FID – Chapter 908

Chapter 908: You’re Coming With Us Too?

“We’ve known each other for so long, and I’ve never heard you speak such a long stretch before. I am so touched I nearly shed tears! Honestly, wouldn’t it be great if you were always like this? Say what’s on your mind, be open and direct. It makes you feel better, and it’s pleasant for others to hear too. Everybody wins, right? But no, you insist on always putting on that dignified, solemn front. I get it. You’re the Empress Dowager and have to uphold your image, but that kind of show is for outsiders. Why bother with all that in front of your own people? Don’t you get tired?”

The Empress Dowager was so flustered by the teasing that she couldn’t recover her composure. She snapped angrily, “Why do you talk so much? I could set a teacup in front of you and have it filled with spit in no time! Can’t you show a little restraint?!”

“Restraint for what?” Grandma Liu wiped the corner of her mouth, looked at her dry finger, and said, “I didn’t spit. I’m very clean, thank you. Why would I spray spit while talking? And use a cup to catch it? Really now—you’re the grand Empress Dowager, and you’re imagining such disgusting things?”

“…” The Empress Dowager covered her forehead with her hand, wishing she could just faint on the spot.

They were completely talking past each other—each on a different wavelength entirely.

This boorish old woman; there was no reasoning with her.

“Aren’t you going back to Xinghua Village? What are you doing running around the palace again? Hurry up and leave! Just seeing you gives me a headache.”

“That won’t do. In the capital, you’re the only old lady I know who’s about my age. If I don’t come find you to hang out, who else am I supposed to go to?” Seeing the Empress Dowager continuously scoot away, Grandma Liu scooted right along after her. 

“I actually came to see you today for a reason. In a couple of days, we’re heading back. I’ve been in the capital for two months now, and all I’ve done is circle around the two little ones. I haven’t even gotten to properly enjoy the city. I heard from Axiu that he has an estate in the outskirts, and the scenery there is quite nice. Our whole big family is planning to go spend a few days there, enjoying the mountains and water—a little vacation before we leave. You should come with us.”

“I’m not going.”

“You visited Xinghua Village, and when you were on my turf, I played the perfect host and took care of you properly, with care and attention. Now I’m in your territory, and you’re just going to leave me to fend for myself? Aren’t you ashamed? You’re the Empress Dowager, for heaven’s sake, and you don’t even understand basic hospitality? That’s just heartless. Besides, we’re bringing both the little kids with us this time. If you really don’t come, that means you won’t see them for at least three days. And when we’re all caught up in having fun, we might not pay close attention to Badou and Hongdou. Aren’t you worried they’ll go hungry, get cold, or get scared?”

The Empress Dowager closed her eyes and took several deep breaths, trying to calm the madness rising in her chest, but it didn’t work. “Granny, go pack.”

She gave in.

The old maid nodded in agreement, suppressing a smile as she went off to pack.

Grandma Liu smiled broadly. Her mission from Axiu was accomplished.

She had always said, only a rough woman like herself could handle someone like the Empress Dowager.

Feeling quite pleased with herself, she didn’t notice that the Empress Dowager hadn’t answered a single question she had asked earlier. After all that back-and-forth, the Empress Dowager had even forgotten what she originally wanted to ask.

Naturally, the tension and nervousness caused by the fright at Shan Lai’s place had also faded away.

She returned to her usual self—smiling cheerfully, looking carefree and lighthearted.

When the two old ladies returned to the King’s Manor, Liu Yusheng was there with Chenxiang and Zisu, about to head to the palace to see her.

They ran into each other right at the mansion’s gate.

Seeing them return together, Liu Yusheng secretly breathed a sigh of relief. “Grandma, why didn’t you call me when you went to the palace? I could have gone with you.”

“What? I’ve been to the palace several times already. Are you worried I’ll get lost? Besides, anyone in the palace who’s ever seen me already recognizes me. No one dares to bully me. Even if they did, I’ve got the Emperor and the Empress Dowager backing me up. What’s there to worry about? Look at that anxious face of yours.” Grandma Liu teased her with a smile, linking arms with the Empress Dowager as they walked toward the manor. “Are your parents and Uncle and Aunt all ready? After lunch, we’ll set off for the villa.”

“They’re all ready, just waiting for you to bring Her Majesty.”

Liu Yusheng then followed the two back to the mansion together.

At this time, Feng Qingbai was not around. He had attended court at dawn and stayed in the palace afterward. He was expected to return around mealtime.

It should be about time.

Just before lunch, Feng Qingbai returned, followed by Qin Xiao.

This surprised the Liu family somewhat.

The strongest reaction came from the Empress Dowager.

Having been somewhat relaxed with Badou and Hongdou nearby, her body immediately stiffened when she saw Qin Xiao.

She sat up straight, hands folded on her lap, sitting as if facing a high-ranking minister—upright, serious, and dignified.

Grandma Liu couldn’t help but laugh at the sight. This old lady was putting on an act again.

“This morning after court, I went to the training grounds and listened to General Qin give a lesson to the military officers. It was very beneficial. Seeing that it was almost mealtime and that he would be alone back at his manor, I invited him over to dine with us.”

“Of course, of course,” Grandma Liu nodded in agreement, then asked, “Will General Qin also come with us to the villa?”

The others in the room were thinking, “…” Grandma, how do you manage to ask anything and everything?

Qin Xiao glanced around at everyone, briefly resting his eyes on the silver-haired woman, and smiled. “No wonder the manor is so full of people today. It turns out you all plan to have a trip to the villa.”

Grandpa Liu replied, “In a couple of days, we will be returning to Xinghua Village. Before we head back, we thought we should enjoy ourselves for a few days nearby. The children are thoughtful. They feel sorry that we elders have been busy and tired lately and are looking for reasons to let us enjoy ourselves. We don’t want to disappoint their kindness.”

“That’s indeed right,” Qin Xiao looked at Feng Qingbai and asked, “Where exactly is Your Highness’s villa in the suburbs?”

“About thirty miles outside the southern suburbs, in a small village. It’s not far; it takes about half an hour to get there by horseback or carriage.”

“In that case, this old servant will join you all to share in the fun. Luckily, it’s not far, and even with my daily duties, the round trip won’t take much time.”

“You teach the military officers, and you still have time to travel?” The Empress Dowager half lowered her eyes, speaking as if casually.

“The lessons these past two days have been completed. Next, they will study and comprehend on their own. When they encounter difficulties, I’ll be there to help solve them. There’s no need to stay at the training grounds all day.”

It perfectly explained why he could accompany the outing.

The list of travelers for this trip was basically finalized, even Xue Qinglian, who had been secluded in Liuyun Pavilion for half a month, was brought along.

After lunch, several carriages slowly departed from the manor, heading toward the countryside.