"I never imagined my sister would be doing matchmaking and escorting work in the palace." The Empress arrived.

"Greetings, Your Majesty the Empress."

Everyone bowed and greeted each other.

"Rise." The Empress bypassed the crowd and took the main seat.

"Your Majesty, I have come today to ask you something." After saying this, Yang Cui knelt before the Empress.

To be honest, she was reluctant to kneel, but in this society, it was impossible not to kneel when facing imperial power.

"Get up and speak."

"This humble woman wishes to ask Your Majesty the Empress to inform the world on my behalf that my heart belongs only to my deceased husband and I have no intention of remarrying!"

As soon as Yang Cui finished speaking, the Empress and Consort Hui were both stunned.

"Lady De'an, what do you mean by this?" Consort Hui's face was full of anger. She had just acted as matchmaker for her, and she immediately had the Empress announce to the world that she deeply loved Cen Xiao and had decided never to marry!

What does it mean to have the Empress intervene?

This means I will never go back on my word!

Yang Cui was also worried that Consort Hui might overthink things, so she immediately explained, "Your Highness Consort Hui, I thank you for your kindness, but I only have Cen Xiao in my heart and do not intend to remarry. Actually, I came to the palace today to talk to the Empress about this matter. I really did not expect you to care about me so much. I have failed to appreciate your kindness. Please forgive me."

No matter who she marries next, no one will love her like Cen Xiao does.

Saying she would never remarry herself wasn't enough. But if the Empress posted a notice to announce it to the world, it would be a different story. Yang Cui wouldn't be able to go back on her word, and others would believe that she really wouldn't remarry. That way, the problem would be solved once and for all.

"Consort Hui, your second brother is sixteen years older than Lady De'an, old enough to be her father, and you still have the nerve to introduce him?" the Empress retorted directly.

"Your Majesty, my second brother is indeed older than her, but if she remarries, it will be her third marriage. How many men would be willing to marry her? Besides, apart from being a bit older, my second brother is excellent in every other way," Consort Hui said bluntly. "Please don't take offense at my harsh words, my brother is older than you, but with your qualifications, it's already very fortunate that you've found someone like my second brother. If you want to find someone better than my brother, unless your ancestors' graves are exceptionally lucky!"

“Consort Hui is right. I was ungrateful and failed to live up to your kindness. However, my heart belongs only to my late husband. I beg Your Majesty the Empress and Consort Hui to grant my request.”

"Xiao Cui, I know you are saddened by General Cen's recent passing, but you are still young. You can consider remarrying if a suitable person comes along in the future." The Empress did not think there was anything wrong with remarrying.

The imperial court also encouraged widows to remarry, but the common people still could not accept it.

"Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty. My mind is made up. In a few days, I will take the children and Cen Xiao's ashes back to my hometown."

What was buried before wasn't actually Cen Xiao's ashes, but just some clothes. In this era, everyone believes in returning to one's roots, so Yang Cui wanted to take Cen Xiao's ashes back to her hometown for burial.

"This matter requires my discussion with His Majesty."

...

After Yang Cui took her leave, the Empress returned to the Jiaofang Palace and then instructed her trusted eunuch to inform the Emperor of the matter.

The Emperor, who was discussing matters with the Third Prince, Chen Shaoyun, and Grand Secretary Jiang Ying in the warm pavilion, was shocked to hear of this.

"Yang is truly devoted," the emperor remarked.

Chen Shaoyun felt bitter inside, and for the first time, he began to feel jealous of someone.

However, he quickly concealed his true feelings and said, "Indeed devoted, but..."

"But what?"

"Your Majesty, I believe that the Empress should not make this public announcement."

After Chen Shaoyun finished speaking, the emperor's first reaction was that Chen Shaoyun had ulterior motives!

The Emperor looked at Chen Shaoyun with suspicion, his eyes seeming to say: Do you want to marry her?