Blissful Days After Widowhood - Chapter 386

Although Emperor Zhengyuan was hosting a grand banquet the next day, and the ministers were occupied with preparations for an extended period, he arranged a small gathering as well.
Naturally, the star of the banquet was Gu Ye. In the presence of others, he displayed a remarkable level of maturity and prudence. His demeanor was exceptional, and he held himself with great poise.
Observers noticed the young man standing tall and confident before the guests. Regardless of who approached to exchange pleasantries, he showed no signs of stage fright, responding effortlessly.
Emperor Zhengyuan observed Gu Ye and couldn’t help but reminisce about his own childhood. He recalled that, at approximately seven years old, he had been unable to conduct himself with such composure.
A sense of pride welled up within him as he gazed at Gu Ye, imagining the extraordinary individual he would grow up to be in a few years.
While Emperor Zhengyuan contemplated Gu Ye’s future, he saw the poised young man conversing with a minister. Afterward, Gu Ye respectfully bowed and saluted before strolling leisurely toward him.
At that moment, Emperor Zhengyuan was engaged in conversation with someone and held an item in his hand. Although he was unsure of its nature, he accepted it calmly.
Later, another individual approached Gu Ye to engage him in conversation, prompting the young man to approach once more.
Emperor Zhengyuan, after bidding farewell to his interlocutor, raised his sleeve to take a sip of his drink, affording him a glimpse of what the young man had slipped into his hand – a small pouch. It was the same one Gu Ye had worn earlier, and inside was a packet of lard residue meticulously wrapped in paper.
While the palace banquet certainly wouldn’t lack for food, such an item was a far cry from what the common people typically consumed.
Emperor Zhengyuan observed Gu Ye with a bemused expression, and as the young man approached after concluding his conversation, he leaned in and whispered, “I noticed you’ve been consuming a fair amount of alcohol. Overindulging can lead to inebriation; have this!” Gu Ye, with a serious demeanor, spoke under his breath, ensuring that no one else was listening. As he presented the pouch, he even winked at Emperor Zhengyuan.
Gu Yin had prepared it at home, and he had carried it in his pouch. Despite being cold, the lard residue retained its delightful crunchiness.
Moreover, Gu Ye had partaken in quite a few drinks, and the offering was much more appealing to Emperor Zhengyuan’s palate than the dishes prepared by the royal chef!
If it weren’t for the fact that there were ministers, Emperor Zhengyuan really wanted to rub the little guy’s head baldly to see if he could pretend to look like a little adult.
In the evening, the small banquet was finally dispersed.
Without Emperor Zhengyuan speaking, Gu Ye was going to see the ministers out.
Everyone hurriedly said that they didn’t dare and told him to stay.
Between bowing and returning the salute, Gu Ye watched everyone leave the hall, and after walking far, returned to Emperor Zhengyuan.
In a cheerful mood, Emperor Zhengyuan addressed him with a smile, “You did exceedingly well today…”
Gu Ye, who had maintained an upright posture throughout the day, felt a faint ache in his back and waist. Just as the palace attendants arrived to inform them that Concubine Feng desired an audience, he was about to sit down.
Emperor Zhengyuan, slightly inebriated, after a brief pause, inquired, “Wasn’t she staying in her maternal home? Why has she returned?”
Qian Sansi supplied an answer, “It seems that Imperial Concubine Feng received the imperial decree there…”
Emperor Zhengyuan remembered, nodded and said, “In that case, allow her entry.” After all, she had borne his children, and he was inclined to extend some respect to Concubine Feng.
Gu Ye just sat down to rest. When he heard the words, he stood up and said, “It’s late, I’m going out of the palace.”
Emperor Zhengyuan waved his hand and said it was all right, “She is not an outsider, she is your concubine aunt. You should see her.”
After speaking, Emperor Zheng Yuan reached out his hand to the back of his neck, felt the sweat on it, and said, “It’s not dark yet, and you would catch a cold out in the wind. Be obedient and wait for the sweat to dry, then go.”
Gu Ye harbored little desire to meet Concubine Feng. However, considering Emperor Zhengyuan’s request, he acquiesced. His father, the emperor, appeared to hope that he and Concubine Feng would maintain a harmonious relationship, at least outwardly.
In the past, it had been the emperor who had looked out for him, displaying thoughtfulness in various matters. Therefore, in return, he was willing to comply.
Gu Ye conveyed an expression that said, “I follow your lead when you command, and disregard others,” complying obediently as he remained still.
After a brief pause, Concubine Feng made her entrance.
Upon entering, she began with a respectful salutation. Emperor Zhengyuan then instructed her to rise. Rather than standing as directed, she knelt and melodramatically declared, “Your Majesty, you’ve deceived me. This concubine is heartbroken!”
Concubine Feng brandished her handkerchief, assuming the role of a delicate and vulnerable figure, all while angling her body slightly. This posture unveiled her long, slender neck and a portion of her pale, delicate shoulder.
Furthermore, Concubine Feng’s figure was voluptuous, and her calculated posture allowed her cleavage to tantalizingly come into view.
This was exactly the sort of demeanor that appealed to Emperor Zhengyuan. Whenever she acted with a hint of coquettishness, his heart would invariably soften.
Concubine Feng felt wronged. Emperor Zhengyuan had treated her as if she were an outsider. The emperor’s eldest son, who had materialized out of thin air, was a secret she had been kept in the dark about. Even the eunuchs and maids in the palace must have known about him!
Concubine Feng had only overheard Qian Sansi reporting that everyone had dispersed, yet Gu Ye was still inside.
“What are you doing?” Emperor Zhengyuan, whose mood had taken a rapid downturn, swiftly shifted his demeanor and commanded, “Qian Sansi, Imperial Concubine is being disrespectful. Kindly escort her out.”
Only then did Concubine Feng raise her head and encounter the ire in Emperor Zhengyuan’s face, along with the bewildered expression of Gu Ye beside him.
“Your Majesty…”