The reason for this is that Pei Shen grew up in the palace, by the side of the retired emperor, and their relationship was not as close as that with others.
"... So, you still have to raise your own children," Tang Zhuyun and Xiu'er remarked with emotion.
She was actually very grateful to Pei Shen for acting as a "lubricant."
After the retired emperor abdicated, Tang Zhuyun hoped that he could live a few more days, so that Emperor Wen would not only feel guilty when he thought about it in the future.
As for those who regain power, that's highly unlikely.
Because Emperor Wen held military power, the old people the retired emperor could see were all carefully selected.
Those who disliked and supported the retired emperor's return to the throne were not allowed to enter the palace.
The retired emperor was clearly aware of this, but he didn't mention it.
Later, Pei Shen entered the palace and accompanied him day after day.
However, Pei Shen never stayed overnight in the palace, only saying that the rules did not allow it, but in reality he was going back to wash Nanxing's feet.
Nanxing was too far along in her pregnancy to bend over, so Pei Shen took care of everything for her personally.
He didn't want to enter the palace, but the Emperor Emeritus had treated him well and didn't have much time left, so he devoted himself to accompanying him.
Pei Shen only stayed away from the palace during the few days that Nanxing was about to give birth.
Therefore, it was perfectly normal for the retired emperor to bestow a name upon his eldest son.
Xiu'er: "I knew it! Alright, next. Oh, Your Majesty, could you please take another look at me? How come it took me so long to get pregnant? If it weren't a son, would I even be able to conceive?"
Tang Zhuyun was both amused and exasperated. "Didn't I already check for you? You and Song Jingyang are both fine. It's just that you've been taking care of several children for the past year or so, it's been too tiring, and your body hasn't recovered. This pregnancy with Xiu'er has been tough on you."
As she said this, her eyes were sincere, and she was genuinely grateful.
"Your Majesty, you're saying these things again." Xiu'er stamped her foot angrily, "Do you have to be so clear about this? Are you trying to kick me out?"
Tang Zhuyun smiled and said, "Let's go see the children."
Wu Yu, Guagua, and the three brothers now live in the same courtyard, making it very lively.
Yanran lived next door, and whenever they got together, it was always chaotic.
"Okay. I'll pack my things and go check on Nanxing in a bit. They don't have any elders in their household to help with the diagnosis, so I have to go and make sure Nanxing," Xiu'er said.
Tang Zhuyun: "I'm giving you a task!"
"What?"
"Pei Zheng's courtesy name, please help me think of one quickly."
We need to brainstorm and choose a good one for our child.
"Oh, right," Tang Zhuyun added, "Nanxing is family, so it's best if our names are similar."
We met when we were young and have come together through adversity. I hope this friendship can continue into the next generation.
"If that's what you think, then just wait for Linlin to start it."
Even if the future emperor were to name his child "Piggy" or "Dog," it would still be a respectable name.
This is how affection can be passed down to the next generation.
Tang Zhuyun said happily, "It's settled then. We'll discuss it further when Linlin returns from Liaodong."
Linlin: Mother, I'm busy, please don't disturb me.
Having just won a battle and with the Tatars retreating, while cleaning up the battlefield and comforting the wounded and dead, he finally had time to begin to consider Lang Xuan's unusual behavior.
She really surprised him too many times.
She provided the gunpowder formula, and the first experiment was a great success.
She mentioned that the Prince of Liaodong's brother-in-law would betray them.
She also suggested which gate the Tatars would enter through—though she only mentioned one. In reality, the Tatars attacked through two gates, so only one was defended, and the other was dealt with later, which is where gunpowder came in handy.
It all started one morning when Linlin heard someone report that Lang Jiu was requesting an audience...
In short, it was very interesting.
When Emperor Wen returned to the palace, it was already evening. He was starving and devoured the entire table of food himself.
Tang Zhuyun eagerly awaited to ask about the progress.
"The matter points to the Cui Family, and it's aimed at Yanran," Emperor Wen said succinctly.
"No way." Tang Zhuyun couldn't believe it.
Could it really be Madam Cui?
How could she possess such immense power?
If she were truly that formidable, why would she act like a mouse before a cat for so many years, and why would she lack any authority even in front of her son?
Tang Zhuyun wasn't speaking up for Madam Cui; she genuinely felt that this person lacked common sense.
Seriously, even doing bad things requires brains.
She really doesn't look like it.
"It points to the Cui Family, it points to her," Emperor Wen said meaningfully.
Tang Zhuyun instantly understood. "Was this done intentionally, to shift the blame?"
Emperor Wen nodded.
Who is that?
"The exact cause hasn't been determined yet, but for now, we can only respond based on what's being pointed at."
"Are you targeting Madam Cui?"
"It is already."
Tang Zhuyun: "..."
Now things are really messed up; there's no need to worry about being in-laws anymore, they've just torn each other apart.
But she didn't seem happy.
Tang Zhuyun still asked, "How did you handle it?"
"Hand it over to the Court of Judicial Review for investigation. If the evidence is conclusive, they will go to the Cui Family in the next few days to arrest and interrogate the person."
"Isn't that... a bit too much?"
If Noble Lady like Madam Cui were to appear in court as a suspect, even if she were later proven innocent, she would not survive.
Although Tang Zhuyun didn't like her, she didn't want her to die either.
Stupidity deserves punishment, but it is not a capital offense.
Mainly, I also feel a little sorry for Cui Xiaoqiu.
Over the years, considering how well Cui Xiaoqiu has cared for Yanran, it's hard for her to be heartless.
"Isn't this giving them a few more days?" Emperor Wen said calmly.
"Are you giving Cui Xiaoqiu some time?"
Emperor Wen did not answer, but changed the subject, saying, "Last night, a boy was born into the Marquis Champion?"
"Um."
"Another brat." Emperor Wen shook his head. "Have someone bring Wuji and the others over; I'll play with them for a while. If Guagua is still in the palace, bring him over too."
I didn't attend court today, so I'll just relax and not worry about it at all.
After a while, the atmosphere of Palace of Eternal Peace became warm and inviting.
--No, it just got chaotic.
Emperor Wen sat cross-legged on the woolen rug on the ground, with Guagua sitting on his lap. Wuxian sat next to Guagua, staring blankly at a small mark on the edge of the woolen rug.
Wuji and Wuji got into a fight over a wooden ball. Taking Wuji of his age, Wuji pinned Wuji down.
They didn't cry or make a fuss Wuji, but as soon as someone started scratching their face and gouging their eyes, the two brothers rolled around in a ball.
Tang Zhuyun couldn't separate these two...
There's nothing we can do; Xiu'er has left the palace today to reunite with her husband, and no one else can handle these little ones.
I really don't know how Xiu'er got through all that.
Seeing her defeat, Emperor Wen laughed and said, "You had Mingzhu's help before."
"By the way," Tang Zhuyun asked, remembering Mingzhu, "Did you send Mingzhu's dowry yet?"
"It was sent over, and at the same time, Mingzhu was granted the title of First-Rank Lady, with a fief of three thousand li, and placed in Jiangnan."
Mingzhu didn't want to drag him down and be criticized by others. He appreciated her kindness, but how could he possibly mistreat his only sister?
Tang Zhuyun nodded.
With a fief of three thousand li, and in a wealthy and prosperous land, Mingzhu would not need to depend on anyone for the rest of her life.
This was meant to instill a sense of crisis in Wu Zhenhai, letting him know that Mingzhu was on Emperor Wen Wen's mind.