The emperor left the rest unsaid, but everyone present understood what he meant.
The emperor stared at the young man before him and continued, "Prince Dai, you have been granted a princely title, and your standing is more exalted now. But you must conduct yourself even more carefully than before and never disgrace the crown prince."
"Yes, your grandson will bear Your Majesty's teachings in mind." Su Ziji immediately answered respectfully, "All the glory and wealth your grandson enjoys were bestowed by you, Imperial Grandfather. Naturally, I must not only avoid disgracing my father, but also avoid disgracing you."
There was truly nothing to fault in such an attitude. The emperor could not help coughing several more times. Eunuch Zhao moved to approach, but the emperor raised a hand to stop him.
Once the emperor's coughing subsided, he looked somewhat weary. Su Ziji intended to take his leave, but first made a request. "Now that your grandson has been granted a princely title, I would also like to pay my respects to Her Majesty the empress. I beg Your Majesty's permission."
The emperor also knew that Prince Dai entered the palace twice a month, and only on one of those visits did he see the empress after paying his respects to him. Once a month was just the right frequency, and the emperor had no intention of depriving the empress of this small pleasure of family affection.
A grandson wishing to see his grandmother was hardly a major matter. At least, the emperor did not consider it one.
"Go if you wish. The empress was speaking of you just a few days ago. Spending some time with her is an act of filial devotion. Give her my regards as well."
Only after Su Ziji thanked him again and withdrew did