Wei Linxia suggested Tai Qing learn cultivation and self-preservation from the former Emperor, but Tai Qing dismissed the idea, saying she didn’t want to live such a lifeless existence. Wei Linxia remained skeptical about the former Emperor’s true cultivation and continued her surveillance of the South Inner Palace.
As the year-end was near, Wei Linxia prepared to pay her respects to the old man. She spoke to Xi Linxuan, who was playing with small clay figures alongside Xi Yaya, while Wei Linxia arranged the figures.
“He doesn’t have a son like me,” Xi Linxuan remarked.
“But you still have a father, and Yaya and Xi Qi have a grandfather,” Wei Linxia replied.
“Wei Chenbi, you always have a reason,” Xi Linxuan responded, determined to be more filial in the future, allowing subsequent matters to progress naturally.
The imperial palace was large, and the South Inner Palace was distant yet still within the palace walls. Upon arrival, it was as quiet as Tai Qing had said, with palace maids and eunuchs moving silently. Wei Linxia and Xi Linxuan, dressed casually, caused the eunuch to gasp. After reporting, the eunuch nervously returned, stating the former Emperor requested the Emperor and Empress to return.
Wei Linxia smiled, noting the former Emperor’s displeasure, which he made no effort to hide. As they walked back, Xi Linxuan bitterly remarked, “I told you he doesn’t have a son like me.”
“Even cattle have deep affection for their offspring, let alone the former Emperor. You’ve been busy, so I’ll pay respects to the former Emperor on your behalf,” Wei Linxia replied, noticing Xi Linxuan’s regret.
On New Year’s Eve and the first day of the new year, Xi Linxuan planned to go to Qi Mountain Temple outside the city to worship heaven and ancestors, insisting on bringing Xi Qi. Wei Linxia did not stop him. Establishing a crown prince required honoring the ancestors, which Xi Linxuan had omitted when he first ascended the throne due to the chaos. The ministers left the palace, leaving only the concubines.
Wei Linxia, accompanied by Xi Yaya, returned to the South Inner Palace. The eunuch reported that the former Emperor would not see them, so they went to pay respects to the imperial concubines. Most had the same attitude as the former Emperor, and those they did see showed no good expression.
