No matter how shameless Shang Huai was, he wouldn't have thought of using the Empress Dowager to deal with Xiao Chengci.
In the end, the matter between him, Xiao Chengci, and Pei Zhi was nothing more than a matter between the three of them, and had nothing to do with anyone else.
Shang Huai had a long talk with the Empress Dowager and even had dinner with her.
The Empress Dowager hadn't seen Shang Huai for a long time, and the way she looked at him was a hundred times more affectionate than when she looked at her own son.
Since ascending the throne, Xiao Chengci has had more friction with the Empress Dowager.
When the Empress Dowager was still the Empress, she also had her own power base.
After Xiao Chengci ascended the throne, the Empress Dowager naturally hoped that he would promote some of her people.
Xiao Chengci did not agree openly, but he did not suppress that group of people behind their backs.
But if they find out even a little bit of something, they immediately deal with these people without showing any leniency.
From that time on, the Empress Dowager was somewhat annoyed.
She felt that Xiao Chengci was not giving her the respect due to an empress dowager.
If she weren't related by blood, that would be one thing, but she and Xiao Chengci are mother and son. Does Xiao Chengci really think she's plotting to seize the throne?
Xiao Chengci only said one sentence: This world belongs to him.
Even if it was his own mother, Xiao Chengci was unwilling to let her have her way.
Xiao Chengci wanted to control the entire dynasty himself, and he didn't want to show any favoritism even to his own mother, the Empress Dowager.
Originally, ever since Shang Huai requested to return to Beicheng and said he would never come back.
The Empress Dowager believed that Xiao Chengci and the late Emperor had used excessively cruel methods.
The family only had one child, Shang Huai. Shang Huai's grandparents were very old and could only stay in the capital.
After various events, the conflict between the Empress Dowager and Emperor Xiao Chengci gradually deepened.
As a result, the Empress Dowager's most frequently uttered phrase was, "Those who weren't raised by my own hands are simply a step away from me."
Shang Huai also offered some words of advice to the Empress Dowager, but it seemed to have little effect.
The Empress Dowager had gotten used to life in the royal villa.
To avoid arguing with Xiao Chengci again when they returned to the palace.
Even though they are mother and son, it's better for them to keep some distance.
Meanwhile, Xiao Chengci emerged from the royal villa with a cold face, radiating anger from head to toe.
Pei Minxue followed behind Xiao Chengci, remaining silent and not daring to utter a word.
I was afraid of saying something wrong and angering His Majesty.
"Is Zhizhi at your residence?"
Pei Minxue responded, then couldn't help adding, "Um, that's her home too."
"I will go back to the palace with you."
Normally, Pei Minxue would at least offer some words of advice.
His Majesty has just returned, and there are still countless matters piling up in the palace waiting for him to handle.
At this moment, Pei Minxue felt a little sorry for His Majesty, so he responded.
Inside the Pei residence, Pei Zhi had already begun eating.
When it was time for dinner, Madam Pei did not invite Pei Zhi to join her for dinner.
Let's leave those aside.
Pei Zhi looked at the obviously simple meal laid out on the table. She didn't express anything on her face, but she was still a little bothered by it.
Pei Zhi didn't understand. Did she upset her sister-in-law as soon as she came back?
Otherwise, regardless, it was her first meal at the Pei residence.
Even if your sister-in-law is busy taking care of the baby, she should still instruct the servants to make things more special for her.
For Pei Zhi's dinner, Madam Pei ordered the kitchen to prepare a separate meal for her, following the same fare as the masters of the mansion.
But the servants in the mansion are all opportunists.
Madam Pei was in charge of all the affairs of the household. Madam Pei's dowry maid saw her son-in-law go out for a while.
He brought back a beautiful woman, completely disregarding the fact that her daughter had only recently given birth to the young master.
Madam Pei's maidservant was quite indignant and ordered the cooks in the kitchen to make whatever was available.
There's no need to prepare a special meal just for the woman the master brought back.
The cook in the kitchen saw that the messenger was a maidservant from the lady's side, and her expression was not good. He immediately understood what was going on.
So, Pei Zhi's dinner consisted of what was in front of her: a thin, watery soup with yellowed vegetable leaves.
Just then, Pei Minxue entered the mansion.
Upon hearing that Madam had settled Pei Zhi in a guest room, Pei Minxue muttered to himself, "Why doesn't Pei Zhi go to the old courtyard herself?"
Pei Minxue naturally assumed that this was Pei Zhi's home.
Once Pei Zhi returned home, he no longer needed to give her so many instructions.
Moreover, he specifically instructed his wife to take good care of Pei Zhi.
Although Xiao Chengci frequently visited the Pei residence, he was not very familiar with the rest of the place except for Pei Zhi's courtyard.
Pei Minxue led the way, saying, "After we finish eating, let Zhizhi go back to her old house."
Xiao Chengci responded with a low voice.
If Pei Minxue hadn't been paying close attention, he might have missed His Majesty's voice.
"Your Majesty, are you staying overnight tonight?"
Pei Minxue truly had no intention of selling his sister for personal gain.
Pei Minxue still remembered that when they set off to return to the capital, His Majesty came out of Pei Zhi's room.
It was a matter between a man and a woman, and it was consensual; Pei Minxue couldn't interfere even if he wanted to.
Moreover, Pei Minxue also knew His Majesty's feelings for Pei Zhi.
Xiao Chengci is not the kind of person who plays around and then plans to shirk responsibility.
As long as Pei Zhi nods, Xiao Chengci will immediately come to marry her in a grand sedan chair carried by eight men.
Alternatively, if Pei Zhi were to propose that Xiao Chengci marry into the family, Emperor Xiao Chengci would likely be willing.
Xiao Chengci's tone softened a bit: "Let's talk about it later. We don't know if she'll agree or not."
Look at that, does that sound like something someone of status would say?
Upon arriving at the guest courtyard, Pei Minxue frowned.
I don't understand why Madam arranged for Pei Zhi to live in this courtyard.
This courtyard is usually occupied by distant relatives who are not closely related to their family.
The environment is bad, the yard is bad, and the furnishings inside are not good either.
Xiao Chengci was completely oblivious to all of this. He quickened his pace, eager to see Pei Zhi as soon as possible.
Inside the house, Pei Zhi was already having dinner.
Although the dinner was rather unpalatable and the taste was mediocre.
Pei Zhi had eaten even worse and more rudimentary food on the road, sleeping outdoors in the wind and rain.
Besides, she had been traveling all day and was hungry, so she wasn't in the mood for being sentimental.
Xiao Chengci walked inside on his own, while Pei Minxue entered with a deep frown.
It's one thing that there aren't any servants outside the courtyard, but why aren't there any servants inside the courtyard or inside the house either?
Pei Zhi looked up and saw the person who had come: "Your Majesty, what brings you here?"
Xiao Chengci held Pei Zhi's hand, "I was afraid you wouldn't be comfortable, so I came to see you."
Pei Zhi smiled and said, "What do I have to be uncomfortable with? I can get along well anywhere."
"Eating now? Perfect, I haven't eaten either..." Xiao Chengci's relaxed expression suddenly turned ugly when he saw the dinner on the table.
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