Starting in Exile: Transmigrated as the Crown Prince's Lucky Little Wife

Chapter 203 The Empress Dowager Leaves the Palace

Finally, the cookies are baked! Chef Li opened the pot lid, and a sweet aroma instantly filled the entire imperial kitchen.

Xiao Nanyao and Xiao Nanyi excitedly crowded around, their mouths practically watering as they looked at the golden, crispy cookies on the baking tray.

"Quickly, Your Highnesses, pack up the biscuits and send them to the Emperor Emeritus and the Empress Dowager," Master Li said with a smile.

Xiao Nan Yi and Xiao Nan Yao carefully packed the cookies into a beautiful box, then held hands and walked happily toward the palace of the Emperor Emeritus and Empress Dowager. They wanted to deliver this loving gift to their grandfather and grandmother as soon as possible.

Nan Yi and Xiao Nan Yao, carrying a beautifully crafted box full of cookies, skipped and hopped like two joyful little deer towards the palace of the Emperor Emeritus and Empress Dowager. Along the way, Xiao Nan Yao held the box tightly, afraid of accidentally damaging the cookies that carried their heartfelt wishes.

"Brother, Grandpa and Grandma will be so happy to see the cookies we made!" Little Nan Yao looked up with her rosy cheeks, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.

Xiao Nanyi nodded with a smile, his eyes also full of anticipation: "Of course, Yao'er, let's hurry up, don't keep Grandpa and Grandma waiting."

The two arrived at the palace gate. Xiao Nanyi cleared his throat and, imitating an adult, said loudly, "Grandpa Emperor, Grandma Emperor, we are Xiao Yi and Xiao Yao, and we request an audience with you."

The Emperor Emeritus's gentle voice came from inside the palace: "Come in, my dear children."

Xiao Nan Yi and Xiao Nan Yao pushed open the door and entered the palace. They saw the Emperor Emeritus and the Empress Dowager sitting on the couch, and their faces immediately lit up with kind smiles when they saw them enter.

"Grandpa Emperor, Grandma Emperor!" Little Nan Yao rushed into the Empress Dowager's arms and said in a coquettish tone.

The Empress Dowager gently hugged Xiao Nanyao and patted her head: "Yao'er, what brings you to visit your grandmother today?"

Xiao Nanyi stepped forward, handed the box in his hand to the Emperor Emeritus, and said, "Grandpa, these are cookies that Xiao Yao and I made ourselves. We wanted to give them to you and Grandma. We wish you a safe journey."

The Emperor Emeritus took the box, his eyes filled with surprise: "Oh? You made this by your own hands? How thoughtful of you." As he spoke, he opened the box, and a sweet aroma instantly filled the air.

"Try it, Grandpa Emperor! This is what Master Li taught us to make. It's so delicious!" Xiao Nanyao picked up a cookie from the box and held it to the Emperor Emeritus's lips.

The Emperor Emeritus smiled, took a bite, and nodded repeatedly: "Mmm, it's delicious. Our Xiao Yi and Xiao Yao are so capable."

The Empress Dowager also picked up a biscuit, savored it carefully, and a happy smile appeared on her face: "This biscuit not only tastes good, but it is also full of your love for us. It warms my heart."

Xiao Nan Yi and Xiao Nan Yao listened with proud smiles. They sat beside the Emperor Emeritus and Empress Dowager, listening to the Emperor Emeritus recount amusing stories from his youth. For a time, the palace was filled with laughter and joy.

"When Grandpa and Grandma come back, you can make us even more delicious cookies, okay?" the Emperor Emeritus said to the two children with a smile.

Xiao Nan Yi and Xiao Nan Yao nodded vigorously: "Okay, okay, we will definitely make more and better cookies for Grandpa and Grandma."

Time slipped away quietly in the warm atmosphere until the afterglow of the setting sun shone through the windows into the palace. Xiao Nan Yi and Xiao Nan Yao knew that their Grandpa and Grandma were about to embark on their journey. Although they were reluctant to part with them, the thought that their cookies could accompany them made them feel very content.

"Grandpa, Grandma, you must come back soon. We will be good and obedient." Little Nanyao held the Empress Dowager's hand, tears glistening in her eyes.

The Empress Dowager gently wiped away Xiao Nanyao's tears: "Good child, your grandmother will definitely come back soon. You must listen to your mother and father, understand?"

Xiao Nan Yi and Xiao Nan Yao nodded obediently. Under the reluctant gazes of the Emperor Emeritus and the Empress Dowager, they left the palace.

Xiao Nan Yi and Xiao Nan Yao left the palace hand in hand, skipping and hopping. Their figures disappeared behind the palace gates, but the Empress Dowager's gaze remained fixed in that direction, lingering for a long time.

"These two children are becoming more and more endearing," the Empress Dowager said softly, her voice tinged with a barely perceptible sob. She slowly walked to the window, gently pushed it open, and a breeze stirred her hair, but it couldn't dispel the deep reluctance in her eyes.

The Emperor Emeritus put down his teacup, walked to the Empress Dowager's side, and gently took her hand: "I know you are reluctant, and so am I. But children must grow up eventually, and we should give them some space to experience their own lives."

The Empress Dowager turned to look at the Emperor Emeritus, tears welling in her eyes: "I understand, but the thought of leaving them makes my heart ache as if something is gripping it." Her voice trembled slightly, her face filled with longing.

“Look, their shadows are everywhere in this palace.” The Empress Dowager looked around and her gaze fell on a painting on the table. It was painted by Xiao Nanyao a few days ago. The painting depicted their family playing in the Imperial Garden, and everyone’s face was filled with happy smiles. “Every time I see this painting, I feel particularly warm, as if I can hear their laughter.”

The Emperor Emeritus gently embraced the Empress Dowager and comforted her, saying, "Our trip is also to set an example for the children, to let them know that life is more than just the court life they are in now, and there is a wider world waiting for them to explore. Moreover, we will write to them often, and when we return, they will surely have grown into even more outstanding individuals."

The Empress Dowager leaned against the Emperor Emeritus and nodded slightly: "I know. I'm just worried that they might suffer any injustice or encounter any difficulties while we're away."

“With Jingchuan and Liuli here, they will take good care of the children,” the Emperor Emeritus said. “We must trust their abilities.”

The Empress Dowager sighed softly: "That may be true, but I still can't put my mind at ease. Do you remember when Xiao Yi was little, he was sick once with a high fever that wouldn't go down, and I stayed by his bedside all night without closing my eyes. At that time, I thought that as long as he could get better, I would do anything."

The Emperor Emeritus nodded: "I remember we were all very worried at the time, but Xiao Yi was very lucky and recovered quickly. This child has been strong since he was a child, and he will definitely be successful in the future."

“And then there’s Xiao Yao,” the Empress Dowager continued, “she’s so lively and adorable. Every time I see her, my heart melts. When she smiles, her eyes crinkle like crescent moons.” As she said this, a smile appeared on the Empress Dowager’s face, but it was quickly replaced by reluctance.

"By the time we return, Xiao Yao might have grown taller and become more sensible," the Emperor Emeritus said, trying to cheer up the Empress Dowager.

"I long to watch them grow up day by day, to be a part of every moment of their growth," the Empress Dowager said. "But we have to leave them at this time."

"Our departure is also for their better future," the Emperor Emeritus said. "We go out to see the world, and when we come back, we can tell them more interesting stories and broaden their horizons."

The Empress Dowager nodded slightly: "You're right, I just need some time to adjust."

"This trip has fulfilled a dream we had when we were young," the Emperor Emeritus said. "Once we return, we can finally enjoy our golden years with our families."

"I hope our journey goes smoothly and that we can return soon," the Empress Dowager said.

“We definitely will,” the Emperor Emeritus said. “We will return with a wealth of memories to share with the children what we have seen and heard.”

As the setting sun shone through the window, casting long shadows on them. The Empress Dowager gazed at the sunset outside, silently praying, "I hope the children will understand our decision and grow up healthy and happy."

In the days that followed, the Empress Dowager and the Emperor Emeritus began preparations for the trip. Although they were still reluctant, they knew that this was a rare opportunity and they had to take this step bravely.

The day before their departure, the Empress Dowager and the Emperor Emeritus visited the children's residence again. They stood at the door, quietly watching the children play in the courtyard. Little Nan Yi and Little Nan Yao were having so much fun that they were completely unaware of their grandparents' arrival.

"Let them play to their heart's content. This is their childhood, it should be filled with joy," the Empress Dowager said softly.

The Emperor Emeritus nodded: "Yes, seeing them so happy makes us feel a little more at ease."

Inside the magnificent, ornate palace, sunlight streamed through the carved windows, casting dappled patterns of light and shadow on the floor. A faint scent of sandalwood filled the air, adding a touch of tranquility and peace to the otherwise solemn space. Gu Liuli, dressed in a light blue brocade robe, though her figure was slightly swollen due to her pregnancy, still possessed an undeniable gentle grace. She nodded slightly, her eyes reddening as if holding back a flood of tears, and gently grasped the Empress Dowager's hand. Her voice, slightly choked, was like the strings of a zither plucked by a spring breeze, carrying a trace of sorrow: "Mother, Liuli understands, but I cannot help feeling a little reluctant. Palace affairs are complex, and with you here, I feel at ease. However, I will certainly do my best to live up to your expectations."

The Empress Dowager, dressed in a deep purple palace gown, was dignified and elegant. She gently patted Gu Liuli's hand, a gesture as tender as if soothing a frightened fawn. Her eyes were full of love and trust, like the warm spring sun, warm and bright: "Liuli, you are intelligent and resilient, and with Jingchuan assisting you, I am at ease. If you encounter any difficulties, you can discuss them with Jingchuan, or consult with a few trustworthy ministers. Although Xiaoyi and Xiaoyao are mischievous, they are sensible children; you can guide them more."

A few days later, on the day the Empress Dowager departed the palace, the palace gates opened wide. The vast square was spotless, gleaming with a cool light. Guards in full armor lined the streets, spears in hand, their postures ramrod straight, like resolute sculptures. The sky was a deep, jewel-like blue, cloudless, as if silently mourning this parting. The Empress Dowager led a well-trained entourage, marching grandly towards the palace gates. Her steps were steady, each one like stepping into the long river of time, carrying both longing for the past and unwavering resolve for the unknown. Gu Liuli and Xiao Jingchuan, leading the royal family, were already lined up neatly before the palace gates. Gu Liuli's eyes were filled with reluctance and worry as she stared intently at the Empress Dowager's figure, as if trying to etch this moment deeply into her heart. Xiao Jingchuan's expression was solemn, his brow slightly furrowed, his hands behind his back, his posture upright as a pine tree, displaying the composure of a ruler. Xiao Nan Yi and Xiao Nan Yao stood at the front. Xiao Nan Yao's eyes were already red, tears welling up like two trembling pearls. Her small hands tightly gripped the hem of her clothes, as if it were her last refuge. Xiao Nan Yi tried to straighten his back, but his eyes still couldn't hide his disappointment. He would glance at the Empress Dowager from time to time, as if hoping that this parting was just a fleeting dream.

Back in the palace, a flurry of activity filled the halls. Gu Liuli quickly composed herself, rising early each morning to go to the Council Hall. Inside, ministers held memorials, their expressions varied—some furrowed brows, worried; others with resolute gazes, seemingly pondering solutions. Gu Liuli sat to one side, discussing state affairs with Xiao Jingchuan. She took a memorial from a minister, carefully examining it, her eyes scanning it rapidly, sometimes frowning slightly, sometimes nodding gently, her focused expression suggesting the entire world had shrunk to the memorial in her hands. "Your Majesty," Gu Liuli said earnestly to Xiao Jingchuan, pointing to the memorial, her voice clear and firm, echoing in the spacious Council Hall, "I have carefully reviewed the disaster reports from various regions these past few days. Some areas have been severely affected; we must quickly allocate resources and organize disaster relief."

Xiao Jingchuan frowned slightly, a hint of worry flashing in his eyes. He nodded and said, "Liuli is absolutely right. This matter cannot be delayed. I will immediately arrange for the Ministry of Revenue and the Ministry of Works to implement disaster relief measures as soon as possible." After speaking, he turned to the eunuch beside him, his gaze sharp, and ordered, "Summon the Minister of Revenue and the Minister of Works to the palace immediately for discussion." The eunuch immediately obeyed the order and hurriedly left, his footsteps echoing in the hall.

Between handling state affairs, Gu Liuli went to the children's study. Inside, bookshelves stood tall, filled with various books, and the air was filled with the faint scent of ink. Xiao Nanyi and Xiao Nanyao were reading diligently. Xiao Nanyi sat upright at his desk, holding a book in both hands, his eyes fixed on the pages, occasionally shaking his head slightly, muttering to himself, completely absorbed in the world of the book. Xiao Nanyao sat on a low stool beside him, holding a paintbrush, carefully drawing on paper. Gu Liuli gently pushed open the door and entered. "Yi'er, Yao'er, have you learned your lessons today?" Gu Liuli asked softly, her voice as gentle as a spring breeze.

Xiao Nanyi put down his book, stood up and bowed, his face beaming with a confident smile: "Mother, I have learned everything. The teacher told many interesting historical stories today." Xiao Nanyao also ran over, took Gu Liuli's hand, her eyes sparkling like two twinkling stars: "Mother, I also drew a picture today, a picture of our family."

Gu Liuli smiled and patted Xiao Nanyao's head. Her smile was as bright and warm as a flower blooming in spring: "Yao'er is so good. Quickly show it to your mother."

As the days passed, Gu Liuli's belly grew larger and larger, making it increasingly difficult for her to move around. She paced slowly in the palace corridors, each step seemingly laborious. Her maid, Xiao Tao, followed closely behind, her eyes filled with worry. "Your Highness, you should rest. You've been working too hard these past few days; please take care of yourself," Xiao Tao said with concern, watching the busy Gu Liuli.

Gu Liuli smiled and shook her head, her smile tinged with weariness yet revealing determination: "Xiao Tao, I'm fine. Now that Mother is gone, I must be even more vigilant and not make the slightest mistake."

Thanks to Gu Liuli's efforts, everything in the palace functioned smoothly, and the ministers admired her abilities even more. In the court, when ministers discussed state affairs, they would often cast admiring glances at Gu Liuli. Some nodded slightly in agreement with her insights; others whispered among themselves, praising her intelligence and decisiveness.