Anning finally put away the handwritten manuscript: "My child must have been quite bored recently. Just now, I’ve tidied up a manor, where the scenery is unique. I’ve built several greenhouses, so of which are quite large. My child can invite so young n and won from Suzhou City to gather there. Perhaps look for outstanding young n or charming young won with good temperants. If they can form a few couples, it would be a worthwhile endeavor."
Fengyang’s gaze flickered slightly.
"Then I must borrow so people from the Queen Mother."
Anning laughed: "This palace has no shortage of staff; many are stationed on the street outside the palace. You may ask the steward to select so people."
After receiving permission, Fengyang withdrew.
She understood Anning’s intentions. After looking at the handwritten manuscript, Anning suggested she organize the banquet, implying that she should invite many talented individuals to publicly reveal Su Yu’s plagiarism.
Naturally, this was sothing Fengyang was willing to do; she was glad to undertake such a task.
After Fengyang left, Anning summoned Chun Xing: "Go and tidy up, instruct the steward to prepare, for I am going to visit the i Family."
Once the steward had prepared the carriage for departure, Anning erged from Fengqi Palace and happened to encounter Xiao Yuan.
Upon hearing Anning say she was going to visit the i Family, Xiao Yuan decided to accompany her.
When the Emperor and Empress’s carriage arrived at the i Family, the steward of the i Family was startled and hastily sent soone to greet them, quickly running to inform the Old Master and Old Madam in the backyard.
i Boqing had been unwell recently, recuperating at ho. Madam i was not managing affairs anymore and was in the inner quarters accompanying i Boqing. Today, his cough had worsened, and Madam i was advising him to seek a doctor for more dicine. Before she finished speaking, they heard the news from the maid that Your Majesty and the Empress had arrived. i Boqing struggled to his feet to greet them.
Madam i quickly went to support him.
At this ti, Mrs. i also arrived.
While instructing the household servants to find i Zhiyuan to return to the residence, Mrs. i and Madam i took hold of i Boqing from either side and helped him walk outside.
As they exited the inner courtyard, they t Xiao Yuan and Anning entering hand in hand.
i Boqing hurriedly saluted: "Greetings to Your Majesty, Empress..."
Xiao Yuan extended a hand to support i Boqing: "Uncle, please rise quickly. The Empress and I are here incognito; there’s no need for formalities."
Anning smiled: "Uncle and Aunt, please rise quickly. It’s cold today; let’s go inside to talk."
The group entered the main hall, where i Boqing tried to offer Xiao Yuan and Anning the principal seats, but Xiao Yuan led Anning to sit on a chair on the left.
Anning said to Mrs. i: "Sister-in-law shouldn’t busy herself; please sit down and rest."
Mrs. i apologized and sat down.
i Boqing coughed a few more tis at this mont.
Anning imdiately asked with concern: "Uncle, how is your health? If you’re still unwell, I will have the Imperial Physician examine you. I learned you were ill and sent so dicine; I even consulted with my senior brother—who assured you were recovering—why is it so severe today?"
Xiao Yuan also asked with concern.
i Boqing waved his hand: "There’s no need for such trouble. It’s an old ailnt, nothing serious."
Anning covered her face and sobbed: "Uncle mustn’t overlook this. My father always said he was fine too, but who could have foreseen...I have few elders left. Coming here to sit with uncle is still a chance for so elder’s guidance. Please...for my peace of mind, allow the Imperial Physician to check on you."
Her words were filled with sadness, which made i Boqing’s heart feel uncomfortable: "Alright, alright, I’ll listen to you. Don’t cry."
Anning wiped her tears: "I know Uncle is angry with , but please don’t take it out on your health. Regarding Liu Cheng’s matter—it’s not what I intended, but Uncle rembers how it was. I was in Jiangnan, he was in Jiangbei...he...Uncle only blad for not taking care of him, leaving my father without an heir. But what could you know? I had already sent soone to fetch him, yet he refused to co; the one I sent didn’t dare to forcibly bring him back, only reported back to . I planned to send soone again, even if forcibly, but who knew it would be too late already."
i Boqing was stunned: "Is this true?"
Anning nodded: "Why would I deceive Uncle?"
Xiao Yuan added: "Anning speaks the truth, and I vouch for her."
The Emperor and Empress naturally wouldn’t lie about such matters, and i Boqing sighed: "Why didn’t you tell earlier, leaving with such misunderstandings."
Anning smiled bitterly: "Uncle, how angry were you at the ti? I couldn’t explain; besides, in front of so many witnesses, how could I speak."
i Boqing thought back to the situation then, realizing he couldn’t bla Anning, and waved his hand: "Forget it, it’s fate."
After a while, Anning spoke: "After Liu Cheng passed away, I had soone search throughout Da Qi. I found a child without parents among the Liu clan, whom I’ve arranged to bring here. Once the child arrives, I will personally teach him, recognizing this child as my father’s, ensuring that my father’s lineage does not end."
Upon hearing this, i Boqing finally felt a release from his inner turmoil.
His anger towards Anning wasn’t because of Liu Cheng per se, but because Liu Cheng’s passing left Imperial Censor Liu without descendants.
i Boqing had always held deep affection for Imperial Censor Liu, as they had supported each other through many years, valuing him even above his blood relations. Knowing Imperial Censor Liu had no heir caused him deep sorrow and so resentnt towards Anning.
Now, learning Anning had arranged for an heir to recognize Imperial Censor Liu, his resentnt dissipated.
Truth be told, i Boqing also disapproved of Liu Cheng’s character, only tolerating him because he was Imperial Censor Liu’s son; otherwise, he wouldn’t have cared for the matter.
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