"Madam, I understand what you mean. You want to use this gold medal to exchange for the Emperor's decree to betroth your eldest son, Zheng Donghai, to the Zhou family, right?" Shen Jiaojiao summarized.
Madam Wu nodded: "That's right. My family no longer lives in the capital city, but in Peach Blossom Town, which is closest to the capital. I was lucky today and met the Crown Princess as soon as I entered the city. I'm an old woman and have never been to the palace before. I was thinking if I could ask you for help. I'm really grateful."
"I had no choice. That wretched child said he would send Xue'er away in three days, so I had to risk my old life to protect my grandson."
Mrs. Wu was genuinely angry. It was one thing if her son was gone, but her grandson was still young and couldn't be harmed.
“Madam, you flatter me. Since that’s the case, and time is of the essence, let’s set off now. I’ll take you to the palace and try my best to get things done today.” After making her decision, Shen Jiaojiao immediately stood up.
He turned to Zhang Shi and Wenrou and said, "I have to go to the palace first. You two can handle the rest for now. I'll come back to the estate to find you when I'm done."
The Zhang mother and daughter nodded in agreement and watched the group leave.
Shen Jiaojiao led the three Wu family members into her carriage, and Zhou Tianqi drove the carriage quickly towards the palace.
Upon arriving at the palace gate, they saw that it was a carriage from the Crown Prince's residence, and the guards immediately let them through. Soon after, they arrived outside the main hall.
Shen Jiaojiao asked Zhou Tianqi to wait outside with Wu Shi and the other two, while she went in first to pay her respects to the Emperor and explain the matter.
"Greetings, Father Emperor! May Your Majesty enjoy boundless blessings and peace!"
"Get up, we're family, no need to be so polite."
Chu Batian was quite surprised; this was the first time his daughter-in-law had come to see him. He must have something on her mind.
"Jiaojiao, is there something you need to see your father today?"
After bowing, Shen Jiaojiao asked, "Does Father Emperor still remember Marquis Cheng'en?"
Chu Batian became serious. Of course he remembered the title of Marquis Chengen. Before his father died, he was assassinated once, but was saved by the Zheng family, which is why he was granted the title.
That's not the main point. The main point is that his father, in a moment of madness, granted him a pardon.
He had been keeping an eye on things over the years, but fortunately, the family lived a very ordinary life, had a small number of members, and the head of the household wasn't very capable, so it didn't have much of an impact.
His concern was that the gold medal might end up with some powerful figure and be used for nefarious purposes. Fortunately, the medal was awarded secretly, and few people knew about it, at least not Zheng Donghai.
With just one sentence, Chu Batian's mind raced with thoughts. He remained silent for a long time before looking up at Shen Jiaojiao: "Oh, I remember. Did something happen to his family?"
Unless it's murder or arson, or something truly heinous, let's give them face and take the items back first.
If someone commits a serious offense, they can be released and punished later when the time is right.
Various thoughts raced through his mind.
Shen Jiaojiao looked at his sharp eyes, wondering what he was thinking. She quickly explained, "Your Majesty, the Chengen Marquis's family is currently living in Peach Blossom Village. There are four of them. The old lady, Madam Wu, has brought a pardon and wants to exchange it for an imperial decree."
Chu Batian's breathing quickened, his eyes widened, and he asked urgently, "What decree does she want?"
"Mrs. Wu wants to remove her son Zheng Donghai from the family genealogy and place him in the Zhou family to take care of his two children. Then, she wants to register her grandsons Zheng Xuan and Zheng Xue under the name of her youngest son who died young." Shen Jiaojiao stated her request as concisely as possible.
Chu Batian's mind went blank for a second. He had been speculating about conspiracy theories for a long time, but his mind couldn't process it.
Looking at Shen Jiaojiao, her eyes seemed a little dazed. What did that mean?
Why would someone abandon their own son to become someone else's father and take care of someone else's child?
How did the world become so chaotic that I don't recognize it anymore? Am I just too old?
I understand every single word, so why can't I understand this?
"Hey, Jiaojiao, what's going on? I don't understand." Chu Batian couldn't figure it out, so he had to ask.
Shen Jiaojiao had no choice but to tell the story of how Zhou Ran saved Zheng Donghai and left behind two children, including the subsequent plan to arrange a marriage between the two families' children.
Chu Batian finally understood. So, he had been rescued and wanted the two children to repay his kindness, but his mother disagreed and wanted to drive him away.
Looking at it this way, there's nothing wrong with it. But this old woman is really something else. In all my years, this is the first time I've ever heard of someone kicking their son out.
Such a simple imperial edict could bring back my father's gold medal; it's a sure win.
And they haven't even come over to ask for a reward yet, hmm!
We must satisfy her.
"Yes, I agree. I will write down the imperial edict now."
Chu Batian didn't wait a moment longer and immediately began writing, quickly handing the imperial edict to Shen Jiaojiao.
"Alright, the imperial edict is here. Jiaojiao, you can take it to her later!"
After a moment's thought, Chu Batian added, "By the way, these three are old and young. I'm afraid they won't be able to control that bastard son when they get back. Jiaojiao, could you please make a trip there yourself and send them back? Take a lot of people with you and spread the word properly. We can't let the old lady be bullied!"
After all, he had indeed saved his elderly father in the past.
Shen Jiaojiao readily agreed, saying it was a small matter and she also wanted to take the opportunity to see that scumbag's son.
And those Zhou family children are probably going to cause trouble, and while they're at it, they'll teach them a lesson.
"Yes, Father, rest assured, I will complete the mission!"
"Hahaha! Good!" Chu Batian was in a great mood seeing her so energetic.
Leaving the main hall, Shen Jiaojiao carried a box containing an imperial edict and strode away.
The three women from the Wu family were waiting outside. When they saw Shen Jiaojiao come out with the box, they quickly asked, "Your Highness, how did things go?"
Shen Jiaojiao picked up the box triumphantly and shook it twice: "Don't worry, the Emperor has already written the imperial edict, everything is fine!"
"That's wonderful!" Madam Wu knelt down with her two grandsons and kowtowed in gratitude towards the main hall.
After thanking them, Shen Jiaojiao helped the old lady up and slowly walked towards the palace gates: "Old lady, let's go back quickly. The Emperor said that I should personally escort you back."
Lady Wu was deeply moved. She understood that the Emperor was giving her face: "Alright! I'll be going now! Thank you, Crown Princess."
She's standing a bit straighter now, which is a good thing. She needs to hold on; her grandson is waiting for her to take care of him!
You must live well.
Wu was too excited to express it, but she held it in.
Upon arriving at the palace gate, they found themselves in the same carriage they had arrived in. The group boarded the carriage and slowly drove out of the city.
Zhou Tianqi also dispatched a team of men to follow behind. The men who came were few in number, but they left much more imposing.
Zheng Donghai, who was still having dinner with the Zhou family at a restaurant in town, had no idea what awaited him next.
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