It seemed she had everything: her son and grandson became emperors of the Qing Dynasty, and she, Borjigit Bumbutai, became Empress Dowager and Grand Empress Dowager.

But it seems like she has nothing at all. Her husband is unhappy, her son died young, and her family doesn't understand her... What did she do in her previous life to deserve this fate?

Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang couldn't understand it. Aruna's words today plunged her back into those memories she didn't want to mention. It turned out that she was such a failure in her conduct and actions that no one was grateful to her?

“My lord, this is not your fault. Everything you have done is for the sake of the Qing Dynasty and future generations.”

Sumalagu had to admit that Consort Jing and the Empress Dowager during the late emperor's reign were truly miserable, but there was nothing she could do. At that time, her master could only sacrifice the Mongols for the sake of the court, but the late emperor, who was the beneficiary, did not understand and did not treat the Mongol concubines well.

The number of Mongolian concubines in the harem has drastically decreased. Who knows if the attitude of the late emperor is still the same? They are all precious children born of their parents, and everyone is afraid of them.

Su Ma La Gu's words were somewhat official and did not offer any real comfort. However, Empress Xiaozhuang did not need to be comforted by others. Her words were merely a sigh; what was done was done, and there was no point in being sentimental.

As a woman who had climbed her way to the top of power, Empress Xiaozhuang's mindset was much colder and harder than one might imagine.

"Speaking of which, what's going on with Consort Shu?"

Aruna hated her and the late emperor and wanted Shumulu's people to be eliminated from the selection. Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang understood this, but the Empress Dowager would not go after Consort Shu, as she and Consort Shu did not have any deep-seated hatred.

“It’s the Hesheli clan and the Magia clan,” Sumalagu briefly recounted the story of Dong’e Jingxin, “and there’s also a trace of the Nara clan in it.”

Upon hearing this, Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang pondered for a moment, "Heseri fears that Niohuru will threaten her position. And Majia, having only given birth to a son who may not even grow up, already has other intentions?"

Cheng Rui is so young, not even a year old yet, and can't even say the word "stand up".

"Ma Jia was the most favored among the concubines in the harem." Because Ma Jia was beautiful, and men are naturally lustful, it was not surprising that Ma Jia would develop some other thoughts over time.

"Too hasty, we've only just begun," Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang said, it was unclear whether she was lamenting the Ma Jia clan or herself. "Nara clan, is it the Yehe Nara clan?"

“Yes, there is a concubine from the Yehenara clan in the harem who seems to have quite a few schemes,” Sumalagu added in a low voice.

Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang smiled and said, "They are all very young, but quick-witted."

"In a little while, you will personally go to Yongshou Palace on my behalf. We must inquire about Consort Shu's situation."

She was carrying the Emperor's child, even though the child's relatives (except for Consort Shu herself) did not expect his arrival.

Sumalagu nodded, "This servant understands."