Allure of a Country Maiden
Chapter 966 - 964_1

Chapter 966: Chapter 964_1

The Empress Dowager was displeased at her grandson’s consistent protectiveness of Xiao’er. "You two have been married for two years now. It is the third year. Both your imperial brothers have children. If Princess Rui doesn’t get pregnant this year, don’t blame me for bringing someone else into your residence. It’s simply unacceptable that you remain childless and letting Yi’er to never have a heir."

The Empress Dowager’s last statement, directed at Xiao’er, carried a threat: three years without producing an offspring, that was grounds for divorce!

"Children are a gift from heaven, not something that can be had when desired. Both of our health conditions are fine, we’ll have a child eventually." Xiao’er calmly responded.

As for the Empress Dowager’s words, Xiao’er was not concerned. She was not really barren. As for introducing another person into their marriage, Xiao’er wasn’t afraid either. If Shangguan Xuanyi were to look at another woman, she would make sure he became impotent. Then he would truly never have a legacy!

Upon realizing this, Xiao’er glanced threateningly at Shangguan Xuanyi.

Shangguan Xuanyi met Xiao’er’s gaze and immediately understood what she was thinking. Leaning in close to Xiao’er’s ear, he whispered in a voice only the two of them could hear, "My wife, do not worry. In front of other women, I am as impotent as they come!"

He truly had no interest in other women! So much so that he couldn’t even get aroused if he wanted to, he didn’t even want to look at them.

Xiao’er was defeated by Shangguan Xuanyi. Even such a self-deprecating comment he could say. She conveyed that she had absolutely no objections to him.

The Empress Dowager really hated seeing couples displaying love in public. Coughing with dissatisfaction, she berated Xiao’er, "Princess Rui, maintain your image. Don’t behave like those licentious women, always seducing men."

In the Empress Dowager’s eyes, beautiful women were always the ones that dazzle men to the point of confusion. Throughout history, beauties always brought disaster!

Xiao’er nearly rolled her eyes in exasperation. She was clearly sitting there in a dignified manner, not moving at all, but it was her grandson who kept getting close to her, wasn’t it?

Resisting her initial frustration, Xiao’er retorted, "Empress Dowager, has the imperial doctor not attended to your pulse recently?"

"Of course, my pulse is checked regularly every month. Why do you ask?" The Empress was puzzled by Xiao’er’s question, thinking that Xiao’er had noticed some health issues with the Empress Dowager, so she asked anxiously.

"I observed that the Empress Dowager’s vision doesn’t seem good. I’ve been sitting here the whole time, perfectly still, yet she compared me to a licentious woman! Is that not poor vision?"

The Empress Dowager’s face changed, and she snapped sharply, "Impudent! Are you implying that I am blind?"

Xiao’er acted innocent, "I, your humble daughter-in-law, think that not only is the Empress Dowager’s sight poor, but also her hearing might be impaired. I was merely concerned that your age might be affecting your vision, and wanted to ask the imperial doctor to check on you. After all, any illness should be properly treated, right?"

"You... It’s scandalous!" The Empress Dowager was so angry her head was emitting smoke. She stuttered without finishing her sentence and started breathing heavily. Mrs. Shen was indeed a tongue-in-cheek one!

"Summon the imperial doctor," Shangguan Xuanyi ordered coldly. Comparing his dear Xiao’er to licentious women, Shangguan Xuanyi also felt that the Empress Dowager was blind and heartless!

The maid at the Empress Dowager’s side looked at the Empress Dowager who nodded, and hurriedly ran out to find the imperial doctor.

Seeing that things were about to escalate, Shangguan Wanru quickly appeased, "Empress Dowager, Princess Rui meant well. I saw her behavior and deportment earlier to be completely appropriate. It was probably an unintentional mistake made by you. Nevertheless, let’s summon the imperial doctor for a check-up. I would also like to have Zhuan’er’s pulse checked."

The Empress Dowager loved this granddaughter dearly, and seeing that she had suffered such a big shock and returned, how could she not show compassion? So, she nodded her agreement, "Summon the imperial doctor to check on Zhuan’er."

After saying these words, the Empress Dowager spoke to the Empress and the others, "You all may leave. I have something to talk to Wanru about."

She was really annoyed by all of their presence. None of them were in accordance with her wishes! They just kept adding trouble for her!

Upon hearing these words, the Empress was the first to stand up and curtsy, "Mother, we will take our leave."

They left the Cining Palace. Shangguan Ruixi and the wife of Prince An directly excused themselves. The wife of Prince An had many questions she wanted to ask, her daughter couldn’t return home yet, so she had to go back and ask her son.

Knowing her concerns, the Empress nodded her head, and then said to Shangguan Xuanyi and Xiao’er, "You two go sit with my mother and keep me company."

Xiao’er respected the Empress very much. Even if the Empress didn’t say anything, she didn’t plan to leave straight away. So, she attentively stepped forward, holding the Empress’ hand, and smiled, "I had the same intention, mother. I brought some gifts for you, which I’ll have sent to the palace later."

The two women walked towards the Kunning Palace while chatting, and Shangguan Xuanyi followed behind them without interrupting.

The Empress now had three grandchildren and adored her little grandson greatly. She was also eager to see what an outstanding child born from her beautiful and supremely intelligent daughter-in-law would be like. Moreover, the two had been married long enough, so she urged, "Actually, your imperial grandmother is right. You’ve been married for two years and it’s time for some efforts. Xuanyi, you have to work harder. Otherwise, I’ll begin to think you’re impotent. It’s been two years, and you still couldn’t get your wife pregnant! How are you handling things?"

Impotent?! Xiao’er choked on her own saliva hearing the Empress’ words, and she admired the calmness of Shangguan Xuanyi who showed no reaction even when someone suggested he was impotent.

"Mother, don’t worry, I’ve got it under control."

Upon hearing this, the Empress understood their reluctance to have children. She didn’t push them anymore, having faith in the saying ’children and grandchildren have their destiny.’ After all, her daughter-in-law was still young and there was no worry about her not being able to have children. A few more years wouldn’t matter, as long as the couple lived comfortably and happily.

The Empress then asked about their year abroad, whether they were injured in the earthquake, how did they get Zhan’er Island back, their experiences in Nangong Country, how they rescued Wanru, and whether they encountered any danger. She asked about every single detail that she could think of, her words filled with concern. Xiao’er thought that this was how an elder should be.

Throughout history, mothers have been compassionate and sons have been filial. Facing such a loving mother, it would be hard not to be filial.

The two stayed with the Emperor and Empress for dinner before leaving the palace. The Emperor had originally wanted to keep Shangguan Xuanyi behind for questioning, but the Empress directly stopped him, "Our son is tired from his journey and you can’t wait until tomorrow to ask your questions? Let them go back and rest!"

The Emperor felt aggrieved! She had monopolized her son the entire afternoon and didn’t allow him to go back and rest. Now, when he wanted to ask a few questions, she wouldn’t allow him!