When Emperor Mingde learned that Zhen Qizhong had been kidnapped, he was furious.

Xie Yun and Yan Shiren were standing nearby. The two exchanged a glance, and Xie Yun said, "Your Majesty, the princess is still young. Why not let the Fourth Prince handle this matter? It would be good for him to gain some experience."

“Yes, Your Majesty, the Fourth Prince has a really bad reputation among the people. If you don’t allow him to make meritorious contributions, how will he be able to stand on his own feet in the world in the future?” Yan Shiren chimed in.

Emperor Mingde ordered Zhao Shu to find handsome men in order to make things difficult for Prince Yong's mansion. Now Xie Yun's words make a lot of sense; Zhao Bi's reputation is indeed not good.

He was caught in a dilemma.

Seeing his silence, Xie Yun pressed on, saying, "Your Majesty, parents who love their children plan far ahead for them."

In fact, after what happened a few days ago, Emperor Mingde was no longer particularly fond of Zhao Bi, but Zhao Bi was still much different in his heart.

He thought for a moment, then nodded. "Granted."

As soon as Emperor Mingde's imperial edict was issued, Zhao Shu tidied himself up and entered the palace. He did not go to see the Empress Dowager, but went directly to see Emperor Mingde.

This time when she entered the palace, she specially wore plain clothes, and removed the silk flowers and pearl hairpins from her hair, only combing her hair into a bun. She looked extremely simple, and anyone with discerning eyes could tell at a glance that someone in her family had passed away.

Upon receiving the imperial decree, Zhao Bi immediately entered the palace, but unfortunately, he encountered Zhao Shu in front of the Taihe Hall.

When Liang Yunsi reported that the two men were requesting an audience, Emperor Mingde did not dismiss Xie Yun and the others, but instead said, "Summon them in."

"Why is Sister A-Jun dressed so plainly?" Zhao Bi asked.

Actually, he was dressed very simply today, which showed some affection for Zhao Yan.

Zhao Shu did not answer, and followed Liang Yunsi into the Taihe Hall.

Emperor Mingde glanced at them and was quite satisfied with their impeccable attire, which was neither ostentatious nor tinged with even a hint of red.

As soon as Zhao Shu saw Emperor Mingde, she started crying miserably and knelt down on the ground with a thud. "Uncle Emperor... Ah Jun..." She almost fainted as soon as she started crying. Her face was pale and her expression was so mournful that from Xie Yun's perspective, she looked like she was heartbroken and had no will to live.

Emperor Mingde quickly had Liang Yunsi help her up, saying, "It's not your fault, it's not your fault. Don't cry. You're so old and you're still crying. People will laugh at you."

"Whoever dares to laugh, my royal uncle will definitely not let him laugh at Ah Jun... Ah Jun is sorry, royal uncle, Ah Jun has failed in his duties..." She started crying again.

Xie Yun and Yan Shi lowered their heads, desperately trying to suppress their laughter, but at this moment they still had to stand up and say, "The princess is still young, it's no problem, it's no problem. We would never dare to make fun of the princess."

"Uncle, look, they don't dare to laugh. Ah Jun is feeling bad. Please let Ah Jun cry for a while." Zhao Shu went all out and started crying. She was only a teenager, and although it was quite embarrassing to wail, she was a girl.

Besides, the squeaky wheel gets the grease.

Emperor Mingde was uneasy at Zhao Shu's crying, while Zhao Bi was completely bewildered. Could someone really act like this in front of the emperor? He actually wanted to imitate her, but as a man, he couldn't cry with the same confidence as a woman.

"Alright, alright, be good, don't cry. I'll give you something nice, okay? Liang Yunsi, go to the storeroom and pick out some good things for the princess to send to Prince Yong's residence." He was also afraid of Zhao Shu. Xie Yun and the others were here. If he punished them, it would be bullying a child, not to mention that this child had a very high reputation.

Although he wanted to force the Prince Yong's mansion to take sides, the Prince Yong was not present, and if he rashly punished Zhao Shu, it might lead to bad consequences.

It's better to be cautious.

In a flash, he decided to coax Zhao Shu properly.

Liang Yunsi praised Zhao Shu, saying that being young is indeed an invincible weapon.

Upon hearing that there would be a reward, Zhao Shu immediately wiped away her tears and smiled, "A-Jun thanks you, Imperial Uncle. Imperial Uncle is the best. Long live Imperial Uncle!"

At this moment, she wished she would never reach the age of marriage and could always remain a carefree young girl.

Emperor Mingde shook his head and waved his hand, "I still have state affairs to attend to. Ah Jun, go and see your imperial grandmother."

He is currently troubled. He has regained power, but he is facing provocations from the Hunnic Kingdom, and he has no confidence that he can find a man more handsome than Dorita in the short term.

Seeing that she had the upper hand, Zhao Shu politely bowed and left the Taihe Hall, sobbing. As soon as she stepped out, she concealed the fear in her eyes and glanced back at the hall. The magnificent Golden Palace was the dream of many, and also the place where many souls returned to the underworld.

Upon arriving at Cining Palace, Zhao Shu found that the Empress Dowager had already retired for the night, and she did not see her. However, she did see Ji Yun and the others packing their things. "Princess, you've arrived. Unfortunately, the Empress Dowager has just retired. Why don't you go to the side hall to rest for a while and wait for the Empress Dowager?"

Zhao Shu shook her head. "Why pack your things? Is Grandmother going on a long trip?" Recalling the information that had been sent out from the palace, she looked listless. Grandmother and Crown Prince must be feeling sad.

Ji Yun forced a smile. "The Empress Dowager will be going to Xinhuguo Temple to pray for the country in a few days. Princess, please spend more time with the Empress Dowager. She is suffering."

"Okay." Zhao Shu said and walked towards the side hall, but instead of entering the side hall, she went to the small kitchen.

At this moment, Jin Xi was busy, ordering the little palace maid around in circles.

"Aunt Jinxi, what are you making?" She went in and found a lot of snacks on the table, and a lot of meat of all kinds on the shelves on both sides. They smelled so good that her mouth watered just by smelling them.

Unfortunately, she doesn't have much of an appetite right now.

Jin Xi turned around and saw her, quickly wiped her hands and came over, pushing her out, "Princess, what are you doing here? Go back quickly, lest you get the smell of smoke."

"I've come to make something for my grandmother."

Jin Xi stopped pushing the food away. She knew the Empress Dowager was in a bad mood and said, "Fine, the Empress Dowager might like what you made."

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