I swear I've never been so troubled in my life.
Empress Dowager, however, was incredibly considerate. She waved her hand, dismissing all the servants in the hall, and smiled gently, "Nannan is feeling shy, isn't she?"
Facing such an Empress Dowager, I became even more unsure of how to speak, and could only sit there awkwardly.
Empress Dowager finally noticed something was amiss. Her beautiful brows furrowed slightly, and after a moment of consideration, she asked, "Xiao Er and Sui Sui went to find you?"
Though it was a question, her tone was certain.
I nodded.
"Did Yao'er mention the proposal to you before?"
I knelt down with a thud. Before I could speak, Empress Dowager understood my meaning.
She slapped the tea table with a "snap": "This scoundrel! I thought you two were already in love, but he actually wants to snatch you with an imperial decree."
She helped me up, "Nannan, why are you kneeling? This is not your fault. Come, tell me properly, and I will definitely get justice for you."
"Your Highness, Nannan doesn't know where to begin."
"I understand. It's that brat's fault. He couldn't win over his bride, so he wants to use imperial power to suppress her. Hmph, he's read so many classics for years, but I think it all went to the dogs. Guards, go fetch the Crown Prince."
The last sentence was called out towards the door.
The palace attendants outside responded and left. She then took my hand, "Nannan, don't worry. Although that brat is my son, you grew up under my care. I will definitely not let you be wronged for him."
"Empress Dowager, it is Nannan who is unappreciative."
"Don't talk nonsense. Everyone has their own aspirations. The position of Crown Princess looks glorious, but the palace walls are deep. It's normal for someone of your temperament not to want to marry into the Eastern Palace." Empress Dowager looked at me gently, then sighed again, "Nannan, I've always been very fond of you. I thought you and Xiao Er were childhood sweethearts, deeply in love, and he's just a prince, so you wouldn't have to be confined to the deep palace. I thought you would naturally get married and have children once you grew up and fell for each other. Who knew, Yao'er would propose to you first. I thought to myself, since they are both my sons, I'll get to drink tea from my daughter-in-law no matter who it is, as long as you are willing. I never expected, alas."
I was stunned, my eyes wide open as I looked at Empress Dowager, and struggled to say, "You mean, you've always hoped Nannan would be your daughter-in-law?"
Empress Dowager said naturally, "Yes, otherwise, given my relationship with your mother, wouldn't I have recognized you as my goddaughter long ago?"
I was even more confused.
Was this the intimacy expected between mistress and servant?
Empress Dowager continued, "Nannan, tell me honestly, are you refusing Yao'er because of Xiao Er? That's why Xiao Er reacted so strongly last night. Nannan, don't worry, if Yao'er stole your heart, just ignore him. I will make decisions for you and Xiao Er."
I shook my head repeatedly, "No, no. Although Nannan has been close to the Second Prince since childhood, it's only a friendship. There are no romantic feelings. The Second Prince feels the same way about Nannan. They would never fight over Nannan."
I wanted to kneel and beg for forgiveness, but Empress Dowager, with her quick reflexes, stopped me.
"It seems Yao'er has truly frightened you this time. You're usually not this reserved. Nannan, when a daughter is of marriageable age, many suitors will come. It's normal for someone as lovely as you to be pursued by two brothers. It just means the eldest son has a discerning eye."
"Your Highness..."
"Don't overthink it. Just tell me, do you truly have no feelings for Yao'er at all?"
I was speechless, my heart in even more of a turmoil. The image of Situ Yao unexpectedly flashed through my mind.
How could I have no feelings at all?
But...
Looking at Empress Dowager's gentle and sincere smile, I took a deep breath and decided to speak the truth, "Your Highness, Nannan knows her place is humble and would never dare to aspire to the Crown Prince."
"Place?" Empress Dowager looked at me in surprise, then seemed to recall something, muttering, "This Qing Ya."
"The Emperor arrives, the Crown Prince arrives." The eunuch's sharp voice interrupted my conversation with Empress Dowager. I quickly stood up to welcome them, but before I could kneel, Empress Dowager pulled me, "We are just family chatting. There's no need for so much ceremony. Besides, the Emperor dislikes it."
I had no choice but to stand with her at the doorway to greet them.
A moment later, two figures in imperial yellow entered, one after the other.