Chapter 87: Empress Dowager: "Want to Be the Second Most Powerful Man?" Empress: "Would a Widow Be Interested?" (1)
"Her Majesty is an exceptionally talented person, a ruler with both literary and martial prowess. Surely, she can lead us—Mmph!"
Su Qing instinctively sensed something and, as a loyal and patriotic subject, was about to launch into fervent praise.
But before he could finish, a hand abruptly covered his mouth.
"That's not what I want to hear, and it has nothing to do with status."
"I'm asking what you think of her as a person, in the sense of a man and a woman."
Su Mengxi clarified her words further.
"Uh..."
Su Qing was momentarily at a loss for words.
It seemed that today's meeting wasn't about official matters—it was personal!
"Xiao Qing, you are a good child, so I will be frank with you."
"Although my daughter is the sovereign ruler, due to her position, no one dares to get close to her."
"At the end of the day, she is still a woman who needs someone's care."
Su Mengxi spoke softly.
At this moment, her usual playful demeanor faded, replaced by the maturity unique to an elder.
"Mother, why are you suddenly talking to me about this?"
Su Qing felt that this conversation was becoming dangerously unpredictable.
His expression grew serious, and he immediately sat up.
Any trace of sleepiness disappeared—such topics demanded extreme caution!
"Xiao Qing, you might not know this, but your Empress is at that age now."
"Like any normal woman, she won't confide in her family about such things."
"But as her mother, how could I turn a blind eye? This has truly worried me!"
Su Mengxi sighed, looking a little troubled.
However, compared to her usual composed demeanor, this apparent concern seemed rather exaggerated.
Yes, it felt less like a wise matron and more like an overdramatic schemer.
"Mother... Shouldn't you let nature take its course? You can't worry about this forever."
Su Qing tried his best to steer the conversation away from its current trajectory.
"How can I not? You know her temper—strong-willed and stubborn."
"Even if she likes someone, she would never admit it, let alone show it."
"As her mother, how can I just sit by and watch?"
Su Mengxi was relentless, clearly enjoying this topic far too much.
"Mother, the Empress has her own thoughts. Let's not dwell on this."
Su Qing glanced over at the approaching figure behind Su Mengxi, trying to warn her subtly.
He felt he had done his best—hopefully, she would take the hint.
"Having her own thoughts is good, but how many years would that waste?"
"As her mother, I just want to save her from unnecessary detours."
"Xiao Qing, do you know why I'm telling you this?"
"Because I know you understand."
"My daughter is difficult, but you are nothing like her. That's a good thing."
"As a man, you should take the initiative. She doesn't dislike that approach..."
Su Mengxi completely missed his hint and continued speaking enthusiastically.
Her words, both explicitly and implicitly, carried a single message: my daughter likes you, and you should act on it.
Also, as long as you take the lead, success is guaranteed.
Su Qing swallowed hard and remained silent.
He finally understood what it meant to have good advice fall on deaf ears.
"Xiao Qing, a man must have aspirations. Today, I will give you a grand ambition!"
"Do you want... to be the Emperor's Consort, second only to the ruler?"
"And once you succeed, perhaps you can even remove the 'second' part at night."
Su Mengxi's lips curled into a mischievous, fox-like smile.
Clearly, she was trying to plant some very dangerous ideas in Su Qing's mind.
Or rather, she was opening a door that had never been opened before.
A mother's love knows no bounds.
Not only did she want to raise Su Qing into a charming young man, but she also wanted him to have high ambitions.
The joy of grooming a successor—who could understand it better than her?
Su Qing forced a polite yet awkward smile, remaining silent.
At this point, saying anything was unnecessary—watching the show unfold was enough.
Seeing his reaction, Su Mengxi was a little puzzled.
Even if he didn't agree, his expression shouldn't be like this, right?
Suddenly, the light above them was blocked.
Su Mengxi's body stiffened instantly, and a large invisible danger sign loomed over her head.
"What exactly are you teaching this child?"
The Empress's voice was as cold as her piercing gaze.
Seeing the scene before her, she was so furious she nearly exploded.
Now she finally understood why this treacherous subject had been growing bolder by the day.
Clearly, this was all instigated by that troublemaker!
If not for the fact that she had official business to attend to today, who knew how much more nonsense she would have been subjected to?
The Empress reached out and grabbed Su Mengxi's face, kneading it forcefully.
Normally, she wouldn't do such a thing. This had never happened before.
But today, she couldn't hold back, a clear sign of just how furious she was.
"Let… let go! I am your mother! This is utter disrespect!"
"I was saying all this for your own good! Why can't you be more understanding?"
Su Mengxi pouted in protest, attempting to exert her authority as the Empress Dowager.
As an elder, being treated like this was utterly humiliating!
Unfortunately, while such words might have worked before, they had absolutely no effect today.
The Empress only increased the pressure, her face darkening into an almost sinister smile, her hands unrelenting.
That ominous smile gave the impression that she was prepared to drag someone down with her.
At last, the once dignified and upright Empress Dowager gave in, assuming a defensive posture, covering her head like a pitiful child.
Her adorable reaction made her look less like a mature elder and more like a playful young girl.
The Empress sighed internally, feeling utterly drained.