Unlimited estates for rural beauty-Chapter 427 The Emperor Personally Leads the Campaign (1)

Since the new Emperor ascended the throne, within a mere month, he had managed to govern the nation in an orderly manner. During this period, several Ministers suggested that the new Emperor should change the era name. Dugu Chen did not wish to go through such troubles, but faced with the petitions of the Ministers, he finally decided to change the era name to Jinghe at the beginning of November.

In the harem, just as Feng Xuxu had settled down to drink a cup of tea, a Palace Attendant came to report that the Virtuous Imperial Concubine Ma Shuhua had come to visit.

Feng Xuxu slightly furrowed her brow, put down her cup, and waved her sleeve, "Please, let her in."

"Yes, Your Highness," the eunuch bowed and withdrew. Feng Xuxu then gracefully rose and took her seat at the head of the room.

The Virtuous Imperial Concubine Ma Shuhua, leaning on the arm of a senior Palace Maid, approached slowly. Although in her forties, she was well-maintained and looked to be in her early thirties, a beauty of a young woman.

"This concubine pays her respects to the Empress, may the Empress be auspicious." Letting go of the Palace Maid’s arm, she placed both hands in front of her abdomen and slowly knelt, every movement exuding elegance.

Feng Xuxu replied with a shallow smile, "Imperial Concubine, please rise and take a seat."

"Thank you, Your Highness." She slowly got up, her eyes smiling at the Empress seated above, and carefully took the seat to the right and below the Empress.

After the Palace Maid finished serving tea, the Virtuous Imperial Concubine slowly sipped it. After a moment, she set down her cup and looked up at the Empress, "The tea here at the Empress’ place has a refreshing fragrance, and even more delightful sweetness upon tasting."

"If the Virtuous Imperial Concubine likes this flower tea, I will have someone send some to you later," said Feng Xuxu with a light smile, her eyebrows slightly raised. The Virtuous Imperial Concubine was the mother of Prince Huai, and being in the favor of the retired Emperor, she had seen all luxuries. Yet she expressed her admiration for a cup of flower tea, prompting Feng Xuxu to give her a deep, scrutinizing look.

Ma Shuhua pursed her red lips and shook her head slightly, "Your Highness’ kindness is appreciated. I understand, but it’s not that I don’t want it, it’s that I fear once I return to my fief, I will no longer be able to taste such delicious tea, which would only increase the pining." She spoke as though truly regretful, sighing softly.

"Return to your fief?" Feng Xuxu was surprised. Last night, Dugu Chen had not mentioned the Virtuous Imperial Concubine returning to her fief. How was it that early in the morning, the Virtuous Imperial Concubine had received the news before she had?

"Yes, Your Highness. This morning, Prince Huai sent someone with a memorial, requesting permission for our mother and son to be reunited. After the Emperor read it, he also granted it. So, today I have come to bid farewell to Your Highness," she said.

After hearing this, Feng Xuxu nodded. Since her husband had agreed to let her go, he must have his reasons. If Prince Huai intended to rebel, keeping his mother here would be of no help.

"When will the Virtuous Imperial Concubine depart?"

"Tomorrow."

"Well, that is good. Is there anything lacking in the palace? Speak freely if there is anything you need."

"Thank you for your concern, Your Highness. I lack for nothing. It’s just that with this departure, I do not know when I will return to the capital." Her expression was desolate, and she spoke with a sense of sorrow.

Feng Xuxu nodded subtly. Who wouldn’t grow attached to the place where they’ve lived for most of their lives?

At night, Dugu Chen returned to the sleeping chamber and saw the bed full of laughter, the three of them playing together joyfully.

Seeing her husband return, Feng Xuxu’s lips curved into a smile, and she waved him over, "Husband, come quickly, our son is being quite amusing."

"Our son is amusing? Let me see." Dugu Chen took off his robe and sat at the edge of the imperial bed, watching the playful trio.

"You see!"

Dugu Chen turned his head to see his son struggling to sit up, reaching out his small hand to grasp the nearby mosquito net. As he managed to sit up with difficulty, he was immediately pushed back down by his mischievous mother, a finger on his forehead sending the little body reclining back onto the bed. Blinking his big eyes, he repeated the action, sitting up and bursting into laughter upon seeing the mirth of his own mother. With a drooling smile, he too joined in the hearty laugher.