Tang Xian and Fu Jiujiu stayed at the Fu family's house that night. After all, their daughter and son-in-law were visiting her mother's home, even if it was just a wall apart, they should be properly entertained when visiting her parents.

The next day when they went back, both Fu Jiu Jiu and Tang Xian noticed that something was off with Tang Hao Jing.

Fu Jiujiu gave Tang Xian a knowing glance, signaling him to go talk to the boy and find out what was going on.

Could it be that during the time they were gone, this kid suffered some kind of grievance?

After all, given his status and the previous plan Emperor Xianfeng had made, this boy would be easily bullied.

And she went to see how the old woman was doing.

The uncle and nephew walked side by side. Tang Haojing had grown quite a bit taller after coming to Li Chao, and was also a handsome and tall young man.

"Haojing, is there anything you want to tell Uncle Qi?" Tang Xian saw that he didn't speak, so he took the initiative to ask.

"No." Tang Haozheng said coldly.

"It's unlike you, what's going on? Are you feeling wronged? Or do you want to go back to Nan Yu?" Tang Xian asked again.

Even if he's keeping things to himself, he can still tell what's going on in your heart.

Can't I even tell Uncle Qi? Haojing?"

Tang Haojing looked conflicted. Tang Xian didn't press him further, "Then come find me when you want to talk."

Tang Haojing suddenly stopped, lifting his head and looking at him with a hint of anger in his eyes, "Seventh Uncle, who is that woman?"

Tang Xian looked at him.

Don't laugh, who is that woman you brought back?

"So?" Tang Xian asked, not expecting it to be for something like this.

"I'm serious, are you sure Aunt Seven is okay with this?"

Tang Xian's black eyes rolled, he smiled, knowing this kid had misunderstood.

Uncle Qi, aren't you only in love with Aunt Qi? I don't think that's who you are in my heart.

Then, who am I?

"I think you're different from them. I don't understand the Emperor, but he has many women, and my father... is the same. They both use love. It's not like you and Seventh Aunt are so pure. But I didn't expect you to... This will hurt Seventh Aunt."

Don't you hate her? How come you're defending her?

"Who said I dislike her? It's just that she always teases me, makes fun of me, and doesn't even act like a respectable elder. She... is actually very good to me. Although she's only a bit older than me, sometimes she acts like a little mother. Seventh Uncle, I know I can't control what you do, but I think a man should keep his word."

After Tang Haojing finished speaking earnestly, he stared intently into Tang Xian's eyes.

Tang Xian smiled and patted his shoulder, "Silly boy, JiuJiu didn't raise you for nothing. You remember these words from Uncle Seven, and I hope you also remember that woman... she's not, just a relative."

"Relatives?" Tang Haojing was a little surprised.

Tang Xian nodded. “It’s not what you think.”

Tang Haozheng let out a sigh of relief, and the uncle and nephew chatted for a while before Tang Xian left.

When he told Fu Jiu Jiu about it, Fu Jiu Jiu laughed so hard she was in tears, "See? See? Tang Qi Gege, if you're sorry to me, then you're really going to be miserable."

"Yeah, there are a bunch of uncles on one side, and now there are your confidants in the family. Not to mention outside, with so many godfathers and mothers, and my elder sisters and brothers-in-law, I'm afraid they won't let me off either."

Fu Jiujiu's smile was radiant, her eyes crinkling at the corners. Had she finally tamed this little wolf cub, Tang Haojing?

"Yeah, be careful now, I'm sorry, you deserve this."

"Oh dear, to be told this... I'm afraid my position is no longer secure."

Tang Xian's words were originally just a casual remark, but he saw Fu Jiujiu's eyes flash.

"Don't overthink it."

Fujujiao shook her head, "I understand."

Tang Xian was still worried that he hadn't explained himself clearly, "Jiujiu, don't overthink it, the older brothers aren't the kind of people who would do anything for personal gain."

Fu Jiu Jiu patted his hand and, looking at his anxious expression, smiled and said, "I really understand."

Lu Ziqing had no trouble adapting to life in the Prince's Mansion. After all, it was her own son's home. Though the capital city was different from twenty years ago, she readily accepted the change.

The Emperor Chengde would also come, under the guise of visiting his son, and no one would think too much of it.

Ke Lu Zi Ning still wants to go see her family, she wonders if her old father will be frightened when he sees her.

"Let the seventh brother go and inform him first."

Lu Ziqing shook her head. "I want to give my father a surprise, let's go together."

She saw that Emperor Chengde was a little hesitant, "What's wrong? Don't you want to go with me?"

"It's not... Zining, after you left all these years, your father still refuses to see me."

"Huh?" Lu Ziying smirked. "My father spoils me the most."

"Yes, he's been sick at home these past few years and no longer concerns himself with court affairs. He blames me for not taking good care of you, but he loves the seventh son very much."

"Of course, my son, my father would definitely love you. Why don't you come with me this time? As long as I'm alive, my father wouldn't blame you." Lu Zi'ning said.

The Emperor of Chengde nodded slightly, "Good, whatever you want to do, I'll accompany you. I actually have a good plan, you can enter the palace."

"What?" Lu Zi'ning asked anxiously, "But, since I entered the palace, I can't see my son every day."

Even if you were here, you couldn't be with him every moment. He has to keep company with Jiujiu. Why not let him come to your palace after work?

Lu Zi Ning thought for a moment, "Then okay, what can we do? Won't my face be recognized?"

"Look for Jiujiu, Jiujiu has the art of disguise."

"Ah, Chi-Chi is amazing!" Lu Zi-Ning was overjoyed. This method is really great.

An hour later, Fu Jiujiao withdrew her hand from Lu Ziqing's face, looked in the mirror, then at Lu Ziqing, "Done."

"Are the mirrors in Beijing now this clear? They're much better than the copper mirrors before."

Emperor Chengde laughed, "This is only found here in Jiujiu's place. She has all sorts of strange and wonderful things here."

"Is that so? That's wonderful." Lu Zi'ning looked at the mirror, even she felt a stranger's face. It was still beautiful, but it didn't show at all that it was her, Lu Zi'ning, it was a whole new face.

"Won't anyone find out?" she asked again.

As long as the people around me don't say anything, it should be fine. It's okay to pretend. If you like this mirror, I'll give it to you.

"No, no, how could I possibly get you what you like? I'll just take a look."

Fujujiao can see that she is really trying her best to play the role of a good mother-in-law.

"As for me, if you like it, take it to the palace."

The Emperor Chengde, seeing that his beloved woman liked it, didn't hesitate. "Zining, just take what Jiujiu gave you. It's a piece of their filial piety."

"That can't be for nothing, I have to give something else to JiuJiu. Yi Gege, I really really like this thing, I'm so happy to come, aren't you happy?"

“Joyful, joyful, praise!” Emperor Chengde burst into laughter, he was truly overjoyed.

First published on the Traditional Chinese Novel Network