Lu Liangwei was amused to hear her utter “Emperor son-in-law” so smoothly.

Mother did it on purpose.

She was not that fond of Long Yang.

Lu Liangwei knew why, too.

In her mother’s opinion, the Emperor was taking advantage of her – a girl who was much younger than him.

She had no idea how to change her mother’s mind either.

They returned to her quarters and sat on the warm bed in the outer room.

The ground heating system was enabled, and the room grew so warm that Lu Liangwei even removed her fox-fur robe.

Zhu Yu quickly served them tea and snacks.

Lu Liangwei was given warm water, while Ling Lihua received sobering tea.

Ling Lihua held the teacup in her hands and said with a smile, “You’re quite attentive.”

Zhu Yu was a little sheepish at her compliment.

Knowing that her mistress had something to say to Madam, she left the room considerately.

Lu Liangwei peered at her mother’s expression and asked, “Are you unhappy, Mother?”

Ling Lihua chuckled. “Why do you think so?”

Lu Liangwei replied in resignation, “I’m your daughter. Our hearts are connected.”

Ling Lihua felt a little warm inside and decided to tell her the truth. “It’s nothing much. Your dad came back this morning with some Princess Wanyan who was going on about wanting to marry him.” Lu Liangwei’s heart sank, so this was what her mother was worried about.

Mother rarely spoke her feelings, but she had always longed for Dad to return sooner.

However, Dad just had to upset her the moment he came back.

“Mother, you don’t have to worry about Wanyan Luosang. You’re the only one Dad loves. He would never fall for a little girl.”

Ling Lihua put a hand to her forehead and smiled ruefully. “I’m getting old.”

“Nonsense, you’re not old at all,” Lu Liangwei retorted.

Ling Lihua’s mood improved slightly.

She could not understand why she was feeling so frustrated.

She was not a young lady anymore, and she had no reason to get mad at Lu Hetian because of some random girl. However, she still felt uncomfortable hearing the girl bluntly declaring that she wanted to marry Lu Hetian.

“But men are always fond of young women,” said Ling Lihua pensively.

Hearing this, Lu Liangwei could not help thinking of her relationship with the Emperor, much to her embarrassment.

However, was the Emperor really someone like that?

A wave of defeat suddenly washed over her.

It seemed that the Emperor was indeed fond of young women.

She could not help but wonder if the Emperor would grow tired of her when she got old?

Just the thought of it made her bitter.

She knew that her mother’s statement was directed at the vast majority of men, but she still felt her stomach churning with indescribable emotion.

After a pause, she said, “Not every man is like that. I’m sure Dad’s one of these exceptions. He only likes women with a mature charm, like you.”

Ling Lihua face flushed. “What nonsense are you saying?”

Lu Liangwei flashed her a grin. “I’m only telling the truth.”

Ling Lihua shot her a look. “Kids shouldn’t speak carelessly.”

“Then you should stop overthinking, Mother.” Lu Liangwei seized the opportunity to say this.

Ling Lihua patted her on the head, feeling somewhat reassured. “All right.”

Lu Liangwei pushed a plate of cakes toward her. “These are plum cakes, fresh out of the imperial kitchen. Have a piece, Mother.”

Unable to refuse, Ling Lihua had no choice but to eat a piece.

They continued to chat away happily, and soon it was evening.

It was New Year’s Eve that day, and all the court officials and Danjue ambassadors had been invited to a banquet. Bright lanterns and colored silk adorned every corner of the palace, creating a festive atmosphere..