The Grand Empress Dowager smiled and said, "I understand your feelings, but life must go on. I was able to pull myself together even after losing my son, so you shouldn't dwell on the past. Now that the new emperor has ascended the throne, the government is stable and the people are united, and the country is strong. This is a new era. If you just keep crying, those who don't know will think that everyone is dissatisfied with the new dynasty."
Everyone broke out in a cold sweat when they heard this. The Queen Mother was reminding them that even a mother like me had let go, so how much more reluctant could you be to let go of the late emperor? The new emperor and empress have treated you well, so stop being so hypocritical.
Only then did everyone come to their senses and began to greet Queen Xie and express their gratitude.
Empress Xie, a reserved woman, simply responded calmly. Seeing everyone still feeling a little uneasy, she said, "As a new empress, I'm bound to have some shortcomings. I beg your grace to advise. Only when the harem is peaceful can the Emperor focus on handling state affairs."
Everyone said yes. Halfway through the banquet, Emperor Renzong suddenly came over with the crown prince.
"Your Majesty, your servant respectfully welcomes you." Queen Xie Wanyun stepped forward to greet him.
Emperor Renzong, Li Suizhi, personally helped the Empress to her feet and said gently, "Please stand up, Empress. The Empress Dowager's birthday banquet was organized by the Empress. You are fulfilling your filial duty on my behalf. Thank you for your hard work."
Crown Prince Li Jinbai smiled and said, "Mother, you don't know that Father didn't even take a break at noon to celebrate the Grand Empress Dowager's birthday. He rushed to review all the memorials."
Renzong laughed and scolded: "You are the one who talks too much."
As he said this, he stepped forward to pay his respects to the Empress Dowager, and the personal eunuch immediately presented her with a birthday gift.
The Grand Empress Dowager smiled and said, "The Emperor is thoughtful. The Emperor has more important things to worry about, and my birthday is not a big deal. If you don't have time, then forget it. The Empress will take care of it."
Renzong smiled and said, "State affairs are important, and the Empress Dowager's birthday is also important. I must be there."
Crown Prince Li Jinbai presented a birthday gift to the Empress Dowager and even performed a sword dance to liven up the atmosphere during the banquet.
The Empress Dowager took the Crown Prince's hand and looked him over carefully, her eyes red. She whispered, "The Crown Prince still looks more like your mother."
Li Jinbai was stunned. Could it be that the Empress Dowager knew his life experience?
Looking at his mother again, Xie Wanyun smiled and nodded.
Everyone praised the emperor's benevolence and filial piety, and the prince's loyalty and righteousness.
After the birthday banquet, the emperor and empress returned to the palace. Renzong was wearing a yellow robe, his figure was tall and straight, his eyebrows and eyes were shining, and he was extremely beautiful.
After returning to the bedroom, he let the maid take off his outer robe for him. However, he saw that Xie Wanyun had a dull expression, so he asked, "Mianmei, why are you unhappy today?"
As he spoke, he raised his arms and the palace maid half-knelt in front of him to remove the jade belt from his waist.
Xie Wanyun stood up and walked to his side and said, "Let me do it."
The palace maids retreated quietly, and the eunuchs also retreated outside the hall on their own accord.
Xie Wanyun reached out and grabbed the belt hook on his dragon robe. Renzong lowered his head, and his nose touched her silky black hair, and he smelled a faint fragrance of plum blossoms.
Renzong's eyes darkened, he lowered his arms and held her in his arms, whispering, "I love the scent of plum blossoms the most."
Xie Wanyun said nothing, but gently broke free from him, took off the jade belt from his waist, turned around and put it on the clothes hanger.
Renzong reached out and pulled her back, "What's wrong? Who made my queen unhappy?"
Xie Wanyun was silent for a moment before she said, "The Emperor treats me so kindly, who would dare to displease me?"
Renzong laughed and tapped her nose. "You're angry, but you still don't admit it?"
"Then I'll say it, Your Majesty, please don't say I'm pretentious." Xie Wanyun was not a person who would beat around the bush. She just kept her temper in check because she remembered her identity as the queen.
"It's rare for you to be so pretentious. I'm curious too. Tell me quickly." Renzong said with a smile.
"Suizhi, now that you are the emperor, you will have concubines sooner or later. I am afraid that I will be jealous then."
She was straightforward and had been cautious in her words and actions since becoming the queen, which was really frustrating. She kept wondering, if she had known that Yan Suizhi would one day become emperor, would she still marry him?
The answer was surprisingly no. To her, the air of freedom was more important than the queen's phoenix crown.
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