Lunch was naturally eaten at the farmhouse; it was a simple farm meal, but the four of them enjoyed it immensely.

Rice cereal, in particular, is Beibei's absolute favorite.

"Jiaojiao, the Empress Dowager said she wants to visit the Grand Empress Dowager some time ago."

On the way back, Kangxi thought of what the Empress Dowager had said to him that morning, and mentioned it to Harigana.

"When are we going? Are we going?"

She was not surprised.

No matter how bad Bumbutai was, she was a member of the Borjigit people and the Empress Dowager of the Qing Dynasty.

It's been almost a year since she went to the Summer Palace last year. It wouldn't be right if the Empress Dowager didn't go and visit her.

Besides, it's 1683 now, and according to historical records, she doesn't have many years left to live.

As long as we can keep her under control for the next five years and prevent her from causing any trouble, that should be fine.

"No need, the Empress Dowager wants to depart in five days; the time is too rushed."

Even if we were to go, it wouldn't be until July or August.

Moreover, the Empress Dowager intends to bring the Grand Empress Dowager back with her this time.

Harigana was somewhat surprised to be brought back.

But it's good that she's back; under Kangxi's watchful eye, she can't do whatever she wants.

"That's good. She's all alone in such a faraway place, and you're worried about her too."

If Mother could persuade her to come back, that would be wonderful, then you wouldn't have to worry.

Emperor Kangxi felt a warmth in his heart; his beloved Jiaojiao was so kind.

As soon as Harigana returned to the palace, the Empress Dowager sent someone to invite her to the Ning Shou Palace.

It was obvious that I was going to tell her about going to Mount Wutai.

Sure enough, after seeing Harigana, the Empress Dowager explained the matter to her clearly.

In less than a month, it will be Emperor Kangxi's birthday celebration, which will also be the first birthday banquet for his two children. Bumbutai must attend.

"Empress Dowager, will she really listen to your advice and come back?"

Harigana was somewhat worried.

The relationship between the Empress Dowager and Bumbutai was already completely broken, and this trip was again because of their two children.

Not to mention the hardships of the journey, even the Empress Dowager might very well send the Empress Dowager back.

"Don't worry, Mother has a way."

Hearing the Empress Dowager's confident words, Harigana did not ask any further questions: "Then I will have people prepare the Cining Palace and wait for Eji and the Grand Empress Dowager to return to the palace together."

"Okay! Let Li Dequan handle it, don't send your own people, don't cause trouble."

The Empress Dowager spoke frankly and without any reservations.

Eight days later, at Mount Wutai.

The Empress Dowager looked at the Empress Dowager sitting opposite her with a stern face. Although she did not say anything harsh, the expression on her face revealed her true feelings.

"Mother, you should know what Qiqige means. When shall we set off?"

The Empress Dowager pretended not to see Bumbutai's dark face and looked at her with a smile, her face full of respect.

No matter who it is, they can't find any fault with it.

"Qiqige, I'm not going back. The truth is good."

As for Emperor Xuan Ye's birthday celebration, I am old, and even if I went back, it would be of no use.

It's better to hide here in peace and quiet.

The Empress Dowager glanced at Bumbutai, said nothing, and then casually peeked at what was inside her sleeve.

It was just a glance; I looked at it and then put it away.

Bumbutai stared at her wide-eyed in disbelief: "You!"

The Empress Dowager didn't say anything, and naturally the Grand Empress Dowager wouldn't dare to say anything either.

Both of them knew they had secret guards around them, and dared not let Kangxi know about this matter.

"Eji, go back with Qiqige. The Empress has instructed Li Dequan to have your Cining Palace cleaned up thoroughly, just waiting for your return."

Bumbutai's eyes were bloodshot, and he was panting heavily with anger.

Is the Empress Dowager sad?

Of course it's sad, since we're from the same tribe, and even blood relatives.

But she went too far!

In the past six months, she has learned a lot about Harigana because of Saenjiya.

She had a very difficult childhood, and just when her health improved, Emperor Kangxi forcibly brought her into the palace.

Fortunately, Emperor Kangxi truly loved her and gave her the exclusive favor that many women in the world desired.

She has a good temperament, is neither arrogant nor impatient, but she is a bit lazy.

The child is well-behaved and very close to her.

Now that she has chosen Harigana, we must clear the obstacles in her way.

If the Empress Dowager hadn't gone too far, why would she have used this matter to threaten her?

After all, it's not a very honorable thing to do.

"Qiqige, you're really great."

Bumbutai suppressed the urge to curse: "Su Ma, pack your things, we're going back to the capital tomorrow!"

The Empress Dowager breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing her words.

No matter what method is used, as long as the goal is achieved, that's fine.

"Empress is wise; she truly cares deeply for the Emperor."

Bumbutai didn't speak, her eyes fixed on her cuffs, which the Empress Dowager deliberately tucked in.

This thing was her secret, and also the Empress Dowager's greatest weakness.

Want to go back?

impossible!

In the palace, Kangxi received a message from the Empress Dowager sent back by fast horse, and along with information relayed to him by his secret guards, he knew that the Empress Dowager possessed a secret of the Grand Empress Dowager.

"Oh!"

He placed the letter on the desk, leaned back in his chair, and began to stare blankly.

He had a guess in his heart about what the Empress Dowager used to make the Grand Empress Dowager compromise.

He heard his father and mother arguing when he was very young, but he didn't understand it at the time.

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