Madam Pei's gaze shifted back and forth between Pei Minxue and Pei Zhi.

It's not her fault; the two people don't look alike at all.

Moreover, Pei Zhi bears no resemblance whatsoever to her deceased parents-in-law.

The story they told Pei Zhi was that she had been kidnapped by kidnappers.

Pei Minxue simply used this reason, saving him the trouble of making one up.

Madam Pei then realized that she had made a huge blunder.

Although Madam Pei saw His Majesty holding her sister's hand as soon as she entered the room, she guessed that she had misunderstood.

But she never expected that this was Minxue's younger sister.

Madam Pei held Pei Zhi's hand and said, "Sister, I'm so sorry, I'm really sorry for today."

"It's my fault, I didn't take good care of you. Please don't hold it against me."

As Madam Pei spoke, her eyes also reddened.

Madam Pei was now truly filled with remorse.

The younger sister-in-law returned home after a long and arduous journey, but her sister-in-law showed her no concern whatsoever.

The thought of her sister-in-law being so humiliated by her subordinates made Madam Pei feel extremely distressed.

Pei Zhi could tell that her sister-in-law was sincerely apologizing.

Pei Zhi was never the type to hold a grudge.

What's more, the person standing in front of her was her sister-in-law.

She is also the current matriarch of the Pei family and Pei Minxue's wife.

No matter the reason, Pei Zhi had to give him some face.

"It's alright, sister-in-law. It's my fault for not telling you beforehand."

Pei Minxue readily agreed, saying, "Yes, yes, it's my fault. I was too hasty. It's all my fault."

"I'll have the cook prepare a nice meal. Tonight, we'll have some drinks to celebrate that Pei Zhi has finally come home."

Madam Pei hurriedly said, "I'll go and keep an eye on them myself, and give them a good scolding while I'm at it."

Seeing that His Majesty still had a stern face, Pei Minxue immediately said, "Madam, I will go with you."

"These servants must be taught a good lesson."

Before leaving, Pei Minxue gave Pei Zhi a look, signaling her to go and see Xiao Chengci.

After Pei Minxue and his wife left, Pei Zhi put her hands behind her back and slowly walked up to Xiao Chengci.

"How is the Empress Dowager's health?"

Pei Zhi guessed that the Empress Dowager was probably alright.

Otherwise, Xiao Chengci and Pei Minxue wouldn't have been able to return before dinner.

"She is in very good health."

Pei Zhi nodded thoughtfully: "Oh."

Pei Zhi looked at Xiao Chengci charmingly, "Since the Empress Dowager is alright, as her son, you should be happy."

Pei Zhi bent down and pinched Xiao Chengci's cheek: "Why are you making such a long face?"

Xiao Chengci gently slapped Pei Zhi's hand away. "I was standing up for you, and you're still not happy?"

Pei Zhi understood, of course, that Xiao Chengci's serious demeanor was meant for his sister-in-law to see, so that she would remember it.

Pei Zhi shook her head: "No need."

“If my sister-in-law’s kindness to me is because she is afraid of Your Majesty, then there is no point in me staying in this family.”

Pei Zhi said softly, "However, I appreciate Your Majesty's kindness."

Xiao Chengci asked, "If she continues to mistreat you like this in the future, what should you do?"

"This incident was a misunderstanding. Once the misunderstanding is cleared up, let it go."

"If she continues like this in the future, then I will have no choice but to move out."

Pei Zhi shrugged, a hint of helplessness in her voice, and said, "After all, this is their home. She is her brother's wife, and they have a child."

"This used to be your home too."

Pei Zhi smiled and said, "His Majesty also said that this place used to be..."

"My parents are gone, so it can no longer be considered my home."

Xiao Chengci's heart stirred. "If you were to return today, your mother would not be very welcoming to you."

"How would you feel if your sister-in-law treated you so poorly?"

Pei Zhi seemed not to have thought of this question. She pondered for a moment, unsure how to answer.

"Would you try to please her, hoping she'd treat you well?"

Pei Zhi immediately said, "How could that be?"

Pei Zhi looked at Xiao Chengci with a look of utter disbelief. "Your Majesty, do I really look that kind of good-natured?"

"Today's situation is that my sister-in-law doesn't recognize me, and there was a misunderstanding, which I can barely accept."

“If my mother were still alive, and she treated me so indifferently, then I would have no mother in this world.”

"From now on, we'll only offer incense to her after she dies."

Xiao Chengci seemed to be deep in thought after hearing Pei Zhi's words.

Look, Pei Zhi, a woman, is so open-minded, while he, an emperor, cannot understand it.

When his father was still alive, Emperor Xiao treated Xiao Chengci very well.

Xiao Chengci wouldn't care; much of his mother's love was directed towards Shang Huai.

Pei Zhi is gone, and so is the Emperor. Xiao Chengci is beset by internal and external troubles.

At that time, Xiao Chengci actually needed his mother's care.

But no, his mother still focused her attention on Shang Huai.

Even though the Empress Dowager knew perfectly well that Shang Huai had almost killed him.

But as soon as Shang Huai admitted his mistake, his mother immediately forgave him.

Pei Zhi noticed that Xiao Chengci's expression was off: "What's wrong with you?"

How could an emperor show such a vulnerable expression?

Xiao Chengci didn't want to talk. He reached out and hugged Pei Zhi's waist, leaning against her without saying a word.

Pei Zhi paused for a moment, then reached out and patted Xiao Chengci's head.

My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!