To Be A Virtuous Wife

93

"Really, zhen doesn't remember what she was like before," He Heng glanced in the direction of Fu Shou Palace, "Don't think of those people anymore, let's go eat in muhou's place."

Fu Shou Palace knew very early that the Emperor and Empress were coming over to accompany the Empress Dowager for the meal so they had prepared beforehand. When the two of them entered, Empress Dowager Wei was in the yard trimming twigs off a pot of flowers. Seeing the two of them, Empress Dowager Wei stood and led them into the room.

After washing and drying her hands, Empress Dowager informed the two: "Aijia had the small kitchen prepare the dishes you two like. Later, you can have some."

"It was bothersome for muhou to remember," He Heng stood to bow to Empress Dowager Wei, but his posture was more casual than before others, clearly showing just how mutual the feelings were between mother and son, "They should prepare more wine-pickled duck feet."

"Alright, your duck feet, erxi's duck tongue, aijia had them prepare, you won't be lacking," Empress Dowager Wei apparently liked her son's carefree and intimate attitude. She gave a sigh, "Even though the mourning period has passed, there's no need to celebrate aijia's birthday. Tomorrow, aijia will send a decree declaring to not hold a birthday banquet this year, and won't receive the court officials' respects."

When He Heng came here, he originally planned to discuss the matter of Empress Dowager's birthday. But he hadn't thought that muhou was so straightforward. It wouldn't be good to hold a big celebration but it might be too cold if she didn't even receive the Court's respects.

"Aijia knows you are filial, but aijia has thought this through before making the decision," Empress Dowager's expression became stern, "Son, you have to remember. To gain something, you also have to gain the reputation, then your conduct would be spotless."

On the side, Qu Qing Ju agreed wholeheartedly when she heard the words. If one acted, they had to act to the end. To receive both the gains and the reputation was the only way to become a true winner. But when saying such things, was it wise to speak in front of her?

"I understand muhou's intentions," He Heng nodded, "Then on mother's birthday, us three will gather and have a good meal."

"Yes," Empress Dowager smiled. Her gaze swept across her erxi sitting docilely by one side, "For a family to sit together and eat, it's much better than having those useless things." This son of hers, to say that kind of a thing in front of her, he really had his heart on Qu shi.

With Qu shi, there was no risk of the relatives. She was also the established Empress. After Qu shi had children, a fight for succession would be avoided. It wasn't a bad thing to have love between Emperor and Empress.

"Since muhou isn't having a celebration, then we should also save on erxi's celebration," Qu Qing Ju's birthday was in the next month. Her brows furrowed as she said, "It's always so noisy at a banquet, not that interesting."

"Alright, we'll save on us mother and daughter's birthday celebrations, and we don't have to endure the torment." Empress Dowager Wei smiled. Saying to Ding mama who was beside her, "It's almost noon, get the kitchen to prepare to serve."

Ding mama left with her orders. Once she left the room, Ding mama finally smiled and shook her head. Clearly the Empress Dowager and the Empress were two kinds of people but they really did form a connection as they interacted. To have this kind of connection between popo and erxiin the Imperial Family, it was extremely rare.