Qianqing Palace.

Anshun stood outside the imperial study, his face full of hesitation, his mind in turmoil as he struggled with whether or not to tell His Majesty.

The Empress seemed to be in a bad mood after returning from outside the palace.

However, Anshun was not quite sure if he had misjudged the Empress's emotions.

After much deliberation, Anshun finally decided to tell His Majesty, since His Majesty had previously instructed that anything concerning the Empress should be reported.

If His Majesty discovers the Empress is in a bad mood on his own tonight, it would be better for him to tell her now.

Anshun carefully entered the Imperial Study, bending low.

"Your Majesty, the Empress has returned to the palace." His voice was very soft.

Upon hearing this, Jun Zechen looked up at the sky outside; it was almost time for dinner.

"Yes, I will go to Kunning Palace to dine with the Empress later."

After Jun Zechen finished speaking, he lowered his head again to continue reviewing the memorials.

Anshun did not leave. He hesitated for a moment and continued, "This servant senses that Her Majesty the Empress seems to be in a bad mood."

Jun Zechen frowned, quickly turned his head, and his gaze fell on An Shun.

"What happened?" His voice was deep and carried a hint of authority.

"After Her Majesty the Empress met with Princess Qingping today, she also met with Minister Su. She seemed to be in a bad mood after returning. This servant does not know what Her Majesty the Empress said to Princess Qingping, nor does she know what she said to Minister Su."

An Shun lowered his head, his voice growing softer, "When Her Majesty the Empress spoke with these two, there was no one else around."

Jun Zechen pursed his lips, his expression somewhat unpleasant.

Could it be that Qi Wanyin said something to drive a wedge between him and Yao Yao again?

He shouldn't have gone easy on her.

Qi Wanyin hated Canglang because of his fate, and even wanted to assassinate him, which was ridiculous to Jun Zechen.

He wasn't familiar with her to begin with, and the reason he treated her well when they were young was because of his mother. In fact, Jun Zechen always thought she was a well-educated and sensible young lady from a respectable family.

Therefore, it is truly unbelievable that Qi Wanyin wanted to kill him out of love turned to hatred because of his initial rejection.

She went to Canglang herself and got hurt there. If she had been smart, wouldn't she have been able to escape?

Try to write a letter back and tell the Empress Dowager. Surely she won't refuse to save her?

Jun Zechen, out of consideration for his mother and uncle, will try to bring her back.

Jun Zechen felt uneasy, not knowing what she had said to Yao Yao. He really didn't want to argue with Yao Yao.

Now, he manages state affairs daily, and the various reforms he proposes are being implemented in an orderly manner throughout the country. The prosperous dynasty that Jun Zechen desires is being realized step by step.

With his beloved wife by his side and his children around him, Jun Zechen was very happy, and he would never allow anyone to ruin the relationship between him and Yao Yao.

Jun Zechen then stood up. "Let's go to Kunning Palace."

-

After returning to Kunning Palace, Su Jingyao felt a little annoyed, as if there was a tightness in her chest that she couldn't vent.

She sighed heavily. What else could she do now that things had come to this?

Brother, you'll have to deal with this yourself.

When Jun Zechen came in, he saw her sitting on the couch, gazing out the window, seemingly lost in thought.

He tiptoed over, gently pulled her into his arms from behind, and whispered, "Qi Wanyin is dead?"

Su Jingyao didn't react much to Jun Zechen's arrival, absentmindedly humming in response.

"Is Yao Yao unhappy?"

Doesn't she also dislike Qi Wanyin?

"no."

Su Jingyao turned her head away, not wanting to say anything more, her expression somewhat indifferent.

She wouldn't tell Jun Zechen about her brother's affairs. If Jun Zechen knew how love-struck her brother was, he would probably be unhappy.

She absolutely couldn't let Jun Zechen know that she was in a bad mood because of her brother, because Jun Zechen was definitely the kind of person who would take his anger out on her brother.

She then changed the subject.

"Why has Your Majesty arrived so early today?"

"After reviewing the memorials, I heard that Yao Yao had returned to the palace, so I came here."

Jun Zechen looked at her, his eyes full of tenderness.

There were actually some greeting notes, but those weren't important. The main thing was that Jun Zechen thought she was unhappy, and he didn't want any misunderstandings between them.

Therefore, I had to come and confirm it in person.

He held Su Jingyao even tighter.

Suddenly, Jun Yihuan walked in.

"Your subject greets Father Emperor and Mother Empress." His voice was clear and resonant, yet still somewhat childish.

Su Jingyao was surprised to see the stars, but then a warm, spring-like smile immediately appeared on her face.

"Why did Xingxing come today?"

Since Xingxing went to stay with the prince, he only returns every few days. He just arrived yesterday, so he shouldn't be coming today.

Jun Yihuan and his father exchanged a glance, a hint of pride flashing in their eyes.

It was his father who summoned him; it must be that his father angered his mother.

He thought to himself, but his face remained expressionless.

Jun Zechen saw her get off the couch and walk quickly to Xingxing. She smiled gently, a smile that seemed to melt ice and snow, and the unease in his heart instantly disappeared.

He knew he had said many hurtful things and even done some bad things in the past, but now that they had a son and a daughter, Yao Yao would always forgive him.

He secretly breathed a sigh of relief, and his eyes showed a newfound determination.

"Mother, I did very well in my studies today. The Grand Tutor even praised me. I would like to have a meal with you before returning to the Prince's quarters."

Jun Yihuan raised his little face, his eyes full of anticipation.

"it is good."

Su Jingyao smiled, took Xingxing's hand, and slowly walked to the table to sit down.

Miaoyun immediately went out to instruct people to prepare dinner.

Jun Zechen also got up from the couch and calmly sat down next to her.

Soon after the meal was served, Su Jingyao thoughtfully served food to Xingxing, her eyes full of love.

"Xingxing, eat more of this. Is studying at the Prince's academy very tiring?"

"Your subject is not tired."

Jun Zechen gazed tenderly at Su Jingyao, occasionally serving her her favorite dishes.

Xingxing was taught etiquette by a nanny from a young age. He always followed the rules and ate quietly during meals.

But dining with the Empress Dowager was naturally different.

"Mother, why are you so distracted today? I don't like your fancy dishes at all, hmph."

Xingxing pouted and said to Su Jingyao in a coquettish manner, looking extremely cute.

Su Jingyao then realized that she had served Xingxing a dish of flower-shaped food. A hint of embarrassment flashed across her face, but she quickly regained her composure.

"This floral dish is a new creation by Miaoyun. Perhaps you'll like it? Xingxing can give it a try."

Her tone was gentle, with a hint of coaxing.

"Let Xingxing eat by himself, Yaoyao can eat by herself, don't worry about him."

Jun Zechen frowned slightly and said with some dissatisfaction.

It's already a favor that someone serves you food, yet you still complain.

He glared at Jun Yihuan, his eyes filled with authority.

Jun Yihuan glared back defiantly.

Today, his father begged him to come. He was doing his homework when he was told that his father must have angered his mother.

His little face was puffed up with anger.

However, Jun Yihuan only dared to be so disrespectful to his father in his mother's Kunning Palace. If it were in the princes' quarters, his father would always reprimand him with a stern face.

They say his studies are bad here and bad there, even though the Grand Tutor said he did very well.

Thinking about this, he felt wronged.

But he could only endure it silently, not daring to utter a single word.

After finishing their meal, Su Jingyao felt much better.

The gloom in my eyes gradually dissipated.

That's how my brother's love life is. Anyway, Qi Wanyin was gone before it even started. Judging from my brother's expression, he should have let go. It was just some man's pity for a woman.

It's not that I love her that much.

After Jun Zechen returned to Qianqing Palace, Jun Yihuan also returned to the Prince's Residence.

Su Jingyao lay lazily on the boudoir in her bedchamber, gently closing her eyes as she listened to Miaoyun report on recent events in the harem.

"Your Majesty, Consort An sent word that Consort Yan and Consort Xu have vaguely sensed that His Majesty seems to be investigating them and has been monitoring them. They are planning to have a private gathering with some elders of the Eastern Palace."

"Then they will reveal to His Majesty some of the things you did in the past."

"Anjie asked you what she should say."

Su Jingyao fell into deep thought. After a long while, she slowly spoke, "Let her tell the truth."

This time, Consort Yan and Consort Xu seized on Su Jingyao's past to make a fuss. With so many women in the harem, what if another woman brings up old grievances someday?

Now that Jun Zechen's feelings for her are still strong, she should completely shatter Jun Zechen's illusions about her.

Only when Jun Zechen fully understands what kind of person she is will their relationship be truly flawless, not just an illusion as Jun Zechen currently believes.

However, Su Jingyao doesn't like to gamble everything. Jun Zechen's reaction after finding out is very important, and it will determine whether Su Jingyao confronts him or continues to deny and deceive him.

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