Chapter 1489: Chapter 1489: The Empress’s Boundaries

Emperor Chu looked at Empress Gongsun kneeling at his feet for quite a while before bursting into laughter. He leaned over to lift her up and pulled her to sit beside him, patting her hand.

"Throughout history, I fear you might be the only empress to proactively suggest deposing the Crown Prince if he is too foolish to teach, even though he is your own legitimate son."

Empress Gongsun replied, "Precisely because he is my legitimate son, I dare not allow him to falter. I am a mother, but before that, I am the Empress of a nation. My foremost responsibility and duty are to consider the nation’s continuity. If the Crown Prince misleads the country and endangers the dynasty, who bears the blame? As his mother, I cannot evade responsibility."

"Listen to what you’re saying. We just established the Crown Prince today, and you’re already speaking such ominous words?" Emperor Chu feigned annoyance.

Empress Gongsun laughed and teased, "Isn’t it better to speak the harsh truth upfront? It’s your fault for not mentioning a word to me beforehand, now I’m plagued with anxiety!"

She playfully pushed him, revealing a rare glimpse of her youthful demeanor.

Emperor Chu took advantage of the moment to embrace her shoulder, saying, "It was my fault. How about this, from the treasure hidden by Crown Prince Xia of the previous dynasty, there are two fist-sized Luminous Pearls, extremely exquisite and bright. Let me gift them to you to make amends. Is that alright?"

"Thank you, Emperor. However, your gift might not be necessary for me. I heard from Lian Qiao at Cining Palace that Mother often wakes at night. At her age, she dislikes having too many palace lamps lit. The light from the Luminous Pearls is also gentle, so why not pay respect to her by placing them in her bedchamber, reducing the need for many lamps, which is convenient." Empress Gongsun graciously suggested.

Emperor Chu’s heart was greatly pleased: "It’s rare for you to be so filial. Then we’ll respect Mother, but you, as the Empress, should not lack such adornments. I’ll gift you a set of ruby jewelry that came as a tribute."

Empress Gongsun smiled, nodded and thanked him, saying, "When Jia Yi gets married, I’ll have proper attire. Don’t blame me for not reminding you, you as her father also need to prepare a substantial dowry for our daughter."

"Alright, do you think I could be stingy?"

Not far away, Eunuch Zhou holding the horsetail whisk thought to himself that the Empress really knew how to appease the Emperor. These casual conversations felt no different from ordinary couples, talking about parents and children, not mentioning politics or the wealth of relatives, nor the future officials of the Crown Prince.

Their sense of propriety was astutely maintained, no wonder the Emperor held her in high esteem.

Emperor Chu spoke with her for quite some time before heading to Cining Palace. His birthday coincided with the day of difficulty for his mother, and he should accompany the Empress Dowager for meals.

Empress Gongsun watched the imperial carriage drive away before sitting back on the phoenix throne, letting out a long breath.

"Bi Luo, pinch me. Am I dreaming?"

Bi Luo couldn’t help but laugh and scolded, "Lady, your noble body, how dare I hurt you even a little? This is certainly not a dream."

Empress Gongsun looked at her, eyes revealing a joyful smile: "It’s not a dream, it must be true; my son has truly been conferred as Crown Prince."

Bi Luo smiled and nodded, whispered softly, "Lady’s fortune lies ahead."

Empress Gongsun pinched her palm, feeling a bit of pain, and nodded firmly: "You’re right, my fortune lies ahead. Therefore, I must hold onto this fortune, not neglect it even slightly."

Since the Crown Prince was appointed, disputes targeting their mother and son, along with countless intrigues, had already begun.

From this moment on, she must be cautious in every way, unable to relax even while sleeping.

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