Chapter 1562: Chapter 1569: Going into Labor (4)
Mo Zili was in pain, and Lady Bai was in even greater pain. Their son had become so obsessively irrational that they no longer knew what to do.
Seeing other families marry off their daughters-in-law, proudly bringing them out to showcase and revel in familial bliss, while they themselves were mired in constant fear and anxiety, praying that the Prince of Qing Luo Kingdom would not take lethal action due to their son’s obsession—this was their daily plight.
As for the matter raised by Empress Dowager Mo, suggesting that Mo Zili marry Nangong Yu, they had mentioned it to him as well, but Mo Zili merely sneered coldly and said, "I wouldn’t take a counterfeit for myself, so why would I become someone else’s counterfeit?"
Everyone knew Nangong Yu was infatuated with Mo Ziqi. Now, the suggestion by the Empress Dowager to wed Nangong Yu to Mo Zili truly seemed inappropriate. Mo Qingshan and Lady Bai also disliked Nangong Yu, especially considering she had lost her chastity. If their son were to marry such a woman, he would be ridiculed for life.
Thus, after learning of their son’s stance, they did not attempt to persuade him in the slightest. They directly reported Mo Zili’s attitude to Empress Dowager Mo, suggesting that she find another husband for Nangong Yu and not let her youth be wasted on their son.
In fact, Duke Li Guo and the Old Madame also did not favor Nangong Yu, but out of consideration for their daughter’s feelings, they maintained a neutral stance. Since Mo Zili refused, they went along with it, allowing the situation to take its natural course without imposing pressure on him, leaving the decision entirely to him.
Empress Dowager Mo had originally planned to marry her daughter into Duke Li Guo’s Mansion, believing this would provide her daughter with lifelong security. Little did she expect her goodwill to be rejected outright—their refusal to accept her daughter left her infuriated and humiliated. In her anger, she skipped her father’s birthday feast, sulking alone inside the palace, sending only a few birthday gifts.
...
At the seat in the center, Cai Wei was still conversing privately with Fei’er. However, their discussion had shifted from men and family to matters of business.
Cai Wei asked, "Fei’er, how do you plan to handle the bridal gifts I prepared for you?"
Fei’er, while picking soft and easy-to-swallow dishes to feed Die’er, replied, "The bridal gifts were all placed in my private library. The manor and shops have been entrusted to the housekeeper. I asked him to arrange someone to manage them for me."
Cai Wei nodded slightly and said, "Your marriage is fulfilling and happy; Older sister is truly glad for you. But always remember, a woman must have independent thoughts and her own career. Don’t ever let yourself become merely a man’s appendage, and especially don’t base all your happiness solely on a man. Although you may foresee what happens in the next three or five years, nobody knows what will occur thirty or fifty years from now. So, always leave yourself a way out, in case of emergencies."
Fei’er listened, pressed her lips together, and said, "Older sister, are you worried that Mo Ziqi might betray me in the future?"
Cai Wei said, "What I said isn’t solely about how men treat you. There are many other considerations as well. Just remember my advice: be a woman with thoughts, principles, and independence—both financially and spiritually. It can only benefit your future."
Xiang Yun did not entirely grasp her older sister’s meaning, but having followed her sister’s words since childhood, she saw her older sister speaking earnestly and solemnly and thus responded in a likewise serious tone, "Older sister, Fei’er understands now. From tomorrow onwards, Fei’er will personally manage the manor and shops that Older sister prepared for her."
Before the two could finish their conversation, Yang Yong, the Chief Eunuch beside Nangong Yi, approached. With a warm and cheerful smile, he greeted the Old Madame before turning to Cai Wei and saying, "Madam, have you finished eating? His Majesty is concerned that sitting for too long might affect your health and has instructed me to invite you back to the palace. His Majesty also plans to return with you."
As soon as Yang Yong finished his words, the room erupted with admiration from the assembled Madams. The Emperor, noble as he was, showed such care and attentiveness toward his wife. Truly, the Empress Dowager’s life was enviably blessed.