Old Madam Lu, seeing that her daughter-in-law had finished speaking with her daughter, finally spoke, "Your Majesty, it is I who failed to discipline my family members and have caused you trouble. Please rest assured, this will be the last time. I will also give Your Majesty an explanation and make the person who acted without authorization pay the price."
She then glanced at Madam Lu.
Empress Lu sighed, "Mother, we are all family, and it's not a major issue. After you go back, please don't hold it against Eldest Sister-in-law. Yun'er is Eldest Sister-in-law's most cherished daughter. As Yun'er's mother, I can understand her making such a decision. Like Eldest Sister-in-law, I do not wish for Yun'er to be wronged."
"Your Majesty is always so kind to your family; I am deeply ashamed. Your father sent word with me this time, saying he will plan carefully so as not to disappoint Your Majesty and His Highness." Old Madam Lu said.
"Your daughter and my imperial son are relying on Father and Eldest Brother." Empress Lu said.
"We are all family, Your Majesty. Please don't speak so formally. If Your Majesty and His Highness fare well, the Lu family can also prosper." Madam Lu quickly said.
Although each had their own calculations, on the surface, they were a loving family, harmonious and well.
"I haven't seen Yun'er in a long time. I'll have Yun'er come to the palace to accompany me for a while later." Empress Lu said.
"I will send Yun'er to accompany Your Majesty after I return home." Madam Lu quickly agreed.
Empress Lu chatted with Old Madam Lu and Madam Lu about family matters for a while longer, then showed signs of fatigue. Old Madam Lu and Madam Lu rose to take their leave.
After they left, Empress Lu summoned a trusted confidante and instructed her to arrange for people to find Su Qingyue at all costs.
As for what to do after finding her...
Empress Lu furrowed her brows, thought carefully, and said in a deep voice, "Find a hidden place to keep her. Remember, do not use force, and ensure the child in her belly is safe."
By keeping Su Qingyue and the child, she could maintain her affection with her son and prevent their relationship from reaching a point of irreconcilable conflict. The Lu family was indeed her reliance, but was her son not also?
She could take the blame for the Lu family for now, but that did not mean she was willing to do so indefinitely.
No matter how close her niece was, she was not as close as her son.
Furthermore, after her niece entered the palace, whether she would listen to her or the Lu family was still uncertain.
Her father had always been ambitious, and Empress Lu worried that her father's ambition might spiral out of control, which was not the outcome she desired.
After giving detailed instructions, Empress Lu finally sent the person away.
Meanwhile, Gu Sinian did not dare to delay and began investigating the Second Prince's mansion and Empress Lu.
He didn't know the extent of it until he started investigating, only to discover that the Lu family intended for Lu Ruoyun to become the official consort to the Second Prince.
In that case, wouldn't Su Qingyue become an obstacle? How could a prince have two official consorts? The Lu family was determined to succeed, with Empress Lu's support. Naturally, Su Qingyue, who was carrying a child, could not be allowed to remain.
The intention of Empress Lu and the Lu family was also clear: not only was one Empress Lu not enough, but they wanted another one.
In this, what role did the Second Prince play?
Gu Sinian secretly sent people to monitor every move of the Second Prince's mansion and then reported what he had discovered to Emperor Chongwen. Emperor Chongwen's face turned ashen, his eyes filled with overflowing anger.
"To make way for the Lu family's girl, they would not hesitate to harm the Su family's girl? How could she be so heartless? The Su family girl's belly holds her own grandson!" Emperor Chongwen said furiously.
"In the face of imperial power that is within reach, what does kinship matter?" Consort An said leisurely.