Chapter 33 We can't let everyone suffer a loss.
After finishing his official duties, Emperor Xiao Jing strolled over to the Empress's palace.
The Empress was pleased.
The events that occurred in the previous dynasty have already spread throughout the inner palace.
At this grand court assembly, the Marquis of Wuding was punished, and the Vice Minister of Revenue was dismissed from his post.
The most crucial matter was the selection of a new Vice Minister of Revenue, which Emperor Xiao Jing instructed the Crown Prince to recommend.
This was completely unexpected for her.
"Your Majesty, please have dinner in my palace! My small kitchen has recently prepared some new dishes; please try them," Empress Xu said with a smile.
Emperor Xiao Jing nodded.
Then he sat down on the tatami mat next to him.
Empress Xu hurriedly sat down opposite him.
The palace maids served tea and then withdrew.
"Did Xiao Qi see the Duchess of Dingguo yesterday? Did they talk?" Emperor Xiao Jing suddenly asked.
Empress Xu's heart skipped a beat, and she thought to herself, "What do you mean you don't know?"
"She didn't say anything, except that the Seventh Prince has grown taller than before."
"The rest were just greetings to the other people in the household," Empress Xu said.
Emperor Xiao Jing nodded.
He was fiddling with a jade pendant in his hand.
"Your Majesty, do you think the Duchess of Dingguo is acting a little differently than before?"
The former Duchess of Dingguo would never have done something like using a banquet to collect gifts.
"But the current Duchess of Dingguo..." Emperor Xiao Jing said, frowning.
Empress Xu was deeply moved when she heard Emperor Xiao Jing ask this question.
"Your Majesty, I can understand why Sister Jin has changed so much."
A mother's love is truly strong!
Before I entered the palace, my grandmother told me a story.
The story is about a young lady who was originally from a wealthy family. After she got married, her family suddenly fell into poverty, and her family members either died or fled, leaving her to raise her child alone.
In the past, she would rather die than accept food offered with contempt.
But in order to raise their children and give them a full meal, they did not hesitate to beg on the streets.
You said that Jinmei, such a proud woman, has suffered so much over the past three years.
In the end, didn't he still put aside his dignity for the sake of the children?
Therefore, I believe that although what Sister Jin is doing is inconsistent with her status, it is all for the sake of the child.
What mother in the world doesn't love her child?
"What's more, those children are all Jin-meimei and the Duke of Dingguo's children, they are her life!" Empress Xu sighed from the side.
Emperor Xiao Jing continued to play with the jade pendant in his hand.
"A mother's love is strong... Yes, what mother doesn't think of her child?"
That's why some people say, "I'd rather follow a beggar mother than a high-ranking official father!"
Yes, what wouldn't you do for your own child?
"Dignity? What is that?"
Seeing Emperor Xiao Jing talking to himself, Empress Xu remained silent, only glancing at the jade pendant in Emperor Xiao Jing's hand.
I feel like I've seen this place before...
It was a rare occasion for Emperor Xiao Jing to dine in his own palace, so Empress Xu quickly instructed her female officials to make the arrangements.
Just as everything was arranged, Eunuch Hu, who had been waiting outside the door, came in.
"Your Majesty, Your Highness, news from outside says that the Duke of Dingguo's mansion will hold a grand banquet in ten days to celebrate the old lady's birthday," Eunuch Hu said in a low voice.
Emperor Xiao Jing, Empress Xu...
"Did you hear that right? Is it the Duke of Dingguo's mansion? Or is it to celebrate the old lady's birthday?" Emperor Xiao Jing could hardly believe his ears.
"This servant did not mishear, it is true!"
"I heard that invitations have already been sent to all the families!" Eunuch Hu continued.
Emperor Xiao Jing glanced at Empress Xu.
Empress Xu was also shocked.
"Is she... short of money again?" Emperor Xiao Jing asked in a low voice.
Empress Xu...
"Well, Your Majesty, perhaps Sister Jin is just trying to vent her anger!" Empress Xu guessed.
Upon hearing this, Emperor Xiao Jing felt that this reason was more reasonable.
You've suffered injustice for three years, and now that you're no longer wronged, you'd better vent your anger!
"Since that's the case, then I can't pretend I don't know."
Your Majesty, please speak with the Imperial Household Department and have them select two suitable decorative items to send over.
Also... have Xiaoqi deliver it, and you can send someone to accompany her.
It means that I and you are going to take a look.
"Orphans and widows, the old and the young, need someone to support them," Emperor Xiao Jing said with a smile.
Empress Xu had no doubts.
Emperor Xiao Jing is making amends to the Shen family for the grievances they suffered over the past three years!
"I understand, I will make sure to prepare properly."
By the way, Your Majesty, the Seventh Prince hasn't left the palace for three years, and it's rare for him to go out.
Let's go to the Duke of Dingguo's mansion. Could we let him stay there for the night?
The Duke of Dingguo's mansion has many children, unlike the palace, where only the sixth prince is the same age as the seventh prince, and he is in poor health.
"It's not easy for the Seventh Prince to find someone to talk to," Empress Xu suddenly said.
"Yes, you're right. Xiaoqi is still a child. Let her play as much as she can while she can!"
"Then let Xiao Qi stay at the Duke of Dingguo's mansion for one day!" Emperor Xiao Jing agreed.
As for Shangguan Jin, who suggested holding another birthday banquet, she is now brainwashing the people of the Duke of Dingguo's mansion.
"We are the Duke of Dingguo's mansion, and we must be trustworthy."
Last time it was the old lady's birthday, the guests even brought gifts, but they only drank a cup of tea and left.
I didn't even get a single hot bite.
I feel so guilty.
Isn't this blatantly making everyone suffer a loss?
The Duke of Dingguo's mansion cannot do something that would cause everyone to suffer losses; it would make me uneasy.
The old lady will also feel uneasy. Shangguan Jin looked annoyed.
Old Madam Shen sat to the side...
Actually, she felt quite at ease. She didn't have to treat everyone to a meal, and she received so many gifts. She thought it was quite good.
Look, my little storeroom is almost full!
"Jin'er! Why don't we just forget about it? Everyone's pretty busy, and I don't think anyone will care."
"After all, there was a reason for that day." Old Madam Shen still wanted to persuade her.
Organizing a birthday celebration is such a hassle!
Everyone in the household is busy; isn't this just making things difficult for everyone?
"Mother, don't worry, everyone knows you fainted from anger that day, and many people haven't even had a chance to wish you a happy birthday yet!"
Now that you are well, it's a good time for everyone to see.
"It's not tiring at all. My daughter-in-law isn't tired at all from handling these things," Shangguan Jin said earnestly.
"Then... shall we proceed?"
"Do it! We must do it! It won't take much effort!"
"Winter wheat, prepare another batch of those ingredients according to the last list," Shangguan Jin said with a smile.
Dongmai happily agreed.
Oh dear, the Duke of Dingguo's mansion is hosting another banquet! We're going to receive so many gifts!
But what Shen Qingyue and Shen Qingjun and the other children were thinking was...
Mother is going to use the birthday banquet to establish her authority!
That's wonderful! It's truly amazing that Mother was able to lead the Duke of Dingguo's mansion to stand up again!
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