Chapter 1775 - 1713: Transferred to Serve as the Imperial Envoy
Chapter 1775: Chapter 1713: Transferred to Serve as the Imperial Envoy
As Emperor Yan and his large entourage approached, Ah Jiu and the others couldn’t help but notice, prompting the attendants and palace maids to kneel in greeting.
"Your subject and younger brother greets the Imperial Brother and the Imperial Sister-in-law." Ah Jiu knelt on one knee.
Emperor Yan first offered his respects to Empress Dowager Mo: "Your son greets the Royal Mother."
Empress Song also followed closely with a respectful greeting.
"No need for such formalities." Empress Dowager Mo smiled at them: "What brings you here?"
"Your son wished to pay his respects to the Royal Mother, and upon hearing this, His Majesty realized that it’s been two days since he last did so, thus he accompanied me," Empress Song explained with a smile.
"You are thoughtful." Empress Dowager Mo glanced at Ah Jiu, who had yet to rise, and said: "We are all family, rise."
Ah Jiu, however, glanced towards Emperor Yan.
Feigning sternness, Emperor Yan said: "When the Royal Mother tells you to rise, you must rise."
"Thank you, Imperial Brother." Ah Jiu stood up from the ground.
Empress Dowager Mo extended her hand towards Empress Song, and looking at Emperor Yan, said: "Though your imperial health has recovered, there’s a saying that illness departs as if silk threads being drawn. You ought to rest more. There’s nothing lacking on my end, nor do I lack attendants, so there’s no need for you to worry frequently. Just take care of your imperial health."
Emperor Yan smiled and said: "Your son’s health is far less important than the Royal Mother’s. The Empress mentioned that you’ve coughed a couple of times over the past two days."
He stepped to her side, supporting her with his hand.
Empress Dowager Mo stiffened slightly but then relaxed in a blink, a subtle change that caused Empress Song to involuntarily twitch her lips.
"As one ages, there are always small ailments, nothing major, rest assured. Especially you, Emperor, with the heavy burden of state affairs and just recovering from a major illness, you must take care," Empress Dowager Mo advised as they assisted her towards the Linxi Pavilion in the garden.
The pavilion, a Hexagonal Pavilion, was surrounded by flowers and trees, with rocks and ponds designed for resting and enjoying the garden scenery.
The palace attendants placed cushions and offered tea, snacks, and fruits, then stepped aside.
"The Royal Mother may claim old age, yet as a daughter-in-law, I cannot agree. You are still young; standing beside you, people would only take us as sisters." Empress Song sat next to Empress Dowager Mo and looked at Emperor Yan: "Isn’t that right, Your Majesty?"
Emperor Yan took a glance at Empress Dowager Mo, who was only a few years older than him and had always been well-cared-for, with a dignified and graceful appearance. Sitting beside Empress Song, it was believable if one claimed they were sisters.
"The Empress speaks truly," Emperor Yan said with genuine laughter.
Empress Song then noticed the peony in Empress Dowager Mo’s hair, smiled softly, and said: "It seems I misspoke earlier."
"How so?"
"Our sisterhood must place the Royal Mother as the younger, like those ten-year-old maidens. Look at this flower; it indeed makes the Royal Mother appear more youthful than the flower itself, just like a young girl," Empress Song pointed at the flower, smiling at Prince Jin: "Ninth Imperial Brother, you’ve chosen the flower very well. The future Princess Consort of Jin will be fortunate."
Ah Jiu, leaning against the pavilion pillar, glanced at Empress Song and said: "If the Imperial Sister-in-law likes it, your subject and younger brother can also play the role of the flower-giver."
Empress Song covered her mouth with a handkerchief and said: "I dare not outshine the Royal Mother."
Emperor Yan’s smile slightly faded and, looking at Ah Jiu, he said: "Why are you still in the palace? It seems you are quite idle. Seeing as you are unoccupied, last year, a heavy snowfall in the north collapsed many houses. The relief funds have been disbursed but have not reached the victims. You shall go as an imperial envoy and see who dares to embezzle such funds meant for disaster relief."
"Imperial Brother, I just returned not long ago," Ah Jiu protested.
"Hmm?" Emperor Yan narrowed his eyes.
Ah Jiu shrank his neck, feigning helplessness, and said: "Your subject and younger brother will comply with your decree."