Reborn to marry, she no longer wants to be the young master's mother

At the city gate, a crowd of people surged, but no one dared to approach the former noble easily. Occasionally, there were a few sympathetic whispers, but they were quickly drowned out by the indifference and fear around them. Xie Chaochao stood on a tall building not far away, watching all this coldly through the window lattice, with both the pleasure of revenge and a hint of indescribable complex emotions in his heart.

Deep in the ancient and mottled streets, the setting sun was like blood, dyeing the mottled stone road with a layer of sad red. Father Xie and Mother Xie, two elderly people, ragged and staggering, holding broken pottery bowls in their hands, shuttled among the sparse pedestrians, begging for a meager living. Their faces were full of the vicissitudes of life, but their eyes flashed with unyielding and resentful light.

"The heaven is blind!" Xie's father's voice was hoarse and trembling, and every word he uttered seemed to use up all his strength. He looked up at the gray sky, his calloused hands tightly grasping the edge of the bowl, as if to draw a trace of warmth from it, but he only grasped the cold air. "Our high and mighty empress is such an unfilial daughter, forcing her biological parents into such a situation, and forcing us to beg on the street. How unfair the world is!"

Xie's mother was standing by, tears welling up in her eyes, but she tried hard not to let them fall. She bit her lower lip tightly, her voice full of endless sorrow and anger: "Yes, back then, we worked so hard to raise her, but we never thought that she would be in such a disaster today? She is the emperor, enjoying the respect and worship of the people, but she has abandoned us, her elderly parents, like trash. It's really heartbreaking!"

Passers-by cast strange looks at them, some with sympathy, some with disdain, and some whispering and discussing. But no matter what the outside world said, it could not shake the persistence and indignation in the hearts of Xie's father and mother. They continued their begging journey, and every place they passed by, they would leave accusations of being unfilial to the empress. Although the voice was weak, it was like a sharp blade, cutting through the tranquility of the imperial city and hurting the hearts of everyone who heard about it.

As night fell and the cold wind started to blow, the streets became even more deserted. Xie's father and mother depended on each other for survival, huddled in a dilapidated temple on the corner of the street, with the flickering firelight reflecting their tired but determined faces. They didn't know when such days would end, but they knew that as long as they had a breath left, they would never give up their call for justice and their desire for family affection.

Under the ancient and solemn imperial city, people's lives were going on as usual, but undercurrents were surging. An unconfirmed rumor quietly spread, like a wisp of cold wind in winter, silently penetrating the cracks of every street and alley, reaching the most sensitive corners of people's hearts. People talked about it, and their words were full of confusion and suspicion about the current empress Xie Chaochao - it was rumored that she disregarded the royal etiquette and acted against filial piety. For a time, public opinion was like a tide, and the wind and clouds surged.

This was not just a pastime for street talk, but more like an invisible storm that swept across the heart of the empire. The people's eyes were filled with confusion and worry. They longed for the truth, but were often trapped by the fog of rumors. In the court, the atmosphere was so heavy that it could almost squeeze water out of it. Several loyal old officials frowned and looked worried. They knew that if this trend was allowed to spread, it would shake the foundation of the country, and if the people's hearts were shaken, the country would be uneasy.

So, a minister with white hair and beard, who was highly respected, took that step resolutely. Although his steps were heavy, each step was firm and powerful, as if he was holding up a piece of sky for this shaky empire. Holding the memorial in his hand, he walked into the magnificent hall, facing the lofty dragon throne and the empress Xie Chaochao sitting on the dragon throne. Although his voice was not loud, every word was sonorous and powerful: "Your Majesty, I dare to make a memorial. Recently, rumors have been spreading among the people, all saying that Your Majesty is unfilial. Such nonsense is actually the work of people with ulterior motives, intending to disrupt the court and shake the people's hearts. Your Majesty is wise and should know the pros and cons. I hope Your Majesty will not let this matter continue to ferment, so as not to damage the foundation of the country and cause endless harm."

Empress Xie Chaochao heard this, her eyes were like torches, penetrating every corner of the hall. Her eyes were filled with anger at the rumors, but also gratitude for the ministers' loyalty. She slowly stood up, her voice cold and powerful, as if it could penetrate all misunderstandings and prejudices: "You are right. As an empress, I should set an example, be filial, loyal and faithful. How could I do such an unfilial thing? Such rumors must have been made by scoundrels, trying to confuse the public. I will punish them severely. At the same time, I also hope that you can work together to maintain the stability of the court, and not let such trivial matters disrupt my good governance."

After hearing the empress's resounding decision, the hall was instantly enveloped by a solemn and complex atmosphere. The flickering candlelight reflected on the faces of the ministers, who were either shocked, worried, or angry. It seemed that even the air was filled with reluctance and doubt. This was not just a decision, it was like a huge rock thrown into a calm lake, stirring up ripples and shaking everyone's heartstrings.

"The Empress is wise, but this move... is an unprecedented risk!" An elderly civil servant stood up tremblingly, his voice full of uncertainty and worry about the future. His words were like a fine needle, gently piercing the tense silence in the hall, causing the ministers to whisper and discuss.

At this moment, General Chu Heng, the pillar of the empire known for his iron-blooded tactics, walked into the center of the hall with a steady pace and a figure as sturdy as a pine tree. His eagle eyes were as sharp as swords, scanning everyone. His eyes were filled with unquestionable majesty and seemed to hide his infinite loyalty to the empress.

"My Lords, have you forgotten how the Empress, at the beginning of her reign, led us out of the difficulties and revitalized the glory of the empire with her extraordinary wisdom?" General Chu Heng's voice was deep and powerful, penetrating the noise and instantly focusing everyone's attention. "Although today's decision seems difficult, it is the Empress's well-thought-out and good strategy for the long-term development of the empire. As subjects, we should fully support her instead of questioning her majesty."

His words were like thunder, not only awakening some confused ministers, but also making those who harbored dissenting thoughts restrain their expressions. General Chu Heng continued, "On the battlefield, I, Chu Heng, fought with my life just to protect this land and the dignity of Your Majesty. Now, Your Majesty has issued an order, how can we forget our duty and honor as ministers because of a temporary difficulty?"

As General Chu Heng spoke passionately, the atmosphere in the hall gradually changed. The original doubts and dissatisfaction seemed to become insignificant in the face of his firm belief. The ministers looked at each other, and although they were unwilling, they were gradually infected by an invisible force and began to re-examine the empress's decision.