Blissful Days After Widowhood - Chapter 438

The following day, Gu Ye returned to the palace. He gave Lu Xu the toys he had brought back from outside and playfully teased him as a “good brother” before heading to class as usual.

On the same day that he sent Lu Zhao back to Kunning Palace, he directly brought up the issue of choosing a companion for Lu Zhao with Empress Zhou.

Gu Ye repeated to Empress Zhou what he had mentioned to Gu Yin, though his approach was different. With his mother, it had been a casual conversation, but with Empress Zhou, he had meticulously organized and rephrased his words, making them more structured and polite. He observed Empress Zhou’s reaction closely, ready to halt the discussion if she displayed any signs of discomfort or disagreement.

Fortunately, Empress Zhou did not object; instead, she smiled and said, “It’s quite a challenge for you, having to worry about your brother. He indeed should have more people around him, not only to assist with his studies and take care of him but also to provide companionship suitable for his age.”

Empress Zhou went on to mention, “I’ve noticed that child from the Wu family in Cining Palace. He seems like a well-mannered young gentleman, intelligent and studious. He’s read many books. I know you are concerned about your brother’s well-being, but I’m worried that it might inconvenience the Wu family’s child.”

Gu Ye reassured her, saying, “Your Majesty, you can rest assured in this regard. While Wu’an will be Lu Zhao’s companion, he will not be his wet nurse. We won’t require him to care for Lu Zhao after class. I won’t allow my younger brother to disrupt his studies.”

Gu Ye chose not to delve into the matter more deeply, but he had full confidence that they could get along well, and such issues would not arise.

Empress Zhou nodded and said, “It’s Ah Lie who understands.”

Gu Ye then asked, “So, you agree? Should I go talk to the emperor?”

Empress Zhou shook her head and replied, “No need, I will discuss it myself. You have enough on your plate.” She further suggested that Gu Ye didn’t need to bring Lu Zhao over in person every day. The round trip from the palace was not short, and after a day of classes, there would be moments when they’d feel too tired to make the journey.

Gu Ye insisted, “No, it’s not tiring at all. I should visit you from time to time and share meals with you. We’ve been apart for so many years, and we’ve missed so many meals. I’ll make it up to you slowly.”

Empress Zhou’s eyes welled up with tears, and she was on the verge of crying again.

Afterward, Gu Ye returned to Xiefang Hall, Empress Zhou settled Lu Zhao, changed her clothes, and proceeded to Yangxin Hall.

Emperor Zhengyuan was attending to official matters in the Hall of Mental Cultivation, as he usually did. Qian Sansi informed him of Empress Zhou’s visit, and Emperor Zhengyuan was surprised by the unexpected news. He quickly set aside his work and rose to meet her, asking, “Why has the Empress come at this time?”

Emperor Zhengyuan held Empress Zhou’s hand and they sat together on the dragon chair. It had been a while since they had been this close. Initially, Empress Zhou felt a bit uneasy, but after they both settled into their seats, more than a dozen candles by the dragon’s desk were lit, illuminating the documents on the desk as well as Emperor Zhengyuan’s face.

The intimate atmosphere made Empress Zhou reminisce about the former Emperor Zhengyuan. When they were young, growing up in the same village, they had been childhood sweethearts. Even then, Emperor Zhengyuan had a unique charm. Despite his family’s poverty, he had the ability to make friends with people from all walks of life. Even the young men from neighboring villages were willing to follow him.

In her own difficult circumstances, where her parents had died early, she was raised by her uncle and aunt. Yet, because of Emperor Zhengyuan’s protection, no one dared to bully her. She had known from a young age that he was different from the others. Little did she know that he would grow up to become the ruler of the world.

Though they were roughly the same age, the years of responsibility had aged Emperor Zhengyuan. He looked several years older than her.

Empress Zhou’s heart softened, and she gently advised him, “Official duties can wait, Your Majesty. Please take care of your health.”

Emperor Zhengyuan couldn’t help but smile. “Ah Lie said the same thing.”

He closed the memorials and had hot tea and snacks brought in to serve. After a brief rest, Emperor Zhengyuan asked her why she had come. Empress Zhou explained that she wanted Wu’an to be Lu Zhao’s study companion.

After hearing this, Emperor Zhengyuan couldn’t help but laugh. “Wu’an is indeed an intelligent and eager-to-learn child, which is why everyone likes him. It’s a good thing that he and Ah Lie are like brothers, and he will naturally treat Lu Zhao as a brother and get along with him.” 

His words sounded like casual chatter, but in reality, he was subtly reminding Empress Zhou. The Wu family, represented by Wu’an, clearly belonged to Gu Ye’s faction. While Emperor Zhengyuan favored his eldest son, he did not want to appear overly biased. This was his way of indirectly advising her on the matter.

Empress Zhou understood his implication and replied with a smile, “That child is clever and eager to learn, and everyone naturally likes him. It’s wonderful that he and Ah Lie are like brothers, and he will treat Lu Zhao as a brother and get along well.”

Her response made it clear that she had no intention of making him take sides. She simply wanted him to be safe. Moreover, Gu Ye had shown great care and kindness to Lu Zhao, and she would encourage Lu Zhao to respect his elder brother when he grew up.

Emperor Zhengyuan smiled in agreement, “The Empress’s suggestion is a good one. I will issue an imperial decree for Lu Zhao to have a companion for study, just like Ah Lie.”

When Empress Zhou mentioned her desire to leave the palace for a few days afterward, Emperor Zhengyuan took her hand and inquired about her plans.

Empress Zhou explained, “Ah Lie’s birthday is approaching, and I feel ashamed to admit that our family’s circumstances were not good in the past, and we couldn’t celebrate our child’s birthdays properly. This will be Ah Lie’s first birthday after his return. I’d like to visit the general’s wife, seek her advice, and quietly prepare a lively and festive birthday celebration according to his preferences as a surprise.”

Her words conveyed her sense of guilt, and it seemed that she believed Emperor Zhengyuan felt the same way about Gu Ye.

Emperor Zhengyuan, however, did not object. After discussing these matters, Empress Zhou was about to leave, but he stopped her.

Empress Zhou blushed and said softly, “Lu Zhao is waiting for me in Kunning Palace.”

Emperor Zhengyuan held Empress Zhou’s hand and gently teased, “I’ve heard that Lu Zhao returned from class and went to sleep, but the Empress shouldn’t be dishonest.”

As they talked, they arrived at the Hall of Mental Cultivation, where they stayed together.