Blissful Days After Widowhood - Chapter 391

Concubine Feng immediately recognized her own son’s cries, and her expression changed abruptly. The servants in Cining Palace made no attempt to stop Lu Xu, and after a while, the young boy rushed in, crying.

Concubine Feng quickly stood up to greet her son, asking, “Why are you crying here? Aren’t you supposed to be studying at Wenhua Hall?”

Lu Xu had run from Wenhua Hall, but his tears were somewhat insincere. However, when questioned by his mother, he genuinely felt wronged, and tears began to flow. He pointed to his mouth and said, “Mother, someone hit me!”

His mother inquired about who had dared to lay a hand on him. Lu Xu shook his head and replied that it was Gu Ye who had hit him.

Concubine Feng was clearly upset, although she didn’t express it openly in front of the others. She held her son in her arms and began crying.

The mother and son’s cries filled Cining Palace, drawing sympathy from the onlookers.

The Empress Dowager, feeling overwhelmed, hastened to ask, “Why did your brother hit you?”

Lu Xu sniffled and replied, “I don’t know. I was talking to him, and he suddenly hit me.”

Concubine Feng quickly stoked the flames of sympathy, saying, “Oh, my son, he’s your elder brother, and you’re the younger one. If he hits you, you have to endure it. It’s just that your father, the emperor, refuses to lift a finger against you. I’m afraid you’re terrified.”

Both children were dearly loved, and the Empress Dowager found herself in an awkward position. She tried to console them, saying, “Alright, don’t cry. Let your grandmother see where you were hit.”

Lu Xu was about to show the spot, but Concubine Feng embraced him and assured everyone that it was just a minor injury.

The eldest son, who had returned to the palace for the first time, had become more formidable and fearsome.

Empress Zhou said, “Ah Lie is new to the palace…” 

She was about to apologize for Gu Ye, when Gu Yin said, “Your Highness ran all the way from Wenhua Hall to Cining Palace, it’s at least two quarters of an hour. You’re small, your calf should be sore.” 

After saying that, everyone came back to their senses. That Wenhua Palace was in the previous dynasty and was the closest to Yangxin Palace. The little prince was beaten. Shouldn’t he go to Yangxin Palace to find Emperor Zhengyuan to preside over justice? Why did he come all the way to the harem? 

When Lu Xu heard this, he said, “Yes, I’m so tired. I was going to go to my father’s place, but the wet nurse and the others said…” He didn’t finish what he said, and Concubine Feng covered his mouth. 

But what was there to hear? 

It was the wet nurse and the palace maid who instigated Lu Xu to come there to complain.

As for why that was so, of course it was easy to understand. 

Emperor Zhengyuan had to attend to government affairs first and then entertain his courtiers, unlike the harem’s family members who had already gathered for conversation.

Concubine Feng said, “It’s normal for a child to find his own mother when he is wronged, so why do you have to speculate?”

Gu Yin quickly added, “Why did the concubine say this? This courtier didn’t say anything, just felt sorry for His Highness.”

Concubine Feng initially intended to seek amends from Empress Zhou in front of others. Still, she realized Gu Yin’s position carried weight since she was the adoptive mother of the emperor’s eldest son.

Concubine Feng refrained from going to Empress Zhou and suggested to Gu Yin, “If the general’s wife is truly sorry, it might be best to offer an apology directly on behalf of Prince Lie. After all, it was just a child’s play, and by apologizing, the matter could be resolved.”

The corners of Concubine Feng’s mouth slightly curled into a smile, and she continued to listen to Gu Yin’s input, “Others might not fully understand Prince Lie’s temperament, but the courtiers who’ve known him realize he’s always been of honest character. He wouldn’t harm his younger brother without reason. The young prince is still quite young and may not be able to explain clearly. It would be better to invite His Royal Highness Prince Lie and let him clarify.”

Concubine Feng responded, slightly agitated, “You may argue that my Xu’er is young, and it’s natural for children of his age to be a bit mischievous. However, no matter what was said, Prince Lie should not have resorted to physical harm. He should have allowed the adults to mediate. If Mrs. Gu insists on inviting Prince Lie, it could escalate into a bigger issue. And later, you may regret it.”

Gu Yin held firm in her trust for her son. She understood his spirited nature but had never heard of him resorting to violence.

Emperor Zhengyuan’s imminent arrival disrupted the discussion, as the harem fell into an expectant hush, and everyone prepared to welcome him.