Chapter 1773: Chapter 1711: Empress Song

Emperor Yan was somewhat surprised at the arrival of Empress Song.

"I offer my greetings to Your Majesty," Empress Song said with a graceful bow.

"Rise," Emperor Yan raised his hand slightly, "What has brought the Empress here?"

"I had some tonics prepared to nourish Your Majesty’s health. You have just recovered from a serious illness, and the state affairs are overwhelming; you deserve some replenishment," Empress Song explained her purpose with a gentle smile.

A hint of warmth flashed in Emperor Yan’s eyes, softening his stern expression, and he said, "You are very thoughtful, Empress."

"I spend my days tending to flowers and plants, even trimming my nails is done by palace attendants, where is the toil in that? Certainly not compared to Your Majesty," Empress Song laughed, gesturing for the palace servants to bring out the tonics, and personally scooped out a bowl to serve.

The Senior Eunuch, Eunuch Lu, who was attending from the side, took it and placed it in front of the imperial table, then pulled out a silver needle from his sleeve to test for poison, staying aside in observation. Seeing the silver needle remained unchanged, he nodded to Emperor Yan.

Empress Song observed from one side, her lips curved into a smile, seemingly accustomed and accepting of such proceedings.

The soup was just the right temperature, and Emperor Yan, feeling hungry, drank it in one gulp. The warm, nourishing soup glided down his throat, soothing his mood, his expression softening further as he looked at Empress Song, "You are very considerate."

Empress Song smiled, "As long as Your Majesty does not mind."

Emperor Yan poured another bowl, drank it, and set it down, summoning Empress Song to sit beside him.

Empress Song glanced at the tall pile of memorials on the table, and said, "No matter how busy the state affairs, Your Majesty should find a balance between work and rest. You just woke up and are still weak! I see Prince Jin has been handling political affairs quite systematically lately, being Your Majesty’s younger brother, you can certainly have him help with the tasks."

Emperor Yan’s eyes flashed, he said, "Certain matters must be decided by me."

Empress Song sighed, "It’s a pity I am nothing more than someone who tends flowers and cannot assist Your Majesty."

Emperor Yan laughed heartily, "The harem must not meddle in political matters; even if the Empress is talented, it is not suitable to intervene in court affairs."

"That’s why I say Your Majesty should rely more on Prince Jin. He is Royal Mother’s own son, and you raised him since young; he is most trustworthy," Empress Song said, "To Royal Mother, besides you, Prince Jin is the most cherished."

Emperor Yan slightly furrowed his brow, and said, "Even a prince has his limits in handling matters; should they be breached, Royal Mother cannot shield him."

"Hmm."

"Recently, the voices in the court advocating for the establishment of an heir are rising; what does the Empress think?" Emperor Yan suddenly asked.

Empress Song was startled, and said, "Why is Your Majesty asking me about it? The harem must not recklessly discuss state affairs."

"I absolve you of any fault."

Empress Song hesitated for a moment, then said, "In my opinion, those ministers are idle. Your Majesty is in the prime of life; why rush to establish an heir? The children are still young, and we must observe them more to understand their temperament. Otherwise, how dare hand over the kingdom to them?"

Emperor Yan’s brows slightly relaxed, saying, "The Empress’s words are reasonable." He glanced at the gentle and graceful side profile of Empress Song, feeling moved, and said, "The Empress has no children under you, feared Consort Four may not endure past this summer, how about assigning the Fourth child to your care then?"

Empress Song was taken aback, her lips moved slightly, her eyes showing some emotion, "Your Majesty."

Emperor Yan patted her hand, "These years have been tough on you."

Empress Song let out a soft sound and leaned against his chest, saying, "I do not feel hardship, being the Empress, all children call me Royal Mother; it’s all the same."

Out of his sight, Empress Song lowered her eyelids, hiding the gleam in her eyes— the same, if not mine, then they are all the same.

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