"Shangguan girl, I remember you'll be sixteen next month."
Qi Jingling said, then gently raised his hand towards Qi Yufeng, "Second brother, come here."
"..."
Having received Qi Jingling's order, Qi Yufeng had no choice but to obey. He walked slowly to stand beside Mo Shisheng, his usually carefree face bearing an unusual seriousness.
This realization only amplified the unease in Mo Shisheng's heart.
Qi Jingling first mentioned her age, then called Qi Yufeng over. She remembered that in ancient times, women were expected to marry upon reaching sixteen. Looking at all the people in the room, and with Shangguan Leiting even summoned to the palace, could it be that they were really going to arrange a marriage for her?
As it turns out, Mo Shisheng's guess was absolutely correct, and quite accurate.
“Shangguan girl, the second prince’s mother used to have a very good relationship with your mother, but her health has been deteriorating in recent years, so she did not come today.”
Listening to Qi Jingling's explanation, Mo Shisheng felt as if she were surrounded by traps, and that she would fall into them if she wasn't careful. So she just listened quietly to whatever Qi Jingling said without offering any opinions.
"The second son is two years older than you, and his personality is also suitable for you. Shangguan girl, how about I betroth you to the second son today?" Seeing that Mo Shisheng had not responded, Qi Jingling went straight to the point and expressed his thoughts.
"Absurd! Ridiculous!"
Just as Mo Shisheng was frowning and thinking of what to say in response, a muffled thud mixed with a faint shout of anger came from behind her. She subconsciously turned around to look.
Upon closer inspection, it was the Empress Dowager, who slammed her scepter against the ground twice, her voice radiating authority: "His Majesty summoned me today only to present me with such a farce."
Upon hearing the Empress Dowager's words, a hint of displeasure flashed across Qi Jingling's brows. He said in a deep voice, "Mother, the Second Prince is not old enough. What kind of behavior is it if he doesn't establish a consort?"
"Has Your Majesty forgotten who is standing here?!"
The Empress Dowager grew increasingly agitated, and she stood up, leaning on her scepter. Empress Nan Jingxun, who was sitting beside her, immediately stood up to help her, but the Empress Dowager pushed her away, saying, "Get out of my way! If I hadn't come today, wouldn't you all have treated me like a fool?"
She walked straight up to Mo Shisheng, and because of her height, she had to tilt her head slightly to look at him.
Upon discovering that Mo Shisheng hadn't bowed to her, the Empress Dowager's anger intensified. "You're supposed to be a sister of the Shangguan family, yet you don't even know to bow to me!"
"Your Majesty, the Grand Preceptor has granted me special privileges; I am not required to kneel and pay homage to your royal family."
Mo Shisheng smiled slightly. She wasn't lying; Ming Beiya had indeed granted her this privilege.
"How dare you! The Imperial Advisor is the Imperial Advisor, but I am the Emperor's mother! You..."
"Does the Empress Dowager perhaps think you are more powerful than the Emperor?"
Mo Shisheng spoke softly, silencing the Empress Dowager. With a single, casual remark, she thrust the Empress Dowager into the eye of the storm, causing her expression to shift repeatedly.
Seeing the Empress Dowager's unpleasant expression and silence, Mo Shisheng continued, "The Imperial Preceptor's privileges were granted by the Emperor. Even the Emperor didn't pursue the matter, yet the Empress Dowager rushed forward to investigate."
"you!"
The Empress Dowager's face paled. She was speechless in front of so many people, feeling that she had lost her dignity. She said coldly, "What a sharp-tongued Sister Shangguan!"
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