He chattered away with Chen Yuwei the whole way, completely losing his previous composure and reliability, and instead becoming more lively and talkative.

Chen Yuwei also indulged Hezhuo, which made Fuling'a and Wuyunzhu, who arrived halfway, exclaim that their mother was biased.

Chen Yuwei smiled helplessly and explained that it had not been easy for her and her daughter to get to where they were today. "You don't need to hold back and be so tense. Relax a little. Although your mother is old and frail, she can still protect you."

“Mother, what you’re saying makes it sound like we sisters are all having a hard time, and that we’re already doing very well.”

Wu Yunzhu reached out and hooked her arm around Chen Yuwei's, speaking while unable to resist acting coquettishly.

Hojo and Fulinga looked at their youngest sister with emotion.

The two women understood this more deeply than Wu Yunzhu. Because they married into clans in Jiangnan, they didn't suffer much physical hardship, but they certainly endured some mental torment.

Fortunately, the two of them had each other and helped each other across the way.

Now, when they hear their mother say this again, they all feel an urge to cry.

It's not that they're sentimental, but after all these years, only their own family members can truly understand how difficult things have been for them.

"Alright, alright, your mother just wants you to be happy. This time, there aren't any spoilsport people at the Yuanmingyuan."

Once we're in the park, take a walk, look around. Your body is your own; only by living a long and healthy life can you enjoy more of life's pleasures.

Chen Yuwei no longer has those complicated feelings from before.

After the late emperor passed away, Chen Yuwei felt that life was fresh and interesting in every way.

Now that she's brought her three daughters to the Old Summer Palace, Chen Yuwei is mainly looking for companionship.

She knew that life was not easy for women in this society. Before, with Hongli suppressing her, she could not take action and could only convey her thoughts through letters or other means.

Everything is different now. The mother and daughters can communicate face-to-face. So why would Chen Yuwei deliberately hold back? She must be teaching them in the best way possible.

On the carriage, the Empress's two children had been taken away by palace servants to rest in the back.

Chen Yuwei remained leaning against the soft cushion at the back of the carriage, surrounded by Fu Ling'a and the other two.

“Mother, I always remember your words: living your own life well is the most important thing. Only then can you have the energy to care about others.”

Fu Ling'a looked up at her aging mother and smiled, "Mother, don't worry, I will never forget these things, even after many years."

He Zhuo added from behind, "Yes, my daughter lived in Jiangnan. In the early years, she was very fortunate to have received careful guidance and care from her mother."

Now that life has turned from hardship to happiness, my daughter insists on living life to the fullest.

After saying this with a slightly roguish air, He Zhuo patted Fu Ling'a on the shoulder.

The two sisters are remarkably in sync in this regard, exchanging a knowing smile that exudes confidence.

Unlike Hezhuo and Fuling'a, Wuyunzhu was not only the youngest, but she also chose her own marriage.

Overall, marriages of free choice are happier than politically arranged marriages.

Even after her marriage, Wuyunzhu still lived in the capital and could visit her mother-in-law in the palace every few days.

Therefore, she was quick to accept Chen Yuwei's words and didn't feel much about them.

Fortunately, Wuyunzhu wasn't stupid; she could understand and empathize with her mother and two older sisters' obvious reactions.

They made a few jokes to break the silence and lighten the atmosphere in the carriage.

The carriage took nearly three and a half hours to reach its destination, the Old Summer Palace.

Chen Yuwei simply told everyone to go back and rest first, and they could talk about it again early the next morning.

"You will stay in the palaces around Mother's side. If you need anything, just tell the servants."

Chen Yuwei waved her hand and turned to let Xingkui dress up and enter the distant main hall.

"It's been a few months since I've been back, but the flowers and plants here haven't changed."

Chen Yuwei stayed at the Yuanmingyuan for several months last year, and she could not have gone back if the incident in the palace had not occurred.

Who knew that when she returned, she was no longer the Imperial Noble Consort, but had transformed into the esteemed Empress Dowager.

Xingkui, supporting her mistress's arm, said, "Your Majesty, the servants of the Yuanmingyuan are very shrewd."

I heard that after the Empress left, the entire courtyard was meticulously cared for by those people.

Not to mention the flowers and plants in the yard, even the artificial rocks around it are carefully cared for, and no one can bear to damage them in the slightest.

After listening to Xingkui's description, Chen Yuwei shook her head, indicating that the people of Yuanmingyuan were still quite likable.

Although it might seem like flattery, if the flattery is done well, Chen Yuwei, as the mistress, will feel comfortable, and it won't do any harm to the servants.

Otherwise, why would the servants in the Hall of Mental Cultivation have remained silent and eager to stay far away from the commotion when the late emperor was seriously ill?

When the master is in a bad mood, the servants are the ones who suffer; a single word from them can cost them their lives.

Before the late emperor passed away, the number of servants sent to the Imperial Prison was three to four times the usual amount, and even Chen Yuwei unusually did not stop it during that period.

The reason for this was that the risk was too great, and Chen Yuwei didn't want to cause any unnecessary trouble for herself.

"These flowers and plants are being taken very well. Remember to give them some money when you have time."

"I'll be staying at the Yuanmingyuan for several months, which will only add to their burden."

"Oh, what are you saying? It's my good fortune that the Empress Dowager likes the skills I provide. It's not hard work at all."

Xingkui found a time to summon the servant in charge of the flowers and plants in the courtyard for questioning.

Unexpectedly, these lackeys behaved very cleverly, not taking any credit for themselves.

Xingkui nodded in satisfaction and handed over the silver in her hand. "Your Majesty is satisfied with your attitude. Remember to work even harder in the future."

And these flowers and plants in the yard, I'll have someone transplant some more when I have time.

The servant, overwhelmed with excitement, couldn't help but feel thrilled as the lavish purse was handed to him.

"Don't worry, sister. This servant understands and will make sure the Empress Dowager is satisfied."

A shrill, hoarse voice is hard to like, but because the other person's attitude is respectful and humble, it doesn't feel deliberately jarring.

She waved her hand, telling people to hurry up and leave. Xingkui turned around and looked back. Her master was sitting by the open window, resting, surrounded by petals blown by the wind.

Xingkui took a cloak and covered her mistress with it, then mentioned the princesses who had gone boating on the lake that day.

"Your Highness, I've had someone prepare your favorite lotus root soup. Shall I bring it to you now?"

Chen Yuwei reached out and adjusted her cloak. "Bring it here."

"As I get older, I can't stand sitting by the window for too long if I'm not careful."

Looks like I need to go to bed early tonight; taking care of my health is the most important thing.

A bowl of tender lotus root soup was served to Chen Yuwei.

The lotus root has been infused with flavor. Although nothing else was added, it smells light and fresh, leaving a lingering fragrance on the lips and teeth.

After patiently drinking two bowls, Chen Yuwei wiped her mouth with a handkerchief. "I'm going out for a stroll this afternoon. Staying any longer will make my bones feel like they're melting."

I should go and see the kids. Her brainwashing skills are too successful; they're all letting loose now.