When Emperor Mingde asked, he had to bow and reply, "Your Majesty, my term is coming to an end this year." He did not give a complete answer.

"Well, since his term is over, let him return to the capital to report on his duties, and then we'll make further arrangements." Emperor Mingde did not press the matter further.

Hearing this, the Empress Dowager knew that her beloved grandson had achieved his goal, so she said, "I am tired. Emperor, it is your birthday today. You should also visit the Empress."

After she finished speaking, she was helped up by Granny Zhong. The Empress Dowager stood up, and everyone else naturally followed suit. Emperor Mingde said, "Your subject will escort the Empress Dowager back to the palace to rest."

"Today is your birthday, and all my ministers are here. I must not spoil everyone's fun because of me. Ah Jun, just accompany me back." She was afraid that if she was not there, Zhao Shu would incur the wrath of the crowd again.

Zhao Shu was reluctant to leave. If she left, Consort Hao would sit back in her original seat, and all her efforts would be in vain.

But since the Empress Dowager had said so, there was no way to stay. So she went to the Empress Dowager's side and, with Zhong Mama on either side, helped her up, saying, "Grandmother, after I take you back, I will go and pay my respects to my aunt, okay? I haven't seen my aunt for a long time."

Emperor Mingde and Empress had a falling out, but no matter what, she was still his wife, whom he had married and who was different from others. He was not displeased that Zhao Shu wanted to visit the Empress on his birthday.

The Crown Prince was touched by Zhao Shu's words and bowed deeply to express his gratitude.

The Empress Dowager couldn't help but sigh. It was truly remarkable that the younger generation had managed to achieve this. It was a pity that the Empress herself was so useless, and she ended up in a dead end from which she never came out. Foolish people sometimes have foolish luck, which is the envy of others.

She glanced at Consort Hao and said to Zhang Chu, "Give my red agate and pearl headdress to the Empress."

She used the word "pass on" instead of "reward" or "bestow," which means that the mother-in-law passed on the knowledge to her daughter-in-law.

Zhang Chu had served the Empress Dowager for decades, so he knew exactly what she meant. She hated seductive concubines the most, especially those who tried to take the place of the principal wife!

He glanced at Consort Hao, whose eyes were filled with anger yet who was trying to maintain a dignified and proper demeanor, and raised his voice to ask, "Is it the set of red agate and pearl headdress worn by the founding empress of the previous dynasty?"