Empress Xiao, upon learning of the Emperor's return to the palace, hurried to the Hall of Mental Cultivation.
His Majesty had promised her that he would bring Heng'er back this time. Years had passed since their separation, and Empress Xiao missed him terribly.
Xiao Jinheng finished writing his letter, put down his brush, sealed it in an envelope, and planned to have Kong Xingzhu deliver it later.
“Heng’er,呜呜, where is my Heng’er? Heng’er, Heng’er!~”
Empress Xiao’s loud voice echoed before she even reached the hall.
Emperor Cheng: “……”
This troublesome creature, why was she shouting so loudly?
Was she afraid people wouldn't know Heng'er had returned?
A moment later, Empress Xiao, accompanied by an old nanny, rushed into the grand hall.
Although she was middle-aged, Empress Xiao’s skin and figure were exceptionally well-maintained, a stark contrast to ordinary village women.
Even Madam Xue, the wife of Prefect Qin, could not compare to her.
Empress Xiao possessed a pair of phoenix eyes, a cherry-like small mouth, and a high-bridged nose, bearing a striking resemblance to Xiao Jinheng.
“Hey, stop your shouting!~” Emperor Cheng roared.
This unmanageable woman, what could he say to her…
Empress Xiao was startled, and the tears welling in her eyes were hastily held back.
Before she could even search the hall, a small bun suddenly lunged into her embrace, calling out sweetly, “Mother!~”
Empress Xiao felt as if she were dreaming. Looking down, she saw Xiao Jinheng smiling at her. He had grown a little taller and looked more handsome after several years.
“Oh, Heng’er,呜呜, Mother has missed you so much!~” Empress Xiao, unconcerned about the amusement of the palace staff, picked up Xiao Jinheng and kissed him fiercely twice.
A large red lipstick mark was immediately imprinted on his fair little face.
“Haha, Mother, your son has missed you too…” Xiao Jinheng hooked his arms around Empress Xiao’s neck and then nuzzled against her.
Back in Dashui Village, he had envied children with parents. When he threw tantrums, he had wished he could disregard everything and return to the palace to reunite with his mother.
Especially when Aunt Gu hugged the little village girl, kissing her and helping her comb her hair, Xiao Jinheng’s feelings were indescribable.
“Heng’er, how have you been living outside?” Empress Xiao placed her son on the ground, her face brimming with affection. “I heard from your uncle that you are currently living with a family named Yun. Are they treating you well?”
Xiao Jinheng nodded. “The Yun family are inherently kind, hardworking, and very easygoing. They treat me very well, Mother, so you don’t need to worry…”
A long time had passed since he left Dashui Village. He wondered if the little village girl missed him.
“That’s good!~” Empress Xiao crouched down and stroked her son’s head. “You’re not leaving again now that you’re back, are you? Tomorrow, Mother will take you to the Imperial Garden to catch grasshoppers, okay?”
Emperor Cheng: “……”
Good heavens, didn't she realize the season? It was freezing outside, and she wanted to catch grasshoppers. Was her mind getting dumber?
“Heng’er will stay with you for a few days before he has to leave!~” Emperor Cheng glanced at Empress Xiao. “I took a great risk to let him return to the palace this time. You must not let anything slip when you go out, understand?”
Given Empress Xiao’s loose tongue, Emperor Cheng was a hundred percent worried.
Empress Xiao retorted, “Your Majesty, I am the mistress of the harem. My mind is sharp,哼!~”
Emperor Cheng: “……”
He really couldn’t tell.
Empress Xiao had been highly favored in the palace over the years. Other consorts could not get close to Emperor Cheng, and even the famous Consort Xian had to retreat.
If she didn’t have some skills, how could she have reigned in the harem for so many years?
Xiao Xinling sat at the table, propping her chin with her hands. “Mother, why don’t you care about your daughter? I’ve been away for quite some time too…”
Upon hearing this, Empress Xiao gave her a sidelong glance. “You troublesome girl, you’re not happy unless you’ve caused trouble for others. What do I need to worry about? Oh right, the State of Yan has proposed marriage again. You are not allowed to run around these few days; you must prepare yourself properly!~”
“Ah? Mother, you’re really willing to marry me off?” Xiao Xinling clutched her chest, her face filled with sorrow.
Empress Xiao sighed helplessly. “Alas, it’s a matter of state. What can I do? If you don’t want to go, then go beg your father!~”
Emperor Cheng: “……”
Xinling was his own daughter. As a father, he wasn’t so heartless as to marry his daughter off to a foreign land.
He could only hope that Yun Laosi would handle this matter reliably. If he could truly resolve this issue, then his son-in-law would have passed the test.
Xiao Xinling stood up and stomped her foot. “哼, Mother is biased. I’m never speaking to you again…”
With that, she stomped over to Xiao Jinheng and pinched his little cheek. “Little crybaby, you have to keep Mother company these few days. Your elder sister will go back to cry for a while!~”
Xiao Jinheng couldn’t help but chuckle. “According to Nanny Jin, she’s going to make stir-fried mustard greens with meat later, and heat up the salted duck eggs and salted goose eggs. Doesn’t Elder Sister want to stay for a meal?”
Hearing this, Xiao Xinling’s round eyes widened, and a trickle of saliva dripped from the corners of her crystalline mouth. “Since that’s the case, then I shall reluctantly accompany you for a meal…”
Emperor Cheng and Empress Xiao exchanged a glance and burst into laughter.
Their family was finally reunited.
After dinner, Emperor Cheng went to the Imperial Study. Looking at the mountain of memorials, his head was about to explode.
Minister of War Xue Luhai stood by his side, mumbling about the border conflicts.
Xue Luhai was Madam Xue’s father. Although he was old, he was very capable and had made many contributions to the court over the years.
“Your Majesty, these barbarians from the northern border are fierce. They have already occupied several cities. General Gu Zhenshan of Jingbei has gone to the front lines to resist the enemy, but the opposing forces are numerous, and the situation is very unfavorable for us!~” Xue Luhai said.
Upon hearing this, Emperor Cheng frowned. “Mobilize all the guards of the capital to the northern border. If the troops are insufficient, gather more from other regions. No matter what method you use, you must drive those barbarians out…”
He had even told Old Man Yun that there would be no war in the northern border, but now his face was slapped hard.
Xue Luhai acknowledged and then asked, “But, but if the guards of the capital are moved away, won’t the capital be in danger?”
What if a rebel wanted to assassinate His Majesty? The Imperial Guards in the palace alone would not be able to resist.
“It’s fine!~” Emperor Cheng waved his hand. “You may go down now!”
Four days later, Xiao Xitian and Du Tieshan, who had traveled day and night, finally arrived in the capital.