If the Emperor dared to move against the Mu family, she would not stand idly by, her lips carrying a chilling coldness; the change from before was truly too drastic.
"Xingzhu, don't worry. I will mention this to the Emperor. If all else fails, letting Hua Lige snatch you away is also an option. Wouldn't it be better for you two to travel the mountains and rivers then?"
Qingyao spoke coldly. If it were the Emperor's usual disposition, he would have surely fulfilled the Princess's wish, as he had kept the Princess by his side for so long precisely because he wanted her happiness.
Now, however, he had unilaterally decided to marry the Princess to Ruan Zimo, the son of Marquis Yongning, clearly treating her as a pawn.
"Imperial Sister-in-law?"
Xingzhu cried out. Qingyao reached out and patted her slender hand, signaling her to remain calm and not to worry, assuring her that everything would be alright.
Xingzhu calmed down, then remembered another matter. She looked up at Qingyao, "Imperial Sister-in-law, do you know? Third Imperial Brother has been thrown into prison. I wonder what exactly happened?"
Princess Xingzhu was unaware of the specific details but was very worried. Many things had happened in the palace recently, and it seemed different from before. The Emperor's attitude was confusing.
"It will be alright. The Emperor has already agreed to Prince Nan'an. Don't worry."
Qingyao's expression was cold. She pulled Xingzhu's hand and asked softly, "Xingzhu, have there been any unusual happenings in the palace recently?"
"Unusual happenings?"
Xingzhu thought for a moment, unsure what constituted an unusual happening. She wondered what Imperial Sister-in-law was suspecting. She quickly looked up at Qingyao, her brow furrowed, and thought seriously:
"If I had to say something unusual, it would be that the Emperor actually favored Ximen Xinyue. That woman is now insufferably arrogant. In the harem, her behavior can be described as lawless. Moreover, I heard she is pregnant, about two or three months along?"
"Pregnant?"
This exclamation came from Xiao Yur, who was utterly furious. She leaped from her chair, her face turning a gloomy and unpleasant shade of green. She paced back and forth across the hall, hands on her hips, clearly very angered.
"Mother, let's go."
Xiao Yur quickly rushed to Qingyao's side, took her arm, and urged Qingyao to leave.
Qingyao did not move. Her face was equally grim, and her heart had grown utterly cold. She had not expected that man to favor Ximen Xinyue and even make her pregnant.
In that case, what was the point of her staying in the palace?
It was just that Prince Nan'an's matter and the Princess's matter had not yet been fully resolved. She could not simply leave. Although the Emperor had agreed to release Prince Nan'an, she could see that he seemed somewhat reluctant.
Furthermore, the Princess's marriage had not yet been finalized. Most importantly, she had a nagging feeling that the palace harbored some unstable elements.
Did the Emperor have some hidden difficulties? She knew how deeply he had loved her. So what was the explanation for the current situation?
Qingyao racked her brain but could not understand. Of course, she hadn't even considered anything deeper.
"Since we are already in the palace, it doesn't hurt to stay a couple more days. I want to see what kind of game he is playing!"
Qingyao's voice was as cold as ice, and her expression was even more chilling, though the pain in her heart would not dissipate.
"Mother?"
Upon seeing Qingyao's expression, Xiao Yur knew her mother was feeling distressed. Her own heart was also heavy. Father Emperor was truly not the person he used to be.
Perhaps he now had no reservations. In the past, he had treated them with such gentleness and affection because he knew she and her mother were capable.
"Alright, I'm fine."
Qingyao waved her hand and spoke calmly. She turned to look at Xingzhu, who was gazing at her with reluctance. Qingyao couldn't help but smile and pat her hand:
"Silly girl, I'm fine. As for you, are you sure Hua Lige truly loves you?"
Xingzhu nodded vigorously. Qingyao said no more. Since the two of them were in love, then they should be together.
Regarding the Emperor, she would bring it up. If he truly disagreed, and the Princess did not wish to marry Ruan Zimo, then the only option would be for Hua Lige to snatch her away.
If they truly loved each other, they could at least do that. From then on, they could forget each other and live their lives separately. When the Emperor's anger subsided, they could return. It would be the same.
"Mm, that's good."
Xingzhu saw that Imperial Sister-in-law seemed listless, knowing she was feeling unwell or very sad.
In fact, she herself was no better. In the recent past, she could see how much Imperial Brother loved Imperial Sister-in-law. For several years, he had not touched Ximen Xinyue, yet now he had favored her. It was truly unbelievable.
"Imperial Sister-in-law, you must be tired. Get some rest. Xingzhu will visit you again later."
"Alright, you go back. I want to lie down."
Qingyao nodded, then turned and called out to the side of the hall, "Mochou, escort the Princess out."
"Yes, Your Highness," Mochou walked in and respectfully escorted Princess Xingzhu out.
Bingxiao walked over and saw that the Empress's complexion was very cold, her face covered with a layer of ice, her pupils as deep as an abyss.
Bingxiao did not know what had happened and dared not speak. She stole a glance at the little princess, whose expression was equally grim.
Mochou walked in from outside the hall and asked curiously, "Master, what happened?"
Qingyao did not speak. Xiao Yur had already spoken indignantly.
"Aunt said that Father Emperor favored Ximen Xinyue, and she's even pregnant. Do you think we still have any reason to stay here?"
"Ah?"
Mochou and Bingxiao cried out simultaneously, unsure what to say.
Previously, the Emperor had loved the Empress so much that he was willing to give up the throne for her.
But now he had favored Ximen Xinyue. What was going on? This complete reversal of attitude was too much; it was completely unacceptable.
If they had known he would become like this, the Empress would probably not have returned to the palace.
"Your Highness?"
With all that had happened, was Your Highness still willing to remain in the palace?
"I'm tired and want to rest for a while. We can talk about anything later."
Qingyao had already risen. The current situation could only be described as a mess.
The palace was a mess, and her own heart was a mess.
Logically, after encountering such a situation, she should have turned and left without looking back.
Yet, strangely, she remained calm, as if trying to make sense of this chaotic situation.
"Yes, Your Highness."
Mochou walked over respectfully and supported her as she moved towards the sleeping quarters on one side of the hall. Behind them, Bingxiao and Xiao Yur exchanged glances. Once the figures in front disappeared, Xiao Yur finally spoke with resentment.
"Father Emperor has disappointed me too much. If I had known this, I would have stopped Mother from returning. I didn't expect that returning would still cause her pain. I will not forgive him."
Xiao Yur finished speaking, stomped her foot angrily, and hurried after Qingyao.
Bingxiao looked silently at the current stalemate.
What was the Emperor trying to do? Did she not know how much he loved the Empress?
For so many days and nights, he had stayed by the Empress's side, accompanying her silently, just hoping to be with the Empress. But why was he not cherishing what he had now?