Furthermore, the late Empress of Jin was also known to have had a secret rendezvous with the abbot of Dayan Temple, and it is rumored that she even gave birth to his child.

There are countless examples like this, so who would gossip about them? Why should you care about those things...?

However, these words, if not said, would have been fine, but they were interpreted completely differently by Luo Pianhong.

Song Yanran was merely stating a fact; she had no intention of being sarcastic at all.

But Luo Pianhong felt that this was simply killing someone by attacking their spirit.

"Stop talking, sister, I'm not that kind of woman." Luo Pianhong immediately stopped her, her eyes instantly turning red: "I told you you didn't believe me!"

Sister, after all these years of being sisters, don't you know what kind of person I am?

I admit I'm a bit hot-tempered, but deep down I'm still very traditional. How can I be compared to those shameless, low-ranking empresses?

Song Yanran was speechless: "How many times do I have to say it? I believe you, especially since I said 'if.' Since it doesn't happen, that's naturally the best outcome..."

"If that doesn't work either, come on, sister, I'll take you to the Jade Pool Holy Land. Jiang Qingluan can definitely testify for me."

"But I need to go now..."

"Sister, I have to prove my innocence. Please come with me, or I'll kill myself. I'm not lying to you. Will you come with me or not..."

"You little rascal, why don't you ever grow up... Sigh... Alright, I'll go with you. We'll also check on how Qingluan is doing on the way."

Song Yanran couldn't refuse her, after all, they were best friends of many years, so she had no choice but to agree.

So the two immediately changed course and headed east...

...

Southern Region, Seven-Colored Sacred Monarch Rock.

Jiang Qingluan stood in front of a medicine furnace, gently fanning herself with a round fan, intently controlling the heat.

Su Yunying, standing to the side, quietly watched the Yaochi Empress, who was completely absorbed in her gaze.

After a long while, she said enviously, "Sister Jiang, you really have the air of a lady from a prominent family."

Her every smile and gesture was refined and elegant; I could never imitate her.

If anyone else had praised her like that, Jiang Qingluan wouldn't have even given her a glance.

But the girl in front of me is Su Yunying. It's not that I'm afraid of her identity or status, nor is it because of her strength.

Simply because Su Yunying is Shen Zhao's woman, the one who melted the iceberg!

This identity alone made the already introverted Jiang Qingluan even more afraid to offend her.

"My sister is joking. She is so dashing and free-spirited. I should be the one envying her."

The two quickly became acquainted as sisters and got along quite well.

After exchanging compliments for a while, Su Yunying leaned closer to her and whispered, "Sister Jiang, haven't you and Shen Lang officially become husband and wife yet?"

Upon hearing this, Jiang Qingluan blushed. After glancing around to make sure no one else was around, she whispered, "If he doesn't say, there's nothing I can do."

Upon hearing this, Su Yunying whispered, "Then should I help my sister?"

"It's too embarrassing, let's just let nature take its course."

Jiang Qingluan let out a soft moan, lowered her head, and gently bit her lower lip with her pearly teeth.

"Let's brew the medicine first."

Seeing her like this, Su Yunying stopped teasing her and joined in to keep an eye on the fire in the medicine furnace.

Inside the main hall of the Supreme Emperor's Mansion, Shen Zhao and Yu Guopu sat in front of the chessboard and continued their game of chess.

Suddenly, Yu Guopu slapped his thigh and hurriedly scrambled the chess pieces: "That doesn't count! That doesn't count! Your move was too tricky. You weren't prepared at all. Let's start over!"

"Alright, old man, I'll play as many rounds as you like."

Shen Zhao smiled and started tidying up the chess pieces with Yu Guopu.

After the new game started, Yu Guopu suddenly asked, "Zhao'er, there's something I've been keeping to myself for a long time, and I'd like to hear your thoughts."

Shen Zhao: "Grandpa, please speak."

Yu Guopu placed a piece and then looked at Shen Zhao, who was focused on the chessboard.

What's your opinion of Ningye?

Shen Zhao's hand paused for a moment as he placed the piece, then he frowned and looked at Yu Guopu without saying a word.

"She's your adoptive mother. Feel free to say whatever you think of her."

Upon hearing this, Shen Zhao made his move and said, "The Empress Dowager is like my birth mother, so I naturally respect her very much."

"Sigh~"

Yu Guopu casually placed a piece and sighed.

"What's wrong, sir? Please speak frankly."

Shen Zhao calmly pressed for an answer.

Yu Guopu said, "To be honest, the imperial physician said that my heart failure is very serious, and I'm afraid I'll never be able to engage in any strenuous activity for the rest of my life."

"And because of your mother's Ice Phoenix bloodline, she is still young, but I'm afraid she'll have to live a life of widowhood for the rest of her life."

Clearly, Yu Guopu was unaware that Shen Zhao had already obtained the Thousand-Leaf Lingzhi Grass to treat his heart failure, and was filled with uncertainty about the future.

He continued, "Zhao'er, I don't consider you an outsider, so it's alright to tell you. Actually, these days, your mother seems to be acting a little differently."

Several times I've secretly masturbated alone under the covers, even while using the toilet. I know this is my fault.

She's a woman too, and it's understandable that she might do something outrageous when her desires aren't met...

Shen Zhao listened quietly, his left hand constantly picking up and playing with the chess pieces in the chess box.

"Later, your mother began collecting some forbidden books from the palace. That night, I secretly peeked at one."

The books mostly depict the ethical relationships between adopted sons and adoptive mothers. Do you know what that means?

Shen Zhao frowned: "Grandpa, this kind of thing is actually driven by curiosity. Once the novelty wears off after a while, it will be fine."

Yu Guopu shook his head, then stared intently at Shen Zhao: "Zhao'er, I've always considered you my own son."

Although you didn't marry Xiyan and become my royal husband, I've never considered you an outsider.

Shen Zhao: "I will never forget the kindness you and the Empress Dowager have shown me in raising me, sir."

You treat me like a son, so naturally I will treat you as my closest family.

Yu Guopu shook his head: "Zhao'er, I believe everything you say, but do you know what happened recently?"

Who was the name your mother whispered in her dream? It was you. That kind of cry only comes during intimate moments between husband and wife…

Shen Zhao was taken aback: "Grandpa, I swear to God, I only have maternal affection for the Empress Dowager, I really have nothing to do with her..."

"Alright, alright, alright..." Yu Guopu immediately stopped Shen Zhao from making the oath, "Don't I trust you enough? You don't need to do this. What I mean is..."

He took a deep breath, then said with a serious expression, "If anything happens to me, please take care of Ningye for me."