Blissful Days After Widowhood - Chapter 441

Empress Zhou chuckled, “I am here to meet you. Qian Sansi mentioned to me that you’re usually here, and Ah Lie also confirmed it. It seems I’ve come to the right place.”

Empress Zhou felt a twinge of embarrassment as she realized she had a purpose for her visit, but she had been so engrossed in the game that her initial intention almost slipped her mind.

Recognizing her intent, Mrs. Lu and the other players astutely moved their table to a nearby spot, allowing the two women some privacy.

Empress Zhou gestured to the empty seat in front of her, inviting Gu Yin to sit down.

“Is this the pudding the lady mentioned?” Empress Zhou inquired as she picked up a silver spoon, tasted a spoonful, and nodded with approval. “Her recommendation was spot on; it’s incredibly fragrant and smooth.”

As she spoke, Gu Yin quietly observed her.

Empress Zhou was dressed in a lilac-colored ten-colored brocade robe, in contrast to the solemn attire she wore in the palace. Her makeup was lighter, and her hair was elegantly tied in a simple woman’s bun. Though she no longer appeared as youthful as she did in her formal attire, showing signs of the passage of time, she seemed much more approachable.

The most significant change, however, was her demeanor, which had transformed entirely. It was no exaggeration to say that she was a different person. She no longer had to be as cautious as she once was in her interactions.

After tasting the pudding, Empress Zhou candidly said, “I came to inquire about Lie’s preferences. His birthday is next month, and I want to do something special for him and give him a surprise.”

Gu Yin smiled and replied, “I’m not sure I can offer any specific advice. His Royal Highness Prince Lie doesn’t seem to have any particular hobbies. He enjoys stewed knuckles, and when he was younger, he had a wish to dress in white like a hero…”

She first described how, when Gu Ye was younger, he could only be captured with a bowl of stewed knuckles, as he was as alert and agile as a wild cat. Then she told her another story that was even more amusing: his little wish to dress like a hero led to him “abducting” Song Shiliu and bringing her home.

Anticipating Empress Zhou’s curiosity about Gu Ye’s past, Gu Yin quickly shared both stories. As expected, Empress Zhou was thoroughly engrossed and listened attentively.

Gu Ye was recognized after the New Year, and in the two months that followed, Empress Zhou had already learned quite a bit about his past from his own accounts. However, the child’s memory was limited, and his storytelling didn’t possess the same charm as Gu Yin’s anecdotes.

Empress Zhou had long wanted to have a heartfelt conversation with Gu Yin. As a mother, she couldn’t help but empathize with Gu Yin’s situation. If she had adopted a child and cared for them like her own for several years, only for that child to be recognized by their biological family and returned to them, even if that family were of royal blood, she believed she might feel a hint of dissatisfaction deep down.

Thus, even though Empress Zhou initially had the intention to extend goodwill to the House of Duke Ying, she had merely sent occasional gifts, refraining from taking further steps.

But Gu Yin’s openness and lack of bitterness surprised Empress Zhou and made her realize that her perspective had been too narrow.

“I was genuinely wondering how a child could be so clever,” Gu Yin said with a smile, lowering her voice, “But I later found out… He’s the child of you and His Majesty, naturally a remarkable individual, unlike ordinary children. Just like when you and Madam Lu just played, His Royal Highness Prince Lie played better than anyone else.” 

Empress Zhou couldn’t help but laugh. “He was raised well by you.”

Gu Ye’s intelligence, maturity, and lack of arrogance despite his exceptional abilities and noble status endeared him to everyone around him. Even if she hadn’t been separated from her eldest son, Empress Zhou didn’t believe he could have been raised any better. A family that could nurture such a child was undoubtedly a model to be emulated.

Gu Yin also chuckled. “I said he was naturally smart, and you give me credit for his upbringing. Don’t let His Royal Highness Prince Lie hear us praising him behind his back; he might become too proud.”

Empress Zhou joined in the banter. “Well, that’s up to him, isn’t it?”

In a playful tone, Gu Yin continued, “But, honestly, I can’t take credit for it. The good qualities he possesses come from you, and the bad ones, well, maybe those he learned from me.”

Empress Zhou looked at her with curiosity, and Gu Yin leaned in with an air of secrecy. “His Royal Highness is a money enthusiast, just like me, he loves to make money.”

Empress Zhou couldn’t help but burst into laughter. After a moment, she said, “Money is an important thing in life. We both came from humble backgrounds. How can we not appreciate money for our livelihood, clothing, shelter, and transportation? I like it too.”

The shared sentiment brought them closer in an instant.

Both of them were born as normal people, and their conversation transitioned from discussing Gu Ye to reminiscing about their village life.