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When the emperor returned to the capital, Crown Prince Lingcheng led all the officials out of the city gate to welcome him in person.

"Your Majesty, your son, respectfully welcomes your father back to the capital," Ling Cheng bowed before the bright yellow procession, greeting Emperor Huizheng and the others. "I wonder how your Majesty is doing? Is the imperial physician attentive? Is your mother well? Is your grandmother well? Is Prince Chu's leg injury healed?"

Emperor Huizheng, the Empress, Empress Dowager Sun, and Prince Lingqian of Chu all had personal palace maids who relayed the Crown Prince's words.

After hearing everyone's answers, Ling Cheng smiled knowingly, "I'm relieved now that my father, mother, grandmother, and brother are all well. When the news reached the capital, I couldn't sleep. I was always worried."

Emperor Huizheng's voice boomed from the imperial carriage: "Crown Prince, I also want to praise you. You've matured considerably during this time, and you've done a great job."

Without a pause, the Crown Prince bowed once more in the direction of Emperor Huizheng. "I do not deserve this honor. Your Majesty has embarked on a tour of the outer frontiers and entrusted me with the important task of safeguarding the capital. I dare not neglect the slightest bit and must protect the family for Your Majesty."

"Good!" Emperor Huizheng laughed. "With the Crown Prince in the Eastern Palace, I am truly relieved!"

Those who could accompany and welcome the emperor were all very shrewd people. Everyone around immediately knelt down and shouted, "Long live the emperor! Long live the crown prince!"

Emperor Huizheng was very happy. After talking to the Crown Prince for a few more words, he ordered his emperor to return to the palace and ordered the Crown Prince to accompany him.

Crown Prince Lingcheng rode on the precious horse brought by the young eunuch, and he breathed a sigh of relief in his heart.

When he went out of the city gate to welcome the emperor today, he did not mention Li Qingping and others at all. In fact, he was also following Li Qingping's instructions.

"The Emperor wants to see a prince who can shoulder important responsibilities, not a weak one. Even if you can say you're good at listening to advice, I advise you not to." Li Qingping was listening to the little girl reciting poetry at the time and smiled, "Whether the Emperor knows it or not, it's enough for him to see it on the surface."

She paused, waiting for the little girl to finish a poem before continuing, "Besides, given my status, any further mention of me would be seen as meddling in politics. As an old lady, I'm half buried in the ground, and all I want is a peaceful and stable life. Better to have less trouble than more."

Now it seems that the old lady was right.

Had the Crown Prince mentioned someone else, Emperor Huizheng wouldn't have been as pleased. Of course, Emperor Huizheng wasn't stupid. He wouldn't believe someone was behind the scenes guiding a child he'd taught so many times before, but the Crown Prince listened and took his place, and those behind the scenes had no intention of taking the spotlight. Emperor Huizheng was quite satisfied. After all, the Crown Prince had gotten it, so why worry about him failing to learn?

The old lady has lived for so many years and is so insightful. I still have a lot to learn!

After figuring it out, Crown Prince Lingcheng pulled the reins, looked up at the sky, took a long sigh, and hurried to catch up with the imperial carriage.

Meanwhile, Prince Lingqian of Chu returned to the palace and received news from the Princess of Chu who remained in the capital: "It turned out that this old lady has entered the palace to take charge of the situation?"

Back in the capital, there was no need to speak up; the news would naturally be revealed. Furthermore, the old lady hadn't concealed her entry into the palace from anyone, simply walking in unobtrusively in the dragon-dragon jacket bestowed upon her by Emperor Wuzong, and no one dared to object.

The Princess of Chu laughed and said, "That's right. Noble Consort Fu and the Crown Princess are both unable to handle the responsibilities in the palace, and there's no one else in charge. Doesn't that mean the old lady has to take charge?"

Prince Chu was holding the teacup, somewhat lost in thought.

"I only met this great-aunt a few times when I was very young. But it is undeniable that when the old lady looked at me, I felt like I saw through everything," he said.

At that time, Li Qingping was Emperor Wuzong's Imperial Noble Consort in Yonghe Palace, sitting aloft on the throne, dignified and elegant. The Imperial Noble Consort remained in Yonghe Palace, rarely leaving unless to offer sacrifices to Empress Xiaoshu Renxue. Anyone wishing to see her could only pay their respects to her at Yonghe Palace. Although Lingqian was the crown prince's second-born grandson, he could not pay his respects to her at any time. He only accompanied his grandparents and parents to kowtow to the old lady during festivals, and was far less affectionate than Lingcheng.

Later, Wuzong passed away. Lingqian was only five or six years old. The Imperial Noble Consort became the Imperial Noble Dowager and left the palace to live out her life. He rarely saw Li Qingping.

I didn't expect that this time the whole city was in turmoil because it was this old lady who was holding up the sky behind the scenes.

Ling Qian sighed, "It's a pity that the old lady is now living in the garden, and I'm injured. Otherwise, I would have to find some excuse to pay my respects to the old lady."

The Princess of Chu covered her mouth with her hand and laughed, "Your Highness, you've got it wrong again. The old lady is your great-aunt. It's only natural for a younger generation to pay respects and kowtow to the old ancestor. Why bother looking for a special excuse? When your legs and feet are healed, why not just send a letter to the garden directly?"

Ling Qian was stunned for a moment, then smiled. "Yes, I was mistaken. When you're well again, go pay your respects to the old lady."

But a serious illness had damaged Emperor Huizheng's foundation, and this time he managed to survive and see the crown prince grow up, which was a comfort. The next thing Emperor Huizheng had to do was to gradually hand over the rule of the Great Qi to the crown prince.

In the ninth year of Huizheng, Emperor Huizheng passed away and became the seventh Emperor Guangzong of the Great Qi.

Crown Prince Lingcheng ascended the throne and the reign was named Dingyi.

This year, Li Qingping was eighty-six years old.

In the first year of Dingyi, Princess Mingjing, the eldest daughter of Emperor Wuzong, died in her sleep.

Yu Jin was seventy-three years old, considered a very old age at that time. However, what her close brothers and sisters could not accept was that she was clearly in good health and could eat two large bowls of rice every day, but how could she die after a sleep?

Her two children, Chengyi and Huiwen, suffered the most.

Seeing Li Qingping, Huiwen, the former Princess Mianfu, who was now a grandmother, cried so hard that she could not breathe. She fell on Li Qingping's knees and cried sadly: "Aunt grandmother, from now on,

I'm motherless! I'm also a child without parents!"

A few years ago, Ming Jing's son-in-law Zhao Fengming passed away due to illness.

"Silly child, why are you crying?" Li Qingping's voice was hoarse, carrying the gentleness of time. She had seen so many people go over the years, and she was sad that Yu Jin was gone, but she seemed to have let it go. "Your mother lived to be seventy-three years old. With you and Cheng Yi by her side, fulfilling your filial duties, and your father paving the way for her, we can be reunited when we go down. I have no regrets in this life."

Huiwen raised her head, choking with sobs, her eyes swollen like walnuts. "I haven't had time to spend more time with my mother, and I haven't made her this year's newly dried plums... I was even saying a while ago that I wanted to listen to the new Huangmei Opera performance in my house with her..."

"She knows." Li Qingping picked up the handkerchief and wiped away Hui Wen's tears. "Your mother loved you the most in her life. You have her in your heart. She can see it all."

Chengyi was the eldest son and had always been more stable than Huiwen. He suppressed his grief and said, "Aunt grandmother, the news of mother's death has been reported to the clan office."

Li Qingping nodded to indicate that he understood.

Yujin was Emperor Wuzong's eldest daughter, and a legitimate princess under the title of Empress Xiaoshu Renxue. Even after several dynasties, her status remained undiminished. The Imperial Clan Court and the palace had issued orders that all funeral rites for Princess Mingjing be conducted according to the highest standards for princesses. Officials of the third rank and above, including wives of officials and members of the imperial clan, were required to attend the Princess's residence to offer their condolences.

Princess Mingjing's funeral took place as scheduled. Li Qingping, accompanied by the maid, went to the princess's residence and watched as Yujin's coffin was loaded onto a carriage and slowly driven toward the imperial mausoleum. Huiwen and Chengyi followed behind, weeping heartbreakingly.

Li Qingping did not cry, but just stood there quietly gazing at the scene until the carriage disappeared from his sight.

He Xuan and Yu Xi supported her on either side, and they were also very sad. After all, Yu Jin was their eldest sister, and they loved her to the core.

Li Qingping looked at He Chen, then at Yu Xi, and suddenly smiled and said, "Don't be sad."

People are like this, and they don't know how long they can live. If they live long enough, they will witness many separations and rebirths.

Perhaps the only thing to be thankful for now is that her other two children are still in good health, so she, in her old age, should not have to send the other two children off personally.

Because Li Qingping had given the present emperor some advice in the past, Emperor Dingyi respected and loved Li Qingping even more than the late emperor.

In the fourth year of Dingyi, Li Qingping and Concubine Ke jointly celebrated the ninetieth birthday. Emperor Dingyi even brought the empress to Songshou Hall to celebrate the old lady's birthday.

No one in the government or the public dared to comment on this.

Especially since Li Qingping was originally a canonized Imperial Noble Consort, having served through five dynasties and seen off four emperors of the Great Qi Dynasty. Because she could no longer be given any more titles, she was revered by Emperor Dingyi as the "Old Ancestor." Hey! Isn't she the "Old Ancestor" of the Great Qi Dynasty? Judging from her complexion, she probably only has a few years left to live. She's not much older than the former Grand Empress Dowager!

The courtyard of Songshou Hall was decorated half a month ago. Vermilion lanterns were hung all over the corridor, golden chrysanthemums were in full bloom, and even the bluestone slabs in front of the steps were swept spotlessly clean.

Li Qingping sat on the chaise longue, watching the little maid tidy up the stone-blue dragon jacket bestowed upon her by Emperor Wuzong. Her fingertips gently brushed across the delicate patterns on the fabric, a gentle smile in her eyes.

The people who served her had also changed. Yun Su and the others were old, and many had passed away. There was no point in asking them to serve others while they were still alive. Li Qingping was happy to see these young girls now. After all, as he got older, looking at young girls more often made him feel happy and younger.

"Grandma, do you think these beads on the lapels make me look more energetic?" The little girl asked with anticipation, holding a string of Dongzhu beads with a smile on her face.

This string of beads had been specially sent by Emperor Dingyi. Each one was round and plump, gleaming with a lustrous luster in the sunlight. Li Qingping, not to mention the maidservants, had rarely seen such high-quality oriental pearls. Even though, as the Imperial Noble Consort, she was entitled to use these beads, Li Qingping felt a lingering uneasiness, insisting on distinguishing between herself and the Empress, unwilling to overlook Empress Xiaoshu Renxie. Therefore, she glanced at these top-quality oriental pearls and passed them by, keeping only the lesser-quality ones for herself.

But now... never mind, there's no need to be so fussy about it.

Li Qingping's mind raced with thoughts, and he smiled and said, "The Emperor still cares about my old bones, so I'll put them up there. You're good at sewing, so you can do it."

The little girl couldn't help but laugh, as happy as a bird: "Yes, this servant will be able to make it for the old ancestor soon!"

As he was speaking, there was a sound of brisk footsteps outside the yard. He Xuan, Yuxi and their children came in, especially when he saw Zaizhen walking in with the sisters Minmen and Minchang, followed by several jumping great-grandchildren. Li Qingping was in a trance again.

Concubine Ke knew what she was thinking at a glance and gently held her hand.

"Grandfather!" Tingqing, the youngest great-grandson, rushed to the bed, holding up the red paper package in his hand. "Grandfather, your grandson has drawn a birthday peach for you. I wish you a long life!"

Li Qingping and Consort Ke both took it with a smile and unfolded the red paper. There were two big birthday peaches drawn crookedly on it, and the four words "Long Live the Ancestor" were written next to it. Although the strokes were childish, they were full of love.

"Good boy, I'll take it." Li Qingping reached out and touched Tingqing's head. The boy's features were somewhat similar to Hechang's back then. She was distracted for a moment, but quickly came back to her senses. "Go play with your other brothers and sisters."

Min Chang stepped forward with a brocade box in her hand: "Grandma, this is the knee pad my granddaughter embroidered for you. It is filled with freshly dried reed flowers. It will keep you warm in winter." She has been following the housekeeper for many years, and her temperament has become much calmer, and she speaks less rashly than before.

She also gave Consort Ke another brocade box: "Aunt, you still love flowers and beauty, so I will give you a pair of waist pillows with the pattern of blooming flowers and wealth."

Imperial Noble Consort Ke smiled a little embarrassedly: "It's not good for an old lady like me to be so colorful every day."

Min Chang laughed and said, "What's wrong with that? As long as the old lady is happy."

Li Qingping took the brocade box and opened it. The kneepad was embroidered with a pine and crane pattern, symbolizing longevity. The stitching was meticulous, and it was clear that a lot of thought had gone into it. "You're so thoughtful."

She nodded and glanced at everyone, "Everyone sit down, don't stand all the time."

As everyone was talking, a eunuch's distinctive shrill singing voice suddenly came from outside the courtyard: "The Emperor has arrived—The Empress has arrived—"

Li Qingping and Consort Ke both stood up quickly. Just as they were about to get off the couch, Emperor Dingyi walked in quickly and supported them. "Two elders, please sit down quickly! I said that today is the birthday party, so no need for formalities."

The Empress behind him, on the other hand, bowed to the two old ladies and said respectfully, "I pay my respects to the Grand Imperial Concubine and the Grand Imperial Concubine, and wish you both a long and healthy life."

Li Qingping smiled as she sat down and looked at Emperor Dingyi. The emperor had lost his youthful immaturity, his expression now more majestic, yet in front of her, he still maintained the humility of a junior.

Although everyone was talking to her, Concubine Ke knew that she was definitely not as important as Li Qingping in the eyes of Emperor Dingyi, so she sat aside and talked to the younger generations.

"I am truly flattered that Your Majesty and Your Majesty are here."

Emperor Dingyi sat down beside her, his eyes sweeping across the courtyard of relatives. He smiled and said, "Grandma, your great-aunt, is the pillar of the Great Qi. I am where I am today thanks to your guidance. If I don't come on your ninetieth birthday today, wouldn't I be ungrateful?"

He turned to the eunuch behind him and said, "Bring up the birthday gift I prepared."

The eunuch came forward holding a brocade box. When he opened it, he saw a statue of the God of Longevity carved from Hetian jade. The God of Longevity had kind eyes and eyebrows, and was holding a cane. There were two boys beside him. The statue was carved very lifelike.

There was also another eunuch who presented a jade Buddha to Consort Ke.

"This statue of the God of Longevity is made of the finest material that I specially asked someone to find. It took half a year to carve it. I wish you a long and healthy life." Emperor Dingyi said softly.

Li Qingping accepted the brocade box, his heart and face filled with emotion. "Your Majesty, thank you for your concern. I, an old lady with limited health, cannot repay you. I can only wish Your Majesty good health and peace and prosperity for the people of Great Qi."

Emperor Dingyi smiled and said, "Thank you for your kind words, ancestor!"

After his ninetieth birthday, Li Qingping felt that he had seen through everything in this world.

"It wasn't easy for the Grand Empress Dowager to survive in the palace for all those years!" She and Grand Imperial Noble Consort Ke sighed.

There are many rules in the palace, unlike them who are now living in the homes of their own children. They can go to the opera when they want to, appreciate the flowers when they want to, and do whatever they want. They are free and their children let them do whatever they want. But after a long time, they still find it boring.

The Imperial Noble Consort Ke also thought so: "Who says it's not true?"

The days passed slowly.

Li Qingping and Consort Ke would get up early every morning, bask in the warm sunshine in the yard, and look at the flowers and plants in the courtyard. Occasionally, they would recall their past years in the palace. Those rules that they once thought were cumbersome and oppressive now became stories worth reminiscing about.

"When the imperial edict came down, the three of us sisters were forced to learn the rules every day by the palace maids. They threatened to tell Concubine Xian if anything went wrong. Humph, I was just thinking about taking advantage of the power of the tiger!"

As Consort Ke was trimming the orchids in the pot, she smiled and said to Li Qingping, "After Emperor Wuzong became successful, we entered the palace. One time, I saw that etiquette nanny. Humph, she looked at me like a mouse seeing a cat! She knelt down from a distance to greet me and said "Long live the Queen Consort Ke," afraid that I would see her face. But I could recognize her without seeing her face!"

Li Qingping laughed, but seemed to realize something, his eyes becoming even more desolate. However, when Consort Ke looked at him, he quickly suppressed his laughter and said, "But this is the rule for entering the palace. Although that nanny is a bit arrogant, the rules are indeed good. By the way, did you meet her? Why haven't I seen her?"

Imperial Noble Consort Ke snorted and laughed, "I only saw her once. Later, I heard that she was old and couldn't stand up straight, so she moved out of the palace to retire. I never saw her again."

In the afternoons, the children often came to visit. There was a little girl named Jingyi in Hexuan's mansion, Hexuan's youngest legitimate granddaughter. She was beautiful and charming, and particularly caught Li Qingping's eye. Hexuan had often summoned her to his presence since she was little, and now, having grown up and approaching marriageable age, they remained close. The girl always prepared freshly made snacks or interesting finds from the market to entertain the two old ladies.

This girl was the most lively. She came again that day, sat down next to Li Qingping, and began to chatter about interesting things happening in the mansion: "Grandma, a few days ago I took a few little girls to learn how to make kites. I wanted to make the simplest ones, but the kites we made were so crooked that they couldn't even fly. We were so amused."

Li Qingping looked at her lovingly and reached out to smooth the hair by her ears. "It doesn't matter if you can't do it well, it's just for fun. You young people should do more fun things, instead of being like us old bones, just sitting here basking in the sun."

Jingyi, however, coquettishly held Li Qingping's arm and said, "Great-grandmother, how can you be old? You're in better spirits than me. Besides, I haven't heard enough of your and my great-aunt's stories. Every time I hear them, it feels like I'm listening to a storyteller."

The Imperial Noble Consort Ke beside her also laughed: "You are so sweet and can make us happy. But, those things are in the past. You still have a long life ahead of you, so you must live happily."

But he still doted on her: "Speaking of kites, your great-grandmother and I also loved pestering grandma to fly kites when we were in our boudoirs!"

Concubine Ke continued to chatter with Jingyi about the interesting things that happened when she was a girl. As she spoke, she laughed with Li Qingping and said, "It's strange. She can still remember it so clearly, even though it happened 70 or 80 years ago. But it's clear that she didn't remember it very much before."

But he didn't notice the sadness on Li Qingping's face when he turned away.

In the summer of the fifth year of Dingyi, Concubine Ke suddenly fell into a coma, and the palace was suddenly in chaos.

As the news spread, a gloom enveloped the mansion. He Xian, He Zheng, Yu Lang, and the others hurried over, their eyes red and their steps unsteady. Other younger generations also arrived, their faces filled with anxiety and worry. They gathered around the bed of Grand Imperial Concubine Ke. The usually bustling house was now hushed, with only the muffled breathing of the crowd to be heard.

Imperial physicians were invited one after another, and the prescriptions were changed again and again, but Concubine Ke still had her eyes closed and showed no signs of waking up.

Bowl after bowl of medicine was boiled and left to cool, but she could never get it into her mouth to swallow.

Li Qingping was sitting in the warm room, and Min Chang advised with red eyes: "Grandma, don't be too sad. Great aunt is a lucky person and will definitely wake up." But even she herself revealed a bit of uncertainty in her words.

At such an old age, it's not an exaggeration to say that he died of old age. It's normal that he can't wake up.

He Zheng stood aside, his fists clenched so tightly that his nails dug into his palms. He said to the doctors in a hoarse voice, "My dear doctors, please take a closer look. No matter what method you use, you must save my mother."

The imperial physicians exchanged looks of bewilderment. One of the older physicians stepped forward, bowed, and said, "Your Highness, the Grand Empress Dowager is very old, and her body is gradually declining. Her coma is a sign of this. She won't have much time left even if she wakes up. Everyone has their own destiny. I, this old servant, dare to say that the old lady is ninety-one years old, and it's almost time for her to be cured. It would be better to prepare early and make the ceremony more dignified..."

After hearing this, He Zheng's tall and strong body shook. If Yu Lang beside him had not supported him in time, he would have fallen to the ground.

In fact, they understand it, but they just don't want to accept it.

In the silence, Li Qingping's eyelashes trembled in the warm room, as if he felt something. He was helped into the inner room. The curtain was half lifted, and Concubine Ke was lying there quietly. Her face was even rosier than usual, as if she had put on rouge.

She sat down beside the couch, holding the slightly cold hand, and said in a low voice, but with a smile: "You are being lazy again, aren't you? Yesterday you said you would embroider a purse for me, and today you are lying down."

The eyelids of Concubine Ke moved, and the person who had been unconscious for a long time slowly opened her eyes, her eyes clear and bright.

A last glimmer of light.

This is something that everyone present knows very well.

Imperial Concubine Ke moved her lips, her voice as soft as a cat's: "Sister... I dreamed of our childhood... The flowers in Grandmother's yard were in bloom, and we were playing with flower strings by the window..."

Li Qingping's eyes were hot, but he still smiled: "Yeah, you always cheat, and cry when you can't turn it over."

"How could I..." Grand Imperial Concubine Ke also smiled, and the fine lines at the corners of her eyes relaxed. "Sister, I'm afraid I have to go first..."

"Where are you going?" Li Qingping said casually, "You promised me that we would live together until we are a hundred years old."

Imperial Noble Consort Ke shook her head, acting like a spoiled child: "I've lived enough... If I live any longer, I'll really become an old monster..." She took a breath and said anxiously, "Actually, I'm already an old monster, right? My hair is all white and wrinkled. I don't know if my sister would recognize me if I went to the streets."

Li Qingping's throat tightened, but she nodded: "Yes, sisters are of the same mind, how could we not recognize each other?"

Grand Imperial Noble Consort Ke finally seemed relieved. She looked past her and out the window, saying softly, "Emperor Wuzong has granted me a favor, but I don't want it. I don't want to meet him again in my next life. But I can't bear to leave my sisters. Sisters, bury me closer to Empress Renque, not on Emperor Wuzong's side, okay?"

In fact, this statement could be considered disrespectful. Although Wuzong had been gone for so many years, he was still the emperor. But so many people in the room chose to remain silent.

"Okay." Li Qingping held her hand tightly, "I promise you everything."

Imperial Concubine Ke smiled, her eyelids slowly closed, and her voice was as soft as the wind: "Sister... in the next life... we can still be sisters... and fly kites together..."

"No wonder I remember everything from the recent past so clearly," she murmured. "So I'm leaving now, just to take a quick tour..."

The warmth in his palm faded away little by little, but Li Qingping sat there motionless until the sun set outside the window and the cicadas' chirping died down.

She suddenly remembered something and turned to Jingyi and said, "Go and get the kite we made a few days ago."

Jingyi wiped her tears and ran out, and came back a few moments later holding a crooked butterfly kite.

Li Qingping took it and placed it beside Qingyan's pillow, saying softly, "Look, the kite is done. It may not look good, but it was made by Jingyi herself after all. Can I take it down to you?"

The room was eerily quiet, with only the kite's bamboo strips swaying gently, as if trying to break free from the string and fly far, far away.

After a long while, Li Qingping finally stood up. His back remained straight, but his voice was hoarse and unrecognizable: "Let's hold the funeral."

She walked into the yard and looked up at the sky. The scorching sun was blinding, but her vision was blurry.

In the palace, Emperor Dingyi was heartbroken upon hearing the news of the death of Grand Noble Consort Ke. After he had recovered his breath, he posthumously conferred the title of Imperial Noble Consort Wuzong Wenke on Grand Noble Consort Ke and buried her with the ceremony of an Imperial Noble Consort.

It's important to understand that while Imperial Noble Consort Wenke was honored as a Noble Dowager Consort during her lifetime, this was essentially a routine honorific. The usual tributes from younger generations weren't counted, and all tributes were paid according to the rank of a consort. To put it bluntly, it was just a title. If Emperor Dingyi hadn't posthumously honored her, the historical records would still record her as Consort Wuzong Ke, Li, and her burial would have been according to the rules of a consort. Ultimately, Imperial Noble Consort Wenke wasn't Emperor Dingyi's great-grandmother, nor was she close to him. They only met a few times because of Li Qingping, so this posthumous honorific accorded her honor and respect.

"Imperial Noble Consort Wenke..." Li Qingping repeated the title several times, then shook his head with a wry smile. "It doesn't quite suit her. But let it be."

Qingyan is a very lively and restless person, but the title of Wen Ke seems to have trapped her spirit.

After Imperial Noble Consort Wen Ke left, Li Qingping was a little uncomfortable.

It's hard to adapt to not having someone around. Although the children often come to her to chat and relieve their boredom, the situation is different after all.

Under such inner loneliness, Li Qingping's health was getting worse and worse.

The days passed slowly as Li Qingping grew increasingly haggard. She grew thinner and her spirits diminished. She would often sit under the old tree in the yard for entire days, staring blankly into the distance, lost in her own thoughts. When her children came to visit, she would try to cheer herself up and chat with them with a smile, but her smile betrayed an undisguised weariness and loneliness.

Yuxi has been the one who has come most frequently recently. She grew up with Li Qingping since she was a child. Unlike Hexuan, she was taken to the front to study when she was only a few years old and could only come back occasionally to pay her respects.

Every time she came, she would bring homemade snacks, sit beside Li Qingping, and whisper about trivial matters in the mansion, trying to cheer her up: "In the past, I always relied on the fact that I was the most favored princess of my father. I was the emperor's concubine and the minister, and I didn't have to please my husband. I had never touched a single finger and couldn't even tell the difference between salt and sugar. Later, I fell in love with my concubine, and I was willing to try making things myself. I actually found some fun in it. This time, I made a new lotus cake. Mother, would you like to try it?"

Li Qingping opened his mouth slightly, took a small bite, swallowed it slowly, and praised with a smile: "Well, it's delicious. Our Cancan's cooking skills are getting better and better." But his words lacked the vitality of the past.

She said, "You are an old lady after all, so you should be careful when you enter the kitchen."

Yuxi nodded with red eyes: "Ah, my daughter knows."

He Xuan would often come over and walk with Li Qingping in the yard, reminiscing about the past: "Mother, do you still remember when I was a naughty child, I climbed a tree to pick fruit, fell down and broke my knee, and you applied medicine to me with heartache, but at the same time you couldn't help scolding me. I was really young and ignorant back then."

Li Qingping listened, a smile glimmering in her eyes. "Yes, you gave me a lot of worry back then. Of all your father's children, you were the most mischievous." She sighed, "It just so happened that I gave birth to you at an unlucky time, and you didn't have a sibling of similar age. So sometimes I wish you could be a little more mischievous. At least you could have fun and not be cooped up in the house all by yourself and get suffocated."

He Xuan held his mother's hand, which was already skin and bones.

"Actually, I was thinking at the time that your sister might be my only biological child in this lifetime." Li Qingping recalled the past: "I didn't show it when I was in the palace. Besides, your two aunts already had sons. I thought your father would not give me any more children."

Li Qingping smiled and said, "But maybe he really does like me a little." Thinking of Wuzong's words before his death, she said thankfully, "It's a good thing he sent you to me."

He Xuan laughed and then burst into tears: "My son feels lucky too. Being my mother's child is the luckiest thing in my life."

Li Qingping's health continued to decline. She often found it difficult to fall asleep at night, relying on her bed, listening to the wind outside the window and thinking about those who had left and the days that had passed. She knew her time was running out, but she didn't feel too much fear.

She had lived for so long, what was there to be afraid of? So many relatives were waiting for her down there.

After hearing about Li Qingping's physical condition, Emperor Dingyi sent imperial doctors to treat her many times and also sent many precious medicinal herbs and tonics, but none of these could stop her physical decline.

In the winter of the 13th year of Dingyi, when she was 99 years old, after a heavy snowfall, Li Qingping caught a cold and never recovered from the illness.

In front of the bed, the children and grandchildren sat together, their eyes full of worry and reluctance. Their eyes were red, but they did not dare to cry in front of her for fear of making her more sad.

"Grandma, you must get better soon. You promised to see me get married and have children." Min Chang held Li Qingping's hand and said with a sob.

Li Qingping smiled weakly, raised his hand and gently touched her face: "Silly girl, I'm afraid that grandma won't be able to wait for that day. You must be well and happy in the future."

He Xuan stood aside and said in a hoarse voice, "Mother, please don't say that. You are blessed with great fortune and will definitely get through this."

Li Qingping shook his head and slowly swept his gaze over the crowd, his eyes filled with kindness and longing: "I have experienced too many joys and sorrows in my life. Now I feel that I have lived enough and have no regrets. I just can't bear to leave you."

As the days passed, Li Qingping's breathing grew weaker, sometimes even falling into a coma. But whenever she regained consciousness, she would force herself to speak a few words to those around her. Sometimes, when the children asked her to stop and rest, she would glare at them.

Over time, the children just let her do what she wanted. Anyway, the most important thing now was to let the old lady finish her final journey happily. She could talk if she wanted to.

In the fourteenth year of Dingyi, the day before Li Qingping's 100th birthday, she had not eaten a single grain of rice and only drank half a cup of honey water.

In the afternoon, she had her couch carried to the foot of the old pomegranate tree in the courtyard. Her dark blue jacket with a dragon pattern draped over her knees rested on her shoulders, and in her arms she held the safety locks her children had worn when they were born. The things that had been used to protect the children's safety had finally been returned to her by them, hoping that the old lady's final days would be peaceful and painless.

The sun was setting in the west, and the little maids were squatting beside her, fanning her. Suddenly, she whispered, "Go and call the children. I have something to say."

In less than two quarters of an hour, the front of Songshou Hall was packed with people kneeling. He Xian, Yu Xi, Yu Lang, Hui Wen, Cheng Yi... grandchildren Zai Yuan, Zai Zhen, Min Yan, Min Chang, and even great-grandchildren Ling Qian, Jing Yi, and great-great-grandchildren Ting Qing. Even babies were brought in.

Everyone held their breath and listened to the old lady speak slowly.

"All my life, I've been told I'm lucky. I was able to marry into the imperial family as a concubine thanks to my two sisters. And that's actually true! So when I'm gone, I'll be buried with Imperial Noble Consort Wen Ke. It wouldn't be bad to be neighbors with Emperor Wuzong and Empress Ren Que."

Li Qingping spoke with considerable pride: "I'm going to celebrate my 100th birthday tomorrow, but unfortunately my body isn't up to the task! Everyone says people live to be a hundred, but how many can actually live to be a hundred peacefully? So I'm truly incredibly satisfied! It's a happy funeral, though! Don't cry like the sky is falling! I'm also afraid you'll get tired of me crying, so please send me off happily, okay?"

Everyone felt a little sad for a moment, but they still forced themselves to smile and said okay.

After she finished, she raised her hand and motioned for the children to come closer. She patted each of their heads, and finally her eyes fell on He Xuan and Yu Xi. She whispered, "Mom is leaving."

"Mother——" Yuxi rushed to the bed.

"Would you like to be your child in your next life?" Li Qingping asked the two children with a smile.

He Xuan and Yu Xi of course said yes.

Li Qingping was satisfied and looked at the children just waiting quietly.

Suddenly, there was a noise outside, and a bright yellow robe fluttered in the air. Emperor Dingyi, ignoring his dusty appearance and the stunned gazes of the crowd, walked past the crowd and knelt beside Li Qingping, his voice trembling: "Great-aunt! Ancestor!"

Li Qingping was also stunned and asked with a smile, "Why is the emperor here?"

There was still a little moisture on the ends of Emperor Dingyi's hair, probably from the sweat he had been sweating in his haste. The hem of his bright yellow dragon robe brushed against the blue bricks. He didn't even care about his appearance and reached out to touch Li Qingping's hand, but he seemed afraid of disturbing her, so his hand was suspended in mid-air and trembling slightly.

"How could I not come?" His voice tightened, his eyes reddening. His former imperial majesty was completely cast aside, leaving only the admiration and fear of a younger generation for their elders. "I heard that my great-aunt wasn't feeling well, so I finished my court affairs and rushed here without stopping. How...how are you feeling?"

Li Qingping couldn't help but sigh softly at his expression. She gestured for He Xuan to help her sit up a little. Her voice was soft but clear: "The Emperor is worth a fortune. How can you kneel down just like that? Didn't I tell you before? Your kneecaps are made to kneel to heaven, earth, and ancestors. Get up quickly! If outsiders see us, they'll think an old lady like me is being spoiled and humiliating the Emperor."

"Aren't you my ancestor?" Emperor Dingyi stubbornly refused to stand, his palm finally gently resting on the back of her hand. "In my heart, you're not just any old lady. You're the pillar of the Great Qi, my ancestor. Without you, how could I have the stable empire I enjoy today?"

Those hands had once lifted him up and taught him what to do when he was young and regent. Now...

Li Qingping listened to this, a hint of warmth in his eyes, and he smiled with a bit of helplessness: "Your Majesty, this is really embarrassing. The Great Qi Dynasty was passed down by our ancestors, and it was also secured by Your Majesty himself. It has little to do with an old man like me."

She paused, her gaze sweeping across the kneeling children and grandchildren in the room before returning to Emperor Dingyi. "Everyone must die. I've lived for a hundred years, experiencing five dynasties, and seeing off four emperors: your great-great-grandfather, your great-grandfather, your grandfather, and your father. I've watched you grow from a prince worried about gains and losses to the emperor you are today, capable of standing on your own two feet. I'm already content."

"Grandfather!" Emperor Dingyi interrupted her hastily, his voice rising suddenly, but fearing to frighten her, he quickly softened his tone. "I have already sent all the precious medicinal materials from the Imperial Hospital, and I have also issued an order for the governors of all regions to search for folk remedies. I am sure you will be cured."

Li Qingping shook his head firmly: "Your Majesty, don't let your heart be disturbed."

Emperor Dingyi choked up and said, "Grandfather, could you please not leave?"

Li Qingping looked at him with a smile on her face, her voice barely audible: "Your Majesty, what nonsense are you talking about?" She suddenly said, "Your Majesty, please go back. I am leaving too."

As she finished speaking, her eyes closed slightly, her hands slowly dropped, a smile still on her lips, as if she was just asleep.

On the third day of the third month of the fourteenth year of Dingyi, the Empress Dowager Li passed away in Songshou Hall of Prince Hua's mansion at the age of exactly one hundred.

Sunlight streamed into the room through the window, illuminating Li Qingping's serene face. She lay quietly on the bed, but she was no longer breathing.

The whole house was suddenly filled with cries. The children and grandchildren were heartbroken and knelt on the ground crying, unwilling to see the elder who loved them leave.

Emperor Dingyi stared at it blankly, and suddenly burst into tears.

During the funeral of the Grand Empress Dowager, the whole palace wore plain clothes and ate vegetarian food, and the court was suspended for three days. Emperor Dingyi personally went to the garden gate and knelt to send off the coffin. He also posthumously conferred Li Qingping the title of Imperial Noble Consort Xiao Zhaoding of Emperor Wuzong.

After the ceremony, he was buried.

As soon as this imperial decree was issued, there was an uproar in the court and the country. Without anyone questioning it first, He Xuan and Yu Xi entered the palace and knelt before Emperor Ding Yi, begging the emperor to revoke his order.

Filial piety, according to the rules, is reserved for the Empress. Although the Imperial Noble Consort is the Vice Empress, where is such a precedent? Not to mention being buried with the Empress's rites! Unheard of! Even if Li Qingping was their biological mother, she would still feel that this broke the rules. If Li Qingping were still alive, she would definitely not agree.

"My great-aunt, the Grand Emperor, lived through five dynasties, assisted numerous emperors, and devoted herself to the service of the Great Qi. She was truly a blessing to the Great Qi. Though she has passed away, her achievements and character should be recorded in the annals of history forever. Why shouldn't she deserve this honor?" Emperor Dingyi, however, had made up his mind. "My two elders, there's no need to persuade me. After all, the final word on what should be written in the history books rests with me, the Emperor."

He Xuan and Yu Xi saw that Emperor Ding Yi had made up his mind and knew that it was useless to persuade him any further. They could only look at each other helplessly, their eyes full of complicated emotions.

There is both joy that the mother has received this honor and worry about the consequences of breaking the regulations.

In the imperial court, this incident, like a huge rock dropped into a calm lake, stirred up a thousand waves. A number of veteran ministers submitted memorials, earnestly urging the Emperor Dingyi to revoke his order. They believed that this move violated ancestral rules and would disrupt the principles of royal funeral rites. Setting a precedent like this would make it difficult to convince the public in the future.

The Chief Censor was even more scathing, delivering an impassioned address to the court: "Your Majesty, the laws of our ancestors cannot be abolished. The established rules have their reasons. Although the Grand Empress Dowager, the Imperial Noble Consort, and the Grand Concubine are highly respected for their contributions, posthumously bestowing the title of 'Xiao' upon them and burying them with the rites of an empress are truly beyond the pale. Your Majesty, please reconsider!"

Emperor Dingyi sat on the dragon throne with a solemn expression, listening quietly to the advice of his ministers, but he showed no sign of being shaken.

After everyone had finished speaking, he slowly spoke, his voice steady and resolute: "My dear ministers, I understand your desire to abide by the rules, but the Grand Empress Dowager holds extraordinary significance for Great Qi. She has dedicated her entire life to Great Qi, serving five dynasties, stabilizing the court at critical moments, and assisting several emperors. Her achievements and character are far beyond the reach of these rules. I believe that posthumously conferring this honorific title and burying her with the rites of an empress will demonstrate Great Qi's respect and gratitude for her, and will ensure that future generations will remember her contributions."

"Everyone, you can't just pretend that everything our ancestors did in the past didn't happen, right?" Emperor Dingyi sneered, "If there were no ancestors, wouldn't you all like to think about which of my brothers is sitting in this position now?"

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone in Chao Shang shut up.

Hey, the Emperor has become more and more shrewd these years, so don't let him catch you in the act. So let's not talk about these past events!

The emperor refused to budge and was determined to do so, so it was decided.

The only imperial concubine in the history of the Qi Dynasty whose name begins with the character "Xiao" (filial piety) in the future, Imperial Concubine Xiao Zhaoding finally left a strong mark in the history books.

In later generations, people had many different opinions about her, but for Li Qingping, these posthumous events were no longer important.

She was finally reunited with her sisters and family.