Su Xi-er could tell that Pei Qianhao treated Consort Dowager Guo quite well, so she decided to straightforwardly ask, “How did you know that Consort Dowager Guo likes eating this?”
“This Prince is the Pei Family’s adopted son, and has been looked down on by others since I was young. I was naturally ridiculed by everyone the first time I entered the palace. It was Consort Dowager Guo who reprimanded the others before bringing this Prince to her repose palace. It was on that day that I found out that she enjoyed eating corn-flavoured steamed buns.”
To remember such a small favour he received when he was young, and even remember to continue repaying it so many years later… it’s clear that he isn’t an ungrateful person who forgets about his debts. She also understood better why the Consort Dowager Guo was the only one out of the late Emperor’s imperial consorts who did not have to follow him in death.
Su Xi-er extended her arms to circle them around him. “When Empress Mother was still alive, I had a happy childhood, but you…” She buried her head into his chest and gloomily said, “From now on, you have me by your side. You don’t have to care about being an adopted son.”
“This Prince is honoured to have married the Eldest Imperial Princess of a nation; such a noble bloodline.” A teasing look flickered across Pei Qianhao’s eyes.
Su Xi-er raised her head. “That’s why you have to listen to me from now on. Do you understand?” She showed a very mischievous and sly expression.
Pei Qianhao lowered his head to plant a kiss on her forehead. “This Prince has promised your younger imperial brother that I will listen to your wishes in everything.”
In the misogynistic society of Beimin, it’s really not easy for a man to be willing to keep their wife in mind while making decisions, much less someone as powerful as Pei Qianhao.
The horse carriage travelled all the way to the palace, only stopping when they reached the palace gate. Regardless of how much power Pei Qianhao wielded, he still displayed the necessary formalities. Under normal circumstances, only the Dragon Palanquin and the horse carriages from the imperial palace were allowed to enter.
However, since Consort Dowager Guo was already expecting Su Xi-er to visit, there was already someone waiting to receive them at the palace gate.
When a senior old maidservant saw Pei Qianhao, she immediately went forward. “This old servant pays her respects to Prince Hao and Princess Consort Hao. Consort Dowager Guo has already prepared tea and pastries, and is already waiting in the repose palace.”
Su Xi-er supported the old maidservant up, and smiled before replying, “Old Maidservant, you may spare the formalities.”
It was the old maidservant’s first time seeing Su Xi-er. Despite not wearing an assortment of luxurious ornaments, the charm of the woman in front of her was enough to leave the old maidservant stunned for a moment before she returned to her senses.
“Prince Hao, Princess Consort Hao, please follow this old servant.” She spoke as she extended her hand to signal for them to come along.
They took a less used path since it allowed them to avoid stirring up unnecessary attention, as well as arrive at Consort Dowager Guo’s palace more quickly.
Consort Dowager Guo was waiting in front of the repose palace door, while Ye Qingzhu was standing beside her.
“Qingzhu, go and see if you have boiled the tea well. Bring a pot and set it on the main hall’s table.” Consort Dowager Guo instructed as she looked ahead.
Ye Qingzhu softly replied with an affirmative before walking towards the backyard of the repose palace. Since Prince Hao has come to the Consort Dowager’s palace, I can make use of this chance to beg Prince Hao to permit me to enter the Prince Hao Residence. I will be satisfied even if I can only glance at Big Brother Wu from afar.
It was a while before Consort Dowager Guo finally noticed Pei Qianhao and Su Xi-er. She immediately came forward to greet them with a benevolent smile. “This Consort Dowager feels that Princess Consort Hao has become even more beautiful since the wedding. It seems like Prince Hao takes care of you very well. Come sit and chat with this Empress Dowager inside.
Although her repose palace was cheerless, Consort Dowager Guo was someone who loved children, and Su Xi-er was 15 years younger than her son. With the memories of her son constantly on her mind, she couldn’t help but lament.
Pei Qianhao held Su Xi-er’s hand and walked in.
Su Xi-er had a favourable impression of Consort Dowager Guo, and quite liked her. On the day of the wedding, she had sent a bowl of sweet red date soup over. She even personally came to advise me over and over with a smile on her face, as if I was her biological daughter.
