Even though she was the Empress Dowager, she still had too many things beyond her control in this Great Xia Dynasty!
Emperor Wenzhao sensed the unusual tone in the Empress Dowager's words. At the same time, he guessed what she was thinking. Although the restrictions placed on women in the Great Xia Dynasty were not particularly harsh, it was unrealistic to expect them to receive the same education and literacy from a young age as men.
Only daughters from powerful and wealthy families had this possibility, but even so, daughters could not attend the same school as their sons. They were usually taught by female tutors hired by their families.
Moreover, most of what they learn is just to pass the time or to please their husbands in the inner quarters, and it has little practical use.
As for earning money to support their families, this is not uncommon in Daxia. However, apart from women from poor families, daughters of powerful and wealthy families would not do such a thing, as it would be beneath their dignity.
"I wonder what my aunt looks like now. I hope that next time I receive something from her that she sent to Daxia, there will be a portrait of her in the world she lives in now."
Emperor Wenzhao casually changed the subject.
"Now that you mention it, I also hope to see a portrait of your aunt in another world. However, I believe your aunt's appearance is probably just as beautiful as it was in the Great Xia Dynasty!"
Thinking of Song Lan's former appearance and smile, the Empress Dowager said, "Among my brothers and sisters, your aunt is the most beautiful. I remember she was born with a lovely and delicate appearance."
As she grew older, her little face blossomed into something even more beautiful. Before my marriage to the late Emperor, whenever I went out to attend tea tastings, sightseeing, or poetry gatherings, I would always think of taking your aunt with me. But this wish never came true until your aunt turned one!
The Empress Dowager looked slightly wistful, but the smile on her face was as warm as the winter sun.
"My aunt is truly the 'Number One Beauty' of the Great Xia Dynasty, the only female general and marquis in the history of the Great Xia Dynasty, and the Goddess of War in the hearts of the people of the Great Xia Dynasty!"
Emperor Wenzhao didn't believe a word of this. Because he was about the same age as his aunt Song Lan, Emperor Wenzhao loved spending time with her when he was young. However, as the heir apparent of the royal palace, he couldn't leave the palace at will. Therefore, he often caused a scene in front of the late emperor and empress dowager, who were then still princes and princesses.
The late emperor, who was then Prince Qin, also particularly liked his sister-in-law, who was still a young child. Seeing that his son was causing a lot of trouble, he had to discuss it with the princess, who is now the empress dowager. In the end, they decided to bring Song Lan to play for a few days every month.
But the young Prince of Qin (Emperor Wenzhao) was not satisfied at all. He wanted to stay with his fairy-like aunt all the time, but this was simply unrealistic. However, through the efforts of the young prince, the Prince and Princess of Qin compromised once again and agreed that the young prince could stay at the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion for a few days every month.
The young prince was overjoyed. He counted on his fingers and realized that his aunt would be visiting the Prince's Mansion for five days, and then he would be visiting the Duke of Zhenguo's Mansion for five days. In total, he would have ten days to spend with his fairy-like aunt. He was so happy that he secretly rejoiced.
The King and Queen found it amusing, but said nothing.
"Yes, I agree with what you said, my son."
The Empress Dowager's eyes held no trace of sadness; her gaze upon Emperor Wenzhao was filled with amusement: "I remember when you were little, you loved to cling to your aunt, and that caused quite a few laughs."
The late emperor doted on you, and after discussing it with me, he arranged for your aunt to visit the Prince's residence for five days each month. But even so, you were still not satisfied and insisted on going with your aunt when she returned to the Duke's residence.
Seeing that we couldn't dissuade you, the late Emperor and I had no choice but to grant your wish and allow you to stay at the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion for five days each month. Upon learning of our decision, you were as happy as a mischievous monkey, clapping and spinning around your aunt with glee.
After a pause, the Empress Dowager's smiling voice rang out again: "To be honest, the reason why the late Emperor agreed to let you spend more time with your aunt was because he wanted you to be influenced by your aunt, or rather, he wanted you to learn more from your aunt."
In the late emperor's eyes, your aunt was a very clever little girl, and he believed that you would benefit greatly from spending so much time with her.
"I have indeed benefited a lot from being with my aunt."
Emperor Wenzhao's expression was particularly gentle at this moment: "Although my aunt is about the same age as me, she loves me very much and has taught me a lot. If we hadn't moved into the Eastern Palace later..."
Besides, I'm getting older and it's no longer suitable for me to stay with my aunt. I really want to go wherever my aunt goes so I can learn as much as I can from her!
Upon hearing this, the Empress Dowager's eyes showed both satisfaction and pride.
Undoubtedly, she was gratified that Emperor Wenzhao had not forgotten his aunt Song Lan and had always remembered the influence Song Lan had had on him in his childhood; as for pride, needless to say, it was pride in having such an outstanding younger sister as Song Lan.
"The late emperor also said a lot of 'what ifs'."
Upon hearing the Empress Dowager's words, Emperor Wenzhao's curiosity was piqued: "Mother, please tell me, did Father Emperor say anything about what if?"
"Your father said that if it weren't for the rules, he would really like to raise your aunt with me and him!"
The Empress Dowager thought of the late Emperor. She knew that the late Emperor's affection for Song Lan was genuine. Of course, the late Emperor's affection did not fall into the category of romantic love. He genuinely liked her younger sister's intelligence, cleverness, and sensible nature.
"My father is really dreaming! Doesn't he even consider whether my maternal grandparents agree?"
Emperor Wenzhao's lips curled into a faint smile: "Furthermore, I'm afraid Father Emperor won't be able to get past my two maternal uncles!"
“Your father naturally thought of what you said, but because of the rules, he did not mention to your maternal grandfather that your aunt should stay in the palace for a long time.”
To be honest, the Empress Dowager truly doted on Song Lan, her younger sister, as if she were her own daughter. After all, there was an age gap between them. The late Emperor and the Empress Dowager were a married couple, so naturally, they extended their affection to each other, treating Song Lan with the same doting and protective love as a daughter. In modern terms, Song Lan was the darling of the entire family in the Great Xia Dynasty.
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