Chapter 1782: Chapter 1720: Testing the Waters

When Emperor Yan learned that Empress Dowager Mo was looking for suitable treasures to reward his future daughter-in-law, he said, "Royal Mother’s possessions are the finest. If there aren’t any, I still have many in my private collection. I will have them sent over for Royal Mother’s appraisal."

Empress Dowager Mo smiled and said, "You are considerate. I am finding gifts for my daughter-in-law, how could I ask for your things?"

"What belongs to me is also Royal Mother’s!" Emperor Yan immediately replied, "Without Royal Mother, I wouldn’t be where I am today."

Empress Dowager Mo smiled faintly, extended her hand to him, and Emperor Yan hurriedly supported her, as the mother and son left the private collection together.

Nanny Shui followed behind, lowering her head obligingly, occasionally glancing at the people ahead, recalling Ah Jiu’s words before he left, and her heart felt as heavy as if weighed down by a large stone.

Upon returning to the hall, the palace attendants presented warm hand towels to wipe their hands, then served tea and snacks, standing by to serve.

"Did Ah Jiu bid you farewell?" Empress Dowager Mo asked after sipping her tea.

Emperor Yan nodded, "He just left the palace."

Empress Dowager Mo said, "He is a prince of honor; it’s right for him to serve the country, but as Emperor, you shouldn’t rely on him for everything. Mingyuan’s children are all grown now, you should also delegate tasks to them. Royal children kept sheltered become like house cats."

"Yes." Emperor Yan cautiously looked at Empress Dowager Mo, asking, "Royal Mother isn’t blaming me for sending Ah Jiu to investigate this case, is she?"

"I still say, as the Prince of Beiyan, he should serve the nation," Empress Dowager Mo glanced over and said, "But also, the Emperor should focus on grooming a few grandsons."

Emperor Yan smiled bitterly, sighing, "Currently, the ministers in the court are all pressuring me to establish a Crown Prince."

Empress Dowager Mo sipped her tea lightly and said nothing.

"Who does Royal Mother think I should choose?" Emperor Yan looked at Empress Dowager Mo and asked.

Empress Dowager Mo then looked at him and said, "As for who to choose, the Emperor should have some idea in his heart."

Emperor Yan raised an eyebrow.

"If you ask me, I have only one opinion: the position should go to the capable and suitable. He may not have a prestigious lineage, but he must have the virtues necessary to be an enlightened ruler. To ensure Beiyan’s eternal prosperity, the Emperor must act not out of sentiment but reason. The Crown Prince must be someone who can support the entirety of Beiyan and lead it to greater prosperity. Only then can we be worthy of the empire our ancestors founded. Just as I once supported you to power instead of Ah Jiu."

"Royal Mother..." Emperor Yan was somewhat moved, and he was grateful to Empress Dowager Mo for this; at the time, she could have let her legitimate son take the throne, not him.

"You are more suited to this position than Ah Jiu, and I hope you can use this criterion for choosing a Crown Prince as well."

"I understand, Royal Mother!" Emperor Yan then changed the topic, "Royal Mother, the wife Ah Jiu married is not of equal status; should I choose a noble lady for him?"

Empress Dowager Mo looked over calmly and said, "No need."

"Royal Mother..."

"Emperor, it’s enough for Ah Jiu to be a wealthy Idle King," Empress Dowager Mo said, "He doesn’t need an illustrious Princess Consort to support his standing. I only wish for him to have a life of joy and health."

Emperor Yan said, "Wouldn’t that be too wrong for the Imperial Brother?"

"If you feel he’s wronged, once he returns from the Northern Region this time, let him stay in the Capital. There’s no need to send him out again since he’s spent too many years away from Beiyan. By then, when that girl named Wufu arrives, the couple can reunite." A hint of tenderness appeared in Empress Dowager Mo’s eyes, "I am getting old, I just wish to see children and grandchildren around me."

Seeing her this way, Emperor Yan couldn’t describe the feelings in his heart, somewhat sour and a bit jealous.

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