Blissful Days After Widowhood - Chapter 379

After Ge Zhu’s arrival, she quickly acclimated and integrated well into the restaurant’s operations with just a bit of guidance from Gu Yin.

For instance, Gu Yin had recently introduced a new item, sachima. The preparation involved mixing ordinary flour with eggs, forming a dough that was left to rest. Afterward, the dough was rolled into a large sheet, cut into strip-like noodles, and fried until cooked. In a separate pot, sugar and syrup were heated to a viscous consistency. The fried noodles were then immersed in the sugar syrup, placed in a square mold, pressed firmly, allowed to cool, and cut into squares. To those experienced in cooking, the steps were straightforward, but for someone like Da Sun, who struggled to control the frying and syrup consistency, it was a challenge.

Ge Zhu’s culinary skills might not have matched Manager Zhou’s or Gu Yin’s, but her foundational abilities surpassed the ordinary. Gu Yin demonstrated the process once, watched Ge Zhu replicate it, offered some guidance, and she was able to carry out the task independently.

Upon Gu Yin’s arrival, Ge Zhu was in conversation with Madam Lu and others. They were savoring sachima, which was golden-yellow and had a delightful, crispy texture. While it might not suit those averse to overly sweet or greasy fare, it paired excellently with a cup of clear tea.

Mrs. Lu had a penchant for sweets and had been ordering sachima almost daily. She remarked to Ge Zhu, “I initially thought you had a sweet demeanor and a sweet way of speaking, but I didn’t expect you to possess such skillful hands, making such delectable treats. Miss Gu can be quite exasperating at times, taking you away. If I had known you were seeking employment, I would have had you come to my house. Simply conversing with you every day would be a comfort.”

Indeed, Ge Zhu exuded a gentle presence, capable of soothing even the most irritable individuals. She had a talent for gentle persuasion, readily diffusing any remaining anger.

Ge Zhu replied with a gentle smile, “Madam enjoys talking to me, which is why you often come to visit. I will learn a few more dessert recipes from the owner, and every day, I’ll create something different for you. How does that sound?”

Madam Lu chuckled in response.

Gu Yin approached, feigning annoyance as she said, “Alright, I’ve only been busy for a few days, and now it seems like everyone only remembers Sister Zhu, not me. Why does it feel like someone is scolding me?”

Ge Zhu laughed, covering her lips, her eyes shifting playfully toward Mrs. Lu.

Madam Lu blushed but was at a loss for words. She playfully clenched her fists and declared, “Who would dare scold Mrs. Gu after mustering the courage of an ambitious leopard? Come forward, reveal yourself, and you’ll be the first one I won’t spare.”

Gu Yin couldn’t contain her laughter.

Laughter spread among the group, and soon, they were all engaged in lively banter.

Later, Xiao Yuan and the others took the stage for a performance, and the room fell silent. Gu Yin encouraged Ge Zhu to take a break, but instead, she accompanied Gu Yin downstairs.

Noticing Ge Zhu’s hesitation, Gu Yin inquired, “You’re concerned about Ah Yu, aren’t you?”

Ge Zhu nodded and shared her worry, “I know Ah Yu supports the Heli. But Mother… Mrs. Qin doesn’t really care for him, and I’m afraid she might take her anger out on Ah Yu.”

Gu Yin reassured her, “Don’t worry, your Ah Yu…”

Gu Yin stopped herself from saying anything about Gu Ye, but she was aware that in the coming days, he would be restoring his identity. As a companion to Gu Ye, Feng Yu would naturally be visiting the palace. Mrs. Qin wouldn’t dare to harm him if she had any sense. Gu Yin paused and added, “He is greatly fortunate. Just watch and wait; it’s only a matter of a few days.”

For anyone else, they would consider these words mere words of comfort. However, Gu Yin had always acted with propriety, and the way she spoke reassured Ge Zhu’s concerns.

…

In early February, following the escort of the people from the ocean-going ship line who had fled south to the capital, Emperor Zhengyuan issued a decree to formally announce to the world and the Taimiao Temple that Prince Gu Ye’s identity was being reinstated.

With solid evidence and the guarantee of Duke Ying’s mansion, the government and the public harbored no doubts about Gu Ye’s true identity. On the day of his reinstatement, he appeared before the public dressed in an indigo blue nine-python robe, conducting himself with impeccable grace.

From that day forward, with only a few exceptions within the palace, everyone else had to show him the utmost respect, addressing him as “His Royal Highness”.

On that same day, an imperial decree was delivered to Duke Lu, officially recognizing Feng Yu as the companion of the emperor’s eldest son.