Exile with Storage Space: Family Fortunes in the Barren Lands-Chapter 821 - 762: The Grand Finale (Part 2)

The two bachelors, after much coaxing, finally managed to quiet the three chattering children.

However, there were simply too many people, and the main hall remained noisy and bustling.

Li Boxuan spoke with the Wei Family, asking about the situation in the village, while they asked him about matters in the Capital.

Li Xingmao inquired Li Xing’an and Li Xingsheng about the state of the Old Prince Mansion.

Chai Eying, while soothing the children, quietly asked about Li Yuwen and Li Yu En’s health.

Pei Shenyan, as the eldest son-in-law, took charge of hosting the visiting Lou Chengye. However, Mu Yuanxiu was also quite knowledgeable, and Lou Chengye occasionally engaged him in conversation.

The eunuchs and palace maids were left astounded by the sight of such a large family.

After a while of marveling, they came to think that this kind of lively and bustling atmosphere was only fitting for an Imperial Palace.

If it were like the late Emperor’s time, with only one Emperor as an heir without offspring, any mishap in the palace could lead to a change in throne.

The throne would have to change regardless, as the Empress Dowager was completely shocked when the Emperor passed away.

Three months have passed, and the Empress Dowager still hasn’t recovered from the grief of losing her son.

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With the family all together, Li Boxuan began arranging everyone’s accommodation.

The Emperor’s family couldn’t stay together like an ordinary household, but needed to be divided.

Li Boxuan said, "Your mother will stay with Us in the Yongxing Palace, the eldest of you with your family shall reside in the Jiafu Palace on the left side of the Imperial Palace, the second and third sons will share the Old Prince Mansion. Yu En and Chengye, your lodging has been arranged by the fatherly Emperor, next to Yu Zhu and Yuanxiu’s, near Yu Wen’s residence. You three sisters live in one quarter, walking distance for visits."

Li Yu En, afraid of living far away and unable to converse freely with her sisters, happily exclaimed, "Thank you, Father Emperor."

Lou Chengye was also pleased, "Thank you, Father Emperor, for granting us the residence."

After the journey’s fatigue, Li Boxuan did not converse much with the family, instructing the eunuchs and palace maids to lead everyone to rest.

In the evening, a banquet was arranged in the palace, with the whole family staying within the palace gardens to rest.

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In the evening, the palace banquet was arranged, and Li Boxuan sent someone to invite the Empress Dowager.

The Empress Dowager again declined, citing discomfort.

Nevertheless, Li Boxuan had the eunuchs deliver eight exquisite dishes to the Empress Dowager Palace. 𝒻𝘳ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝒷𝘯ℴ𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝑐ℴ𝑚

The Chief Palace Maid checked the dishes, recognizing them as the Empress Dowager’s regular favorites, she instructed them to be stored, then entered the inner hall to report to the Empress Dowager.

"The servant has checked them, the delivered dishes are those the Empress Dowager regularly enjoys. It is apparent the Emperor is considerate."

The Empress Dowager chuckled lightly, "With so many people entering the palace today, and his family also reaching the palace, he has to put on a good show, lest people laugh at him for burning bridges."

The Chief Palace Maid said, "Putting on a show is better than not doing so. At any rate, he’s afraid of being talked about; a fearlessness of being talked about would be truly terrifying."

The Empress Dowager pondered the Chief Palace Maid’s words and did not refute them.

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The evening palace banquet was laid out in the Yongxing Palace main hall.

Those invited included the matriarch and elder family members of the Wei Family, several Princes from the Li Royal Family, and of course, Prime Minister Pei.

The invitees were all of the Imperial Family, primarily to introduce Chai Eying and several sons-in-law, as well as three grandchildren.

Initially, Prime Minister Pei didn’t want to attend, pretending to be ill.

Li Boxuan understood his reluctance due to past grievances, and deliberately scared him, sending people to inquire about his serious condition, suggesting retirement at home if truly ill, sparing him the daily burden of court.

Hearing this, Prime Minister Pei dared not keep feigning illness.

He immediately got spirited and had people push his wheelchair into the Imperial Palace.

He was still embarrassed to sit at the forefront, upon entering Yongxing Palace, he remained concealed in the shadows.

Mrs. Pei questioned if he had done something guilty, why appear afraid of public sight?

What guilty deed could he vocalize?

Of course, it had to stay buried deeply within.

Long ago, he hadn’t wished for Li Boxuan’s family to return, but had to thicken his skin to beseech them back to save the Pei Family.

Brought the Li Family back, but not to restore them as rulers.

This in-law would overshadow him in the future, how could he grow close to his grandchildren?

Li Boxuan seemed to perceive his thoughts, the more he hid, the more Li Boxuan sought conversation and commanded him to sit closer.

"On that note, We must thank Prime Minister Pei; without his aid, We couldn’t have returned to the Capital. Eldest son, toast Prime Minister Pei on Our behalf."

The statement carried profound meaning, many glanced toward Prime Minister Pei.

"Yes, Father Emperor." Li Xingmao picked up the wine pot, poured wine into his cup, then filled Prime Minister Pei’s cup, "Prime Minister Pei, please."