Blissful Days After Widowhood - Chapter 433

Mrs. Wang appeared distressed and personally brought a stew of bird’s nest to Gu Yin. She had carefully removed any miscellaneous hairs from the bird’s nest and served it with rock sugar, milk, and honey. Gu Yin enjoyed it but expressed concern, saying, “Isn’t this expensive, Mother? I told you not to.”

Mrs. Wang responded with a smile, “Our family now has an income. I rent out our land and make thousands of taels each year. The money from the restaurant is all your hard-earned money, so you should treat yourself.” She added, “Besides, this bird’s nest didn’t cost us anything; it was all a gift from the palace.”

Gu Yin inquired further, “The Empress Dowager rewarded this?” She had spent very little time at home during that period and wasn’t well-informed.

Mrs. Wang clarified, “No, it was a gift from the Empress, not just the bird’s nest but also various supplements, the most nourishing items. When you’re done with this, I’ll have the chef prepare it for you.”

While Gu Yin didn’t have many interactions with Empress Zhou, she held a favorable impression of her and thought about returning the favor in the future.

Later, after Mrs. Wang had finished her work and settled the accounts, she mentioned, “I’m planning to deliver something to your Aunt Xu today. I’ve heard that the wealthy Lu family has established a connection with the Feng family. The Feng family received assistance from the Lu family. Isn’t this favorable for their family…”

Gu Yin closed the ledger and stretched out in a relaxed manner, saying, “Mother, you’ve got it backward. It’s because the Feng family has ties with the Lu family that our family can have peace in the future!”

Mrs. Qin wasn’t one to be underestimated, and Mrs. Lu had noted that the formidable Old Madam was no easy opponent.

It was a cause for concern if the two families were only allies. However, the situation had escalated to them becoming in-laws. While Mrs. Qin had accepted the marriage, one’s personality wasn’t easily changed. She still harbored a bias against Lu Yuanqi’s background, and her attitude toward her daughter-in-law spoke for itself.

Could Lu Yuanqi endure Mrs. Qin’s disposition? With such a generous dowry, the Lu family likely felt they were at an advantage.

Furthermore, Feng Yuan, who had a hazy and muddled demeanor, favored Ge Zhu’s gentleness but didn’t hold affection for her. As for Lu Yuanqi, whose personality didn’t align with his preferences, he was unlikely to intervene.

As long as friction existed between these two families, they would lead a challenging life, and this was something their family wasn’t inclined to do.

After hearing Mrs. Wang’s concerns, Gu Yin pondered for a moment and then smiled, “In any case, the wedding ceremony will take place in three months. The landscape may change, and rivers may alter their course, but human nature remains constant. Mother, let’s just wait and see.”

 … 

At the end of February, Xiefang Hall had been cleaned up. Originally, that palace had served as the residence for princes of the previous dynasty. The dethroned emperor had indulged in luxury, spending lavishly on food, clothing, housing, and transportation. Consequently, Xiefang Hall, while not old, had undergone some updates, with refurbished furnishings, fresh coats of paint, and replaced tiles. 

Gu Yin retrieved some clothes from Prince Lie’s mansion, whereas Feng Yu brought nearly all of his belongings. It was thanks to Gu Ye that Feng Yu had received the favor to live in the palace. Without this favor, if his stepmother, who was only six or seven years older than Feng Yu, had come, it would have been awkward for him to stay in the mansion.

Then there was Lu Xu, who was overjoyed at the prospect of living with Gu Ye and Feng Yu. However, being young, after spending just two days in the unfamiliar Xiefang Hall, he began to miss his own mother, despite the presence of familiar wet nurses and palace servants. The young boy, wanting to save face, would bite the quilt at night and cry in secret. He thought no one would find out, but the next day, his eyes were swollen like walnuts. It was quite evident to anyone with eyesight!

Gu Ye and Lu Xu also developed a brotherly bond. Upon discovering Lu Xu’s feelings, Gu Ye made a point to stay in the palace for several days.

He had the convenience of coming and going from the palace easily, acquiring all the latest fashionable items from the outside.

They would read picture books together one night, engage in fights the next night, and the day after that, they’d play with spinning tops and push the jujube grinder.

After several days of playing, Lu Xu didn’t mention wanting to return to Yonghe Palace. He was content each day, taking a lunch break at noon to go back to Yonghe Palace for lunch. He paid no heed to Concubine Feng’s words, quickly napping after his meal. It wasn’t that he didn’t want to be close to his mother after a few days apart; he was just genuinely tired. Lately, Gu Ye had established a rule for him, stating that playtime was for play and study time was for studying. If he got too carried away with play and neglected his studies, he wouldn’t be allowed to play.

So Lu Xu stopped dozing off in class and instead caught up on sleep during the lunch break.

As usual, the children’s activities were reported to Emperor Zhengyuan. Upon learning that Gu Ye as an eldest brother had such a good disposition, he swiftly transferred Lu Xu. Emperor Zhengyuan was naturally delighted, showing even more favor towards Gu Ye, and he also treated Empress Zhou better than ever.

When Gu Ye stayed in the palace, he had dinner with Empress Zhou. Although he used to have lunch there occasionally, he had a habit of taking naps. Now, living in the palace at night, he was in no rush to leave and could stay for a while longer.