Border town
In a picturesque mountain village, a mysterious tenant family arrived.
The tenants had moved in recently, and the man in the lead was so handsome he seemed unreal.
Unfortunately, this man was sickly, had a broken arm, and was lame. He was often seen going to town to get medicine.
If anything is strange, it's this man's wife who's incredibly strange.
On a sweltering day, she covered her face with a veil.
She was acting crazy all day long, sometimes hugging a pillow and saying it was her child, and sometimes sitting at the door, shouting that she wanted to be the empress.
The villagers kept their distance from him, fearing they might contract some unclean disease.
That's it? And she's still the Empress?
Everyone knows that the current emperor is only twelve years old, and his hair hasn't even fully grown in yet.
Even if the emperor wanted to choose an empress, he would choose from among the princes and nobles, not a crazy woman!
"Madam, you've had another attack. Come home with me quickly, and take your medicine."
Shan'er had just finished washing the little master's diaper and hadn't even had a chance to rest when she had to take care of the crazy little master again.
With a forced smile, Shan'er led her mistress back into the house and closed the door.
His Highness the Crown Prince—oh no, Master—has gone to town to get medicine. When he returns, she'll discuss with him whether to buy some breathable fabric for the young master…
"Shan'er, I don't want to drink the medicine! I want to be the Empress! I want to be the Empress!"
"Very well, this servant greets Your Majesty the Empress!"
"My whole life~"
"Thank you, Your Majesty the Empress!"
Shan'er sighed, played along for a while, and finally managed to appease her master.
The madwoman, also known as Shangguan Xian'er, was not faking her madness in this life; she had truly been provoked and gone completely insane.
She had originally harbored a dream that they would make a comeback once the prince was rescued.
With her businesses and the military strength of the Huo Luo side, they will definitely be able to reclaim the throne!
However, Baili Youqin, who was released, had lost an arm and was lame in one leg.
At this point, he had lost all fighting spirit.
He disbanded the last remaining forces and released the secret guards.
With his wife and daughter, along with his ever-loyal Shan'er, he traveled a long and winding road before finally arriving at this picturesque, secluded village, intending to spend the rest of his life there.
Shan'er understood the master's good intentions, so she followed him to take care of the young master and the master who had gone mad...
Qingshui Town—
The man, dressed simply but with an extraordinary air, was moving slowly.
Those who witnessed it all secretly lamented its loss.
However, the man who was pitied, after buying the medicine, picked up his purse and went to Buzhuang.
After looking around for a while, he picked out several feet of soft cotton cloth and a bolt of cotton cloth.
After paying the bill, I slowly left the town, carrying my things...
They work at sunrise and rest at sunset.
They returned to civilian life, free from worries about food and clothing.
He abandoned his obsession and chose a path that would save his life.
There is no longer a former crown prince in the world, only Su Baili.
......
Jinling—
After the court session, Minister Liu was invited to the Imperial Study.
The young emperor has been waiting for a while.
"Uncle~"
"This old minister is unworthy of such praise; Your Majesty is too kind."
Liu Shisheng bowed and clasped his hands in greeting, not daring to call himself his uncle.
"Uncle, there's no need for such formalities. I've summoned you for family matters, not state affairs."
The young emperor helped his uncle up with utmost respect.
As long as his uncle's family behaves themselves, he will surely protect the Liu family's peace for a hundred years.
"Family matters?"
Upon hearing His Majesty's words, Liu Shisheng hunched his back suspiciously, gesturing for His Majesty to sit down first.
"The powerful clans are all eyeing my harem with covetous intent, but since I am still young, they go to the harem under the pretense of visiting my mother to try and arrange marriages..."
This has caused the Empress Dowager considerable distress lately!
In the Liu clan, when one person attains enlightenment, even their chickens and dogs ascend to heaven.
They also joined in the fun, their words full of criticism.
The Empress Dowager worried that if she told him about it, it would upset him and make him feel disgusted with the Liu family, thus bringing trouble upon the Liu family.
Therefore, they kept it all from him.
He went to visit his mother yesterday without giving any prior notice, and that's when he discovered the clues...
"What does Your Majesty wish for this old minister to do?"
After listening, Liu Shisheng frowned.
The Liu clan really has a long reach.
The young emperor felt a warmth in his heart when he heard his uncle's tone, which seemed to be protecting him and his mother.
After a moment's thought, he proposed:
"I only recognize my maternal uncle's family and do not wish to be close to others. Furthermore, I will select a woman from the Liu family as my concubine."
Liu Shisheng nodded, his efforts for this nephew had not been in vain.
If that's the case, then it's easy to handle.
The uncle and nephew then discussed their strategy in the imperial study.
When it was time for the imperial kitchen to serve the meal, the young emperor asked his uncle to stay, and the two went to Cining Palace to dine with his mother.
In the inner palace, there were only the Empress Dowager and the Emperor as the two proper masters, so no one dared to offend them or talk about rules and regulations.
The Empress Dowager was very pleased and ate more at lunch than usual.
The brother and sister had been separated for many years and it was a rare occasion for them to eat together at the same table.
Seeing his mother's smile, the young emperor thought to himself that he would definitely summon his uncle more often to speak with his mother when he had the chance...
The empress dowager and her relatives were not allowed to interfere in politics.
Liu Shisheng's rise to power was predictable and his achievements were remarkable, leaving no room for criticism.
In addition, he was upright and incorruptible, and promoted many ambitious and good officials who had been oppressed.
Therefore, he has always been a highly respected figure in the imperial court.
Now he has transformed into the emperor's brother-in-law, and for a time, he was in the limelight!
Upon returning to the residence from the palace, the steward reported with a grim expression:
"Reporting to the patriarch, the Liu clan has sent an invitation, asking you to come over as soon as you return to the manor."
Liu Shisheng was not surprised at all when he heard the news.
However, he didn't take the old fogies of the Liu clan seriously.
Instead, he comforted the worried old man and solemnly said:
"Uncle Liu, you've worked so hard to help us, my son and me, all these years."
However, my son and I are no longer beings that the Liu clan can manipulate at will.
From now on, whenever people from that side come, there's no need to pay them any attention; just leave them hanging or chase them away.
Although you are the housekeeper, you have watched us, father and son, grow up. In our hearts, your position is much more than just that of a housekeeper.
“Master, you flatter me. The old master was kind to me back then, a kindness that was like giving me a second life. Over the years, I have seen your relationship with the young master grow better and better, and your careers rise steadily. I am happy for you both.”
As the butler spoke, tears welled up in his eyes.
No one knew better than him how much humiliation the head of the family suffered after the old master passed away.
Now that the head of the family holds a high position of power, how dare the Liu clan members try to steal his thunder?!
Dream on!
"Don't worry, it's time to settle accounts."
Liu Shisheng reassured him, saying he understood the situation.
Considering His Majesty's words today and the Empress Dowager's concerns, he already had a plan in mind...
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