HRPM – Chapter 372 The Empress Tests the Waters (2)

“We didn’t know each other. He just resembles someone I once knew.”

The Empress gradually relaxed.

“It’s good that you didn’t know each other. Now that you do, you should regard him the same way Che’er and Yu’er do—as an uncle. You belong to different generations, so you shouldn’t become too close. What could an uncle and his nephew’s future wife possibly have to talk about? Otherwise, idle gossip will arise. Luoluo, do you understand what I mean?”

Jin Luoluo frowned. Was the Empress accusing her of being improper and stirring up trouble everywhere?

She felt displeased. Her son flirted with women all day long and even kept a house full of beauties, yet she never seemed to interfere with that.

Nothing had even begun on her side, and the Empress was already rushing over to put out imaginary flames. She was far too self-righteous, trying to control her life.

“Your Majesty, Xiao Luo and I are friends. Our friendship is open and honorable; there’s nothing shameful about it. Therefore, I will not deliberately distance myself from him because of your words. I have the freedom to choose my friends. My friends come from all corners of the world, ranging from eighty years old to eight years old, men and women alike. If one refuses to form close friendships simply because the other person is a man and fears gossip, I think that’s a very foolish way to live.”

“Luoluo, how can you speak like that?”

The Empress had not expected her to argue back so boldly and refuse to yield. A trace of anger inevitably rose within her.

“I’m only thinking of your well-being. You should know that public opinion can be terrifying. For a young woman, reputation is the most important thing.”

Jin Luoluo only wanted to roll her eyes. If she had to be as cautious and restrained as those noble ladies of ancient times, she would have suffocated to death long ago.

And she certainly could never have flourished in business. In commerce, connections were a vital asset. If she never interacted with all kinds of men, how could she possibly do business?

“Your Majesty, the innocent remain innocent. I have always walked my own path and let others say whatever they wish. I don’t live according to other people’s opinions, so why should I care about what narrow-minded people think?” Jin Luoluo said dismissively.

The Empress could only persuade her more tactfully.

“Public opinion can make a person, but it can also destroy one. I know you’re an extraordinary young woman, but even so, you cannot completely oppose the customs of society.”

Jin Luoluo understood perfectly well. The Empress was simply afraid that she might damage her son’s reputation.

Seeing that she was capable and strong-willed, the Empress wanted her as a daughter-in-law, yet also wanted to mold her into their ideal version of a woman.

Hmph. These people certainly demanded a lot.