The palace hall was warm, heated by the golden silk charcoal burned by the palace maids.
The entire hall was decorated not luxuriously, but with a fresh and elegant style that completely suited Zhao Jiaqi's taste. The potted plants, in particular, bloomed with vibrant flowers, adding a touch of life to the room!
After the palace maids served tea, Junjun dismissed them. She wanted to have a private conversation with her mother, without anyone else present.
Seeing this, Zhao Jiaqi gave Bailu and Su Ya a look. Understanding, they voluntarily retreated to the doorway to stand guard.
Inside, Junjun shed the dignified and noble demeanor expected of an empress and snuggled into Zhao Jiaqi's embrace, acting like a spoiled child.
"Junjun misses Mother so much. When I got married, I thought that if I had the chance, I could visit you and Father. But... being the empress, there are so many tedious matters in the palace that I can't find any time!"
Zhao Jiaqi held her, patting her back gently, comforting her, "You hold this position, and you cannot escape it. Since you cannot return, your parents have come to see you!"
"How are my younger siblings? I received a letter from Yumeng last time, saying she had transferred to Jinzhou City, which is very close to the inner city. She also said she wanted to return to the inner city to celebrate the New Year with Mom and Dad!"
Mentioning Yumeng, Zhao Jiaqi's face softened with affection and a hint of helplessness. She joined Junjun in complaining about their daughter, who truly never ceased to worry them.
Inside Ankang Palace, mother and daughter chatted about family matters.
In the imperial study, Fan Zehao discussed the current situation with Zong Han.
Zong Han said, "Father came with great fanfare this time. The Snow Kingdom withdrew their troops a few days ago. Now only the Liang Kingdom remains. However, they are also wary of the hundred thousand elite soldiers Father has stationed at their border. Although they haven't withdrawn, there have been no skirmishes at the borders. I believe they are still observing, and the possibility of them launching an attack is unlikely!"
Fan Zehao nodded his heavy head gently. After a long while, he looked away from the map and said, "If it weren't for your mother's worry about you two and her impulsive decision to come here to support you, I wouldn't have made this trip. I trust your abilities. Dealing with these two small countries is more than enough for you."
Zong Han's somber face finally showed a hint of a smile. In public, he was respectful to Fan Zehao because they were father-in-law and son-in-law.
In private, Zong Han was not much younger than Fan Zehao, but they were close friends. However, now that he had married his daughter, his seniority had been greatly diminished, making him feel at a disadvantage.
"Esteemed Father-in-law, in your opinion, what is the current strength of Liang Kingdom's army?"
Was this a test? Or perhaps a probe?
Fan Zehao glanced at the relatively small area on the map of Liang Kingdom and stated frankly, "I have no interest in Liang Kingdom. I don't want to see any more bloodshed."
Zong Han was quite surprised!
Or rather, he was shocked. Liang Kingdom had now brought its army to their doorstep. If they were to crush these soldiers decisively, given Liang Kingdom's current strength, they would soon be destroyed.
This was the best opportunity to annex Liang Kingdom, yet his father-in-law was directly abandoning such a tempting prize.
"War inevitably leads to bloodshed and death. You, Father, are the God of War, and you are not unaware of this. Why are you showing such misplaced kindness now?"
Zong Han did not understand this point.
Fan Zehao looked at him and said calmly, "It seems you haven't understood my intention."
"The reason my wife came to find you two is that she also doesn't want you to engage in armed conflict. She is using herself as leverage. If those two countries dare to attack you, and if my wife is harmed, I will never forgive them. My wife knows this, the Emperor of Liang knows this, and the Emperor of Snow Kingdom knows this even better. This has deterred both countries."
"I am helpless in dealing with my wife. Therefore, after learning her intention, I came with such grand preparations to cooperate with her. At this moment, you are ungrateful for our couple's efforts and instead wish to stir up trouble. I will not dissuade you, nor will I agree. Just know that when you decide to deploy your troops, that will be the time my wife and I leave."
Zong Han was rendered speechless by this explanation. His face flushed and paled, like a painter's palette.
As Fan Zehao finished speaking and turned to leave, he asked, "You just experienced the earthquake incident. The losses can be considered negligible now. However, I must remind you that if the aftermath of the earthquake is not handled properly, it can lead to an epidemic."
"With the earthquake and potential plague in front of you, and the covetous gaze of Liang Kingdom behind you, you should reconsider your decision to deploy troops at this critical juncture."
After saying what he needed to say, he elegantly departed the oppressive imperial study to reunite with his wife.
Isn't peace good? Didn't he desire it?
Why insist on occupying other people's land? Could one person manage such a vast territory?
He certainly couldn't. Every day, sitting on the dragon throne, there were endless trivial matters. Even the smallest of issues could be blown into something monumental.
For truly significant matters, officials would even conceal the truth. Such a life was bound to be vexing, making it impossible to pass the days peacefully.
Fan Zehao went to Ankang Palace, where his wife and daughter had just finished their conversation.
The family of three reunited. However, this brief gathering was as fleeting as a fleeting flower, and Junjun cherished these short moments dearly.
In the evening, a welcoming banquet was held in the imperial palace.
High-ranking officials of the capital city, along with their families, attended. Among them was Princess Wanrong, although her seating position was...
Zhao Jiaqi, seated at the head, asked Junjun beside her, "Wanrong is Zong Han's sworn sister. Why is she seated below?"
Junjun glanced at Princess Wanrong of Yun Kingdom, who was lowering her head. She leaned closer to Zhao Jiaqi and whispered, "It is said that not long after she arrived in Zongsheng Kingdom, she announced she was pregnant, and later married Wu Yi."
Pregnant?
But she didn't bring a child with her today?
The banquet proceeded smoothly. Every action during the feast indicated that Junjun was living quite well. At least Zong Han did not mistreat her, and the ministers did not dare to look down on her. This was a positive outcome.
With music and dancing, the ministers clinked glasses and feasted, creating a lively atmosphere.
With a question in her mind, Zhao Jiaqi's eyes kept drifting towards Wanrong. Seeing her alone, she called Su Ya and said, "Go invite Princess Rong to the rear garden. I will wait for her there."
Su Ya nodded and left. Bailu helped Zhao Jiaqi, who had had a few drinks, into the garden behind the banquet hall.
In winter, besides the bare branches, the garden was filled with piles of yellow leaves. Only the crescent moon in the sky shone so brightly.
Footsteps approached from behind.
Su Ya said, "Madam, Princess Rong has arrived!"
Zhao Jiaqi turned around. Huangfu Wanrong curtsied, "Your humble servant pays respects to the Grand Empress Dowager. May Your Highness enjoy eternal peace!"
Her words were so unfamiliar and cold.
"You are excused!"
Zhao Jiaqi looked at the maidservant attending her. It wasn't Xiaoyue, but another unfamiliar maid. She noticed a fierce glint in the maid's eyes, a gaze she was all too familiar with.
Years ago, when Wu Yi tried to kill her, he had the same look in his eyes, not a trace of difference.
"Everyone withdraw. I wish to have a chat with Princess Rong. No one else needs to stay."
As soon as she finished speaking, she heard an angry voice uttering a string of words in a foreign tongue, directed at her.
Zhao Jiaqi turned back and looked at Bailu behind her. "What is this thing saying?"