and fruits to visit Li Yuanjing."

Empress Zhangsun placed her hands in front of her abdomen and paced back and forth in the hall, slowly saying, "I have long heard that the relationship between Princess Gaoyang and Li Yuanjing is extraordinary."

"We also heard something else."

"What is it?"