Chapter 273 She just wanted to enjoy life to the fullest.
Before 9:00 AM, the Crown Prince and Crown Princess's imperial carriage set off in a grand procession toward the Dou residence.
In front of the Dou residence, a crowd had already formed several rows, ready to welcome the emperor.
As the imposing guards of the Eastern Palace filed in, lined up neatly, and cleared the area in advance, the entire alleyway fell silent. Dou Bochang squinted at the empty alleyway. As someone working in the Ministry of Rites, he naturally knew that Dou Wenyi was about to become the Empress.
Their return is of great significance; next time, they will be emperor and empress.
When he sees his daughter again, he must perform the full kowtow.
The last time the Crown Prince came in such a grand manner was when he took Dou Mingyan away to learn etiquette and manners. Now that I think about it, I'm afraid he already treated Fourth Sister differently back then.
Dou Bochang felt a lingering fear and apprehension. He was glad that he had adjusted his course in time, otherwise his relationship with Dou Wenyi would have completely broken down. Otherwise, the Dou family might never have had a chance to rise again!
The imperial carriage stopped at the entrance, and Pei Siyan, holding Dou Wenyi's hand, slowly walked into the main hall.
The Dou family members all wore expressions of envy. Dou Bochang, Dou Mingxiu, Dou Ruzhang, and others were all paying close attention to the Crown Prince, afraid of neglecting the new emperor who was about to ascend the throne.
Dou Wenyi chatted with them casually for a few minutes, then felt a little tired. She took Old Madam Dou's hand and said she wanted to go to Shouhe Hall to have a private talk.
Madam Gu's face was grim, and she hesitated to speak. She wanted to stop her daughter and persuade the Crown Prince to give Dou Mingxiu an important position, but seeing Dou Wenyi's cold face, she had no choice but to swallow back her words.
Back at Shouhe Hall, Dou Wenyi sat down and took the opportunity to take the pulse of Old Madam Dou.
Madam Dou smiled kindly, "I'm in great spirits lately, eating lots of meat and fish every day, and I'm really enjoying it."
Granny Cao interjected at the right moment, "Thanks to the prescription that Fourth Miss gave us a while ago, we have been urging the old lady to take her medicine every day, and her appetite has indeed improved a lot."
After carefully taking her pulse, Dou Wenyi nodded in satisfaction. "It is indeed better than before. It is a blessing that Grandmother can eat well, but it is best to eat appropriately."
Then she instructed Cuizhi, "Distribute all the rewards prepared for the maids and servants of Shouhe Hall."
Old Madam Dou patted the back of her hand, her smile almost reaching her lips, and said reproachfully, "I've never treated them badly before, so don't spend too much."
Dou Wenyi smiled and said, "Grandmother, don't worry, this is all money I earned myself, I didn't use any of the Crown Prince's money."
The title of "Little Fairy Doctor" was very useful. Some time ago, she refined a lot of pills and sold them on the black market, making a fortune.
Seeing that she mentioned the Eastern Palace without any hesitation, Old Madam Dou gave Cao Mama a look, and the maids serving on both sides respectfully withdrew.
With a solemn expression, Madam Dou asked directly, "Yi'er, what are your plans now?"
Dou Wenyi had already known her grandmother would worry, and she squeezed her hand in return, "Grandmother, don't worry, Pei Siyan treats me very well, I'm willing to give it a try. Maybe this time, my judgment isn't so bad after all?"
Her thinking is very mercenary, it can be summed up in four words: live for the moment!
Instead of standing still, it's better to give him a chance, and also give yourself a chance.
No matter how Pei Siyan's status changes in the future, if he fails to keep his promise to her, if she has to share her husband with another woman...
At worst, she could just abandon him and run away.
She was no longer afraid of death; it was just a palace wall, and she would definitely find a way to escape.
Madam Dou frowned deeply. "Do you really think so? The palace is a fiery pit that devours people without spitting out the bones. Once Pei Siyan ascends the throne, I'm afraid the court officials will petition him to take in more concubines."
"You also have to pretend to be virtuous and help him take a concubine, and you also have to think about having children for him... Are you really prepared?"
By then, who knows what kind of danger she will encounter.
I'm afraid she'll never have a peaceful day!
Bright sunlight streamed in, and the courtyard was filled with the delicate fragrance of crabapple blossoms. She was not afraid of the future and said confidently, "Grandmother, he and I are of one mind and he does not want to take a concubine, so there won't be so many troubles."
Madam Dou simply didn't believe it. "How can you take a man's nonsense seriously? If Consort Sheng can cause such a commotion, who knows what other women will do when you enter the palace!"
Grandmother's concerns were not unfounded.
She wasn't worried about the matter. "Sheng Xiyue will be demoted, but this matter hasn't been made public yet, after all, it concerns the reputation of powerful families."
Madam Dou said in disbelief, "Really? No wonder people keep spreading rumors that you are jealous."
"But she is a concubine who is listed in the imperial register and granted a golden seal. According to the laws of the dynasty, how can the crown prince divorce a concubine?"
The truth was in Pei Siyan's hands, and those court officials had no way to change it.
"These are turbulent times, which is why Sheng Xiyue will only be deposed after Your Highness ascends the throne. Otherwise, it would require an imperial edict from Emperor Muzong to comply with the proper etiquette. This is also the result of Your Highness's negotiations and discussions with the Sheng family."
"Rules are rules, but people are flexible, and there are still many ways to work around them..."
Madam Dou agreed with this point, saying that unruly concubines would die suddenly from illness.
Sheng Xiyue has completely lost touch with Pei Siyan, and if he wants to deal with her properly, he certainly has many ways to do so.
Despite this, the worry in Madam Dou's eyes did not lessen. "If Pei Siyan is so heartless, what if he treats you the same way in the future?"
Just as Dou Wenyi was about to explain, she heard a loud shout from outside.
"His Highness the Crown Prince has arrived!"
Old Madam Dou and she exchanged a surprised glance, and then they saw Pei Siyan stride in with his head held high.
A humble, polite, and radiant smile bloomed on his face.
Madam Dou quickly rose to greet him, but Pei Siyan was one step ahead and excused himself from the formalities.
His expression was gentle as he spoke softly, “Madam, there’s no need for formalities. I didn’t come here today to discuss the etiquette between ruler and subject, but this concerns Yi’er and my life’s most important matter, so I have to bother you out of respect.”
"No disturbance, no disturbance. This old woman loves Fourth Sister the most. I'm so happy to see you all back."
Dou Wenyi personally brewed a cup of tea for Pei Siyan; after all, she was the mistress of the Dou family.
Old Madam Dou's eyes flickered slightly. "Yi'er, go and see if the dishes in the kitchen are what you like to eat?"
Dou Wenyi understood that she had only asked Pei Siyan a few private words before making an excuse to send her away.
She nodded obediently, got up, and went out.
Just as they stepped out of Shouhe Hall, they ran into Aunt Xu, who was extremely respectful. "Your Highness, His Highness values Ruzhang highly and has entrusted him with important responsibilities. It is all thanks to your help that we are able to repay your great kindness... This century-old ginseng is a small token of our appreciation."
As she spoke, she tried to hand over a brocade box.
Dou Wenyi smiled and said, "Last time, Second Brother was born into the Hanlin Academy. If he could rise step by step, it would be his good fortune. However, the political situation is turbulent and unpredictable. If he is not careful, he will be crushed to pieces. I hope he will be careful with his words and deeds in the future and not disappoint the Crown Prince."
Aunt Xu smiled obsequiously, "Of course, that's the truth."
"You go ahead and get busy. This old ginseng is a tribute to Grandma."
Whether it was for Old Madam Dou or someone else, she had already given the gift. Aunt Xu's tense face relaxed, and she smiled, "It's fine."
Dou Wenyi unknowingly returned to her Yilan Courtyard.
Although she has been living in the East Palace for the past few months, the maids, servants, and furnishings in the courtyard have remained the same as before.
However, unusually, a few white magnolias were planted in the courtyard.
Dou Wenyi sneered inwardly. Back then, because of Dou Mingyan, not a single magnolia could be seen in the entire Dou family.
Power is indeed a good thing.
At this moment, Cuizhi came over and said, "Your Highness, the eldest son is waiting outside the door and wants to see you."
It feels like just yesterday that Dou Mingxiu barged in and slapped her.
Dou Wenyi said calmly, "Let him in."
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