"So, the imperial consorts who were found out would become scapegoats, benefiting that person for nothing."
This was a brilliant move, but the other party hadn't anticipated that His Majesty would investigate the matter so thoroughly and fly into such a rage.
Mo Lingxi: "To put it bluntly, power is tempting. In this harem, apart from a few who don't want to become Empress, everyone wants to be Empress."
Sheng Lengshuang was clear about this: "That's one of the most noble positions. And to become Empress means one can be buried with the Emperor."
Unless the Emperor was unwilling.
Mo Lingxi took her hand and said apologetically, "I've made you suffer. I didn't handle these matters properly, and you've gone through all this hardship."
Sheng Lengshuang snorted lightly, "You know that too. That's why I didn't want to get back together with you in the first place. Look at all these troubles."
Mo Lingxi found it both amusing and exasperating. He flicked Sheng Lengshuang's forehead lightly, "If you hadn't gotten back together with me, these troubles would have been even greater."
"Alright, let's not talk about this anymore. When Xiao Feng returns, we'll go to the manor and stay for a few days, and see how your planted bamboo is doing."
Sheng Lengshuang had the same idea: "Okay, bring my parents too."
Mo Lingxi dared not object. He suddenly remembered something: "Speaking of which, we've been together for so long, are you satisfied with me?"
Facing his anticipation, Sheng Lengshuang said indifferently, "So-so. Mainly, you're too shameless."
Upon hearing this, Mo Lingxi said, "Then can I move in with you?"
Sheng Lengshuang, understanding his meaning, almost couldn't catch her breath, "I just called you shameless, and you're already getting ahead of yourself?"
Mo Lingxi was very good at seizing the opportunity, "Of course. Wife, it's decided happily. I'll have the palace servants move my things over later."
How wonderful!
Sheng Lengshuang 'slapped' several packets of powder onto the small table and smiled at him, "Prince Mingrui, I didn't hear very clearly what you just said. Could you please say it again?"
Mo Lingxi shivered and repeatedly shook his head, "I just said I will take good care of you and Xiao Feng, and I will absolutely not do anything I shouldn't."
He glanced at the packets of powder.
Sheng Lengshuang slowly put away the powders as she spoke of their effects: "This can let someone taste what it's like to laugh themselves to death, this can let someone die in their dreams..."
Mo Lingxi swallowed and quietly moved aside. As expected of his wife, these powders were all unconventional.
With this incident, Mo Lingxi wouldn't dare to have any 'inappropriate' thoughts for the time being.
...
In the afternoon.
When Xiao Feng returned to the palace, Zi Cheng also had his results.
The brothers arrived hand in hand.
Seeing this, Sheng Lengshuang smiled and teased, "Oh, I almost thought I had gained another son older than me."
Zi Cheng was not offended and laughed heartily, "If I could be born into Little Aunt's belly, it would be my honor. Having parents like Little Aunt and Little Uncle, how wonderful."
"Mother!" Xiao Feng threw himself into Sheng Lengshuang's arms, pouting unhappily, "Mother, the banquet wasn't fun. They were all just trying to please me and curry favor with Imperial Brother."
Sheng Lengshuang wiped the sweat from his forehead with her embroidered handkerchief and taught him earnestly, "Xiao Feng, that's because you have status and power, and you are favored by His Majesty. Everyone in this world is striving for their own benefit."
"They want greater benefits, and they can't directly please His Majesty. Since you are a child, they think of starting with you. No matter how much you dislike it, you must interact with them, and you must learn to hide your emotions, not letting others easily see your thoughts and feelings, understand?"
Xiao Feng drooped, "I finally understand why Imperial Brother dislikes the throne so much. I'm just a prince, and they're already scheming against me. For someone like Imperial Brother, how much more would they scheme?"
Zi Cheng and Mo Lingxi exchanged a smile. This child was finally starting to gain some understanding in this regard.
Sheng Lengshuang lightly tapped Xiao Feng's forehead twice, "You can say these things in front of us, but you cannot say them in front of others, not a single word, understand?"
Xiao Feng was young, but after experiencing so many things, he knew what he could and couldn't say, "Mother, I won't speak carelessly. I just really dislike those people's hypocritical flattery."
"Like Young Master Wen, he clearly wants to be the one giving orders, but he dares not do so because of my status."
Zi Cheng noted this down, thinking of 'discussing' it properly with Prime Minister Wen at the morning court tomorrow. A mere grandson of a minister dared to be so presumptuous in front of royalty.
Sheng Lengshuang showed no impatience, "Xiao Feng, you grew up in the village. Do you still remember how the former village chief bullied our family back then?"
Xiao Feng nodded heavily, indignantly, "I remember it too clearly! That family was too wicked! Fortunately, that family all received their due punishment."
Sheng Lengshuang said gently, "Back then in Shilipo Village, you also saw how much the villagers fawned over the former village chief. And a mere village chief could arbitrarily bully the villagers, that is power."
"The extent of power determines many things. For example, without power, even a village chief can bully us arbitrarily. Now that we have power, everyone will fawn over us.
So, do you want power, or do you not want it?"
Xiao Feng tilted his head, thinking adorably for a while, "I want power, but I don't want that hypocrisy."
Sheng Lengshuang: "It's relative. With power, those people will fawn over you. You must learn to see the essence of it and not be easily deceived."
"And most importantly, you must not abuse your power or act recklessly with it. You are the heir of Prince Mingrui's manor and the Emperor's younger brother. Everything you think and do should be for the sake of this country and the Emperor, do you understand?"
Xiao Feng obediently agreed, "Mother, Xiao Feng will do well and strive to have Imperial Brother select a suitable Crown Prince soon? That way, Imperial Brother can be more relaxed."
Zi Cheng laughed heartily and patted his head twice, "Xiao Feng, Imperial Brother is waiting for your help."
"If it's really impossible, will Imperial Brother abdicate the throne to you?"
Xiao Feng shivered and shook his head like a rattle drum, "No, no, no! Imperial Brother, you should continue to enjoy such good fortune. My small body can't handle it."
Zi Cheng laughed even louder.
"Your Majesty, you should get to the main point," Sheng Lengshuang reminded him.
Upon hearing this, Zi Cheng restrained his laughter, "I have found out..."
Just as he began to speak, a eunuch entered.
"This servant greets Your Majesty, His Highness Prince Mingrui, Young Master Mo, and Miss Sheng." The eunuch bowed, "Reporting to Your Majesty, the Third Prince, Fifth Prince, Sixth Prince, the First Princess, and the Second Princess have come to invite Young Master Mo to play."