Because of her early experiences, Empress Xiao became cold-hearted and hard-hearted.
Love and family ties mean almost nothing to her.
If she had to talk about love, she only loved herself.
After the late emperor conquered the Southern Dynasty, the Xiao clan members all came to the capital.
Among them were Empress Xiao's own parents and brothers, but Empress Xiao was not particularly close to any of them.
It was the late emperor who, out of respect for Empress Dowager Xiao, granted the Xiao family noble titles and promoted several of her brothers.
Even the youngest brother, Xiao Zixiu, was assigned to the Sixteenth Guard.
Empress Dowager Xiao herself was very particular about her relatives.
If even blood relatives act this way, one can only imagine how a distant cousin would react.
Madam Xiao was also sensible; she knew the Anle Marquis's family's awkward position and that she didn't have much of a relationship with her cousin. (Reading continues)
After being escorted to the capital with her husband, Madam Xiao rarely went out unless necessary, let alone entered the palace.
but--
"Your Majesty, you are my elder sister. I won't say any more formalities in front of my own sister."
Madam Xiao was very direct and stated her purpose immediately: "In the past few days, I have repeatedly visited the palace to request an audience, hoping that you can grant my eldest son a marriage."
Madam Xiao knelt respectfully before Empress Dowager Xiao, her forehead touching the floor, humble and devout.
She truly had no other choice.
The eldest son mentioned by Madam Xiao was none other than Chen Fuli, the last crown prince of the Southern Dynasty.
She's in her twenties but still hasn't gotten married.
Although the Southern Dynasties have perished, the bloodline of the Chen imperial family still needs to continue.
Madam Xiao has no other extravagant hopes now; she doesn't even dare to fantasize that her son can marry a lady from a prestigious family.
"No family background or talent/good looks are required; all that's needed is a clean background and honesty!"
Madam Xiao lowered her demands to the bare minimum.
If it weren't for the last shred of pride she still held, Madam Xiao would have said: "If you have any retired female officials in your palace, that would be fine too!"
In fact, if the dignity of the Chen imperial family were not taken into consideration, Chen Fuli's request to marry a female official in the palace would have been a good choice.
Although the female official was originally a palace maid, she had been in the palace for many years.
His manners, appearance, and knowledge are all excellent.
She's far better off than the daughter of someone from a poor family.
It's a pity that although Marquis Anle and his son lost their kingdom and submitted to the Great Zhou, they still retained a sliver of their pride—
If I can't marry a noblewoman, I'll marry a commoner from a respectable family.
Female officer?
ha!
To put it nicely, they were just servants.
The Chen family hadn't fallen to such a state. A dignified heir who married a slave girl would be too ashamed to face his ancestors after death.
Fortunately, Empress Dowager Xiao was unaware of the thoughts of the Marquis of Anle's family; otherwise, she would have spat at them vehemently.
The female official still complained?
I was once a female slave!
Furthermore, marrying a female official is an insult to your ancestors. When you lost the country that your ancestors fought for, didn't you feel ashamed?
Upon closer examination, Empress Dowager Xiao should also harbor resentment towards Marquis Anle, the former emperor.
More than 20 years ago, if he hadn't been weak and incompetent, and hadn't been so fond of treacherous officials, allowing the Great Zhou army to advance unimpeded, Empress Dowager Xiao, who was in Jiangling, wouldn't have been kidnapped!
The king was incompetent and unable to protect the people under his rule.
Now, not only can they enjoy wealth and luxury, but they also want to continue their bloodline. What makes them so special?
"..."
Empress Dowager Xiao clenched the prayer beads in her hand tightly to calm herself down.
What's wrong with me today?
I haven't thought about the past for a long time.
Empress Xiao raised her eyelids and glanced at her unfamiliar cousin.
She remained kneeling and kowtowing; well, that was quite respectful!
That's enough!
That's all in the past, and the situation of the Marquis of Anle's mansion is indeed awkward.
Despite its name, the mansion was not even as prestigious as a minor official's residence in the capital.
They had no real power; at most, they would be brought out by the Ministry of Rites for a brief display during grand court assemblies or major festivals.
So that the world would know that the Emperor of the Great Zhou was benevolent, and that he even took good care of the emperor and crown prince of an enemy country.
This is a mascot that embodies the emperor's magnanimity and benevolence.
They had neither status nor dignity.
They had to be extremely careful, because if they were not careful, said the wrong thing, or expressed even the slightest bit of nostalgia for their homeland or dissatisfaction with the new dynasty, they would be killed.
"How pitiful!"
Empress Dowager Xiao sighed silently in her heart.
Not to mention, Madam Xiao was her cousin after all.
We used to play together when we were young.
"Sister, do you have someone in mind?"
Empress Dowager Xiao showed a rare moment of sympathy.
However, despite her soft heart, Empress Xiao was not one to meddle in other people's business.
She doesn't even want to worry about her own son, let alone a cheap nephew.
She can help arrange a marriage, but she will never act as a matchmaker to help choose a partner.
Her meaning was clear: if you have a suitable partner, I will issue an imperial decree to grant you marriage and bestow some congratulatory gifts.
In this way, she was able to fulfill her sisterly bond with her cousin.
From now on, Empress Dowager Xiao will no longer interfere in the affairs of the Marquis of Anle's residence.
"We are currently looking at her; she is the daughter of a minor official, gentle, quiet, virtuous, and prudent."
Madam Xiao also understood the implication of Empress Dowager Xiao's words.
She didn't care, nor dared to, and quickly replied, "If we could obtain the Empress Dowager's blessing for marriage, it would be a great honor for the woman."
Daughter of a minor official?
Empress Dowager Xiao smiled slightly.
Just now they said they didn't care about social status, as long as the person had a clean background, and she almost mistook them for the Marquis of Anle who was really willing to let his son marry a commoner.
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