The Darling of Heaven Owns a Rip-off Shop

In the days that followed, despite the Emperor being the father of more than twenty children, his favorite place to visit remained the Empress Dowager’s palace. The person most cherished by the Emperor was neither the favored Consorts Rong and An, nor the perceptive Consort Mei and the intelligent Consort Lin, nor the Empress, who had birthed a promising heir, but his mother, the Empress Dowager.

As time passed, the Emperor gradually aged, and white hairs began to appear at his temples. His Princes and Princesses were all outstanding, and the choice for Crown Prince was nearly settled. The Empress Dowager was also aging, though her spirit remained vibrant, even more so than the Emperor.

On a crisp autumn day, after the court had been dismissed, the Emperor again went to the Empress Dowager’s palace to pay his respects. Upon entering, he saw the Empress Dowager seated in the courtyard, admiring the red leaves.

”Mother, did you sleep well last night? Did you miss your son?” The Emperor walked over and sat beside the Empress Dowager.

”You’ve finished court, my son. Would you like something to eat? Oh, maybe not. You’ve had some digestion issues recently, perhaps eat less of these pastries.” Tianmiao smiled at the person before her, who had gone from a slightly chubby young man to a slightly chubby elder, yet this son of hers was still so adorable.

”Mother, I do not want the concubines to send their children here, not because I am annoyed by their schemes, but because I do not want them to share the concern and love you have for me.” The Emperor looked at Tianmiao with an embarrassed smile, ”Mother, do you think it childish for me to feel this way at my age?”

”No. You are the most obedient and the best.” Tianmiao smiled tenderly, ”Through all these years, you remain the most filial son, the best father, and the most outstanding Emperor.”

”Mother is also the best mother in the world.” The Emperor chuckled softly, leaning on the table, ”The food in Mother’s palace is always the best, and I will remember this in my next life.”

”Silly child...” Tianmiao’s voice was very gentle.

The Emperor gradually closed his eyes, and his breathing became slow.

Tianmiao stood up and ordered the Emperor to be carried back to his palace and summoned the imperial physician.

The Emperor’s body had reached the end of its vigor.

The concubines and Princes and Princesses awaited worriedly outside the hall. Consort Lin’s face showed signs of aging too, as she gazed wistfully at the great door of the hall. Was this man, who had given her warmth in a foreign world, about to leave?

The Empress Dowager sat quietly by the bedside, the Emperor’s hand clasping hers, unwilling to let go. Even as the Emperor summoned ministers to discuss his final arrangements, he never released her hand. The Crown Prince was established, the Eldest Prince, who was also the legitimate heir of the main palace. Not solely because of his rank, but more due to his capability, he was fit to be an excellent Emperor. The other Princes and Princesses, the Emperor had also made arrangements for. The concubines, he had seen them one last time before having all of them leave.

It was just the Empress Dowager and the Emperor alone together.

”Mother, in this life, to have become your son, I am genuinely happy. I hope someday we can be fated to be mother and son again. To go shopping, roam, and enjoy delicacies with you once more.” The Emperor held Tianmiao’s hand, using all his strength to speak such words. Actually, I always knew you were not my original mother, but it was so wonderful that you accompanied me all my life; it was truly wonderful...

Thank you, I am so fond of you.