The meeting between Empress Dowager Shen and Qi envoy Jiang Xu is scheduled for the afternoon.
The people were very sensitive about the peace negotiation. In addition, Zhao Xing had just died, the new emperor was young, and people's hearts were in doubt. No one dared to let the news out. Everyone involved in the talks was sneaky and like thieves.
The meeting was about to end, and the Empress Dowager lit three sticks of incense. After bowing, she placed them in the incense burner to worship her husband, Emperor Minzong, who had died many years ago.
In fact, their husband and wife were not in love at that time, but it is easy for people to get nostalgic as they get older, especially because of her future plans, she had to provide for him like a god.
Aunt Ying came in and whispered: "Your Majesty, the seal has been sealed over there. The contract is concluded. After the first batch of property is obtained, the people of Qi will withdraw their troops."
The Empress Dowager nodded slightly, and a glint flashed in her eyes.
Aunt Ying sighed: "Once this contract is signed, it can never be changed."
Although she is just a little maid, she also knows that this contract is not a joke.
Once such a heavy burden is carried on the back, it will be equivalent to putting shackles on Zhao Guo, making it difficult to stand up again.
The Empress Dowager said calmly: "Can you not sign it? Besides, if you don't sign this contract, how can you overthrow King Shou?"
In the past, she had always preferred peace talks and anti-war. Today, although she feels uncomfortable, the fault is not hers.
She couldn't help but feel a little angry: "Zhao Xing, this worthless fool! Why did he fight when he had to be bewitched by Gu Fenglin in the first place! If he had been willing to listen to me, how would he have ended up where he is today!"
Aunt Ying agreed: "Young people are always self-righteous and refuse to listen to their elders. They think they can correct their mistakes in time, but they don't know that there is often no way back."
The Empress Dowager said calmly: "Meng Jia has arrived at the outskirts of the capital. You can quietly leave the palace later and go see him in person on my behalf!"
Aunt Ying calmed her expression and responded solemnly.
On the other side, Queen Mother Shen was crying at her desk. She was in pain, self-blame, humiliation, and worry. All the emotions were concentrated together, making her breathless and wishing she could die immediately.
Mu Yunhan did not persuade her, but stood aside quietly, thinking about his own concerns.
King Shou led Yan'er in from the outside and said with satisfaction: "Why do you need to do this, mother? Time is also destiny. The inheritance of our ancestors cannot be destroyed in a day or two. The root cause has been planted since the beginning of the father. He is also to blame."
Empress Dowager Shen was unwilling to admit defeat in front of him, so she had to turn her back and wiped her tears, pretending to be strong: "Since you are here, let us talk."
King Shou was not afraid of her at all and handed Yan'er to Mu Yunhan: "Please also ask Mrs. An Guo to take Your Majesty out for some relaxation. As a child, you must be happy to grow up well."
Yan'er glanced at Empress Dowager Shen worriedly, ran towards Mu Yunhan impatiently, and left the palace with her head lowered.
Mu Yunhan took him to a corner and checked carefully to confirm that he had not been abused. Then he put his heart back and said, "Your Majesty, would you like to eat an ice bowl?"
The palace has strict requirements for iced food, especially children, who are basically not allowed to eat it. Yan'er's eyes lit up, showing a bit of obvious happiness.
Mu Yunhan went to the small kitchen to make ice bowls. Yan'er sat obediently on the pony with her chin in her hands and stared at her, asking from time to time: "Auntie, are you ready?"
When the ice bowl was ready and Yan'er ate it in big gulps, the palace servant came over and whispered: "The Queen Mother, please go back."