Shen Xihe just smiled gently and sent the guest away. She would not need to trade with Xiao Changqing with the letter one day. She and Xiao Huayong were not the kind of people who needed help from others. Even if they met a strong enemy one day, she would not trade with Xiao Changqing with Gu Qingzhi's letter. Therefore, as soon as Xiao Changqing left, Shen Xihe burned it.
Just like when she first took the letters that Gu Zexiang had kept from her, these letters belonging to Gu Qingzhi were originally forged by her. How could she use forged things to deceive, entangle, or even exploit another person
Although she did not approve of Xiao Changqing's long-lasting love, and Gu Qingzhi did not need Xiao Changqing's long-lasting love, it was a sincere heart after all. Others could use this to attack Xiao Changqing, force Xiao Changqing, and restrain Xiao Changqing, just like Ye Wantang and Gu Qingshu, but she could not.
Shen Xihe made apricot drink and took some to the empress dowager. Because he was engaged to Xiao Huayong and knew that the empress dowager was Xiao Huayong's only elder, Shen Xihe felt closer to the empress dowager and treated her as an elder. If there was any food that Xiao Huayong got one portion, he would definitely give one portion to the empress dowager.
As soon as she arrived at the Queen Mother's courtyard, she heard laughter and joy coming from inside. The Queen Mother's female official Qin came to greet her in person. When she heard the voices, she said to her, "These days, the Queen Mother often summons some noble ladies to entertain and relieve boredom."
In fact, it was to matchmake and get to know these people more deeply, after all, they were going to be the granddaughters-in-law.
When Shen Xihe entered, she saw four or five young girls, all of whom she knew, including the Yu sisters of Pingyao Hou and even Qin Zijie. They all greeted each other.
"What did Zhaoning do today? You are the only one in the palace who cares about me the most." The Queen Mother smiled when she saw Shi He.
"Some drinks to cool you down." Shen Xihe smiled politely. "Your Majesty and the other princes disagree with what the Queen Mother said. Everyone in this palace is thinking about the Queen Mother's happiness and health."
The Queen Mother's eyes were kind, and she pointed at Shen Xihe with a smile, then looked at everyone: "I heard that people outside are saying that Zhao Ning is unkind and unreasonable. These people must have never seen Zhao Ning."
"It's just people who are jealous of the princess spreading rumors. Don't worry, Queen Dowager. If we hear about it in the future, we will definitely refute it." Yu Sangning said with a smile.
Shen Xihe glanced at her. Yu Sangning's smile was neither flattering nor evasive, but rather generous.
The others then understood the Queen Mother's intention and had no choice but to comply.
"You are a good one." The Queen Mother praised Yu Sangning, and her eyes swept over the sisters, "Pingyao Hou is really good at raising girls, and each of them is smart and intelligent."
"Your Majesty, you are too kind." Yu Sangzi and Yu Sangning stood up and bowed humbly.
Everyone understood. At yesterday's flower-viewing banquet, someone said that Princess Zhaoning was arrogant and self-righteous, and the Empress Dowager heard it. Today was the day to clear Shen Xihe's name, so the following topics all revolved around Shen Xihe, and she was widely praised.
Shen Xihe understood the Queen Mother's good intentions, even though she herself didn't care.
Soon the Queen Mother sent these people away, leaving Shen Xihe alone, enjoying the apricot drink that Shen Xihe brought. After two sips, she felt very nourished: "Ask the kitchen to cook some tomorrow."