Chapter 156 - 50: The Toad General
"Rourou, stop pacing in front of me, it’s making me restless," in Chuhua Palace, a palace maid was massaging the shoulders of the Empress Dowager.
In recent days, the Empress Dowager was in high spirits, ever since the day she took the Elixir Pills Lie Rou had sent, she felt her complexion improving day by day.
The appearance she made in Jinghua Garden also helped her save face, especially after hearing about the unnamed major fire in You Tan Palace, the sight of the Consort with her face covered in ash brought her great comfort.
The Empress Dowager didn’t have much affection for Yue Jinghua, she merely cared for Lie Rou because of the favor Lady Feng Wanwan showed her years back, thus she had taken care of Lie Rou and her daughter behind the scenes.
As for the marriage of Xiao Yi, she genuinely wanted to facilitate it, not only to give Yue Jinghua a Princess’ title but also to prevent Xiao Yi from aligning with other powers.
However, the simple-minded Lie Rou could not understand the deeper intentions of the Empress Dowager and the Emperor.
"Huahua and Chenchen have been out of touch, I want to go check on them," after being sent back by Xiao Yi, Lie Rou has not heard from her children. Although she has just been informed that the assassin in Youlian Palace has been repelled, she was still restless.
"Stop fussing around, the palace is so large, and you, a woman, will only add to the confusion. I have a question for you, Rourou, Yue Nian, that little rascal, has been missing for years, do you have plans?" the Empress Dowager kindly took Lie Rou’s hand and inquired.
"Plans? Why do you suddenly ask these questions, foster mother?" Lie Rou was puzzled.
"Rourou, I’ve been through this, if your children are capable, you may enjoy tranquility in the future. But Minzhi is still guarding Longzhan Country, and your young son is not thoughtful. As for Jinghua, she will need to be married off sooner or later. Your two uncles aren’t magnanimous people either. A woman’s beauty is the least durable thing in the world; while you are still young and beautiful, you should think ahead. Otherwise, what will you do once your children get married?" the Empress Dowager spoke meaningfully, still cherishing Lie Rou, her goddaughter.
"Foster mother, what are you talking about, I... no matter what people say outside, I’ve always believed that Yue Nian hasn’t abandoned us; he’s still alive, he must be, and he will definitely come back to find me and the children," Lie Rou said, looking agitated.