Ji Xiaosong smiled faintly. Her gaze fell calmly on Mother Ji as she spoke slowly, "I appreciate your heartfelt love for your daughter, Mrs. Ji. But I truly cannot accept this phoenix robe."
She paused, then raised her voice. "As the Empress, I must lead by example and adhere to the rites and laws. While your actions, Mrs. Ji, stem from love, they violate palace regulations. Considering this is your first offense and in light of our past relationship, I will not pursue the matter this time. However, in the future, I hope you will think twice before acting so impulsively again."
Next, Ji Xiaosong looked at the wife of the Minister of Rites and said, "I must trouble you, madam, to handle this phoenix robe appropriately. I trust you will know what to do."
