To spare Xuexue any trouble, Situ Yongjie smartly took everything upon himself: "Your Majesty, I kept the matter of investing in Xuexue's shop secret from even my mother for the sake of family harmony."
"Oh? The Old Madam is unaware of this?"
"Yes! Womenfolk place significant importance on wealth. If she knew about this, it would undoubtedly cause quite a stir. Your Majesty, you must keep this a secret."
Faced with Situ Yongjie's rambling, the Emperor was half-convinced.
Indeed, a frail girl returning from the countryside wouldn't have such funds for business without her father's support. With Situ Yongjie's explanation, things seemed clearer.
Suddenly, the Emperor shifted the topic, casually asking, "General Situ, how does your daughter fare at the War Prince's Mansion?"
Situ Yongjie sighed, saying with a worried expression: "Alas! The Prince seems not entirely satisfied with my daughter."
"Oh, why do you think so?"
