The Empress, using the blooming of peach blossoms in the palace as a pretext, specially sent someone to invite me to the palace to appreciate the flowers. I was helpless; what was meant to come would eventually come. I couldn’t always rely on An Jin to shield me from all winds and storms. It was time to face things.
Actually, I was not worried. Since An Jin could find me from the vast imperial palace and rescue me from the Eastern Palace’s territory, he must have a special method. Moreover, this palace visit was by the Empress’s imperial decree, which provided additional assurance.
The peach blossom forest in the Imperial Garden had just sprouted new buds, with fuzzy flower buds occasionally interspersed with touches of peach red, which was quite pleasing. The Empress stood among the peach trees, wearing a golden phoenix robe, standing proudly with her head held high.
Cao Empress, the daughter of Cao Censor, had been married to the current Emperor for over twenty years and given birth to the Eastern Palace heir and the Seventh Princess. The Cao family was powerful yet had produced a line of loyal officials, which was rare.
I really couldn’t understand. I followed her carefully, step by step.
“An’s Lady,” she suddenly stopped and glanced at me. “I sympathize with your situation.” Although she said this, there was no compassion in her eyes, not even a hint of emotion.
“However, sympathy is sympathy. As they say, the greatest unfilial act is to have no descendants. An’s Lord’s parents are not young anymore and have reached the age of enjoying grandchildren. An’s Lord should also have his own heirs. My lady, am I right?” The Empress looked at the peach flower stamens, her expression quite focused.
I nodded. “Your Majesty’s concern for my family affairs is to worry before the world worries and rejoice after the world rejoices. I am extremely grateful. I will remember Your Majesty’s admonition and work hard at home to continue the An family lineage.”
The peach flower stamens before the Empress withered.
She turned her face and said coldly, “As the wife of the Assistant Minister of Personnel, please pay attention to your demeanor.”
I lowered my head. “Your Majesty’s instruction is correct.”
