Inside Cixi Palace, the atmosphere was frozen solid.
The Empress Dowager felt as if she were being roasted over a fire, every minute and every second was torture.
Her gaze was fixed on Lin Wanwan's face, which seemed innocent but was actually more cunning than a fox, and she wished she could poke holes in her with her eyes.
Lin Wanwan, still "filial" to her, held her hand, her eyes filled with affection and expectation, as if waiting for her elder's final approval of her filial piety.
What made the Empress Dowager even more uneasy was the gaze of the palace maids and eunuchs around her.
Although the servants all kept their heads down and dared not utter a sound, Lin Wanwan could clearly feel that gazes full of "admiration" and "praise" were constantly being cast upon her.
"Her Majesty the Empress is so filial!"
"Yes, yes, upon receiving such a precious book, the first thing that came to mind was the Empress Dowager."
"Indeed, this is the true embodiment of a virtuous and exemplary mother!"
These whispers were like countless tiny needles, piercing the Empress Dowager's heart one by one.
She knew she had no other choice.
In this grand, openly plotted drama titled "filial piety," orchestrated by Lin Wanwan, she has been completely cornered.
After what felt like an eternity, the Empress Dowager finally managed to squeeze out a few words. She forced a smile that was more like a grimace, gently patted Lin Wanwan's hand, and said stiffly:
"Good...good child, you're very thoughtful."
She turned her head and instructed the trusted nanny beside her, her voice seemingly squeezed out from between her teeth: "What are you all standing there for? Hurry up and... carefully put away this filial piety gift from the Empress and the Prince for me!"
"Yes!" The trusted nanny quickly responded and led the palace maids to take over the sixteen gift boxes containing "humiliation" one by one.
Seeing this, Lin Wanwan's smile became even brighter and more sincere. She bowed gracefully to the Empress Dowager again, her voice clear and melodious: "Your subject thanks Your Majesty on behalf of your uncle!"
"puff--"
The Empress Dowager felt a sweet taste in her throat, and almost spat out a mouthful of blood on the spot!
To grant my wish? To grant your wish that you'll team up to disgust me, is that it?!
Looking at her daughter-in-law, who was acting innocent despite having gotten the better deal, she trembled with anger but couldn't utter a single word. She could only abruptly flick her sleeve and shout, "I'm tired! You may all leave!"
"Yes, Your Majesty, I take my leave." Lin Wanwan readily complied, performed a perfect bow, and then turned and left refreshed, concealing her merits and fame.
...
The aftermath of this grand "gift-giving" event at Cixi Palace unfolded far faster than anyone had imagined.
Just half a day later, a completely new version of the story spread throughout the palace and even the imperial court.
This version contains no humiliation, no witty remarks, and no coercion.
Yes, it's full of positive energy.
—Have you heard? The Regent and the Empress have put aside their past grievances and, working together, have collected educational classics such as "Rules for Women" and presented them to the Empress Dowager!
Why is that?
—What else could it be? To demonstrate filial piety! The Regent was deeply moved upon hearing the Empress's words to His Majesty, praising the Empress Dowager's tireless efforts for the country and calling her a model for all women, worthy of emulation by us younger generations. This prompted his righteous act!
—So that's how it is! The Regent is wise and righteous, and the Empress is filial and virtuous. Your Majesty is truly blessed to have such a virtuous Empress and a wise uncle!
In an instant, praise for "royal harmony and unity among relatives" spread throughout the court and the country. Lin Wanwan's reputation for "benevolence, filial piety, and virtue" reached an unprecedented peak.
Meanwhile, the other protagonist in this "legendary tale," Regent Xiao Yuan, was in his study in his palace, admiring the broken porcelain on the floor.
"Bang!"
He smashed another of his most beloved Song Dynasty official kiln brush washers to the ground, shattering it into pieces.
"Lin! Wan! Wan!"
Xiao Yuan was so angry that he trembled all over, his face turned ashen, and the veins on his forehead bulged.
As he listened to the ridiculous "praises" his subordinates brought back from outside, he felt as if a huge rock was lodged in his chest, unable to go up or down, and a mouthful of blood surged in his throat.
I'm suffering in silence!
He had never suffered such a huge loss in his life!
He originally intended to humiliate Lin Wanwan and make her a laughing stock in the world, but what happened?
Instead, he became a stepping stone for her to gain a "virtuous reputation"! Not only did he fail to suppress her, but he also personally elevated her to the moral high ground!
What's even more infuriating is that he also disgusted his most important political ally—the Empress Dowager—for no reason!
Using "Admonitions for Women" to "pay respects" to the Empress Dowager? He could practically picture the murderous look on her face right now! The alliance he had painstakingly maintained had been shattered by Lin Wanwan's effortless maneuver, leaving an irreparable and massive rift!
They lost both their wife and their army!
"puff--"
Xiao Yuan could no longer hold back and spat out a mouthful of blood, staining the desk in front of him red.
...
That night, a single lamp flickered in the Kunning Palace, and all was peaceful and serene.
When Xiao Che arrived, he saw Lin Wanwan leaning against a soft couch, holding a book in her hands, engrossed in reading. The candlelight illuminated her serene profile, casting a soft glow that made her look incredibly beautiful.
He slowed his pace and walked gently to her side, his eyes filled with undisguised smiles and admiration.
"What is my beloved concubine looking at? She is so engrossed in it."
He picked up the book from her hand and raised an eyebrow.
It was one of the books in that set of "congratulatory gifts"—"Biographies of Exemplary Women".
He sat down beside her, took the book from her hands, set it aside, and then asked softly in a teasing tone:
"Your Majesty, what did you learn from your uncle's congratulatory gift today?"
Upon hearing this, Lin Wanwan looked up and met his smiling eyes. She winked mischievously, nodded seriously, and wore an expression of "deeply enlightened."
"I've learned something."
"Oh? What did you learn?" Xiao Che asked with great interest.
Lin Wanwan deliberately cleared her throat and summarized in a wise and earnest tone:
"I've learned my lesson; it's better not to be too 'filial' in life."
Seeing Xiao Che's slightly surprised expression, she smiled slyly and added:
"Otherwise, it would be easy to put the elders in a difficult position."
"Hahaha...hahahaha!"
Xiao Che was taken aback at first, but then he understood the deeper meaning in her words and could no longer hold back, bursting into a loud and hearty laugh.
He laughed so hard he bent over, his chest heaving violently. He felt all the pent-up frustration that had been building up in his heart for days vanish in that instant!
His queen, his treasure queen, is truly... so interesting!
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