"Please, Royal Grandmother, contain your anger," Yang Mengchen said coquettishly. "After all, it’s because of you, Father Emperor, and Mother Empress that Wende has been brought up so exceptionally that he attracted so many women. It also proves that my judgment is exceptionally good. However, Wende has always been modest and disciplined. This incident is not his fault, and I ask Royal Grandmother and Mother Empress not to blame him."
"It’s the Empress Dowager who wants to stand up for you, but you always find excuses for Momo. I really don’t know what to say about you." The Empress Dowager lightly reprimanded Yang Mengchen, but in her heart, she lamented: Jiujiu is indeed too tender-hearted, but thankfully it is only towards the people she cares about.
Yang Mengchen affectionately held the Empress Dowager’s hand and acted spoiled: "Royal Grandmother, your kindness is our younger generation’s fortune."
"You!" The Empress Dowager gently tapped Yang Mengchen’s forehead, her face full of amusement and indulgence.
The Empress Consort was naturally relieved to see her daughter-in-law wholeheartedly defending her son: "Before coming here, your Father Emperor said if anyone dares to bully you, instruct them to bully back. Your Father Emperor will support you if the sky falls down."
If it had been in the past, faced with such a situation, the Emperor would definitely have allowed Long Xuanmo to marry Liao Zhiyan in order to preserve the royal family’s dignity. If he didn’t like her, it was no big deal to keep her in the backyard, after all, the Crown Prince Mansion was not short of a bit of rice and grain. Now, not only is Yang Mengchen proficient in both civil and military affairs, but she is also constantly finding ways to relieve the Emperor’s worries. The Emperor is very satisfied with this daughter-in-law and naturally wouldn’t let anyone bully her.
"Please convey my thanks to Father Emperor on behalf of Jiujiu," Yang Mengchen said gratefully as she nodded. "Please assure Father Emperor that Jiujiu will never tarnish the dignity of the royal family!"
The Empress Dowager’s eyes held approval: "That is how it should be, those women of unknown origin must be firmly suppressed, never show mercy!"
Having witnessed the seedy side of the imperial harem for many years, the Empress Dowager knew immediately that something was amiss with Liao Zhiyan, but her children and grandchildren obviously had their own plans, so she didn’t intervene.
Jiujiu possesses the broad-mindedness and domineering aura of the royal family, which she likes. As for Liao Zhiyan, she and the royal family wouldn’t recognize her at all.
The corners of the Empress’ mouth twitched slightly, with regret and helplessness flashing in her eyes.
She knew that the Empress Dowager was disappointed in her, wanting her to be stronger. Having suffered from concubines herself, the Empress Dowager had told her, even before she married the then Prince Emperor, that she wouldn’t add concubines to the Prince’s harem. She also warned her to stand firm, not to earn a reputation for virtue at the cost of accepting concubines for the Prince. freёwebnovel-com
No woman wishes to share her husband with others, but since ancient times, men have had multiple wives and concubines. At that time, the Prince’s situation was difficult, and he needed the support of court officials. The Prince had spoken to her personally, and she reluctantly agreed to accept one concubine after another into the Prince’s harem. After the Emperor ascended to the throne, there was a draft every three years, which she was powerless to stop.
The inner court and the harem are battlefields without smoke, she strategized day and night. With the protection of the Empress Dowager, Xixi and her siblings grew up safely, although they were subjected to several persecutions.
While the Emperor was to blame, she bore responsibility as well. When Xuan Mo vowed to have only Jiujiu as his wife in this life, she hesitated but eventually chose to support Xuan Mo. She didn’t want Jiujiu to regret being kind-hearted and lenient like she had been.
Now, seeing Xuan Mo and Jiujiu’s loving marriage and the backyard free from any messy affairs, she felt both relieved and grateful.
The Empress Dowager and the Empress inquired about Yang Mengchen and the babies’ wellbeing with concern. Knowing that mother and children were safe, both were reassured and took turns imparting their child-rearing wisdom. The three of them chatted and laughed, creating a warm and harmonious atmosphere.
After lunch, the Empress Dowager and the Empress traveled back to the palace, and then a constant stream of supplements were delivered in carriages to the Crown Prince Mansion.
The visit of the Empress Dowager and the Empress to the Crown Prince Mansion was no secret, and soon, the news spread throughout the Capital. Women everywhere were envious and jealous: the Emperor, the Empress Dowager, and the Empress were clearly supporting the Crown Princess Consort.
In the inn.
Liao Zhiyan was seething with anger upon hearing the news, but unfortunately, Mo Lan and Mu Zhu were on guard, their watchful eyes preventing her from unleashing her resentment and venom. Underneath her long sleeves, her hands were clenched into fists, her long nails scratching bloody marks in her palms, yet she seemed unaware of the pain.
Late at night, Long Xuanmo returned to the Mansion, weary from travel. Thinking his beloved wife would have already gone to sleep, he was surprised to see the room still lit. He gestured to Hai Tang not to announce his arrival and quietly entered the room. Spotting his wife leaning against the bed rail with a book in her hand, her expression revealed that her thoughts were elsewhere.
"Why haven’t you slept yet?" Long Xuanmo asked with concern.
Upon hearing his voice, Yang Mengchen came back to her senses and, seeing it was Long Xuanmo who had apparently just returned from outside, replied, "I can’t sleep without you here."
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