Chapter 87

Chapter 87

◎Combined Double Chapters◎

The couple went to pay their respects to the Empress Dowager, who was previously known as Empress Dowager Xun—a normal title. Some even called Huiyin 'Empress Zheng' behind her back, but she didn’t mind.

However, Huiyin believed that the Empress Dowager was of a higher status, and she respected her deeply.

At the entrance, Li Cheng adjusted his clothes. This set of clothing was made for him by Huiyin, and it fit perfectly. The couple still lacked the awareness of being emperor and empress. They didn’t sleep in separate palaces and lived just as they had in the mansion.

"Your subject comes to pay respects to grandmother," Li Cheng bowed.

The Empress Dowager quickly asked him to rise, her expression excited. "You didn’t inform me in advance of your return from war. I would have had my kitchen prepare a feast to welcome you."

Li Cheng sat down with a smile, and Huiyin also sat beside him. He said, "After paying my respects, I will need to convene with the Chancellor and the Three Departments to discuss official matters. I’m afraid I won’t have time to dine with you, grandmother."

He didn’t suggest Huiyin stay either, knowing full well that while his grandmother should be respected from a distance, getting too close might lead to boundary issues. It would result in endless and bothersome requests. Keeping a polite distance was best.

As for his wife, her emotions were more stable than his, and she was the person he loved. The couple shared an unspoken understanding, always wanting more time together and more sleep.

Soon, Li Cheng excused himself. The Empress Dowager said with dissatisfaction, "As one gets old, one becomes less favored. See, they don’t even want to listen to me."

Nanny Fan thought to herself, you’ve done nothing, your family has been given high official positions and is supported by the world, and you still expect the emperor to entertain you? You can’t have all the good things in the world.

The Zheng family had fully surrendered, and the Cui family hadn’t even been granted a title due to lack of merit.

But on the surface, Nanny Fan said, "Both inside and outside the palace, everyone relies on our emperor. You are still the one whom the emperor personally comes to pay respects to. Who else in the world has this honor?"

The Empress Dowager thought, while no one else has this treatment, Princess Zheng certainly does. Her grandson was a complete henpecked husband. She silently cursed him for being unfilial but dared not express her true feelings.

Although Li Cheng claimed he was meeting with external court officials, he still escorted Huiyin back to the palace. He didn’t care if others said he doted on his wife. With such a wonderful wife, why play balance games? Otherwise, he might end up playing himself to death.

Managing a fiefdom was easy, being a regional lord was already complicated, but governing a country was like cooking a small fish. Anyone could offer opinions, but when it came to actual execution, especially for someone like Li Cheng who preferred fast execution, wishing to complete next year’s tasks this year. Reviewing the reports from Chancellor Jian Qin, he skimmed through them quickly and asked detailed questions, writing swiftly with each document.

Jian Qin, no longer young, couldn’t sit for long. After two hours, Li Cheng noticed the late hour and laughed. "Today is my first day back, yet I’ve troubled the chancellor."

Jian Qin quickly said, "It is my duty, Your Majesty."

After speaking, Jian Qin left swiftly. Li Cheng then said to the eunuch, "Go invite the Empress here."

He still had to look at some reports and wasn’t ready to stop, but Huiyin understood. In fact, she was making soup—a green bean and lotus seed pork rib broth.

Green beans cleared heat from the body, and lotus seeds helped calm the mind and spirit. After a long journey, Huiyin needed something to soothe her mind and body for a good night’s sleep. A good sleep was more important than anything.

When Huiyin arrived, she smiled and performed a respectful bow. "Your Majesty, I come to pay my respects."

"No need for such formalities between us. Come here quickly," Li Cheng was delighted, as this was the life he had longed for, with his wife and children by his side, ruling the world.

Huiyin said, "Your Majesty should have this here, lest the soup spill on the reports. You can also take a short walk and stretch a bit."

To his delight, it was a refreshing green bean and lotus seed soup. The green and white colors were very calming, and he couldn’t help but sip a few mouthfuls. Huiyin also brought out two types of snacks, one was red date glutinous rice cake, and the other was osmanthus milk cake.

The glutinous rice cake was Li Cheng’s favorite, easy to digest.

After finishing, Li Cheng wanted more, but Huiyin said with a smile, "You must not eat too much. Eating too much will make it hard to sleep."

"You always mention rest. When I’m not around, do you always sleep poorly?" Li Cheng looked at his wife with concern.

Huiyin nodded without hesitation. "Yes, I’m always afraid, but I don’t know what I’m afraid of. Afraid someone might break in through the window and take me away. But when you’re back, I’m not afraid even walking in the dark."

Li Cheng thought it was a good idea to have Huiyin come over tonight.

No matter how they spent their sweet time together, Cui Dalang had also returned with Li Cheng. In his younger years, he was proficient in divination and very skilled at reading faces. It was because he saw that Wei Duo had the aura of an emperor that he pledged himself to him. However, his cousin Li Cheng, who was originally destined for a short life, now had an overwhelming dragon aura.

Therefore, he secretly discussed this with his father, Cui Xun, saying, "Originally, I pledged myself to Wei Duo, but after seeing the current emperor on the battlefield, his fate seemed to have completely changed, as if he had undergone a fate-altering transformation. Truly strange and wondrous."

Cui Xun was naturally aware of his eldest son's abilities and had never considered pledging to his nephew from the beginning. Even after his nephew ascended to become the emperor and he felt some panic in his heart, he still did not fully commit himself.

He was not only Li Cheng's uncle but also the head of the entire Cui family, so he had to prioritize the well-being of the Cui family as a whole.

After listening to his son, he stroked his beard and said, "Since ancient times, virtuous people have had the protection of heaven. I see that the change in the emperor's face might be due to his smooth fate. You timely changed course and helped the emperor achieve great merits, allowing our family to maintain wealth and honor."

Cui Dalang, who was clear and elegant in appearance, tapped the table and said, "I wonder if there's a divine being helping the emperor? Otherwise, how could a premature death fate be turned around?"

"I have been in Hebei for a long time, so I am not very clear about the affairs in the capital. However, your sister married into the Zheng family, and she once mentioned that the emperor has many extraordinary people under him and often recruits talented individuals," Cui Xun said.

Cui Dalang laughed heartily and said, "No rush, we will know everything once we go to the capital."

After Li Cheng returned, he was busy with official duties day and night for three days. Huiyin was intimate with him only on the first day, and for the next two days, she restrained herself, hoping he would rest more.

Knowing he loved the soups she made, Huiyin kept the kitchen busy. Today, she was boiling Snow Pear and Pig Lung Soup, which was good for moisturizing and protecting the lungs. After all, during the war, Li Cheng didn't know how much dust he had inhaled, and he had endured the cold without any help, so he needed to take care of himself.

But generally, if Li Cheng did not summon her, she would not go forward, as he often summoned ministers during the day.

"You two keep an eye on the fire, I'll go take a look," Huiyin said, leaving two people behind, fearing someone might take the opportunity to poison the food.

She yawned a few times, feeling sleepy again. Ever since Li Cheng returned, her complexion had improved significantly, and she no longer felt any aches or pains.

Soon after, she fell asleep.

Nanny Nan covered her mouth and laughed, then went out to tell Fugui, "Our lady looks so well; maybe in a few months, we'll have another little prince."

Unexpectedly, not long after Huiyin fell asleep, Li Cheng came over. He had taken a break to stroll around. In the past, when he was always outside for war, he longed to be home. But after sitting at home for a few days, initially overwhelmed by accumulated tasks, his energy and clear thoughts allowed him to sort things out. With most things in order, he decided to visit Linde Hall to see his wife.

He didn't expect to see her sleeping like a scene from a painting. He motioned for the attendants to leave and couldn't resist kissing her lips. When Huiyin, feeling dazed, opened her eyes and saw it was him, she relaxed her body.

"You should calm down. These past few days, you've been thinking too much. Now that you're in good health, don't rely on it and overdo things," Huiyin pushed him gently.

Li Cheng groaned, "Oh, I just missed you so much."

Huiyin gently scraped his nose and said, "I know you missed me, but let's wait until nighttime. Why don't you lie down for a bit and rest properly? These days, I can see how tired you are from the veins on your temples."

"Are you saying tonight?" He immediately flipped over and lay beside her. Even though it was cramped on the small bed, he didn't mind at all.

The couple, despite not seeing each other for two years, felt no unfamiliarity, thanks to Li Cheng’s warmth.

Huiyin felt hot and crowded, so she got up to do some embroidery. But in her heart, she wasn't really focused, so she leaned over and whispered a few words in his ear, making Li Cheng hold her hand and not let go.

After a month, the army returned together, and Li Cheng began to reward merits. He bestowed two estates upon Yuwendang, awarded Guo Zhao 2,000 stones, and conferred the title of Count on Xie Qian, inheritable for three generations, and the same on Pei Shuo. He also granted the title of Duke to his uncle's family, the Cui family, and awarded Cui Dalang 2,000 stones.

The ministers hailed the emperor's great grace. Li Cheng changed the original enfeoffment system to a prefecture-county system and planned to hold another imperial examination to recruit scholars.

This had proven very useful during his time in Xuzhou. The best way to attract scholars was through the imperial examination.

Although Jing'er was not yet of age to participate in government affairs, Li Cheng was very concerned about his studies and often kept him by his side. He was pleasantly surprised to find that his son's academic and martial skills had not declined.

"It seems that even when I wasn't by your side, you studied and practiced martial arts well."

Jing'er respectfully said, "Mother constantly urged me, and even when I felt lazy, she always reminded me." Despite his young age, he knew his father valued his mother, and they were a united team.

Indeed, hearing it was Mother's advice, Li Cheng was very pleased: "With your mother here, your father has nothing to worry about. I was concerned you might be naughty, but it seems everything is fine now."

"Thank you for your praise, Father," Jing'er said with a smile.

Li Cheng then said, "Now, study diligently under your master."

"I understand," Jing'er replied.

Currently, the relationship between father and son is like this; there is rarely the kind of warmth seen between mother and child. The emperor’s role naturally brings a sense of authority and pressure, as almost everyone wishes to curry favor with him, given that his words hold the power of life and death.

The emperor’s role in the country is like that of the head of a household. For instance, Guo Xing has been gloomy since meeting the Yuwen family's daughter.

Even when Guo Zhao called him over and teasingly asked, "Have you met the Yuwen family's daughter?"

Guo Xing's response was straightforward: "The Yuwen girl has inner beauty."

Inner beauty means her outward appearance doesn't fully reflect her inner virtues. Guo Zhao, having spent much time with Yuwendang, admired him greatly and knew that the emperor trusted Yuwendang more than him.

Yuwendang came from a prominent family and had many accomplishments, so marrying into the Yuwen family would be better than with anyone else.

So, when Guo Zhao asked Jiang Bipbo about it that evening, she didn’t hide her opinion. Indeed, her stepson was exceptional and quite handsome, but it would be unrealistic to end the engagement just because of that. She added, "The Yuwen girl is well-mannered and very virtuous."

"Xing'er is still young and only values appearances. I believe inner beauty in a woman is more important," Guo Zhao said, considering himself to come from a humble background. He had been valued for his martial skills by the Wu Prince and later became a low-ranking guard for the prince. Although he had been promoted, his roots couldn't compare to the Yuwen family, so for his son's marriage, he had to choose someone from a prominent family.

Jiang Bipbo, being an obedient person, rarely interfered, especially in her stepson's marriage. She simply said, "It's up to you to decide, sir."

As his second wife, Guo Zhao was very satisfied with Jiang Bipbo. She was intelligent and beautiful, and she handled her duties as the main wife well.

Hearing her approval, Guo Zhao said, "You are the god-sister of the Empress. When you have time, you should visit the palace more often. I'm at the frontline, and I know the Empress has considerable influence over the Emperor. Otherwise, Pei Shuo wouldn't have been granted the title of Count, and Zheng Wuheng wouldn't have been brought along on the battlefield."

Both were the Empress's brothers. If the Emperor didn't value the Empress, how could such arrangements be made?

Jiang Bipbo detected some dissatisfaction in his words but didn't defend the Zheng family. Although she called Madame Ji her god-mother outwardly, she knew she was part of the Guo family now.

So, she simply agreed to her husband's instructions.

Guo Zhao smiled again, "You understand well. Shi Jie, bring her out so I can see her. I miss her a lot."

Shi Jie came quickly, and Guo Zhao took out a large night pearl from his chest, which even Jiang Bipbo, coming from a wealthy merchant family and having seen many fine things, found astonishing.

"Put this on the canopy. It will emit a faint light at night. It's a pearl from the Eastern Sea; take it for play," Guo Zhao said casually.

Shi Jie looked at her mother, and Jiang Bipbo said, "Sir, this night pearl is too precious. If it gets lost, what will happen to such a young girl?"

Guo Zhao shook his head, "As the saying goes, spare no expense on daughters but raise sons frugally. Sons should not be spoiled, but daughters must not be wronged. Give her whatever good things she needs. I even plan to hire some well-mannered stewards for her. Since you have a good relationship with the Empress, perhaps you can see if there are any people she has let go who can teach her proper manners."

Jiang Bipbo knew her husband had always been good to their daughter, but to this extent, it seemed a bit strange.

Although she usually didn't contradict Guo Zhao, she now asked, "Sir, why are you doing this? Our Shi Jie is still very young."

Guo Zhao didn't want to reveal his plans, but he understood that as a couple, if he didn't explain clearly, his wife might act improperly in the future.

He said, "Shi Jie's age is similar to the second prince's. Given our status, as a count’s daughter, it wouldn’t be impossible for her to become a prince’s consort."

Realizing this, Jiang Bipbo's handkerchief slipped and fell to the ground. She looked at her daughter and couldn't help but say, "Even though I have a good relationship with the Empress and she likes Shi Jie, pushing too hard for this would make us look bad. The Empress’s personality is such that she dislikes it when people have ulterior motives. If she senses that, it would be worse."

"Yes, yes, you have a good plan. I'm only thinking of our family's benefit. Shi Jie is of noble fate, and if we marry her off poorly, it would be a disservice to her. I don't dare to aim for the Crown Princess position, but is it wrong to aim for the second prince's wife?" Guo Zhao said with a smile.

Jiang Bipbo had already made up her mind and said with a smile, "Sir, you truly care for Shi Jie. I'm relieved for the rest of my life."

Guo Zhao's voice took on a suggestive tone: "We can just have another son with Shi Jie."

While Guo Zhao's family was openly preparing to compete for the title of crown prince's consort, Pei Shuo was celebrating his newly awarded earldom. Xin Shi and her family members came to congratulate him, and everyone was very happy. So much so that Xin Shi even arranged a marriage for Dong Shi's one-year-old daughter and directly proposed a match for Dong Shi's son.

At night, Pei Shuo asked, "Why didn't you consult me before arranging the marriage?"

In Pei Shuo's view, the Xin family was no longer a match for the Pei family. After all, even his illegitimate son was a young master of the Earl's residence.

Xin Shi smiled. "I was thinking that Dong Shi and I are like sisters. If her son married my niece, wouldn't that be a way to strengthen family ties? Back then, my brother and you talked about becoming in-laws over drinks. It's just that Brother's age wasn't suitable, and now there's a young boy available. If you don't agree, we can just forget about it. It's not a big deal, and my brother won't hold it against you."

"Forget it, forget it. If we make it too formal, people might think that because I've been granted a title, I'm looking down on others. Let's just leave it at that. Your brother is also a scholar, and he should take advantage of this opportunity. The emperor is going to hold a special imperial examination, so let him come and take the exam." Pei Shuo said.

Xin Shi felt slightly relieved upon hearing that Pei Shuo didn't object.

Meanwhile, Dong Shi didn't react much. Her status was low, and although Pei Shuo treated her with respect, her prime years were behind her. Pei Shuo would eventually have younger women. If she quarreled with the main wife over this matter, what good would it bring her?

It was better to pretend to be oblivious. After all, her son was the son of an earl and wouldn't be neglected.

She didn't show any dissatisfaction, and those around her didn't mention any unnecessary things. Even the servants thought highly of her. Madame Ji commented to Zheng Fang, "Xin Shi is quite shrewd. She managed to arrange a marriage with the good family of the Earl's residence."

Zheng Fang sneered. "If it were me, I wouldn't have agreed. She's just saving face for herself."

"You can't say that. After all, Shuo'er had a good relationship with the Xin family in the past." Madame Ji couldn't help but defend her son, as there were few people in the world as whimsical as Zheng Fang.

Zheng Fang, however, said, "The Xin family might have been good in the past, but things have changed drastically now. How can we expect everything to be the same as before? Xin Shi seemed like a decent person in the past, but who would have thought she had so many calculations in her heart, all for her son's status. She’s worried Pei Shuo will favor Dong Shi's son over hers, so she’s taking preemptive action."

Madame Ji understood this reasoning well. The women in the inner quarters could see through such matters with just a glance.

Of course, Madame Ji went to the palace to tell Huiyin about this, not without some complaints. "I really didn't expect her to make such a move. I was happy about your brother's earldom title."

As a younger sister, Huiyin naturally wanted to stand by her brother, but she said, "She shouldn’t have made such a decision without consulting him, but since my brother agreed, there’s no point in arguing."

"I can't let this go." Madame Ji had always treated her daughter-in-law well, but this time she felt that Xin Shi had gone too far.

Huiyin said, "You have to turn a blind eye and a deaf ear to keep the peace. If I say too much, it might disrupt my brother's household. Now that my brother has become an earl, just like the Cui family, who are the emperor's maternal relatives. They're going to enter the palace for a banquet tomorrow, hosted by the emperor himself, and I'll be attending too."

Hearing Huiyin mention the Cui family, Madame Ji smiled. "My sister-in-law has been holding her head high lately. Her family has finally come into its own."

"They are the emperor's maternal relatives; how could they be neglected?" As Huiyin spoke, it was announced that Lady Guo had sent her calling card.

Madame Ji asked, "Is it from the Guo Earl's residence?"

Huiyin smiled slightly. "Indeed."

Many had their eyes on the sons of an Earl's household, especially her two sons. The Empress Dowager's family was interested, and so was the Guo family, along with many others. They just didn't dare to be too bold in front of her.

The next day, Cui Xun brought his two sons and family members into the palace. Li Cheng and Huiyin sat in the upper seats together. Cui Dalian greeted his father and paid his respects. Over these days, he had met Yuwendang, Guo Zhao, Jian Qin, and even Pei Shuo and Xie Qian, and none of them showed any signs of abnormality.

But today, seeing the Empress’s regal presence, with a phoenix-like aura radiating from her, it was clear she was a powerful and fated figure.

It was she who had changed Li Cheng's fate. It was she!