Blissful Days After Widowhood - Chapter 394

Concubine Feng was thoroughly enjoying the service of the young eunuchs when she spotted Emperor Zhengyuan’s arrival. In response, she swiftly rose to greet him.

Emperor Zhengyuan frowned at the sight of her and did not wish to look any further. However, since he was already there, he felt obliged to give Concubine Feng an opportunity to save face in front of his attendants.

Emperor Zhengyuan inquired, pretending not to know, “Why has the Imperial Concubine come here at this hour?”

Concubine Feng began to respond, but as she glanced at the young eunuchs surrounding her, she hesitated and could not complete her sentence.

“The concubine is… that’s…,” she stammered for a moment, and then she continued, “I’ve come to see Your Majesty and have a conversation.”

Emperor Zhengyuan’s patience waned, and he waved his hand, saying, “I’m well. Please don’t trouble yourself, Concubine. It’s late; you should return and rest.”

He then turned and walked into the Hall of Mental Cultivation.

Concubine Feng timidly called out, “Your Majesty,” and started to follow.

Qian Sansi stood in her path, maintaining his respectful demeanor. “His Majesty has an early court session tomorrow. Please return.”

Concubine Feng looked at Qian Sansi, feeling that something was amiss, but she was unable to articulate it at that moment.

Emperor Zhengyuan had personally ordered her to depart, and she did not dare to linger. She initially wanted to stay near the entrance, hoping for a change of heart from Emperor Zhengyuan. However, as she turned around, she realized that the young eunuchs had already removed the tables, chairs, and heaters from the area.

She stood in silence at the door for a while, but in the end, she left in disappointment as nothing transpired.

Emperor Zhengyuan had consumed a fair amount of wine that day, and after a good rest, he was in deep sleep, requiring no further assistance. He assigned two sharp young eunuchs to perform night duties and retired to his chamber.

Qian Sansi’s apprentice, Xiao Luzi, dismissed the others and personally brought in a basin of hot water to serve Qian Sansi by soaking his feet. As he soaked his feet in the warm water, Qian Sansi let out a contented sigh.

While massaging his master’s shoulders, Xiao Luzi spoke in a hushed tone, laden with resentment, “Concubine Feng is absolutely insufferable. It’s one thing for her to treat you like that in private, but she’s even instilling these ideas in the third prince. Today, we finally saw her face an uncomfortable situation, but… I can’t help but worry, Master.”

Qian Sansi comprehended the source of Xiao Luzi’s anxiety. People like them, who had no personal connections or roots, relied solely on their masters for their livelihood. Concubine Feng, though she also relied on Emperor Zhengyuan’s favor, ultimately grounded her life in the children she had borne. During the nation’s founding, Emperor Zhengyuan still held strong affections for the heroes of the revolution and would not tolerate her mistreating them in such a manner.

However, as time passed, those initial feelings of love would inevitably diminish. Concubine Feng’s children would grow. It would then become apparent who was the victor and who was the loser. In the worst-case scenario, the third prince, Lu Xu, could ascend the throne, and they would be left to fend for themselves.

Qian Sansi offered a sly grin in response, “Before today, what you worry about might have been plausible. But after today…”

He left the sentence hanging, and Xiao Luzi, still puzzled, probed further. Qian Sansi nudged him and said, “Go, get some rest. When you wake up tomorrow, serve His Royal Highness Prince Lie diligently!”

Gu Ye had bodyguards, but he didn’t have any palace maids or eunuchs yet. However, he was bound to receive a personal palace servant sooner or later.

Qian Sansi intended to assign his apprentice, Xiao Luzi, to serve Gu Ye. The implications were clear, and anyone who needed to understand did so naturally.

Xiao Luzi was astute and promptly grasped the unspoken message. He smiled and replied, “I will carry out this task conscientiously and live up to my master’s trust.”

 ………… 

At Duke Ying’s mansion, Gu Ye had returned. Subsequently, Gu Yin, Mrs. Wang, and others had also returned, all of them changing into fresh clothes and taking baths before heading to bed.

Gu Yin waited in her room for quite some time before Gu Ye slowly made his way over. His face was flushed, and as she reached out to touch it, she could feel the warmth, indicating that he had likely been drinking.

During that time, it was not unheard of for children to have an occasional drink, especially during certain celebrations. In the previous dynasty, fruit wine had been served at banquets in the harem. Both Gu Yin and Mrs. Wang had enjoyed their fair share, and Wu’an had even taken a sip.

“I didn’t drink much, just three little cups!” Gu Ye raised three of his tiny fingers in a gesture to illustrate, and then he prepared to climb onto the bed.

Gu Yin picked him up and advised, “You have a scent on you. Go take a bath before going to sleep.”

Gu Ye obediently allowed her to carry him to the washroom. This little one, despite his spiritedness, had an exceptionally low alcohol tolerance. At his birthday celebration in Hanshan Town, a friend had brought a special fruit-fermented wine, and he had been intoxicated after just a single cup. So, the prospect of him having had three cups certainly hinted at his inebriation.