Chapter 238: With You Here, What Is There to Fear?
Empress Dowager Gu knew full well that her own son was wrapped around Mei Wanying’s little finger.
When it came to matters concerning Ling, his word meant nothing; Mei Wanying had to be the one to give the final say.
Besides, given how devoted Pei Yan was to Mei Wanying, he would ask for her opinion on everything he did.
Telling him to bring Ling into the palace, no matter how many times, would be a waste of breath.
Rather than beating around the bush and wasting her efforts, it was better to ask for Mei Wanying’s opinion directly.
If Mei Wanying agreed, Pei Yan wouldn’t stand in the way.
Before Mrs. Feng arrived, Empress Dowager Gu had instructed her to discuss the matter amicably with Mei Wanying.
As long as she could see Ling, she would agree to any condition Mei Wanying proposed.
Even if she wanted to be the Empress, as long as the Emperor did not object, the wish could be granted.
Mrs. Feng maintained a respectful demeanor as she waited for Mei Wanying’s reply.
When she reconciled with Pei Yan, Mei Wanying had already anticipated this day. She and Empress Dowager Gu would have to meet sooner or later.
She had also already decided how she would handle her interactions with Empress Dowager Gu.
She spoke in a calm voice, "This is Ling’s first time back in the capital, and thanks to the Emperor’s grace, she now has her own residence. The birthday banquet will be held at the Princess Mansion."
Ling’s surname was Mei. By not holding the birthday banquet at the Mei family estate, Mei Wanying was already making a concession.
Holding it at the Princess Mansion was the best option.
’If they try to push their luck, then we simply won’t meet. I won’t have them ruining Ling’s special day.’
’Her birthday last year was already imperfect. There can’t be any more trouble this year.’
Mei Wanying didn’t want Ling to bear the consequences of the adults’ conflicts, nor did she want her daughter to be caught in the middle and feel distressed.
As long as Empress Dowager Gu genuinely doted on Ling, she would not prevent the grandmother and granddaughter from meeting.
If not, she would never let Empress Dowager Gu see Ling again.
Mei Wanying had not forgotten those unpleasant events, but she wouldn’t dredge up the past for no reason.
Now that she was back together with Pei Yan, she couldn’t afford to get hung up on things; otherwise, she would only be tormenting herself.
Mei Wanying added, "If Her Majesty finds it inconvenient to leave the palace, I will bring Ling to the palace to pay our respects."
Her tone was still detached, neither warm nor fawning.
In the past, Mrs. Feng would have surely thought that Mei Wanying was being ungrateful.
’Her Majesty has already humbled herself, yet this woman still isn’t bowing in gratitude?’
But times had changed. The fact that Mei Wanying was willing to let Her Majesty and the Little Prince meet was a wonderful thing!
Mrs. Feng’s eyes lit up, a look of pleasant surprise spreading across her face.
She said in a rush, "It’s convenient! Perfectly convenient!"
Mrs. Feng was all smiles. "Her Majesty has been constantly thinking of the Little Prince. That is a very important day for the Little Prince, so Her Majesty will certainly attend."
Mei Wanying nodded and murmured her assent, saying no more.
To a certain extent, Mrs. Feng’s attitude represented that of Empress Dowager Gu.
’It seems Empress Dowager Gu really is fond of Ling.’
Mei Wanying felt a little more at ease.
In her past life, as Princess Consort Chen, she had often gone to the palace to be lectured by Empress Dowager Gu.
She had some understanding of Empress Dowager Gu. The woman considered Pei Yan her entire world.
As long as a child was of Pei Yan’s bloodline, Empress Dowager Gu would love them, regardless of which woman had given birth.
’Perhaps Empress Dowager Gu still dislikes me, feeling that I’m not worthy of Pei Yan.’
’But Ling is different.’
’She is Pei Yan’s own flesh and blood. It’s highly likely Empress Dowager Gu’s affection will extend to her.’
Mei Wanying’s attitude was aloof, and Mrs. Feng feared that saying too much would be a mistake and cause offense.
Then she saw how the Emperor stayed protectively by Mei Wanying’s side, treating her like the apple of his eye and unwilling to leave her for even a moment.
This made Mrs. Feng even more afraid of offending Mei Wanying.
Before leaving, she asked tentatively, "Miss Mei, when might you have time to bring the Little Prince to the palace?"
The birthday banquet was one thing, and paying respects was another. Mrs. Feng felt they were two separate matters.
As a long-serving attendant to Empress Dowager Gu, she knew better than anyone how much her mistress missed the Little Prince.
If not for her fear of angering the Emperor, Her Majesty would have wanted to come to the Princess Mansion herself.
What elderly person wouldn’t want to dote on their grandchildren and see them play happily at their knees?
If Miss Mei brought the Little Prince to the palace to pay respects, allowing Her Majesty to see the child a few more times, Her Majesty would surely be delighted.
Mrs. Feng looked at Mei Wanying with anticipation, a hidden tension in her eyes. Her hands, clasped before her abdomen, tightened involuntarily.
Mei Wanying did not answer immediately.
Pei Yan thought she was unwilling.
At times like this, it was naturally up to him to step in and, on Ah Yin’s behalf, refuse anything she didn’t want to do.
The man holding the little girl softened his features, suppressing his cold, stern aura for fear of frightening his daughter.
He said, "Tomorrow, I will go pay my respects. I will tell the Empress Mother to worry less and take care of her health."
He only said that he would go, not that he would bring Ling along.
Mrs. Feng was no fool; she understood the meaning behind the Emperor’s words.
As a son, he would fulfill his own filial duties.
But no one could force the woman he loved or their daughter to do anything.
If Ling hadn’t been present, and if he weren’t afraid of the effect on the child, the Emperor might have spoken more bluntly—and more cruelly.
This was a man who would even place his own mother under house arrest. How could Mrs. Feng dare to utter another word?
She curtsied and was about to return to the palace to report back.
After taking a few steps, she was stopped by Mei Wanying’s voice. "Tomorrow, I will bring Ling to the palace with the Emperor to pay our respects to Her Majesty."
Mrs. Feng was overjoyed. She curtsied again. "Her Majesty will be so happy to hear this! Miss Mei, you and the Little Prince must be weary from your travels. Please rest. This old servant will not disturb you any further."
Mei Wanying nodded, and Mrs. Feng departed in high spirits.
Pei Yan knew everything his mother had done to Mei Wanying.
He would not force Mei Wanying to go before his mother and act out the role of a filial daughter-in-law, to become the "virtuous wife" the world praised.
He wrapped his arm around Mei Wanying’s waist. "Ah Yin, don’t force yourself. You can do as you wish. No one will dare to say a word against it."
He had been willing to live apart from her just so he could seize power, all to protect Ah Yin and Ling and allow them to live as they pleased.
If Ah Yin were to suffer any grievance, then he would have failed.
Pei Yan’s arm around Mei Wanying tightened. "The Empress Mother gave me life. Showing filial piety is my responsibility alone. You don’t need to consider me in this."
Knowing that the man by her side was thinking of her, Mei Wanying felt a wave of relief wash over her.
"Parents must lead by example. We have Ling now; we must be mindful of our every word and deed. Children imitate what they see."
"Besides, I don’t feel like I’m being forced."
’I’m going to the palace to find a patron for Ling, to give her one more person to dote on her.’
’I’m not going there to suck up to the Empress Dowager.’
’If she gives me a hard time, I’m not stupid. Why would I just stand there and take it?’
’We have to meet sooner or later, so it’s better to test the Empress Dowager’s attitude beforehand. That way, I’ll know where I stand.’
Mei Wanying patted Pei Yan’s hand, reassuring him. "With you here, what is there to fear?"
Being trusted by Mei Wanying, the man couldn’t wipe the smile off his face.
He felt like he was floating on a cloud, his mood unbelievably good.
Pei Yan instinctively tilted his head, wanting to give Mei Wanying a kiss.
’Did she eat candy or something? Why are her words so sweet?’
The moment he tilted his head, Ling covered his mouth with her hand.
The little one finally remembered what she had said on the way over. "No kissing my mommy!"
Pei Yan: "..."
’Daughters are supposed to be sweet and caring. So why is mine always causing trouble?’