I support the army through farming and business.

Chapter 352 Abducted
Outsiders mocked that her biological father was irresponsible and her biological mother was always causing trouble. With such internal and external troubles, even the Empress felt sorry for Gu Fu.

Although the Empress did not love her illegitimate children, she was never stingy in helping them when she could.

However, considering Qin Zhaoyi's domineering and foolish nature, the Empress hesitated to act rashly. She was not afraid of Qin Zhaoyi's crying and fussing, but after glancing at Emperor Wu'an, she feared that His Majesty would be greatly disturbed.

"Does Your Majesty have any good ideas?"

The Empress nodded. To deal with a woman like Consort Qin, Zhaozhao's intervention was still necessary.

“Zhao Zhao won’t do,” Emperor Wu’an said without hesitation. “Zhao Zhao is about to go south to manage state affairs. How can she have time to find a husband for Fu’er?”

Zhao Zhao is a person who is destined for great things, how can she waste her energy on such trivial matters?

The Empress sighed, "If anyone who doesn't know the truth heard what Your Majesty said, they would think that Zhaozhao is Your Majesty's biological daughter."

The Empress pleaded for Gu Fu, saying, "Isn't this perfect? ​​Let Zhao Zhao and Yuan Ye take Fu'er to Jiangnan for a stroll and some fun. Although the palace is luxurious, it's ultimately too restrictive. How can it compare to the relaxed and carefree life outside?"

"I trust Zhaozhao's judgment and methods. If we meet a suitable man on the road, wouldn't it be perfect to help her matchmake him?"

Emperor Wu'an was tempted, but still hesitated, asking, "Won't it tire Zhaozhao out?"

He has to worry about both national affairs and family matters, and his Zhaozhao is still just a child!
The Empress glanced at Emperor Wu'an, a cold smile playing on her lips.

Emperor Wu'an's throat tightened, and just as he was about to speak, the Empress lay down with her back to him.

Before the emperor could finish speaking, the empress's cold voice said, "I am tired, so I will rest now."

After saying that, he closed his eyes and fell asleep.

Emperor Wu'an then sheepishly lay down to sleep.

At dawn the next day, Emperor Wu'an quietly got up, hid in a side hall, put on his court robes and crown, and quietly left the Phoenix Palace before taking the imperial carriage to the front court.

When the Empress woke up, it was already broad daylight. She got up and complained, "Why didn't anyone wake me up?"

While serving the Empress in her bathing and dressing, the palace maids apologized and explained, "This morning His Majesty specifically instructed us not to disturb Your Highness."

"His Majesty also said that he would come to Fengyi Palace for breakfast after the court session."

The Empress smiled and said, "Tell the Imperial Kitchen to prepare more of His Majesty's favorite side dishes and porridge."

A palace maid went down to deliver a message.

At 3:45 AM, Emperor Wu'an arrived as promised, and while eating, he attentively served food to the Empress.

The Empress said a few polite words, but Emperor Wu'an insisted on not changing his mind, so the Empress let him be.

After the Emperor and Empress had finished their breakfast, Emperor Wu'an, noticing that the Empress's complexion had returned to normal, tentatively asked, "When does the Empress plan to summon Zhaozhao to the palace?"

The Empress smiled faintly, "I have already sent someone to the Prince of Zhan's residence to summon him."

No sooner had the words left his mouth than a high-pitched eunuch announced from outside, "Princess Zhaoshan has arrived!"

Tang Zhao walked in with a smile, and before he could even bow, the Empress pulled him by the hand and sat him down beside her.

Emperor Wu'an wisely went to the Imperial Study to handle state affairs.

The Empress stated directly the purpose of summoning Tang Zhao to the palace. Tang Zhao's eyes darted around, and she patted her chest, assuring her, "Leave it to me!"

"You've had a hard time, child," the Empress said affectionately, brushing away the stray hairs from Tang Zhao's ear. "If you need any help from your mother, just tell her."

"There is indeed something I need to trouble you with, Mother."

"What's the matter?"

"Please trouble Your Majesty to summon Eighth Sister to Fengyi Palace." "I thought it was something important," the Empress smiled gently and glanced at the palace servants.

The palace servants went to summon her, and soon Gu Fu arrived at Fengyi Palace.

"Your subject greets Your Majesty," Gu Fu raised her head and saw Tang Zhao sitting next to the Empress. A look of joy flashed in her eyes. "Greetings, Fifth Sister-in-law."

"I heard yesterday that Fifth Sister-in-law had woken up, and I was planning to visit her at the Prince of Zhan's residence today, but I didn't expect to see her here with the Empress Dowager," Gu Fu said, looking Tang Zhao up and down with concern. "Is Fifth Sister-in-law feeling much better?"

As he spoke, he reached out and checked Tang Zhao's pulse. The rhythm was even, calm, and gentle, just like that of an ordinary person.

Gu Fu revealed a genuine smile.

Tang Zhao was moved. "Mother, I would like to have a private conversation with my eighth sister."

The Empress thought for a moment and then ordered, "Go and clean up the pavilion in the middle of the small garden."

The palace servants quickly cleaned the pavilion in the middle of the lake, served fruits, snacks, and tea, and stood not far away, waiting for instructions.

Tang Zhao took Gu Fu's hand and went to the pavilion in the middle of the lake. He broke off a piece of milk cake, and the two of them ate half of it while chatting.

"It's been so long since I've seen my eighth sister. Why does she look even more worried than before?"

Gu Fu swallowed the sweet milk cake in her mouth and opened her heart for the first time, "Fifth Sister-in-law, I don't want to get married."

Tang Zhao felt this deeply, "I don't want to get married either."

Gu Fu was surprised and confused. Weren't Fifth Sister-in-law and Fifth Brother very close?
"Having a good relationship is one thing, not wanting to get married is another," Tang Zhao said, trying to fool him. "If it weren't for Emperor Gaozu's bestowal of marriage, I definitely wouldn't want to get married for the rest of my life."

Gu Fu was somewhat agitated, "Why?"

"Because getting married is bad!" Tang Zhao counted on her fingers, "You have to serve your parents-in-law, take care of your husband, and raise your children. You also have to manage the household, discipline the servants, and maintain good family discipline. It's exhausting! How can it be as carefree and easy as being a girl at home?"

Gu Fu's eyes dimmed. "But what if my family is pressuring me?"

Tang Zhao didn't care, "Just ignore it!"

Gu Fu shook her head. Her mother had been working herself to the bone for her marriage and was almost going crazy. Her father no longer doted on her mother as much as before. If she ignored her mother's words, wouldn't her mother be even more pitiful?

Tang Zhao looked at her with sympathy. "Silly girl, Consort Qin is forcing you to marry, partly for your sake and partly for her own face."

"I am about to travel south to take charge of government affairs. Would you be willing to accompany me, Eighth Sister?"

Gu Fu paused, "Go to Jiangnan?"

"Yes! Have you ever been to Jiangnan?"

Gu Fu shook her head.

"Don't you want to go and see it? The crisscrossing rivers and lakes, the boundless sea, the wildflowers covering the mountains and fields, and the ornate gardens with carved railings and painted beams."

Tang Zhao painted a picture of a cake, saying, "Let's sail south, play chess and paint along the way. When we get tired, we can fish and catch shrimp on the deck. When we arrive in Minzhou, we can pick and process tea ourselves. Just thinking about it makes me excited!"

Gu Fu stared wide-eyed at the sound.

Tang Zhao changed the subject, "I've also heard that local witch doctors are prevalent in Minzhou. I was just thinking of taking medical staff to Minzhou to spread medical knowledge. My eighth sister is very skilled in medicine. Wouldn't it be a waste to keep her in the palace? Why not let her benefit the people of Minzhou!"

Gu Fu's heart clenched, but when she thought of her mother's contorted and pained face, she shook her head. "My mother will not allow me to leave the palace. I," she choked out, "I also want to stay in the palace to be with my mother."

Tang Zhao sighed, "Since that's the case, you can't blame me."

Tang Zhao pointed and exclaimed, "Look, a UFO!"

Gu Fu subconsciously turned around and looked in the direction Tang Zhao was pointing. Before she could even utter the word "fly," she felt a sharp pain in her neck, and then everything went black as she fainted.