Blissful Days After Widowhood - Chapter 437

After carefully analyzing the situation, Gu Ye paused and continued, “So, I thought of placing Wu’an next to Lu Zhao for the time being and waiting for Lu Zhao to grow into a more typical child. Then, he can choose a new companion according to his own preferences. Of course…”

He chuckled as he continued, “Once Wu’an enters the palace, he’ll undoubtedly secure a place in Wenhua Hall. Growing up with the princes will be beneficial for his future, especially with Eldest Master Wen as his teacher. Right now, he’s teaching us, which leaves him with less and less time. It would be better to have Wu’an study in Wenhua Hall.”

Gu Yin attentively listened and nodded. “If His Majesty agrees, it indeed seems like a good arrangement for His Second Highness and Wu’an. You’ve thought this through.”

Gu Ye, upon hearing this, put on a somewhat distressed expression and said, “An elder brother acting like a father? I worry about the three of them.”

Upon returning to the main courtyard, Wu’an overheard their conversation. He was not unintelligent; Gu Ye had two younger brothers, so where did the third one come from? The third individual who Gu Ye was making arrangements for was none other than himself.

He smiled and asked, “Why does Xiao Ye want to be the elder brother? I’d like to hear your thoughts.”

Wu’an was a year older than Gu Ye, and in terms of seniority, Gu Ye should technically address him as uncle. However, Gu Ye adamantly refused to do so.

Gu Ye immediately changed the topic and placed the sweet and sour pork ribs on the table. He innocently inquired, “What? Why can’t I understand you?”

Wu’an smiled and cast a glance at him. Gu Ye sat beside him, using chopsticks to serve him vegetables. “Eat more. I’ve only been away for a few days, and you’ve lost weight. Don’t worry about daily expenses; I’ve got you covered.”

While Wu’an did miss Gu Ye since they had grown up together and shared a deep friendship, a few days apart hadn’t caused him to lose weight due to worry. He had indeed lost weight recently, but it wasn’t for the reasons Gu Ye thought; it was merely a result of his recent growth spurt.

Wu’an patted him on the back, and the two engaged in a conversation.

Once the evening meal concluded, Wu’an proceeded to work on his homework, while Gu Ye used the time between lunch and afternoon calligraphy practice to complete his own assignments, allowing him to enjoy some rest afterward.

After taking a bath, Gu Ye changed into his pajamas and went to Gu Yin’s room. As they lay in bed, he inquired, “Where’s my uncle? Why didn’t I see him today?”

Gu Yin explained, “His Majesty is preparing for a spring hunt, which will involve a significant military operation. They’ll require the forces from the camp in the outskirts of Beijing, and your uncle has been occupied with these preparations.”

Gu Ye nodded and remarked, “I think I overheard Father Emperor say something about it. Still, Uncle has been too busy lately. No matter how occupied he is, he should be at home, especially when I’ve been away for some days. Leaving my mother alone in an empty room doesn’t seem right.”

Gu Yin playfully raised her hand in a mock reproachful manner, and Gu Ye promptly apologized, acknowledging his error.

“Your uncle didn’t come back today, and someone sent a message. No matter how busy he is, he always comes back.”

Spring hunting in March had been a long-standing tradition, and this marked the first time the new dynasty was holding such a grand event. It served not only as an occasion for Emperor Zhengyuan and his courtiers to bond and enjoy each other’s company but also as an opportunity to showcase the military strength of the new dynasty. Therefore, there was no room for mistakes.

Wu Qingyi was indeed extremely busy, handling tasks such as arranging guards for the hunting grounds to protect against dangerous animals and intensifying the training of the soldiers.

However, as Gu Yin pointed out, he was not a man too engrossed in his duties to forget his family.

For instance, just two days ago, he had returned in the middle of the night. Gu Yin had already gone to sleep, but when she woke up during the night, she found him standing outside her window on the porch.

When Gu Yin asked him why he was standing there, Wu Qingyi looked at her and said with a smile, “It’s nothing. I’ve been busy all day, and I wanted to relax with you for a while.”

Gu Yin was on the verge of moving away from the window to open the door for him when he stopped her again, saying, “No, it’s cold outside. I should return after talking to you for a while.”

As he spoke, he handed her a flower through the window.

The unidentified wild flower was a small cluster of delicate pink blossoms, brimming with vitality and emitting a delightful fragrance.

“I spotted it at the hunting grounds, and it’s in full bloom,” he explained. “I know you have an affinity for flowers, so I only plucked one and brought it back. I inquired, and they said this type of flower lasts a long time. Just put it in a vase with water, and it can stay fresh for several days.”

Gu Yin’s heart leaped, but she replied in a soft voice, “Alright, I’ll have someone take care of it.”

The flower continued to bloom in a vase on Gu Yin’s bedside table. For several consecutive days, the air in the room was infused with a sweet fragrance.