Transmigration: From Farmer To Empress
Chapter 1112 - 1117 Wealth Can Fight Against Country (3)

Chapter 1112: Chapter 1117 Wealth Can Fight Against Country (3)

Thus, before reaching Qingfang Garden, a eunuch had already gone to announce her arrival, and by the time Cai Wei arrived, Du Meiren from inside the palace, along with several eunuch maids, had already been waiting at the entrance of Qingfang Garden. As soon as they saw Cai Wei’s processional carriage approach, they hurriedly knelt on the ground.

"This concubine pays her respects to the Empress Dowager. Long live the Empress, long, long live the Empress!"

"Aunt, please rise!"

Before even alighting from the carriage, Cai Wei reached out her hand, eagerly trying to help Du Meiren stand.

Du Meiren humbly said, "Thank you, Empress Dowager!" then rose to her feet with the assistance of Nong Mo.

Cai Wei dismounted from her shoulder carriage, took Du Meiren’s hand, and laughed, "It has been many days since we last met. Aunt, is your health still well?"

Du Meiren laughed and said, "Thanks to the Empress’s concern, this concubine is well."

Cai Wei said, "Aunt, since Wei’er calls you aunt, she hopes that between us we can maintain the closeness of family and disregard identity. If you address me solely as ’Empress Dowager,’ I fear the affection between us women will be strained..."

With a flicker of admiration and excitement in her eyes, Du Meiren bowed her head and said softly, "Very well!" The two then entered Qingfang Garden hand in hand.

The scenery of Qingfang Garden remained the same: the mottled grand door, the chaotically arranged flowers and plants in the courtyard, and the long-unrepaired imperial garden, all creating a desolate, melancholic atmosphere.

Upon entering the main hall inside, they sat down as host and guest. Then, Nong Mo offered tea.

Cai Wei accepted the tea and, while sipping it, observed Du Meiren. Months had passed, and Du Meiren had become much thinner than before, not only painfully thin but also extraordinarily pale, overall looking haggard and as though she had aged ten years all at once.

Cai Wei said, "Aunt, what happened to you? How have you become so thin in just a few months? Have these days not been satisfying?"

At these words, Du Meiren’s eyes suddenly reddened, and she choked up, "Isn’t it because of troubles at home!"

Speaking, she rose, lifted her skirt, and knelt at Cai Wei’s feet, crying, "Wei’er, arguably your aunt should not be speaking out about this, but your maternal grandfather is genuinely old now. The one who previously mistreated Auntie Mei and advocated for your mother to marry the King of Guangling as a common consort was all my mother’s idea. Now that she has passed away, please show mercy, forgive your maternal grandfather, after all, you also carry his blood in your veins..."

Having spoken, she collapsed on the ground, sobbing.

Cai Wei looked at Du Meiren kneeling on the ground, slowly put down the tea cup in her hand, and said, "Du Ruohai had once, for his own wealth and honor, sold you into the emperor’s household, ruining your life. Do you not hate him?"

Raising her head slightly, Du Meiren nodded, chokingly said, "Hate, of course I hate. I hate his heartlessness and lack of filial piety, only interested in climbing to power, and I also hate his overreaching ambition that led to his involvement in the succession strife. You know, when I heard that he had been stripped of his titles, I truly felt relieved and vindicated, but even with hatred, I can’t bear to see him die; when I think of his white-haired, frail form facing execution, it feels like my heart is being stabbed..."

As she spoke, she was inconsolable.

Cai Wei said, "Aunt should know that the harem must not interfere in politics, however, since you have spoken to me about this matter, I will mention it to the Emperor, but I cannot interfere in his decision!"

Upon hearing this, Du Meiren’s heart blossomed with joy, as if hearing a Buddha’s sermon. She wiped the tear beads on her cheek and affirmed, "It will surely work; the Emperor is so good to you, he will definitely agree. Wei’er, you truly are a noble for our entire family. I truly thank you so much this time..."