Leaving the Palace to Visit Grandmother (2)

Jing Wan right now wasn’t an ordinary married daughter. That’s why, even Luo Pei Shan and them were also immediately informed.

Thus, Luo Pei Shan and his sons also successively rushed back, and after seeing the situation in the courtyard, even Luo Pei Shan all blanked.

When Luo Pei Shan went in, Yu Zhong Qing didn’t block, “Sir Luo.” After greeting, he just let him in.

Luo Pei Shan knew that Jing Wan was in his old wife’s room, but he still just sat in the outer room, not going in.

Towards those tender young girls, Luo Pei Shan didn’t have any interest, and ever since Luo Old Madam and them returned to the capital, he has always just stayed in the main courtyard. That’s why, towards the changes to Luo Old Madam’s body, there was no one more clear than him. Speaking of which, there also wasn’t much sorrow. At this age of theirs, everything was viewed very transparently. Growing old, falling ill, and dying, these all couldn’t be more normal. Just, watching his old wife’s body decline this quickly in such a short amount of time, he still felt somewhat unwell. He once owed her a lot, but because of having third girl, she didn’t feel anything of it. Luo Pei Shan had to admit, it was Jing Wan that helped him make up the regrets. But, he himself ultimately didn’t do anything, so how could he not feel guilty in the slightest, and how could the regrets completely be erased?

While drinking tea, Luo Pei Shan was somewhat lost in thought.

After the ones from Jing Wan’s father’s generation rushed back, they also waited outside.

And Jing Wan ended up staying in Luo Old Madam’s room for the entire morning, even the afternoon meal was used in the room. All the way until Jing Wan helped lay Luo Old Madam down for the afternoon nap did she finally come out.

The people outside were still waiting. Jing Wan blanked, “Has grandfather eaten yet?”

Luo Pei Shan already stood up, “Your Highness, this subject doesn’t have an appetite.”

“Lately, it has been very laborious, grandfather more or less should still eat a little.” Compared to earlier when entering, Jing Wan right now has already calmed down a lot, just her spirit still wasn’t very high.

“Your Highness, don’t worry, this subject’s body is fine.”

Jing Wan slightly hesitated, “Grandfather, why don’t you retire. What I mean to say is…..”

“Alright, once I have the matters in hand handled, I will submit a memorandum.” Luo Pei Shan calmly spoke. When looking to Jing Wan, his eyes penetrated with affection, “Your Highness doesn’t need to think too much. Your Highness’s meaning, this subject understands. You care about this subject’s body, unwilling to let this subject be too exhausted. Actually, this subject already had the intention inside. Originally, it was wanting to wait until after his Majesty return in triumph. Just, from the looks of it, his Majesty won’t settle the matter that easily, so don’t know how much longer this war will go on for. However, the matters upon the imperial court, you’ve also handled very nicely. This subject’s use is also limited. Now that your grandmother is ill, this subject retiring at this time is also good, nicely accompany her in her last moments.”

Jing Wan nodded, “Grandfather, don’t worry, the Luo family has me. At least within a hundred years, I won’t let it decline.”

“This subject knows, but your Highness also doesn’t need to mind too much. A family clan’s prosperity and decline, whether it’s rising or falling, it’s all very normal. If it really were to decline, then that is also its fate. You just need to handle things according to your own principles, no need to shelter too much. Thanks to your light, there are already many people moving out of the way for the Luo family.”

“Grandfather, rest assured, I have propriety. As the saying goes, ‘when reaching the peak, certain to decline’. I won’t go that far.”

TN: All

“With how your Highness is right now, there’s naturally nothing to worry about. However, it’s best for your Highness to return to the palace early. The major matters of the world still needs for your Highness to handle. In the future, if possible, don’t leave the palace anymore.”

The corner of Jing Wan’s mouth moved, appearing a bit stiff, “I know. Grandfather take care. I will be returning now.”

“Your Highness, don’t be sad for your grandmother. The Luo family right now, and the you right now, she is very happy inside.” Luo Pei Shan couldn’t help but add.

“En.” Jing Wan softly responded.

“Respectfully sending off your Highness the Empress.” Luo Pei Shan’s voice rose a little.

In this way, the outside also very quickly began moving. The imperial guards immediately opened a path.

Jing Wan walked out of the main hall. Even with that many people present, Jing Wan’s expression still didn’t change, just nodding her head at the elders before directly leaving.

To just face like this, never mind saying a few words, perhaps one didn’t even get seen by her. They were naturally unwilling to give up inside, but facing the blade-carrying imperial guards, no one dared to cause trouble, and can only follow behind Luo Pei Shan and the others, deferentially having the person sent out.

However, there were also ones that blankly froze in place, not moving. That expression was just like having lost one’s soul.

The main reason being that Jing Wan’s change, compared to a few years ago, truly was too too big. That bearing from head to toe, that pressing noble air, to have might without anger, solemn and inviolable, just like the luminous moon in the sky, while they these people weren’t even fireflies, merely a speck of dust, ha, ha, hahahaha……

Brazenly and shamelessly clinging to the capital, unwilling to leave, over twenty yet still having sights higher than the sky, unwilling to marry, yet turns out, all the perseverance was just a big joke.

She, in that high and noble empress’s eyes, was nothing at all, long having gotten thoroughly forgotten. Her existence can’t even cause a single ripple.

Jing Wan having left the palace for this long, for the people that should know, they all knew. The court officials currently waiting outside the Luo Manor gates weren’t few.

At this time, it also wasn’t necessary to hide anything.

“Her-Highness-the-Empress-preparing-to-return-to-the-palace—”

Mu An drew out his voice appearing even more sharp and crisp.

The palace maid supported Jing Wan onto the horse carriage. A moment later, the horse carriage slowly began moving. The court officials all followed after.

Jing Wan sat in the horse carriage, her eyes closed. There was neither sorrow nor joy on her face.

After returning to the palace, the little crown prince seemingly wanted to play with his imperial mother, but he clearly sensed that there was something wrong with his imperial mother, especially after his imperial mother caressed his head and said, “be good, go play by yourself”, the crown prince really was just as quiet as a chicken.

Jing Wan was very clear, right now, it wasn’t suitable for her to be close with her son. Little children were actually very sensitive. Jing Wan didn’t want to affect him. That’s why, it was best not be close.

Gong mama let the wet nurse have the little crown prince taken down to coax. However, very soon, there will be three children from the court officials’ family entering the palace, able to divert his attention, so there was no need to worry.

Jing Wan has served Jing Wan for that many years, so towards Jing Wan’s emotional changes, she was quite knowledge. Knowing that Jing Wan doesn’t want to talk right now, she just quietly gave her a massage.

Jing Wan had her eyes closed, and about an hour later, “Mama, that’s enough.”

“Does your Highness want to rest for a while?”

“No need, this empress will go to the imperial study. Recently some memorandums have piled up. It’s better to take care of them early.”

“Yes.” Gong mama went out to look for Eunuch Mu, each taking care of their respective duties. To be able to go between the front court and inner palace, there was only the empress alone.

Perhaps staying with Luo Old Madam all morning had some effect. At least, Jing Wan right now, when handling governmental affairs, won’t be distracted anymore.

With her Highness back in condition, the court officials can finally relax, but before their heart could return to its original position, it just rose up again, just because her Highness right now seemingly was even more imposing, appearing more and more like when his Majesty would carry a cold look. The lower ranked officials were all prostrate with fear, just fearing when this thunder will fall.

However, although Jing Wan was cold, she was nevertheless very rational. As long as they have the matters handled well, she won’t get angry easily, and further won’t take her anger out on unrelated people.

And because knowing that after Luo Pei Shan handles the final matters in hand, he will retire from his post, Jing Wan didn’t hand him anymore matters to handle.

Although not a word was said, but how can it possibly be kept from others. That’s why, for those that were unclear of the situation, they more or less were all somewhat anxious.

As for Ruan Rui Zhong, in these last few years, he has worked quite a few times with Luo Pei Shan both on the surface and in secret, so towards many things, he was all able to see clearly. Thus, he didn’t beat around the bush either, directly asking.

After receiving a clear answer, “You’re younger than, your body also healthier than mine, so there’s no reason for her Highness to let you go and not me?”

Luo Pei Shan’s eyes were cold and dark. If possible, he was also willing to wait until after his Majesty returns. At least, he didn’t want to let his granddaughter be that tired, but the situation right now was special. “With one and two all leaving, while letting her Highness handle everything alone? Even if you want to retire, you still need to wait until the person taking over your position completely master everything, while also having the candidates entering the inner cabinet decided first before leaving.”

Ruan Rui Zhong mysteriously glanced at Luo Pei Shan for a moment, and afterwards, seemingly as if knowing something, nodded his head, “This official is aware. Then, after Sir Luo retires, is it continuing to stay in the capital, or immediately return to the ancestral home?”

“Right now isn’t the time to return to the ancestral home, my wife’s body won’t be able to handle the journey.” Luo Pei Shan didn’t hide in the slightest.

Ruan Rui Zhong no longer spoke.

Another half month later, Luo Pei Shan directly submitted a memorandum to retire from his post. Afterwards, Jing Wan, like as if going through the procedures, urged him to stay once, and on the second time, granted his request.

And the bestowments, like flowing water, just entered the Luo Manor gates shortly after.

Even though it was long predicted, but when really coming to this step, quite a few people were still greatly shocked inside.

However, in regards to retiring, Luo Pei Shan had long informed his family. The people of the Luo family were very calm from beginning to end, not having any uneasy feelings.

Speaking of which, because in one family, there can’t be two or more people taking up a third rank or higher post at the same time, Luo Pei Shan retiring actually made way for his sons. Just, his eldest son and second son were both of the high fourth rank. One was the Luo family’s first branch, destined to inherit the position of clan leader, while the other was the empress’s father. Between these two, who should be pushed up?

Speaking of which, Jing Wan’s eldest uncle has been in the fourth rank position for many years already. Although he can’t be considered particularly outstanding, there weren’t any faults either, having enough experience. In comparison, Jing Wan’s father was once uninterested, but after setting his heart to the task, he nevertheless had quite the ability. Over time, it’s not impossible for him to become a second Luo Pei Shan.

If handled according to the rules, then one must give up.

Regarding this, Jing Wan didn’t personally question. The current Head Minister of Revenue, previously the Head Minister of Justice, in a short one year’s time, once again got ‘promoted’ as the Head Minister of Appointments. The Head Minister of Revenue’s position once again became vacant. Jing Wan had the Head Minister of Works promoted onto the position. The Head Minister of Works, Sir Zhong, was already the youngest among the high ministers. The Ministry of Works under his lead had a pretty good record, and at present, he was still less than fifty. In this way, his radiance once again grew brighter.