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Gazing at Shen Yizhen's expression, she continued, "Uncle Shiyi truly isn't going to be a constable anymore?"

Rong Shu, in her youth, hadn't understood Uncle Shiyi's years of waiting, but now she did.

With Mother regaining her freedom and being able to decide her own marriage, Rong Shu would undoubtedly be delighted if Mother accepted Uncle Shiyi. After all, he had endured patiently for so long, finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.

But if Mother refused, Rong Shu would still stand by her side.

Marriage was always a personal matter, like drinking water—only oneself could truly feel its temperature. No one else could dictate who was the right person to marry for you.

"Indeed, before accompanying me to the capital, he secretly submitted his resignation to his superiors. I only found out about this a couple of days ago," Shen Yizhen said, her frustration evident. "It's utterly reckless!"

Even Rong Shu could see how much Lu Shiyi cared for Shen Yizhen; how could Shen Yizhen herself be unaware? But currently, her priority was reviving the Shen family and caring for Zhaozhao. She had no room for love.

"Uncle Shiyi has never been impulsive. If he believes this is best for him, Mother, there's no need to feel regretful," Rong Shu said with a more optimistic view than Shen Yizhen, smiling. "Let nature take its course."

Given Lu Shiyi's stubborn nature, what could Shen Yizhen do but let him stay with the trading convoy? Now, she genuinely needed a reliable and courageous companion to help her navigate the business world.

"There's no other choice, then."

She sighed, then, remembering something, she picked up her teacup and sipped it twice before saying, "Don't just talk about me. What's going on between you and Yunzhi? I heard that he asked the Emperor for a marriage edict?"

Rong Shu quickly replied, "That edict hasn't been announced yet, so it doesn't count. I told him that I want to see the world outside before my life is over."

Shen Yizhen looked at her. This was her daughter; she could always tell when there was something on her mind.

The previous year, around this time, she had quietly divorced Yunzhi. When she returned to Minglu Yard with the divorce papers, she had held up three slender fingers, like scallions, ready to swear that she no longer liked Yunzhi.

"You were even going to swear last year that you didn't like Yunzhi," Shen Yizhen shook her head with a smile, "If you want to broaden your horizons, go ahead. Times have changed, and with Yunzhi's current status, marrying him might not necessarily be a good thing."

The emperor had an entire harem at his disposal, and even the most emotionally distant monarch would have concubines. Zhaozhao was currently in the prime of her beauty, and she had shared life-and-death experiences with Yunzhi. Shen Yizhen believed that Gu Changjin truly loved Zhaozhao at this moment.

But how long would that love last?

It was said that affection waned as beauty faded. When Zhaozhao's looks inevitably declined, would Gu Changjin still love her as he did now?

Most men's deep affections couldn't withstand the test of time.

By then, if Zhaozhao were trapped in the palace, even a divorce would be impossible.

In addition, how could Zhaozhao compete with those noble-born consorts in the treacherous palace without the support of her family?

This was her child, and Shen Yizhen knew her nature well. She had never been one to vie with others, especially for a man's favor. It would be most pitiful if a woman's daily life revolved solely around pleasing a man.

Back when Yunzhi was still an official in the Board of Censors, Zhaozhao truly wished to marry him, and Shen Yizhen would have happily approved. But now that he was the crown prince, the future emperor, Shen Yizhen hesitated.

Rong Shu understood Shen Yizhen's concerns all too well. She spoke warmly, "My relationship with Gu Changjin is similar to that between my mother and Uncle Shi Yi. We'll let things unfold naturally. He won't force me if I'm unwilling."

With that, she picked up a plum and popped it into her mouth, savoring it slowly while encouraging Shen Yizhen to enjoy some fruit. Her carefree demeanor made Shen Yizhen shake her head in amusement.

Rong Shu spent the night in the East Courtyard. Even after chatting for hours, they still had more to say and continued their conversation until late at night.

As spring approached, the snowfall in the capital grew heavier.

It being the festive season, court officials were exempt from morning court sessions, allowing them to sleep soundly. However, the gatekeepers on duty at the city gates weren't so fortunate. They yawned and huddled together, stamping their feet to fend off the biting cold as the fierce winds and snow swept through.

A procession of horse-drawn carriages approached along the main road, clattering rhythmically. The two guards lifted their eyes, but through the dense snowfall, they could barely discern anything except for the goat horn lanterns hanging in front of the carriages.

Their drowsiness vanished instantly, and they hurried to clear the way.

These were the carriages of Empress Qi. Anyone with a grain of sense would not dare to delay them.

The moment the path was cleared, the carriages headed straight for the palace.

Upon returning to the Kunning Palace, Empress Qi paid no attention to changing her clothes. Instead, she summoned a trusted palace maid and asked, "Has the Crown Prince visited the palace these past few days?"

Bowing, the maid replied, "Your Majesty, the Crown Prince has been accompanying His Imperial Majesty in the Qianqing Palace to discuss state affairs."

Empress Qi nodded and continued, "While I was away from the palace, did anything unusual happen at the Qianqing Palace? Has Eunuch Wang Dehai been serving there constantly?"

"The Qianqing Palace has remained as usual these three days. His Imperial Majesty has been occupied with reviewing official documents. Eunuch Wang has also been attending to His Majesty at all times. This servant hasn't seen him leave the Qianqing Palace."

Empress Qi finally relieved the twitching of her right eye that had persisted throughout the night. "Help me change my clothes and prepare the imperial carriage for Qianqing Palace."

The Qianqing Palace.

Emperor Jia Yu was having his morning meal when he heard from his attendants that Empress Qi had returned to the palace and was on her way to the Qianqing Palace. He hummed in response, "Prepare an extra set of utensils."

As Empress Qi entered the inner chamber, Emperor Jia Yu said, "The empress has yet to have her meal, I suppose. Come and join me for breakfast."

Indeed, Empress Qi had not eaten yet, but she had no appetite at the moment. After only half a bowl of bird's nest porridge, she put down her bowl.

Emperor Jia Yu lifted his gaze to look at her, pausing momentarily on the dark circles beneath her eyes.

"How is Qingxi doing?"

Empress Qi let out a long sigh. "Master Fan Qing has been reciting the Scripture of Deliverance from Calamity for her for three days now. There has been some improvement, but she still hasn't woken up. Given her condition, it's not suitable for me to bring her back to the palace. Thus, I've left her at the Great Mercy Temple under Aunty Zhu's care. Once the matters within the palace are settled, I'll go to the temple to accompany her."