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Others grow calmer with age, but not her. At forty years old, she still behaves as if she were in her teens.

The Empress had just entered the East Palace back when she was still the Crown Princess.

There were many rules in the palace, and it took her a long time to adapt after first arriving at the East Palace.

Framed by a scheme from Concubine Xu, she felt so wronged that she wanted to climb over the wall and run away from home that very night.

With her poor Kung Fu skills, she was caught by the Imperial Guard just as she reached the top of the wall.

Now as the Empress, she knows to leave the palace using a token.

"Your mother is just angry with me," the Emperor said again, "Crown Prince, you want to establish Lady Shen as the Crown Princess, but have you considered that Lady Shen doesn’t have a noble status? If she were made the Crown Princess, the future Empress, the officials would drown us in their spittle. The Empress and I have discussed to possibly foster Taotao and Susu under Concubine Xu’s name and appoint her as Crown Princess. "

Stopping there, the Emperor paused, "I was just discussing it with her, and the Empress got angry about it."

It was only then that Xiao Jinyan learned of the Emperor’s thoughts, and he tried hard to suppress his own anger.

"Father, Taotao and Susu were born after Lady Shen endured so much hardship. You make such decisions with a single word, but have you thought about Lady Shen’s feelings?"

The Emperor sighed, "I know it’s unfair to Lady Shen, and I haven’t taken any actual action. We can discuss a solution to this matter in the future. Right now, the most important thing is to find the Empress and Lady Shen. Taotao and Susu are just a month old; they can’t stand this."

Xiao Jinyan said, "If Father insists on this idea, then I would rather have Lady Shen and the children live outside the palace."

Upon hearing this, the Emperor immediately disagreed, "You actually want the imperial grandchildren to live outside the palace? I absolutely do not agree."

Xiao Jinyan reminded him, "Father, the most urgent task is to find the Empress and Lady Shen."

The Emperor also felt that it was not the right time to discuss this issue and commanded, "Crown Prince, send more people out of the palace, you must find the Empress and the others. Staying outside a moment longer means longer danger."

Xiao Jinyan bowed slightly, "Your son obeys."

After leaving the Imperial Study Room, Xiao Jinyan sent people to secretly search outside the palace—a full performance required a full set.

Taking advantage of the search, Xiao Jinyan rode straight to the Fuyao Residence in the suburbs outside the city.

This was the first time he knew that the residence belonged to his mother.

Shen Chuwei had a go-with-the-flow attitude after arriving.

Although the place was unfamiliar, the surroundings were pleasant.

The charcoal used in the house was the same as in the Imperial Palace, proving that the original owner of the residence was very wealthy.

The small bed inside was newly purchased and was perfect for Taotao and Susu to sleep in.

The babies were usually very well-behaved and didn’t fuss continuously.

After drinking her milk, Taotao played for a while before falling asleep in the corner.

Only Susu held onto the blanket corner and showed no sign of sleeping.

Shen Chuwei, after her bath, looked at Susu who was wide-eyed and looking around as if searching for someone.

"Susu, are you missing your father?"

Shen Chuwei said cheerfully, "Your father misses you too."

Susu stared at Shen Chuwei for a while before suddenly smiling, her eyes bright when she laughed.

Shen Chuwei smiled along, "It’s a bit far from the Imperial Palace here, but once your father is free, he will come to find us."

Susu babbled, "Yiyaya..."

Shen Chuwei, hearing the baby’s sounds, found it quite novel, "Susu, what are you saying? Are you talking about your father?"

Susu pursed her little mouth and stuck her finger inside.

Xiao Jinyan, who had rushed over all the way, now stood outside the window, overhearing Chuwei’s conversation with Susu. Unable to contain himself, he climbed through the window.

As the window was pushed open, the cold wind howled through, causing Shen Chuwei to shiver. Turning her head toward the window, she saw a figure leap in.

Although the room was dimly lit, Shen Chuwei recognized at first glance that it was Xiao Jinyan.

She had not expected Xiao Jinyan to find her so quickly.

She stood up happily and went to greet him, "Your Highness."

Xiao Jinyan embraced her, feeling as though they had been apart for a long time even though it had only been half a day.

"The babies haven’t gone to sleep yet?"

Shen Chuwei’s eyes curved in a smile, "Taotao is asleep, but Susu isn’t. I guess she’s waiting for you and doesn’t want to sleep."

Xiao Jinyan took her hand and came to the small bed, which was different from the one in the East Palace but was of good quality.

Approaching, he saw Susu sucking on her finger.

"Susu, why aren’t you asleep yet?"

Upon seeing Xiao Jinyan, Susu smiled sweetly, her finger forgotten for the moment.

Shen Chuwei said, "It looks like Susu was waiting for Your Highness. Seeing you has made her smile so sweetly."

Xiao Jinyan looked at his adorable daughter, his eyes filled with tenderness, "Susu, be good and go to sleep."

After laughing for a while, Susu put her finger back in her mouth and, sucking on it, fell asleep.

Xiao Jinyan lowered his head to look at Shen Chuwei, "I will go back early tomorrow morning."

The implication was clear; he wished to stay the night.

Shen Chuwei was a bit worried, "Will Your Highness make it in time for the morning court? Getting up early to travel, it’s too cold outside."

Xiao Jinyan replied, "It’s no trouble. The Empress has run away from the palace, Father won’t have the heart for the morning court tomorrow. As for me, I’ve been anxious to find the Empress and you, so I didn’t return all night."

Only then did Shen Chuwei relax.

They undressed and lay down on the bed together. The bedding was new and very warm.

Xiao Jinyan held her in his embrace, breathing in her faint scent, his breathing gradually becoming unsteady, "Chuwei."

Shen Chuwei blushed, "Jinyan, this is someone else’s house; it doesn’t seem right."

Xiao Jinyan kissed her, "It doesn’t matter, this house belongs to my mother."

Upon hearing this, Shen Chuwei relaxed and let Xiao Jinyan do as he wished.

In contrast to Xiao Jinyan’s joyful mood, a harmonious union between the couple was evident.

The Emperor was in a much sadder state, unable to sleep at all, standing in Fengyi Palace, his thoughts on the Empress.

ps: Third update