Eavesdropping on Fu Bao's inner thoughts, emptying the stored grain and fleeing the famine

Seeing that everyone had quieted down, Lian Jinghuai bowed to the old emperor and empress dowager.

"This old minister only has this one daughter, and her current temperament is a result of being spoiled by this old minister."

I implore Your Majesty and the Empress Dowager to consider that this old minister has been stationed on the border for many years and has had no time to care for his daughter, and not to hold this child against him.

Although Lian Jinghuai's words sounded like a confession, there was not a trace of self-awareness in his eyes that said "I was wrong".

Within the Dasheng court, everyone knew Lian Jinghuai's temperament. Despite his military achievements, he never abused his power to oppress others.

But today, Lian Jinghuai's attitude is very clear: no one is allowed to touch my daughter!

The old emperor shifted slightly, looked down at Lian Jinghuai, and said with a smile, "General Lian, what are you saying?"

"Rong'er isn't entirely spoiled by you; I've also played a part!"

The old emperor, who had been silent for a long time, spoke in a way that was utterly shocking. Everyone in the hall couldn't help but gasp.

The men who had been shouting earlier were now sweating profusely. If they had known His Majesty would take this attitude, they would never have been so foul-mouthed.

Previously, the old emperor had intended to promote the Qi family, and they speculated that perhaps the Lian family's achievements overshadowed the emperor's and were therefore being viewed with suspicion.

But now it seems we don't even know what happened back then.

Just as a delicate atmosphere settled in the hall, a voice suddenly announced something from outside the door.

"Your Majesty and Empress Dowager, General Qi is requesting an audience outside the palace."

General Qi? Qi Wangde? Wasn't he supposed to be in the eastern border? How come he's suddenly back?

"Summon them!" Before the old emperor could speak, the Empress Dowager had already given the order.

A moment later, Qi Wangsheng entered the main hall in full armor.

"Your subject, Qi Wangsheng, greets Your Majesty and the Empress Dowager."

The old emperor spoke before the empress dowager, asking in a deep voice, "Wasn't General Qi stationed in the eastern border? Why has he suddenly returned?"

The old emperor's tone carried a hint of displeasure and authority, but before Qi Wangsheng could answer, the empress dowager had already spoken for him:

"It was I who sent General Qi back."

"Mother, isn't this against the rules?" The old emperor's expression remained calm, but his eyes were filled with a dangerous aura.

"Is Your Majesty blaming me? Didn't Your Majesty say that I could decide who attended my birthday banquet?"

The Empress Dowager met the old emperor's gaze without flinching.

Isn't this old hag just making excuses?

If Fu Bao could see it, how could the seasoned veterans in the court not see it?

Lian Rongrong looked at Qi Wangde, then at the Empress Dowager's smug expression, and belatedly realized that the Qi family's promotion was actually the work of the old witch.

Indeed, although the Empress Dowager had connections in the court, she was ultimately weaker in the military.

To contend with the old emperor, a strong military was essential. And the Qi family just happened to ride this wave.

However, in Lian Rongrong's memory, Qi Wangde still had some backbone and conscience.

Just as Lian Rongrong was lost in thought, Qi Wangde's deep voice rang out again in the imperial court.

"Your Majesty, besides celebrating the Empress Dowager's birthday, I have another very important matter to report to you."

Upon hearing this, the old emperor withdrew his gaze from the Empress Dowager's direction and asked in a calm tone:

"Oh? What's so important?"

Qi Wangde took out a battle report from his sleeve and presented it with both hands.

"Your Majesty, the eastern border was attacked a little over a month ago. I suspect it was a remnant of the Eastern Barbarian tribes."

Fortunately, the soldiers guarding the city were vigilant, and all those who harassed the border have been executed. However, I am concerned that the Eastern Barbarians may return, so this matter still requires Your Majesty's decision.”

"The Eastern Barbarians have been destroyed for many years. Even if there are remnants, General Qi's abilities would not warrant such a tense situation."

But border matters are never trivial; we'll discuss this later. Right now, the Empress Dowager's birthday is the priority."

The old emperor glossed over it, not because he didn't care about the safety of the eastern border, but because he was already well aware of the situation there.

Seeing this, Qi Wangde didn't say anything more, but when he turned his head and saw Lian Rongrong, his expression suddenly changed, and he called out "Sister-in-law".

That address of "sister-in-law" was truly disgusting. Even Fu Bao couldn't help but roll her eyes.

It seems Qi Wangde is a despicable scoundrel! They really are all the same, one stroke for each other. The whole family is a bunch of scoundrels.

Just as Fu Bao finished nagging, Li Yuanqi arrived at Lian Rongrong's side. With a gentle pull of his left hand, he drew Lian Rongrong into his arms.

"General Qi, what is the meaning of this? Do you perhaps wish to become my sworn brother?"

Qi Wangde was taken aback, his thick brows furrowing slightly. He feigned ignorance and asked:

"What does Your Highness Qi mean by this? I've only been gone for half a year. Surely you don't even recognize your own siblings?"

Watching Qi Wangde do shameless things while staring at an honest-looking face, Lian Rongrong really felt a bit uncomfortable.

Lian Rongrong's impression of Qi Wangde mostly came from the original Lian Rong, that is, her own past life.

Now, even Rongrong herself probably wants to give her past life a good eye roll. What kind of look is that?

Are you blind? Just because Qi Wangde looks like an honest person doesn't mean he is. This guy looks much more dangerous than Qi Wangsheng.

Lian Rongrong leaned slightly against Li Yuanqi, looking at the hypocritical Qi Wangde in front of her and slowly spoke:

"It may be a bit rude to say this, but it seems that General Qi's memory is indeed not very good."

As early as last year, I had already severed ties with Qi Wangsheng with a divorce agreement. I think General Qi was still in the capital at that time.

How could you have forgotten about this so completely in just over a year?

A hint of embarrassment flashed in Qi Wangsheng's eyes, but he quickly calmed down and argued forcefully:

"I thought your quarrel with Wangsheng was just a temporary disagreement. How could a husband and wife hold a grudge overnight?"

"No way! Qi Wangsheng and I are completely innocent; we're not husband and wife at all."

Besides, how could there be no enmity? Lord Qi really wanted to kill my mother and me back then.”

"That's not because..."

"General Qi, is the Empress Dowager's birthday a time for your mundane affairs?" the old emperor suddenly asked coldly.

Upon hearing this, Qi Wangde immediately said, "Your subject is guilty," and obediently sat down under the guidance of the maid.

After the interlude, everyone's attention returned to Lian Rongrong and Hua Ling.

"Princess Consort Qi, you should apologize to Ling'er. What you said just now was really too much."

Even with His Majesty and General Lian's doting affections, as a princess, you shouldn't take that for granted!

Perhaps it was Qi Wangsheng's return that gave the Empress Dowager more confidence, because this time her gaze toward Lian Rongrong was no longer one of kindness.

Everyone thought that Lian Rongrong would still fiercely confront Hua Ling, but unexpectedly, she suddenly smiled and looked at Hua Ling, and the words of apology just flowed out of her mouth so sweetly.

Busy eating, Fu Bao tilted her head to look at her mother, her lips still smeared with sweet cream.

Is this my mother? Would she apologize to the scheming woman?