Shangguan Ruixi would not really think that his unassuming acts could deceive the Emperor. Even the Empress Dowager would probably soon be suspicious, but what does it matter? His primary aim was to issue a warning to the maids in the palace.
"Your Majesty, you must defend my honor!"
The Emperor's mouth twitched at this, defend what innocence? It's not a major issue! But he still said: "Mother, rest assured, I will vindicate you."
Rumors stopped at the wise—there were many mothers-in-law in the world who made life difficult for daughters-in-law or granddaughters-in-law. Which mother-in-law would bother to explain it? It was better to ignore it.
The Empress Dowager thought, the Emperor's intervention was useful indeed, then asked, "What does His Majesty plan to do?"
"Isn't my birthday coming up soon? When all the officials come to congratulate me, if Mother appears congenial towards the Crown Princess, the rumors will naturally die!"
