The White-haired Queen

Seeing this, Wen Lanyue could only respond with a smile: "Okay, sister, you make the decision. I believe that with your wisdom and vision, you will be able to find a happy marriage for Heng'er." Although there was a hint of perfunctory in her words, it was more of trust and obedience to the Empress Dowager Cixi.

The Empress Dowager then asked, "What do you think of Princess Qinghe?"

Wen Lanyue frowned slightly and fell into deep thought. After a while, she slowly said, "Sister, do you mean to let Nanyue and Shangxie improve their relationship through marriage?"

The Empress Dowager smiled and nodded gently to show her agreement. She continued, "Yes, I heard that Princess Qinghe has a strong interest in farming, agricultural technology and cooking. If Heng'er can marry her, they will have a lot of common topics. And in this way, I will have one more person to talk to."

The Empress Dowager paused for a moment, as if thinking about something, and then continued, "Princess Qinghe loves farming, agricultural arts, and cooking, which shows that she must be a hardworking, kind, and virtuous girl. Didn't you also mention that the people affectionately call her the 'people-friendly princess'?"

Wen Lanyue nodded and responded, "Sister, you are absolutely right. Your analysis is very thorough. As long as Heng'er and Princess Qinghe have no objection to this, I certainly won't have any objection. After all, marriage is a matter that should be decided by the parties themselves."

After hearing this, the Empress Dowager nodded with satisfaction and said with a smile: "That's good. When Princess Qinghe enters the palace, we will find an opportunity to understand her feelings from the side." Her words revealed her expectation and importance for this marriage.

Wen Lanyue nodded slightly to show her agreement, and said softly: "The Mid-Autumn Festival dinner is coming soon. There will definitely be many daughters of other families and noble women coming to the palace to attend the dinner. Queen Mother, you can also take a closer look and make your own decisions."

The Empress Dowager Cixi smiled happily and clapped her hands, saying, "My sister is absolutely right. How could I forget about this?" A hint of expectation flashed in her eyes.

At this moment, Wen Lanyue couldn't help but think of Gu Changfeng's previous comments on Tian Fangzhou's daughter Tian Xiu'er. It is said that a wandering Taoist priest once asserted that this girl had a promising future and extraordinary wealth. Thinking of this, Wen Lanyue slowly said, "I heard that the girl named Tian Xiu'er in the family of Zhongshu Shilang Tian Fangzhou is quite outstanding. The Queen Mother might as well pay more attention to her."

When the Empress Dowager heard the name "Tian Xiu'er", she was moved. This surname instantly made her feel a little fond of this girl.

The so-called "xiu'er" must be beautiful and intelligent. I think this girl must be proficient in many talents such as playing the piano, chess, calligraphy, painting, poetry, and songs. The Queen Mother said happily: "Very good, I will pay special attention to her when the time comes."

After a moment's thought, the Empress Dowager Cixi added, "In terms of status, Princess Qinghe, as a princess of a country, and Heng'er are truly a perfect match made in heaven."

Wen Lanyue casually echoed, "People often say that one should marry a virtuous wife. Heng'er is the emperor, so if we talk about family background, I'm afraid only a princess can be a good match for him."

When the Empress Dowager heard this, her face slightly blushed, and she hurriedly said, "That's right. Heng'er is the emperor, and the first conditions for his queen are outstanding talent, excellent ability, and noble character."

Wen Lanyue nodded in agreement.

The Empress Dowager continued, "Then I will go and discuss this matter with Heng'er. After all, I still need to listen to his opinion."

Wen Lanyue responded: "That's great."

After saying this, the Empress Dowager Cixi turned and left, heading straight towards the imperial study.

When Xiao Xizi saw the Empress Dowager Cixi coming in, he was about to greet her, but was stopped by a gesture from the Empress Dowager Cixi. She stepped into the little emperor's study very lightly, as if she was afraid of making any noise.

At this moment, the little emperor had already finished the memorials that needed to be reviewed today, and was concentrating on practicing calligraphy at his desk. He held the brush in his hand, and every stroke he wrote was extremely serious and focused.

The Empress Dowager Cixi walked cautiously behind the little emperor and tried to quietly reach out and pull the brush out of his hand, but the little emperor held the brush tightly, preventing the Empress Dowager Cixi from achieving her wish.

Seeing this, the Empress Dowager Cixi smiled with satisfaction and said softly, "Heng'er, your handwriting is getting stronger and stronger, and your handwriting is getting more and more beautiful!"

When the little emperor heard the voice, he turned around and found that it was his mother. He immediately put down the brush in his hand and acted like a child: "Mother, you haven't come to visit Heng'er for a long time!"

The Empress Dowager smiled and responded gently, "My mother knows nothing about these things, and I am afraid that coming here will disturb your study and handling of government affairs."

The little emperor smiled slightly and said softly: "Mother, you don't have to worry too much. As long as you are willing to come to visit Heng'er, it will be very convenient at any time." His tone was firm and sincere, revealing his love and respect for his mother.

The Empress Dowager Cixi reached out her hand and gently stroked the little emperor's head. Her eyes were full of satisfaction, and she said with emotion: "Heng'er, you have really grown up." These words contain the mother's joy and pride in her child's growth.

The young emperor nodded in response to show his agreement, and then said confidently: "Yes, now I can handle the ordinary affairs of the court on my own. As for those crucial matters, I can also make decisive decisions and make the final decision when the court is discussing politics." His words revealed a gradually mature and steady demeanor.

When the Empress Dowager Cixi heard this, a satisfied smile broke out on her face and she praised, "Well, it is true. My Heng'er is becoming more and more outstanding." Her eyes were full of love and admiration, as if she saw the hope for the future prosperity of the country.

The little emperor smiled a little embarrassedly, and then signaled Xiao Xizi beside him to make a cup of fragrant tea for the Empress Dowager. The Empress Dowager waved her hand and said with a smile: "I am not here just to taste tea, but to discuss important matters with you."

The young emperor immediately sat up straight and replied respectfully: "Mother, please give me your orders and I will do my best." He knew that what the Empress Dowager said must be a matter of great importance, and he secretly speculated about the possible issues involved.

The Empress Dowager Cixi looked at the little emperor and said earnestly, "Heng'er has grown up healthily and his outstanding talents are remarkable. As the ruler of a country, you should start thinking about selecting a queen." Her words contained both expectations and concern for the little emperor's future marriage life.

When the little emperor heard that it was about the selection of the queen, he immediately fell silent.