Chapter 1588: Chapter 1588: Gouging Heart

The next day at the Palace, Zhulan felt uncomfortable wearing the decree robe, which was too solemn and carried a heavy significance. As someone who rarely leaves the house and prefers comfort, Zhulan was quite averse to entering the palace.

Zhulan, with Su Xuan, arrived at the empress sleeping quarters. After days of rest, the Empress looked slightly better, her complexion showing rarely seen hints of rosiness.

The Empress had already prepared tea and snacks, and after the ceremonial greetings were done, she smiled and said, “It’s been days since I last saw the old lady, and she’s looking more vibrant than ever.”

There was a tone of envy, for anyone could see that the Marquis’s wife seemed to have the robust appearance of longevity.

Zhulan responded, “I eat well, sleep well, and naturally my complexion is a bit better.”

The Empress sighed inwardly; though she appeared calm, her mind was active, worrying about the harem, the Crown Prince, and her maternal family. The effects of her tranquility were not ideal. “Old lady, try the newly tributed tea.”

Zhulan smelled the aroma of the tea upon entering, took a sip, and said, “Good tea.”

Su Xuan, “…”

No matter what tea it was, it was always considered good by her father-in-law and mother-in-law, making her want to laugh.

The Empress smiled, “I’ve prepared some for you to take back to the Hou Residence.”

Zhulan, not one to fuss, acknowledged the thoughtful gesture made especially for the Hou Residence. “Thank you, Empress.”

The Empress looked at Su Xuan, hesitated, and then said, “The Magistrate looks increasingly radiant, truly the mother of a teenager.”

Su Xuan didn’t understand why her mother-in-law brought her into the palace alone today, and cautiously replied, “With the Emperor’s mercy, the commoners are safe and sound, and I live well, which makes me appear a bit younger.”

The Empress felt comforted, but a hint of regret flashed across her eyes. The Emperor had admonished her, and after falling severely ill, she felt her end was near and wanted to make a request before she died. With years of sentiment, the Emperor might agree. Later, she truly feared Zhou Shuren, who would risk everything. After the Emperor’s admonition, she thought that it might be better to strive to live well.

The Empress continued, “The Zhou family’s daughters have all married or been betrothed one after another. Now it’s time for the fifth daughter. I’ve heard of many suitors.”

At these words, both Zhulan and Su Xuan became tense.

The Empress paused and continued, “I’ve heard the fifth daughter is quite reserved, and the Emperor said the Marquis is reluctant to decide early on her betrothal. If the fifth daughter chooses her suitor, I will personally grant the marriage.”

Su Xuan, “…”

Zhulan, “…”

No one cares about that grant of marriage. Even if it’s to a son-in-law of their choosing, they wouldn’t value it. If their granddaughter ever wanted a divorce, having the granted marriage would complicate the proceedings, leaving only widowhood as an option.

Zhulan thought too much and hurriedly stood up, “Thank you, Empress, for your kindness. But my family’s Marquis cannot bear to see his granddaughter suffer after marriage.”

The Empress immediately understood, “!!”

But truly, who doesn’t hope for lifelong harmony for their granddaughter after she marries? If she grants the marriage, no one would dare offend the fifth daughter. Why is the Zhou family instead worried about a difficult divorce? They’re thinking ahead about handling potential discord even before the marriage is set. Remarkable insight!

Su Xuan also widened her eyes, then suppressed a smile. Being able to manage the Su family independently, she wasn’t one to follow conventions, so a difficult divorce situation seemed quite normal to her!

Su Xuan knew her daughter; if she didn’t live happily after marriage, her daughter would indeed have the courage to divorce.

After sending them off, the Empress was still somewhat dazed, “The Marquis’s couple truly broadened my horizons.”

The Female Officer said with a smile, “The Zhou family genuinely cherishes their daughters.”

The Empress fell silent. Indeed, the Zhou family truly cherishes their daughters.

Leaving the Palace, Su Xuan was a bit puzzled, “Mother, why would the Empress, who has not seen anyone for days, summon us alone today?”

Was it just to talk about granting marriage or to give them things?

Zhulan looked at the boxes within the carriage, “First, the Empress summoned me alone to show the royal family’s regard for the Hou Residence. Second, she wanted to express that there would be no grudge against the Marquis from the Emperor due to family ties. Third, by discussing Yu Wen’s marriage, she wished to signal to the Emperor that she held no extra thoughts about Yu Wen.”

Su Xuan, “Why do you say she had no thoughts about Yu Wen?”

Zhulan replied thoughtfully, “The Crown Prince is about to marry, and there is much debate over the selection of his Concubine. The Empress had considered this.”

Su Xuan was shocked, imploring, “No, she doesn’t desire endless wealth. She just hopes her daughter can live peacefully her entire life. A Concubine is still a concubine; that would break her heart!”

Su Xuan, “Mother, how did you deduce that?”

Zhulan pointed in the direction of the Palace, “I heard some things from your father-in-law, had a premonition, and today it was confirmed.”

Su Xuan stared at her mother-in-law, thinking that, truthfully, the latter didn’t resemble a child raised in a village at all. Even if her father-in-law had been guiding her, her mother-in-law’s talent was astonishingly high, discerning the underlying truth at a glance. She had deep admiration for her mother-in-law and had learned much from her.

Returning home, Zhulan registered the Empress’s gifts in a private ledger. These were items not officially recorded, meaning they could be discreetly gifted to others, including fine tea leaves and silks sent to the palace.

Stepping into the government office, Zhulan acted as if going to the palace were ordinary, simply mentioning it in conversation with Shuren, used to discussing matters with him after returning from chess games with the Emperor.

Hence, today’s words from the Empress did not surprise her; it was evident that the Emperor had admonished the Empress.

The fourth branch, however, was restless. After dinner, Chang Zhi abandoned his books, asking, “Is it true what you’re saying?”

Su Xuan rolled her eyes, “Could there be falsehood in the words from Mother’s mouth?”

Chang Zhi, “The harem is a whirlpool; if Yu Wen is truly schemed against, our Hou Residence will become a thorn in the side of the capital’s noble families.”

Su Xuan was also fearful, “Who wouldn’t say so? Father counts as practically half a mentor to the Crown Prince, and both the Retired Emperor and the Emperor hold Father in high regard. Our Hou Residence will face calculations from many sides; the daughter is even more at risk.”

If it truly happened, even the Shangguan family would break ties with the Hou Residence. Who would allow the daughter to become a Concubine, threatening the Thrones Princess Consort title of Shangguan?

Chang Zhi lowered his voice, “Do you think Father discovered something, which led to his uproar in the court?”

Su Xuan hesitated, “That’s quite possible.”

If Zhou Shuren knew, he would assert that he hadn’t thought as much. If the Emperor hadn’t called him to a game of chess, he wouldn’t have suspected the Empress’s consideration for his granddaughter. He had believed his stance towards the royal family had been made sufficiently clear!

Time passed swiftly, and in no time, the autumn harvest ended and the provincial examinations wrapped up in various regions, awaiting results.

This year, Jiang Zhu participated in the provincial examination, and after some days, the ranking was released, attracting many from the capital to witness.

Today, Ming Rui accompanied Shangguan Liu to see the ranking, joined by a gathering crowd including Chang Xhong and the fourth Prince.

Once the ranking was revealed, Shangguan Liu secured third place—a commendable position he was quite satisfied with, exceeding his expectations. Seeing Ming Rui still fixated on the list, Shangguan Liu remarked with a smile, “What? Regrets?”

Ming Rui, “Once I make a decision, I don’t regret it. I simply noticed the name of Wen Family’s sixth son.”

Shangguan Liu paid keen attention to the Wen Family, given their ties with the Crown Prince, “Sixth?”

Ming Rui, “Yes, let’s get out; it’s too crowded here.”

Shangguan Liu looked again at the standings; the first was the eldest grandson of the Minister of Justice, the second was an unfamiliar noble descendant, while the fourth and fifth were acquaintances.