Everyone thought that Liu Zhao was going to fall out of favor.
Unexpectedly, after the palace banquet, Emperor Wende called Liu Zhao to talk alone.
For a moment, everyone's eyes became complicated again.
Is this a fall from favor, or is it still favor?
"Sister-in-law, won't you wait for His Highness?"
Xiao Qin'er walked up to Gu Jiu and asked casually.
Gu Jiu laughed, "The Fourth Prince went to Weiyang Palace, why didn't the Fourth Brother's wife wait for the Fourth Prince?"
Xiao Qin'er smiled and said, "My mother asked her own son to speak, so I, as her daughter-in-law, won't join in the fun. I have to go and see Xiao Zhaoyi."
Gu Jiu hurriedly said, "Congratulations to Xiao Zhaoyi for me. She is pregnant. It's a happy occasion."
Xiao Qin'er's face was embarrassed for a moment, "Goodbye, sister-in-law."
"Don't get too tired, Fourth Sister-in-law."
Xiao Qin'er said goodbye to Gu Jiu and went to see Xiao Zhaoyi.
When the two sisters met, the atmosphere was not very harmonious.
Xiao Qin'er stared at Xiao Zhaoyi's belly, "Is she really pregnant?"
Xiao Zhaoyi was graceful and calm, "Of course it's true. How could it be false? Sister, please stop joking."
Xiao Qin'er felt as uncomfortable as if she had eaten a fly. "You've adapted well. I should call you Empress Zhaoyi now."
Xiao Zhaoyi pursed her lips and smiled, "We are still sisters. When there are no outsiders around, we still call each other sisters. Are you trying to be estranged from me, sister?"
"How dare you!"
Xiao Zhaoyi waved at her, "Sister, come and sit down."
Xiao Qin'er hesitated for a moment before walking over.
Xiao Zhaoyi held her hand and said, "I know what you're thinking, sister. Before entering the palace, you were ill, and I didn't have the chance to talk to you. Now that I have some time, I want to say something. Sister, don't be suspicious of the elders at home. I entered the palace voluntarily, and no one forced me. This path to the palace suits me."
Xiao Qin'er frowned, "What on earth are you thinking? His Majesty, why would you even think of entering the palace? You knew I was married to the Fourth Prince, so what would it mean for you to enter the palace?"
"We sisters have our own opinions. Sister, don't worry about seniority. As for entering the palace, what can I think? It's just a show of wealth and glory."
Xiao Qin'er disapproved, "With the Xiao family's background, it's not easy for you to become rich. You don't have to enter the palace."
Xiao Zhaoyi laughed, "Sister, is there any place in this world richer than the imperial palace?"
Xiao Qin'er frowned and stared at Xiao Zhaoyi warily.
Xiao Zhaoyi burst out laughing, "Sister, don't be wary of me. I might be carrying a princess in my belly. I only want a life of wealth and honor, and I dare not think of anything else."
Xiao Qin'er looked at her belly, then at her face. "Ever since you were little, you've looked weak, but you're actually more opinionated than anyone else. I believe you came into the palace voluntarily, and voluntarily stayed by His Majesty's side. But I must tell you, don't even think about competing with the Fourth Prince. He's the legitimate son. And any child you give birth to, regardless of whether it's a boy or a girl, will be a bastard's. Don't forget what happened to Concubine Li De, who was by the late emperor's side."
Xiao Zhaoyi remained calm and said softly, "Sister hasn't changed at all over these years. She becomes aggressive and intimidating whenever she disagrees with someone. Okay, okay, I've already said I don't have any extraneous thoughts. I just want to be rich and noble."
Xiao Qin'er's heart was still hanging in the air, unable to fall.
She took a deep breath and said, "We are sisters and both in the royal family. We should support each other. I hope my sister will not forget her last name."
Xiao Zhaoyi smiled and said, "Of course I wouldn't forget. Did you forget, sister?"
"Of course I didn't forget." Xiao Qin'er was unhappy.
Xiao Zhaoyi pursed her lips and smiled. "You look so nervous, sister. I was just asking casually. Sister and His Highness the Fourth Prince have been childhood sweethearts, and you have a son and a daughter. I'm sure you will grow old together and be the envy of others."
Xiao Qin'er's expression softened a bit. "Thanks to your good wishes, His Highness and I are doing fine."
"I really envy my sister." Xiao Zhaoyi pursed her lips and smiled, but when she lowered her head, a cold look flashed in her eyes.
Seeing that it was getting late, Xiao Qin'er stood up and said goodbye.
Xiao Zhaoyi sat still and said, "I am now a double and my body is not very convenient. I will not see you off. Goodbye, sister."
She watched Xiao Qin'er leave with a half-smile on her face.
She pretended to ask casually, "Why isn't the Fourth Prince with my sister? Did he leave the palace first?"
"Your Majesty, the Fourth Prince has finished his palace banquet and went to Weiyang Palace."
"Why didn't the Fourth Prince bring my sister with him when he went to Weiyang Palace? That's really strange." Xiao Zhaoyi asked innocently.
The palace attendant whispered, "Perhaps the Empress and the Fourth Prince have something private to say and don't want others to hear."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Zhaoyi sighed, "I feel so sorry for my sister. She's been married to the Fourth Prince for so many years and has endured so much hardship, and now she has to leave the palace and return home alone on New Year's Eve. And there are a bunch of concubines and illegitimate children at home waiting to disgust her."
The palace maid said, "Everyone has their own fate. Zhaoyi is now pregnant, so don't overwork yourself. Don't worry about Madam Yi's affairs."
"You're right. Even if I worry about it, I can't help. I just hope that my sister can live a few days of peace and that the Fourth Prince can respect her a little more."
After saying this, Xiao Zhaoyi closed her eyes and rested. Her heart was alternately filled with anger and joy, a world of ice and fire.
The Fourth Prince Liu Yi, whom she mentioned, was still speaking in Weiyang Palace.
Empress Pei lay sideways on the Arhat couch, feeling a little bad.
"Don't worry about Big Brother, Mother. He will be fine."
Empress Pei snorted coldly and said dissatisfiedly, "Your elder brother has been disliked since he was a child. You saw it at the palace banquet today. His Majesty deliberately treated your elder brother coldly. I suspect your elder brother has secretly done something to anger your father."
Liu Yi was surprised. "That's impossible. Big brother is actually doing things outside without telling our father?"
Empress Pei sneered, "Why wouldn't he dare? He did a lot of similar things when he was in the palace, all behind my back. This time, if he really does mess around outside, I will definitely not help him."
"If mother doesn't help big brother, who else can help him?" Liu Yi was very worried.
Empress Pei stared at him with an inquiring look.
Liu Yi was puzzled, "Does the Queen Mother have any questions?"
Empress Pei asked, "Fourth Brother, I have something to ask you. You must tell me the truth."
"Mother, please tell me." Liu Yi's expression also began to become serious.
Empress Pei asked, "Do you truly wish your elder brother well, or are you just pretending to be nice? Think carefully before answering. If you lie, I'll see through it immediately."
Cold sweat broke out on Liu Yi's body.
What does the Queen Mother mean by asking this question?
He lowered his head, his eyes rolling around, speculating in his mind.
Sometimes he speaks the truth, sometimes he tries to deceive.
Empress Pei reminded him again, "Answer carefully. This question is related to your future."
Liu Yi licked his lips. They were dry, and even his throat felt dry and on fire, as if smoke would come out of his throat if he opened his mouth to speak.
"Does the Queen want to hear the truth?"
"It depends on whether you are sincere. If you are sincere, you can take lies as truth. If you are not sincere, you can take truth as lies."
There was something hidden in Empress Pei's words, clearly reminding Liu Yi not to try to get away with it.
Liu Yi calmed down and said, "I am a prince, and more importantly, the legitimate son. Standing in my position, I would also like to fight for it. However, I am not the only prince, and everyone has ambitions. I can accept standing behind my eldest brother, and together we will defeat our common enemy and then we can decide who is superior."
This answer deserves full marks.
There is truth, sincerity, and a bit of embellishment.
Empress Pei nodded, but her expression showed no sign of dissatisfaction.
She asked, "So, you're willing to see your eldest brother well?"
Liu Yi said firmly, "At this stage, if Big Brother is doing well, then I'm doing well too. We can't let others be complacent."
Empress Pei laughed. "You are quite good, and you have a broad perspective. Did you know that your sister-in-law presented the high-yield crop, sweet potatoes, to your father, who was very pleased? It is said that sweet potatoes can yield 800 kilograms per mu. I believe your sister-in-law would not dare to joke about such a thing. If she said 800 kilograms, she would definitely reach 800 kilograms. Do you know what this means?"
Liu Yi looked excited, "It means peace in the world."
Empress Pei smiled, "It means the imperial power is consolidated. Your father has been on the throne for two years, yet he hasn't started a war, hasn't launched a large-scale prison, and hasn't sacked officials on a large scale. Why is that?"
It's because your father's imperial power isn't stable enough. Expanding the harem was also intended to consolidate imperial power. If high-yield sweet potatoes could be introduced throughout the world, there would be no famine.
Your father is a wise ruler who commands the support of the people. At that time, no matter what the court officials oppose, he will be able to overcome all resistance and carry out his own will, truly exercising absolute authority. Tell me, is your sister-in-law's contribution significant enough?
Liu Yi's face flushed at first, due to his excitement. But when he heard the last part, his face turned pale.
"Brother, with the help of sister-in-law, the position of the Eastern Palace will be as easy as taking something out of the bag."
Empress Pei smiled and said, "Yes! Your eldest brother is not the crown prince, but he is better than the crown prince. It's all because he has a capable and good wife."
Liu Yi looked confused and puzzled. "Why did the Queen Mother say this to her son?"
Empress Pei said solemnly, "Of course, this is to teach you a lesson. If you compete with your elder brother now, you are doomed to lose. Do you understand?"
Liu Yi was very unwilling deep down in his heart.
Empress Pei knew what he was thinking. "It's no use being unwilling. This is the truth. Since childhood, you have been my most beloved child, and I have always hoped for your best. If you want that position, I am willing to help you. So, just listen to me. For the next few years, don't fight with your elder brother. Not fighting is fighting, remember this."
Liu Yi struggled, was conflicted, and finally felt relieved.
"Thank you for your teachings, mother. I understand now."
"If you really understand, don't just give me a half-hearted answer. Remember, I won't harm you. I value you more than your unlovable older brother."
Liu Yi's expression was agitated. "How dare a son disappoint his mother's expectations?"
Empress Pei smiled with satisfaction. "Just stand quietly behind your elder brother and let him clear all obstacles for you. In the end, I'll take care of everything."
Liu Yi was so excited that his body was shaking.
"Mother!"
This call of "Mother" was filled with intense emotions and strong emotional fluctuations.
Empress Pei laughed. "Alright, you're so excited over such a small matter. How can you behave like that? Go back and spend your life with Xiao Qin'er. Remind her not to be so aggressive and make others hate her."
"Son understands."
Empress Pei gave Liu Yi a few more instructions before sending him away.
The eunuch Wen Zhong has now been promoted to Junior Supervisor. Today is New Year's Eve, so naturally he has to serve beside Empress Pei.
Wen Shaojian said, "I hope the Fourth Prince can understand the Empress's painstaking efforts. My only concern is the First Prince. What if he bears a grudge against the Empress?"
Empress Pei snorted coldly, "The eldest has always had a stubborn temper. When he was in the palace, he refused to listen to me. Now he's even worse. If he were to take the throne, tell me, would there be any hope for me? It's not that I'm unkind, it's that he's unfilial. As long as he's willing to listen to me, I'll naturally support him."
"The queen is also worried to death."
Empress Pei sighed, "I did this for the sake of my family. The eldest brother has a bad temper and ruthless methods. If he gets that position, I don't know how many people will be killed and how many families will be destroyed.
The fourth child is different. He is soft-hearted and filial. He will listen to me. That Xiao Qin'er is just a fool. I can control her with just a little trick."
In the final analysis, Liu Zhao and Gu Jiu are a difficult couple to deal with. Each has a worse temper than the other, and each has more righteous ideas than the other.
On the contrary, Liu Yi and Xiao Qin'er are easy to control.
As a leader, you don’t need subordinates who are smarter than you. You only like subordinates who are obedient and easy to control.
－－－－－－Digression－－－－－－
When talking about his saved manuscripts, Yuanbao shed tears of sadness.
Since I started typing, I spent the Spring Festivals of 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017, and 2018 typing.
Watching the Spring Festival Gala while typing, how cool!
It was only during the Spring Festival of 2016 that I was able to rest for more than two months after hastily finishing the book due to health reasons.
In just over twenty days, it will be the 2019 Spring Festival.
This Spring Festival, Yuanbao really doesn’t want to watch the Spring Festival Gala while typing.
Because it's so sad.
I really have no desire to live.
Therefore, you must be brave and save drafts.
Try to save enough manuscripts for a week.
In this way, we can have a week off during the Chinese New Year.
Give Yuanbao some encouragement, you will definitely be able to do it.
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