Xi Yu, praised, didn’t feel awkward at all.

Instead, he raised his chin slightly and said to Ji Mingzhu, "You still have a good eye."

Xie Yunzhen didn’t like hearing this.

Always feeling that Xi Yu was flirting with Mingzhu.

He glared at Xi Yu fiercely, and took Ji Mingzhu away.

Liu Xu cleared her throat, "Then take good care of Zimu and Zishan, we’ll be back after we finish our business."

Originally, she thought being single was good.

Now, observing Ji Mingzhu’s situation, despite having a mansion full of servants, she still couldn’t feel at ease with the two children, and had to rush back after going out for errands.

Feeling full of emotions, she increasingly believed not marrying was the right decision.

Otherwise, she would be shackled by men and children, where would she find the time and energy to earn money?

She waved at Xi Yu, and Liu Xu quickly chased after Ji Mingzhu.

Everyone walked away, but Xi Yu remained standing there.

Looking at Zimu and then Zishan.

The two little ones stared at him with grape-like big eyes, equally puzzled.

As if suddenly not knowing what to do.

Xi Yu sighed, "They all went to do serious business, while I’m left in the mansion babysitting. Does this mean they think I’m unprofessional and look down on me?"

Upon hearing someone speak to her, Zimu habitually mmmed in response and nodded.

Knowing well that she couldn’t quite comprehend, her earlier response was merely by chance, yet Xi Yu was still annoyed.

He weighed the little meatball sitting in the crook of his arm, feigning grievance, "In a past life, I might have dug up your family’s ancestral graves, that’s why I have to work like an ox and horse for you this life, under your bullying!"

He furrowed his brow, wore a bitter face, appearing pitifully.

Zimu and Zishan could only judge situations based on adult expressions and tones.

Thinking there was something wrong with Xi Yu, Zimu mumbled something unclearly, her small hand rubbing against Xi Yu’s face, as if trying to cheer him up.

Meanwhile, Zishan’s small face surprisingly showed a worried expression.

His shallow brows furrowed like a caterpillar.

He just stared at Xi Yu, not directly reaching out like his sister.

Xi Yu was delighted, "Indeed, they’re little sweethearts, truly caring!"

Suddenly, he envied Xie Yunzhen.

This guy "commits many evils," yet could have such adorable children.

Really, it’s unjust!

It’s a pity Xie Yunzhen took the Sterility Pill, or he should have had more children to really pester him!

Xi Yu and Xie Yunzhen always bicker, but they have no complaints about the siblings.

Wholeheartedly accompanying them to play, even taking them to the garden for some breeze and scenery.

Even though Xi Yu isn’t married, he does better than many men in childcare.

The two little ones had a great time.

Unfortunately, upon returning to the yard, they started seeking their parents again, crying with snot and tears when they couldn’t see them.

If it weren’t for the wet nurse’s assistance, Xi Yu would have collapsed!

Having personally experienced the hardships of childcare, he was greatly impressed with Ji Mingzhu and Xie Yunzhen.

He heard that Xie Yunzhen personally changes diapers for the kids at night.

Xi Yu wasn’t sure if he could do it if he had children.

Occasionally could be managed, but over time, he might pass the task to the wet nurse.

Feeling he was losing to Xie Yunzhen in this aspect, Xi Yu made a secret vow to overcome laziness and strive to be better than Xie Yunzhen!

Thus, when the little ones pretended to cry, indicating hunger, Xi Yu personally cooked for them.

Cooking is one thing Xie Yunzhen definitely can’t beat him at!

Since going out, Xie Yunzhen’s ears have been feeling hot, suspecting that Xi Yu is cursing him behind his back.

To make the children bother Xi Yu longer, after finishing business at the government office, Xie Yunzhen didn’t rush back to the mansion.

Instead, he summoned his retinue, "Where is Madam?"

For Ji Mingzhu’s safety, each time she goes out, someone follows her, as Xie Yunzhen doesn’t want past events to recur.

This is Yanzhou, his territory, but that doesn’t mean enemies don’t lurk in the shadows.

Mingzhu and the children are his weak spots; even though Yanzhou is calm now, he dares not relax even slightly.

No matter when as long as he asks, there’s always someone reporting Mingzhu and the children’s situation to him.

The retinue went out for a moment and then returned to report, "Madam and Boss Liu went to the west of the city and haven’t yet returned to the mansion."

The cloth shop’s location isn’t considered a major matter.

He trusts Mingzhu can handle it well.

While Mingzhu doesn’t have much experience in business, with Liu Xu by her side, she surely won’t suffer.

Xie Yunzhen initially wanted to find Mingzhu.

But afraid of clinging too tightly, it might pressure her.

Originally, the kids stuck to her, already troubling Mingzhu.

Finally getting out of the mansion, he continued haunting her, increasing the frequency would certainly irritate Mingzhu.

His long fingers tapped the tabletop.

Ultimately, he opened the documents on the desk.

Handling miscellaneous affairs so that upon returning home, he could mindfully accompany Mingzhu and the two children.

...

The letter from Xie Yunzhen was swiftly sent back to the capital.

With years of warfare, the treasury was already depleted.

While merchants need to pay taxes to the court for commerce, for trading beyond the border... the Emperor was tempted.

Yet he was somewhat worried, if Yanzhou prospered, could Xie Yunzhen be controlled?

Due to this concern, the Emperor hadn’t slept well for several consecutive days and developed headaches.

Though not severe, the Imperial Physician was still called.

When the matter reached the ears of the Empress Dowager, worried it was the old ailment of the former Emperor affecting the present Emperor.

She couldn’t care about copying scriptures and went directly to Yangxin Hall.

Earlier selections brought a large batch of newcomers to the harem.

Now, some were already pregnant.

Whenever there was a slight development with the Emperor, some concubines in the harem couldn’t hold back.

Some dressed glamorously, while others donned simple attire, appearing pitifully.

Without exception, they brought nourishing soups.

Before the Empress Dowager drew near, she saw a flock of beauties being stopped there.

Some cried, expressing concern for the Emperor’s health, pleading to take a glance.

Maybe because she was getting older, she preferred tranquility.

Though it was the most ordinary scene in the harem, the Empress Dowager felt annoyed.

Secretly grateful the former Emperor had already passed away, otherwise, she’d have to constantly fight with groups of women.

Time-consuming and exhausting, it was genuinely tiring.

The Empress Dowager raised her hand and summoned a eunuch.

"Send everyone away, with all this noise, how can the Emperor recover?"

In the palace, the Empress Dowager’s position is unquestionably regal.

Once she spoke, those concubines dared not persist but could only temporarily leave and later seek another chance to serve the Emperor at Yangxin Hall.

They showed discernment, and the annoyance in the Empress Dowager’s eyes gradually dissipated.

Inside Yangxin Hall, the Empress and Crown Prince were also present.

The young Crown Prince, with a milky voice, said, "Father, taking the medicine will stop your headache."

Regarding his heir, the Emperor’s attitude had remained unchanged.

However, with newcomers entering the harem, Empress Wei secretly manipulated things, causing an unnamed concubine to lose her child.

The Emperor didn’t publicize this matter but completely extinguished any fondness for Empress Wei.

Now in the Emperor’s mind, Empress Wei is his wife and also someone he needs to guard against.

The old path of his father must not be followed!