Chapter 168

Chapter 171 Growth (Part 2)

The Empress Dowager seemed to notice the elder madam and Eleven Miss only then, exclaiming in surprise, "Why wasn’t I told the elder madam had arrived?" She then scolded those around her, "The elder madam is the mother-in-law of the current Emperor. She’s not like ordinary noblewomen. From now on, inform me directly; don’t make her wait."

A eunuch immediately stepped forward to respond, "Yes."

The elder madam hurriedly knelt down and kowtowed to express her gratitude, and Eleven Miss, following behind the elder madam, naturally did the same.

The Empress Dowager personally stepped forward to take the elder madam's hand, saying with much emotion, "I’ve been eager for the elder madam to visit and chat with me. These days, fewer people can speak openly with me. It’s a reminder that we can’t avoid growing old!" She then turned back towards the Kun Ning Palace, saying, "Let’s talk for a while."

The elder madam replied respectfully, "Yes," and followed the Empress Dowager to the east warm chamber, where the Empress was resting.

The Empress Dowager and the Empress sat down in their respective positions, and the elder madam was given a stool, while Eleven Miss stood behind the elder madam. The elder madam inquired about the Empress's health, saying, "I was worried all night after hearing the Emperor’s decree."

"I’m fine," the Empress reassured the elder madam, "It’s just a mild cold; I’m feeling a little unwell. Physician Liu’s medicine has helped me feel much better."

The Empress Dowager also smiled and said, "Don’t worry, elder madam. I come to see the Empress every day. She was still coughing yesterday, but I didn’t hear it this morning."

The elder madam nodded and politely said, "With the Empress Dowager here, I’m sure she’ll recover soon."

The Empress Dowager looked at the Empress and smiled, "I’m simply here to accompany her." Then she changed the subject, "How is Dan County? I heard she wasn’t feeling well recently?"

The elder madam replied, "She’s young, and it’s her first pregnancy; she doesn’t understand..."

As the two chatted about family matters, Eleven Miss stood respectfully behind the elder madam, her eyes glancing towards the Empress.

The Empress was smiling, her demeanor as gentle as ever, but her distant gaze showed she was distracted.

This couldn’t go on.

People don’t fear physical ailments as much as emotional ones.

Her listlessness showed something was wrong. If she were an ordinary woman, she could confide in a friend, and once her anger subsided, she would be fine. But as the Empress of a nation, every move she made had to be impeccable. Sometimes, a casual remark could be magnified infinitely, especially when it involved the dignity of the Emperor and Empress or royal secrets. She couldn’t speak to anyone about these matters... The Emperor calls himself ‘the lonely one,’ and the Empress is no less lonely!

Thinking this, Eleven Miss looked up boldly at the Empress.

After a while, the Empress also felt something and, following her intuition, looked over to see her fourteen-year-old sister-in-law winking at her.

The Empress was momentarily stunned.

She widened her eyes to look again.

Eleven Miss gave the Empress a faint smile.

The Empress looked surprised for a moment but quickly composed herself.

When the conversation between the Empress Dowager and the elder madam came to a pause, the Empress asked the elder madam about Eleven Miss, "...It was said that Lady Yongping was unwell. Later, when I wasn’t feeling well, I didn’t call Physician Liu to inquire. Has the diagnosis revealed what the problem is?"

This topic was not for her to answer.

Eleven Miss lowered her head.

The elder madam said, "Her cycle has been irregular, so Physician Liu checked her pulse."

"Oh!" exclaimed the Empress Dowager, "This is serious; it can’t be ignored."

"Indeed," the elder madam said with a bitter smile, "She’s currently taking medicine."

The Empress then called Eleven Miss over, "Come with me to the east side room," leaving the attendants in the main hall.

Eleven Miss obediently curtsied and responded with "Yes," following the Empress to the eastern side chamber.

The elder madam was quite surprised.

The Empress Dowager watched with a pleased smile.

It seemed that the Empress had impulsively summoned her sister-in-law alone to discuss this matter... The Xu family had always been sparse in descendants. Lord Xu, to this day, only had one legitimate son, who was also frail. No wonder the Empress was so tense upon hearing this.

As the thought flashed by, the Empress Dowager smiled and had someone bring almond peanut milk: "It's freshly made in the kitchen, and the taste is quite good."

The elder madam smiled and thanked her, but her heart was preoccupied with the Empress and Eleven Miss in the eastern side chamber.

Sitting on the large kang by the window, the Empress looked at Eleven Miss standing before her, seemingly at a loss for words.

Eleven Miss certainly wouldn't gaze at her so boldly and smile at her without reason. But discussing family prosperity and marital secrets with a young girl, barely two years older than her own son, whom she wasn't familiar with, she wasn't that obtuse!

Her face couldn't help but show a hint of hesitation.

Seeing this, Eleven Miss took the initiative. She modestly lowered her head and softly said, "My minor ailment not only concerned Lord Xu personally but also troubled Your Majesty to inquire. I feel truly anxious." As she spoke, she curtsied and added, "When I first married, seeing Lord Xu's imposing presence, I was very frightened." Her face slightly flushed as she spoke of Lord Xu's sleepless nights over the children's matters, "...only then did I realize that Lord Xu is actually a man of cold exterior but warm heart." Then she spoke of how the Third Young Master's wife had exchanged good rice for moldy rice during the porridge distribution, "Lord Xu was magnanimous. Not only did he not blame the Third Young Master and his wife for their improper actions, but he also reflected on himself, personally went to Fucheng Gate to handle the matter, and even talked with the Third Young Master late into the night..." She told the Empress about the Third Young Master and his wife's thoughts, and how Lord Xu planned to resign from his official post to let the Third Young Master take office to save the family's face.

At first, the Empress's expression was indifferent, but as Eleven Miss spoke, her expression grew more serious. When it came to Lord Xu's intention to resign, she was visibly startled!

"Why has Lord Xu never mentioned these things to me?"

"Lord Xu is upright in his actions, and it involves brotherly affection and righteousness. If I hadn't shared a room with Lord Xu, I wouldn't have been able to understand his deep intentions."

The Empress listened, stunned, and looked at Eleven Miss with a warm expression: "Madam is quite attentive to Lord Xu's affairs."

Eleven Miss couldn't help but break into a sweat.

But she couldn't deny it.

"Lord Xu is noble and upright, and I deeply admire him." In front of the Empress, her sister, Eleven Miss had no choice but to flatter Lord Xu.

The Empress saw that although she appeared calm and composed, her cheeks were slightly red, and there was a hint of unease in her eyes. She felt that Eleven Miss was trying hard to conceal her concern for Lord Xu, and a smile appeared in her eyes.

"I am foolish. I am powerless to manage the affairs of the court and the state. I can only do my best to take care of Lord Xu in daily matters, so that he is not troubled by household trivialities." Eleven Miss said, "When it's cold, I warm a hand stove for Lord Xu, when Lord Xu is in a bad mood, I tell him a few jokes, and help take care of Yuge, Zhenjie, and Chun Ge..."

The Empress listened, her expression hardening, and murmured, "Not letting Lord Xu be troubled by household trivialities..."

Eleven Miss nodded and then told the Empress in detail about how Lord Xu, after the death of the Fifth Prince, reminisced late at night about his childhood with the Empress: "...Even if he had the heart, he could only speak of it in front of me. The next day, he had to act as if nothing had happened. I saw it and truly felt sorry for Lord Xu." As she spoke, she took out a handkerchief to wipe the corner of her eye, "I am even more worried about Your Majesty and the Emperor—Your Majesty is not only a mother but also the mother of the nation, and the Emperor is not only a father but also the ruler of the nation. Not only are historians watching, but also the entire court. Compared to Lord Xu's situation, it is much more difficult."

As she spoke, the Empress's eyes glistened with tears.

It's good that she can still shed tears...

Eleven Miss temporarily breathed a sigh of relief, then knelt down: "It's all my fault for upsetting Your Majesty!" She added, "If Lord Xu knew, he would be heartbroken."

But Eleven Miss didn't have time to sit in silence with her.

Kneeling, she said, "When I came, Lord Xu asked me to bring you a message. He said, 'Do as you wish, without any worries. I am not only a subject but also your blood brother. Even if it means going through fire and water, I will do as you wish.'"

The Empress's gaze gradually became as hot as fire, staring at her and saying, "What if I asked him to kill for me?"

Eleven Miss calmly looked back at the Empress, her expression serene and peaceful, as if the Empress was asking "How's the weather today?" She calmly replied, "Lord Xu said he has both warriors and strategists. Whatever Your Majesty commands, just let me relay the message. Although their family has profited immensely through the Ministry of Internal Affairs and is the wealthiest in the world, our Xu family is not to be trifled with. We may not match their wealth, but cutting them off is not difficult."

The Empress listened for a long time without speaking, but tears glistened in the corners of her eyes.

"Fourth brother, still as stubborn as always," she said, tears streaming down her face. "Tell him not to act recklessly." She sobbed, "Taking a step back can open up new possibilities. They are like earthen jars, but my brother is fine porcelain. If they harm him, they can't make amends. The Emperor is only considering past favors now... but even a tiger does not eat its own cubs. The Emperor will have his own decision. We must not ruin the Emperor's grand plan. Let the enemies rejoice and the loved ones grieve."

Eleven Miss looked at the Empress Dowager in surprise.

She thought she would have to put in a lot of effort to persuade her. But unexpectedly...

The Empress Dowager must have understood clearly in her heart!

All she needed was a chance and a moment to shift her perspective!

Seeing the surprise in Eleven Miss's eyes, the Empress Dowager realized her change had startled Eleven Miss.

She felt a sharp pain in her heart.

But also some relief.

What Eleven Miss said was genuine. She was not sent to test her...

Fourth brother hasn't changed a bit.

A smile spread across her face.

On her tear-streaked face, it looked so heart-wrenching.

Eleven Miss felt her eyes burn, and tears welled up.

*

The two wept silently, their eyes red as they emerged. The Empress Dowager's eyes were filled with confusion, and she smiled, "What happened? What did our Lady Yongping do to upset the Empress Dowager so?"

Upon hearing this, the Empress Dowager's tears fell again, "For some reason, the Marquis's heirs are so hard to come by!"

Hearing this, the Empress Dowager's gaze returned to its original cheerfulness, "Isn't the Marquis's wife still quite young? It will be better in a few years. If the Empress Dowager is really worried, I think, next spring during the selection of beauties, we might as well ask the Emperor to pick a few outstanding ones to send to the Marquis. I think by next spring, the elder madam will have a grandson to cradle!"

Eleven Miss suppressed her inner shock, lowering her head and remaining silent—here, above her was the Empress Dowager, below her was the elder madam, it was not her place to speak.

The Empress Dowager sighed deeply, "After all, they are not legitimate heirs, no matter how many there are, it's pointless!"

The Empress Dowager was stunned.

The Empress Dowager then said to the elder madam, "It's getting late, the Emperor will be coming for dinner soon, I won't keep you."

The elder madam rose calmly, and with Eleven Miss, they bowed and took their leave.