Chapter 82
No one wanted to have children more than she did.
"Qingnian, you and Xuan'er should work harder and try to give birth to your eldest son before he ascends the throne. When he does, you should make your eldest son the crown prince!" The emperor's tone was dignified, but also kind.
Shen Qingnian was somewhat surprised. She hadn't expected that the emperor would have the idea of abdicating and would even say it so openly. Since ancient times, which emperor hadn't sat on the dragon throne until his death before abdicating?
Thinking this, she subconsciously looked at Song Xuan.
Song Xuan's expression turned somewhat somber, his gentle eyes now showing a hint of seriousness: "Father is still young, he should not say such things."
Today is the day for the tea ceremony, and it's hard for him not to think deeply about what his father said.
Shen Qingnian then concealed the surprise in her eyes. She respectfully presented the teacup to the Emperor. After taking a sip, the Emperor instructed a palace servant to bring over a brocade box containing priceless agate and pearls.
The gifts were standard, but it's common for the mother-in-law to give gifts when the new bride serves tea; for the emperor to give gifts already shows great importance.
Shen Qingnian kowtowed to thank the Emperor and Empress. Even though she was unwell, she was very proper and graceful, behaving like a Crown Princess.
The Empress's eyes were filled with laughter as she said repeatedly, "Get up quickly. You were busy all day yesterday with your wedding, so there's no need for such formalities today."
From Shen Qingnian's perspective, she is quite satisfied.
Next, the Empress talked to Shen Qingnian for a long time, while the Emperor left to deal with state affairs. Song Xuan stayed in Fengyi Palace to accompany Shen Qingnian and the Empress.
The two stayed in Fengyi Palace until they finished breakfast before leaving hand in hand.
The old nanny beside the Empress watched the two leave and couldn't help but sigh, "His Highness the Crown Prince is truly very fond of the Crown Princess."
During breakfast just now, His Highness the Crown Prince served the Crown Princess food several times, and his tastes were also tailored to the Crown Princess's. If he didn't like it very much, why would he pay attention to such small things?
The Empress's smile gradually faded, and she sighed softly, "The Crown Princess is impeccable in character, but the powerful figure behind her is..."
The eldest son of the Shen family is currently at the border. He led his troops to wipe out a surprise attack by a neighboring country's army, and thus earned some merit.
Shen Zheng's recent actions have really gone too far. Although he has given away most of his wealth, he has also used this opportunity to win over many officials who speak out against him.
Shen Zheng also made meritorious contributions on the border. Although it was not a great achievement, it was a testament to his loyalty. It would wash away the prejudice against him as a young master from a noble family, make the general take him seriously, and gradually give him some tasks and opportunities to show his talent.
If Shen Zheng were to achieve something significant, it's hard to say whether Shen Zheng would take advantage of him...
Although the empress and emperor were not supposed to interfere in politics, the empress and emperor had an excellent relationship. The empress was aware of most of the affairs of the court and would occasionally share some of the emperor's burdens.
Therefore, the Empress knew about Shen Zheng's affairs. In just a few months, Shen Zheng's reputation as Prime Minister gradually faded. He used most of the Shen family's wealth not only to gain fame but also to win over some officials who dared to speak out.
This series of events, coupled with Shen Qingnian's appearance and Shen Zheng's current situation, if it's a coincidence, then it's truly too much of a coincidence...
Seeing the Empress's worry, the nanny beside her comforted her, saying, "The Crown Princess is a sensible person, and the Crown Prince is not confused either. What you can think of, the Crown Prince may also think of."
The Empress looked worried, and she nodded:
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