My Aloof Lord Ex-Husband Begs for Remarriage
Chapter 440 The Private Desires of the Empress Dowager

Chapter 440: Chapter 440 The Private Desires of the Empress Dowager

"If this matter were to be leaked, it would surely affect the royal reputation, and I am also worried that people outside would speculate a great deal," said the Empress Dowager.

Having deeply looked at Ye Jiuxiao, with his keen sensitivity, he naturally realized the unspoken words of the Empress Dowager.

What the Empress Dowager meant was nothing more than requesting his help to block the news, to prevent outsiders from being aware of it.

"I know that over the years, you have done many things for your Imperial Brother. If such an incident were to occur in a common household, I would certainly have to punish Yunting severely," she said.

"But now, as long as he realizes his mistakes and corrects them, I can only pretend as if nothing has happened."

The tone of the Empress Dowager already carried a hint of guilt.

She was not ignorant of the fact that, starting from the moment she placed Ye Jiuxiao in the position of Regent King, she had begun owing her younger son as a mother.

But the situation was such.

If she did not owe her younger son, the Emperor’s position would not be as secure as it is now.

Ye Jiuxiao was silent for a moment before he finally spoke. "All of mother’s words, your son understands."

Speaking of which, the Empress Dowager’s tone now was exactly the same as when she had made him voluntarily resign from the Regent King position and relinquish all his powers years ago.

But his willingness to give up power at that time was merely because he did not care.

Now, it was different.

Chu Nanli was someone he cared about, and naturally, he would not let the matter rest so easily.

"Mother is doing this for your good. Nowadays, your Imperial Brother’s health is deteriorating, and the Crown Prince’s capability is too mediocre. There will likely be many areas where you are needed in the future," she said.

These words of the Empress Dowager, upon reaching Ye Jiuxiao’s ears, somewhat rendered him indifferent.

With the Emperor’s characteristically cautious and careful temperament, the initial decision to place him in the position of Regent King had been a last resort.

Now that he had finally reclaimed the power in his hands, how could he possibly relinquish it again?

"Then, this son will not disturb mother any further," he said.

Ye Jiuxiao had come to the palace precisely to convey this message to the Empress Dowager.

As for how the Empress Dowager reacted upon hearing it, it was not really within his consideration.

Even if, by then, the Empress Dowager intended to shield Ye Yunting, he would still make Ye Yunting pay a price.

...

That day, due to Ye Yunting’s dispiriting conduct, they did not go to the place they had previously agreed upon.

Chu Nanli specially found another time and again invited Lin Xuanxuan out.

Additionally, she discussed the progress of their investigation with Lin Xuanxuan.

"I’m so glad you sent me a message letting me come out, otherwise, I would have suffocated in the residence!" Lin Xuanxuan immediately opened up upon seeing her.

"You have no idea how stifling it has been in the Prime Minister Residence these last few days. No matter where I am, I feel like I can’t breathe; it’s really unbearable."

The child in Madam Li’s womb was now full-term, likely to be born in these next few days.

Knowing the gender of the baby in advance, Prime Minister naturally valued this child deeply.

Although he had not neglected Lin Xuanxuan over the years, in his heart, he naturally still longed for the birth of a son.

Unfortunately, the Prime Minister’s wife had injured herself years ago and was unable to bear children, and none of the other concubines in the Prime Minister Residence had conceived in recent years.

Now that Madam Li was finally pregnant, how could the Prime Minister not value it?

Not to mention, she was pregnant with a male fetus.

Prime Minister Lin had been aging and naturally longed more for offspring.

"As early as a month ago, my father stopped letting Aunt Li come to pay respects to my mother, fearing that my mother would harm Aunt Li’s child." Lin Xuanxuan recounted.

"These past few days even more so, he has been cautious all around, almost stating explicitly that it was because of my mother. I still don’t know what Aunt Li has told him."

Lin Xuanxuan could only imagine that it must be Aunt Li filling her father’s ears with pillow talk, causing him to have such a bias against her mother.

He even felt that her mother would harm Aunt Li.

But he never considered that if her mother truly lacked any tolerance, she wouldn’t have tolerated the other mistresses in the Prime Minister Residence over the years.

"And yet, isn’t she still safe and with child even now?"

Chu Nanli frowned slightly, truly unable to understand why the Prime Minister would act this way.

Was he really willing to neglect his wife, to whom he had been married for many years, just because of a mistress?

"Exactly, my mother has been devoutly praying and chanting in the garden for months, yet that side continues to stir up trouble from time to time, always blaming my mother. It’s simply unreasonable!"

When it came to that mother and daughter, Lin Xuanxuan truly had a bellyful of words to say.

Just Aunt Li alone was enough to disturb the peace of the entire Prime Minister Residence.

"Forget it, let’s not talk about this anymore. Let’s head over now. If we’re too late, all the good items might be picked over."

By now, Lin Xuanxuan had given up any hope for the Prime Minister and, after speaking a few words with Chu Nanli, her mood had largely recovered.

Recently, she had been helping Chu Nanli with affairs at Jici Academy and had not chosen new jewelry for a long time.

She wanted to take this opportunity today to make a good selection.

Soon, the two of them arrived at Zhenbao Pavilion.

Zhuang Lin had notified them long ago, and as soon as Chu Nanli appeared, the keeper enthusiastically invited them to the second floor and brought out the latest jewelry.

"This string of beads looks pretty and has a simple elegance. My mother should like it," said Lin Xuanxuan.

Even though Lin Xuanxuan was out alone, she did not forget the Prime Minister’s wife back at the Prime Minister Residence.

After picking jewelry for the Prime Minister’s wife, she did not forget about Chu Nanli, who was with her.

Once she had chosen everything, Chu Nanli finally began speaking about the main issue of the day.

"About that matter I mentioned to you last time, I’ve found some more information about it recently..."

Chu Nanli shared with Lin Xuanxuan all that he had found during this period.

The most crucial information, however, remained undiscovered.

"These days, she values her unborn child the most and should be less vigilant, perhaps providing a chance to uncover a lot of information," Lin Xuanxuan suggested.

Her words also provided Chu Nanli with many ideas.

Perhaps following her suggestions could lead to significant discoveries.

Just as they were about to discuss further plans, they heard a noisy commotion at the entrance.

Standing at the door was Ye Yunting who had rushed over upon hearing news of Chu Nanli.

He had been trying to see her by any means for the past few days.

Only since the last foolish act by Lin Fuying did he realize that the spies he had placed near Chu Nanli’s residence had been silently cleared out.

Left with no choice, he had sent people to watch the places Chu Nanli might visit and to immediately report back to him upon sighting her.

Today, the moment he heard that Chu Nanli was here, he dropped everything and hurried over.