Seeing that the Empress Dowager's expression was getting worse, Emperor Zhaojing quickly said, "Empress, please serve tea to your grandmother first."
"Yes." Rong Qingqing broke free from Xie Jingrun's hand.
Xie Jingrun did not insist, and knelt down with her on the mat that had been laid out on the ground.
Rong Qingqing took the teacup from Lin Mama, raised it above her head, and presented it to the Empress Dowager, saying, "Grandmother, please have some tea."
The Empress Dowager glanced at her indifferently, feeling quite dissatisfied with her, but still accepted the teacup, took a symbolic sip, and then took a box from Lin Mama and handed it to Rong Qingqing, saying, "I don't have anything good to give you, but you can wear this bracelet for fun."
Normally, elders would take the gifts out of the box and hand them to the bride personally. However, the Empress Dowager not only did not do this, but her tone was also lukewarm, which made people feel uncomfortable.
Rong Qingqing smiled and reached out to take it, saying, "Thank you, Grandmother."
Xie Jingrun frowned slightly, but refrained from saying anything. Instead, he reached out and helped her up.
When it came to serving tea to Emperor Zhaojing, the treatment was completely different.
He smiled and took the teacup Rong Qingqing offered, took a sip, then took the thickly wrapped red envelope from Haifu, handed it to Rong Qingqing, and said some words of encouragement.
"Thank you, Father Emperor." Rong Qingqing thanked him sincerely. She could feel that Emperor Zhaojing truly accepted her, even if it was because of Xie Jingrun. But that was enough; at least he didn't embarrass her.
Emperor Zhaojing turned to Xie Jingrun and said, "I am very satisfied with Qingqing as my daughter-in-law. Now that you have married her, you must treat her well and never let her suffer any grievances."
"Your subject understands." Unlike his tense demeanor when facing the Empress Dowager, Xie Jingrun's expression softened.
"Get up quickly." Emperor Zhaojing gestured with his hand.
Xie Jingrun then helped Rong Qingqing to her feet.
At this moment, Feng Mo, Rong Yiyi, and Feng Xin walked in together.
The three stepped forward and paid their respects to the Empress Dowager and the Emperor Emeritus.
The Empress Dowager was quite excited to see Feng Mo, whom she hadn't seen for a long time.
"Mo'er, come here quickly, let your grandmother take a look at you."
Feng Mo did as instructed and moved a little closer.
The Empress Dowager's face immediately showed concern, "You've lost weight and gotten darker..."
Seeing the heartache on the old woman's face, Feng Mo's expression softened slightly, and he said with a smile, "Grandmother, your grandson has become stronger."
The Empress Dowager wiped the moisture from the corners of her eyes with a handkerchief and glared at Emperor Zhaojing.
He thought to himself, "Such a good child, why didn't he pass the throne to him? Instead, he passed it on to a son he recognized halfway through his life. I don't know what kind of heart he has."
Emperor Zhaojing naturally saw the Empress Dowager's reproachful look. He did feel somewhat indebted to his son Feng Mo, so he didn't say anything.
The Empress Dowager's gaze fell on Rong Yiyi, her eyes showing more affection than before, and she said, "Yiyi, come here."
Rong Yiyi stepped forward happily and said, "Royal grandmother."
The Empress Dowager took her hand, feeling quite emotional.
She initially looked down on her, but the fact that she traveled all the way to Xuzhou to take care of her grandson made her look at her differently.
"You're a good person," she said with emotion, her eyes still glancing at Rong Qingqing out of the corner of her eye.
Rong Qingqing saw it and the corners of her mouth curled up slightly.
If the Empress Dowager is satisfied with Rong Yiyi, then she is satisfied. But why does she have to praise her while secretly glaring at her?
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