Chapter 1781: Chapter 1719: Layers of Doubts

Before his departure, Ah Jiu first went to bid farewell to Empress Dowager Mo.

"Royal Mother, the forces in the Northern Region are complex. I don’t know when I will be able to return from this journey. Please take great care of your health, especially as we are approaching Early Summer. You mustn’t indulge in the coolness."

"Your Royal Mother understands. However, your safety is of utmost importance, regardless of whether the case is solved or not," Empress Dowager Mo said with a furrowed brow.

Ah Jiu nodded and deliberately said, "I’ve only returned from Nanyue for a few months, yet my Imperial Brother is already sending me to investigate this embezzlement case. It seems he’s determined to keep me from enjoying my time with Royal Mother, hmph."

Empress Dowager Mo’s smile briefly froze, then she patted his shoulder and teased, "Enough. Your Imperial Brother is right. Now that you are married, you should start achieving some accomplishments."

Ah Jiu acknowledged with a hum, "Royal Mother, then I shall take my leave."

"Be on your way."

Only then did Ah Jiu stand up. Nanny Shui escorted him to the palace door, and while standing at the entrance, he said to Nanny Shui, "You’ve been with Royal Mother for several decades, haven’t you?"

Nanny Shui hesitated, then smiled and replied, "In response to your Highness, this old servant has been by her side since the lady was just a girl."

"So you are not only Royal Mother’s most esteemed but also her most loyal confidante."

"That’s all thanks to the lady’s favor."

Ah Jiu looked at Nanny Shui, his dark eyes seemingly able to see through one’s heart, and said, "You are likely the one who understands Royal Mother best, correct?"

Nanny Shui’s heart skipped a beat, her breath slightly halted, and she cautiously asked, "Your Highness?"

"I have some doubts. When I return, I hope Nanny will help me resolve these uncertainties," Ah Jiu said as he walked away briskly.

Nanny Shui watched his figure disappear at the palace gate, her brow furrowing as a sense of unease crept up her spine.

Returning to serve Empress Dowager Mo, she was asked, "Why did it take so long?"

Nanny Shui smiled and explained, "His Highness had a lot of matters to discuss with this old servant."

Empress Dowager Mo smiled warmly and remarked, "He is such a dutiful child."

"Indeed," Nanny Shui said with a smile, "His Highness is devoted, and now that he has a close companion, in the future, when the young couple comes together to entertain and serve, the lady will be overjoyed."

Thinking of that scene, Empress Dowager Mo said, "Your words have stirred some anticipation in me. Yet, I wonder when the child will arrive."

"Likely within this year," Nanny Shui quickly replied, "So the lady really should take good care of herself."

"Hmm." Empress Dowager Mo nodded, "Come with me to the treasury, let’s select some fine items as preparation. We don’t want to be caught unprepared when our daughter-in-law arrives, making us a laughingstock."

"The lady’s items are undoubtedly exquisite," Nanny Shui chimed in.

The mistress and servant were enthused and headed to the private treasury, summoning palace maids and eunuchs for assistance.

When Emperor Yan arrived at Cining Palace, Empress Dowager Mo was seated by the treasury entrance, directing people on what to take, her smile relaxed, and he couldn’t help but gaze in awe.

Sharp-eyed individuals saw the emperor and hurriedly kneeled, ready to speak, but he gestured for silence, leaving them kneeling to one side.

Emperor Yan did not want to interrupt this scene, seldom witnessing such unguarded and carefree smiles from his Royal Mother. He was reluctant to disrupt it.

Ever since then...

Emperor Yan found himself lost in memory, his expression slightly dazed, no longer seeing her smile genuinely before him.

"Emperor."

Empress Dowager Mo had noticed Emperor Yan at Nanny Shui’s prompt and waved to him.

"Royal Mother..." Emperor Yan involuntarily stepped forward, his pace light and swift.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.