Chapter 140: Empress Dowager Helian

After leaving the Imperial Study, the faces of the three were all extremely grim.

They were all exceptionally intelligent individuals, so how could they not see through the Emperor’s hidden intentions?

Mo Jinnan’s face darkened even further, and he inwardly cursed the Emperor.

Xiang Xinyao was still under fifteen, yet the Emperor had already set his sights on her.

Unforgivable!

Mo Jinnan glanced at Xiang Taifu. “Lord Xiang, you should return home. I will take Xinyao to meet my mother.”

Xiang Taifu nodded slightly and whispered, “Your Highness, please come to the residence for dinner this evening.”

“Alright!” Mo Jinnan nodded, understanding the unspoken message.

After Xiang Taifu left the palace, Mo Jinnan took Xiang Xinyao to the residence of Empress Dowager Helian.

Empress Dowager Helian had a cold and graceful appearance, with delicate features and a slender figure, looking no older than in her thirties.

Mo Jinnan bore a strong resemblance to his mother, especially in his eyes.

Empress Dowager Helian was a princess from the Western Regions who had been sent to the imperial court for marriage. Though she was breathtakingly beautiful, she had not received much favor from the late Emperor.

The reason for this was that the Empress Dowager, who was also the late Emperor’s mother, had interfered at that time.

Moreover, Empress Dowager Helian had always loathed courtly intrigue. She only focused on protecting the young Mo Jinnan, ensuring he grew up safely.

Now, she had become the Emperor’s vulnerable point, confined within the palace, further detesting the palace’s struggles.

She was monitored every hour of the day, unable to leave the palace. Even if she wished to free herself, she could not.

She could only spend her days fasting and praying, hoping for Mo Jinnan’s safety.

Mo Jinnan and Xiang Xinyao entered Empress Dowager Helian’s chambers, where she was kneeling in front of a Buddhist statue, praying with great devotion.

“Mother,” Mo Jinnan called softly.

Empress Dowager Helian paused for a moment, then turned her head to look at Mo Jinnan.

But the next moment, her gaze was drawn to Xiang Xinyao standing beside him.

“You’re from the Xiang family,” she said with certainty.

After all, Xiang Xinyao’s features were strikingly similar to those of Xiang Taifu.

“Your servant greets the Empress Dowager.” Xiang Xinyao curtsied and gave a sweet smile. “Yes, Empress Dowager, I am Xiang Xinyao, the daughter of the Xiang family who was separated for eleven years.”

Empress Dowager Helian nodded coldly. “Nan’er, find a time to have your Imperial Brother break off the engagement with the Xiang family.”

Xiang Xinyao’s eyes widened in shock.

What?!

I haven’t even offended my future mother-in-law!

She wants to break off the engagement with Mo Jinnan just after meeting me? Does she think I’m just a village girl unworthy of her son?

But then again, breaking off the engagement might not be such a bad thing.

Mo Jinnan furrowed his brow, sensing the surroundings to make sure his mother wasn’t being monitored.

He spoke softly, “Mother, I cannot break off the engagement with Xinyao.”

Empress Dowager Helian sighed and lowered her voice. “Ah, how I wish it were different. But I have become your weakness. You can’t let the Xiang family girl follow in my footsteps.”

“Mother, if I break off the engagement with Xinyao, it will play right into Imperial Brother’s hands. Xinyao will be ruined for life.”

Empress Dowager Helian was stunned, staring at Xiang Xinyao in disbelief. She immediately understood the meaning behind Mo Jinnan’s words.

That damned Emperor!

He was even eyeing a child who hadn’t come of age yet.

What a beast!

Xiang Xinyao understood now: It wasn’t that her future mother-in-law didn’t like her, nor that she had done anything wrong.

It was simply that Empress Dowager Helian didn’t want her to become Mo Jinnan’s weakness, didn’t want her to suffer the same fate as she had.

Hmm, such a mother-in-law isn’t bad. I’ll need to find a way to save her.

Xiang Xinyao gave a gentle smile and spoke softly, “Empress Dowager, please don’t worry. I am capable of protecting myself.”

Empress Dowager Helian stared at Xiang Xinyao in disbelief. This girl, who appeared so fragile, was claiming she could protect herself?

In the treacherous royal court, how could she possibly protect herself?

The real concern was that the Emperor had now set his sights on this girl. Breaking off the engagement would lead her to ruin.

It was a difficult situation.

Suddenly, Xiang Xinyao felt a sharp gaze directed at her.

She cleared her throat and said, “Empress Dowager, you should take care of yourself and eat well. You look too thin.”

“Yes, Mother, you must take care of your health. Only then can I be at ease when I’m outside,” Mo Jinnan chimed in.

He too had sensed the presence of a hidden observer.

Empress Dowager Helian, not a fool, immediately understood what was going on. She nodded in agreement, “Don’t worry. I’m fine. I still hope to hold a grandchild someday.”

“Since Xinyao has been found, you must treat her well and not let her suffer,” she added.

“I understand, Mother,” Mo Jinnan replied.

Empress Dowager Helian smiled and said, “Alright, you two should go back now. Xinyao has just returned, and she should spend some time with her parents. However, Nan’er, you can bring Xinyao often to visit me. I can teach her the palace rules and etiquette.”

Mo Jinnan smiled and nodded. “I will remember, Mother.”

“Alright, go on now.”

Xiang Xinyao and Mo Jinnan both bowed in respect, “We take our leave, Your Highness.”

They both understood it was best not to linger.

After all, too many words could lead to mistakes.

The two of them left the palace and headed toward the Taifu residence.

Along the way, neither spoke, walking quietly side by side.

Both of them sensed that someone was following them.

Once they arrived at the Taifu residence, the tail behind them stopped following.

The Taifu residence was heavily guarded—though not as tightly as the Prince’s residence, it was still well-secured.

This was all thanks to Xiang Yanlin’s arrangements.

As soon as they entered, Taifu Xiang called Mo Jinnan to his study.

Xiang Taifu instructed the servants to bring tea and snacks before sending them away.

Once they were alone, Xiang Taifu’s face grew serious, and he spoke in a low voice, “Your Highness, the Emperor has developed improper thoughts toward Xinyao.”

Mo Jinnan nodded. “I’ve noticed. Lord Xiang, what do you think we should do?”

Xiang Taifu sighed with a bitter smile. “To be honest, I regret bringing Xinyao back. Entering this den of wolves will only lead to her destruction. But if I resign and retire, the Emperor won’t allow it, and the Xiang family might not be able to leave Bianjing.”

Mo Jinnan lowered his gaze. He too wanted to leave Bianjing, to take his mother far away from the Emperor, that devil. But right now, he couldn’t even save his own mother.

With his mother under the Emperor’s control, he couldn’t even ensure Xinyao’s safety.

Bringing Xinyao back from Yuncheng had been a mistake.

After a long moment of contemplation, Mo Jinnan spoke, “Lord Xiang, perhaps I should find a time to secretly send Xinyao back to Yuncheng.”

Xiang Taifu shook his head. “It’s too risky. If the Emperor finds out, he will certainly use your mother’s life to threaten you. Then, what will you choose?”

Mo Jinnan fell silent.

A moment later, the sound of light footsteps came from outside the study.

Mo Jinnan’s expression sharpened. He walked to the door and suddenly flung it open.

Xiang Xinyao stood there, grinning. “Can I come in?”

Mo Jinnan’s eyes softened instantly, and he nodded. “Come in.”

Xiang Xinyao stepped inside, casually closing the door behind her.