The Fierce Farm Girl Has A Secret Space

The Crown Prince secretly breathed a sigh of relief; he was truly worried that the Emperor might reward too generously, which would make enemies for Gu Qingheng and his wife. Now giving them a simple ring, although valuable, is at least inconspicuous. Moreover, it's a personal item of the Father Emperor, akin to a pass for the palace.

This reward is truly excellent.

But Gu Sheng's mouth twitched slightly; however, he dared not say much and could only join the Crown Prince in proclaiming, "The Emperor is wise."

The Glazed Palace, the sleeping quarters of Virtuous Concubine Xiao Jin.

Ever since Yunnuan died more than ten years ago, the Emperor never established a new Empress, so the most distinguished should be the Imperial Noble Consort. However, that Consort Mu simply did not wish to involve herself in harem affairs, focusing solely on vegetarian meals and worshipping with the Empress Dowager. Thus, the Phoenix Seal of the harem fell to the most favored among the four concubines, Virtuous Concubine.

Although Xiao Jin was not the Empress, she always enjoyed the privileges of an Empress and performed the duties.

After leaving the court, Qi Jingyun first paid respects to the Empress Dowager, Imperial Noble Consort, and others before coming here to his mother.

Xiao Jin happily ordered food and drinks to be served, just what her son likes most.

"Mother Concubine, there's no need to fuss," Qi Jingyun quickly stopped her. "I will be leaving the palace shortly and won't be staying long." Always presenting a demeanor as cold as stone to others, now he showed warmth; even his gaze was gentle, as no matter what others thought, this woman was the most selfless one for his benefit in the world.

Upon hearing this, Xiao Jin ceased her actions and waved away the others, exhaling: "Yunyun, although going to war is the fastest way to gain achievements, it is too dangerous…" Her eyes reddened, "Over the years, you've already proved with numerous battle achievements… If it weren't for that person being the firstborn, this Crown Prince…"

"Mother Concubine," Qi Jingyun hurriedly interrupted Xiao Jin, "This must not be spoken of in the future."

"How do I not know?" Xiao Jin was aware she momentarily lost her composure in front of her son. "I just feel it was not worth it for my son…" She paused, "However, the Emperor is at his peak, and who knows where the deer will end in the end."

Qi Jingyun's gaze flickered but he remained silent, inwardly dissatisfied. Yet, he also weighed his situation, knowing some things could be done while others were absolute. This was not a matter of capability but of principles.

"Yunyun, you're no longer young. It's time to take a consort." Xiao Jin shifted the topic, no longer mentioning that position. "Even if you don't take a consort, having a child would be good…" Though having a child from a concubine first seems unconventional, rules are unyielding, and even the Emperor would not wish his sons to have dwindled descendants.

"No rush." Qi Jingyun's eyes narrowed slightly, his whole demeanor chilling. "In the Qi family, marriage is often delayed." Having a concubine does not constitute marriage, and his child… not everyone is qualified to birth it. That woman must be one he favors, who can assist him; that woman has yet to mature, but he has the patience to wait.

Xiao Jin opened her mouth but ultimately said nothing, though inwardly sighing. She too was conflicted; once her son married, he would likely have to move to his lands, and being distant from Beijing, some things would inevitably become more difficult to manage.

"Mother Concubine, the Meng family's offerings for your New Year gifts are plentiful, aren't they?" Qi Jingyun suddenly lifted his gaze.