Tang Zhuyun was unaware of Madam Yan's dilemma. After finishing her meal, she led the group back to the Prince's residence and even packed some delicious roast goose for the Prince of Jin.
"The prince hasn't returned?"
Upon entering, Tang Zhuyun was somewhat surprised to hear from the old woman at the second gate that Prince of Jin had not yet returned.
The Prince of Jin had only been released a few days ago, and he was so eager to be with her that he couldn't bear to leave her.
However, a messenger soon arrived with news that the Prince of Jin had been kept behind by the Emperor for a talk.
Tang Zhuyun was relieved.
Xiu'er: "As long as it's not about going to find Zhou Yanhui."
Tang Zhuyun: "..."
That's true, that's what she thought too, but let's be more tactful.
Purple Tenuity Palace, Wang Fu stood guard at the door while the Emperor and Prince of Jin, father and son, were talking.
"Ready?" The Emperor leaned back on the dragon throne, picked up his teacup, took a sip of tea, and asked.
"Yes," said the Prince of Jin, "We can leave the capital at any time."
His expression was indifferent, and his eyes were distant.
His objection was that the Emperor clearly knew Xiao Wu was not a good person, yet he still made her Noble Consort Jia.
The emperor said he wanted the truth.
However, Prince of Jin felt that besides this objective, the Emperor also had his own agenda—clearly, while the Emperor was sober, he couldn't let go of Xiao Wu.
The emperor suddenly sighed deeply.
He said, "Qi'er, I am only a mortal, with emotions and desires, and with women I like. You like the girl from the Tang Family; you should understand your father's heart..."
Your Majesty's mind is too sensitive to presume to know what is in His Majesty's thoughts.
He completely disagreed with the emperor's words.
He likes Tang Zhuyun, isn't it because Tang Zhuyun is a good person?
And what about Xiao Wu? Can she even compare to a single strand of Tang Zhuyun's hair?
Ever since he learned that she wasn't his biological mother and that he lacked the aura of a mother, the more he thought about Xiao Wu, the more disgusted he felt.
"But I am not a foolish ruler," the Emperor said. "The empire built by our ancestors cannot be destroyed in my hands. Therefore, even though she pleaded desperately back then, I did not let the Xiao Family go."
The Prince of Jin remained silent.
He couldn't bring himself to speak ill of the Xiao Family.
Even knowing that they most likely had ulterior motives, the Xiao Family family treated him very well.
"Father should consider," the Prince of Jin said calmly after a long pause, "The deceased Qiao Geng and Wang Chunqiu."
The Emperor's expression changed slightly.
After a long pause, he waved his hand and said, "Let's not talk about that anymore. I'm old, and I don't know how much longer Heaven will allow me to live. Before I die, I only ask for an explanation. What exactly happened back then? And who exactly was your birth mother...?"
The Prince of Jin grunted in response.
After finishing his business, the Emperor added, "Before you leave, have Tang go and bow to Noble Consort Jia."
"Impossible." The Prince of Jin refused decisively.
He did not resort to more drastic measures entirely because the truth of what happened back then was still unknown.
Tang Zhuyun was clearly bullied, so why should she apologize to Noble Consort Jia?
Don't even think about it unless he's dead.
The Emperor said, "Tang girl is too impatient. This temper won't do if she's going to sit in a higher position in the future."
Seeing that the Prince of Jin had no intention of backing down, he continued, "Even if she becomes Empress, the mother of the nation, will she never suffer grievances? Even I, in this position, cannot do as I please... Her temperament still needs to be tempered."
"Father, she needs to be tempered, but this tempering cannot be given to her by your son."
"I cannot ignore her grievances."
"I already feel deeply guilty for marrying me and getting caught up in this mess."
"Human strength has its limits, but for her sake, I will do everything in my power..."
Fight to the death!
Many people have the right to presuppose difficulties for Tang Zhuyun, but he did not.
As a man, it's not about teaching her what kind of person to be, but about accepting her, protecting her, and letting her become the person she wants to be.
Education is the responsibility of parents and elders; he is the husband, and his duty is to care for and nurture his children.
He fell in love with her for who she truly was.
"This day would come sooner or later. Such a vast empire..." The Emperor shook his head and said, "How can I rest easy knowing you're like this?"
The Prince of Jin remained unmoved.
He didn't trust the emperor.
Including now.
Was there no test in those words?
The Prince of Jin did not express his opinion, nor would he betray Tang Zhuyun because of the Emperor's words.
Knowing she would suffer such injustice was already heartbreaking; how could I bear to make things difficult for her?
He cannot agree with this kind of logic.
"Qi'er, of all my sons, you are the one whose personality is most like mine."
The Crown Prince is utterly disgraceful, and he even has the blood of the Zong Family flowing through his veins.
The Emperor harbored deep resentment towards the Zong Family.
The Prince of Jin is different; he has no maternal relatives, so he won't have to worry about his maternal relatives causing trouble in the future.
Moreover, his father-in-law was Tang Mingfan.
Even if you put a knife to Tang Mingfan's throat, he wouldn't dare to rebel.
Among all the civil and military officials, he was the number one on the Emperor's list of loyal ministers, far ahead of everyone else.
Unfortunately, it seems that the Prince of Jin is not on his side.
The Emperor sighed.
He actually had a genuine opinion of the Prince of Jin.
"Stay with me for the New Year before you leave," the Emperor said.
Prince of Jin: "Yes."
"If there's nothing else, you can leave."
The Emperor was very lenient with Prince of Jin.
At first, she felt that his maternal family had been wiped out by her, and after all, he had grown up in the Xiao Family; now she felt that she had not even found out who his birth mother was, and she was really ashamed of this son.
The Prince of Jin bowed his head and said, "During the New Year, I will bring A-Yun here so that you can take a look at her."
Wang Chunqiu, who learned his skills from the imperial physicians, is no longer alive, and the emperor's health is worrying.
The emperor was overjoyed.
Prince of Jin was not the type to flatter people, so the emperor found his words even more sincere.
He's still my son after all; his heart is with me!
The Prince of Jin emerged from the Purple Tenuity Palace and walked out without looking to the side.
Tang Zhuyun must be getting impatient.
"Your Highness."
A familiar voice called his name from behind.
The Prince of Jin paused, not turning around, and said calmly, "Is there something you need?"
It's Nanny Rong.
All the care and love shown in the past cannot ultimately vanish like smoke.
When Tang Zhuyun was being bullied by Noble Consort Jia, it was she who secretly sent a message to her.
The Prince of Jin could not be without resentment towards her actions, but he also could not turn a blind eye to them.
"Your Highness, this old servant has something to say to you."
The Prince of Jin glanced around at the eunuchs and maids. "Granny, you may go back."
Why try to be a good guy on both sides and end up pleasing neither?
Nanny Rong pleaded desperately, "Your Highness, please listen to what this old servant has to say, okay? I'm begging you!"
The Prince of Jin's Adam's apple bobbed slightly, and he said, "Alright, speak."
"Your Highness, this way please." Nanny Rong pointed to a secluded spot nearby. "It's fine there."
The Prince of Jin went with her.
Before Nanny Rong could speak, tears were already streaming down her face.