Blissful Days After Widowhood - Chapter 444

In the early days of March, spring was in full bloom, with grass growing, and birds flying in the clear skies. It was the traditional day of the spring hunt.

Emperor Zhengyuan led the civil and military officials and soldiers to the outskirts of the city for the event. Naturally, everyone from Duke Ying’s household was in attendance. Even Wu Zhong, who rarely left his residence due to his health, was persuaded by Mrs.Wang to go out, as she believed that a walk in the spring air would be beneficial for his health.

For Gu Yin, it was a chance to see Wu Qingyi in the daylight. In the past two weeks, although he had rarely returned home before midnight, when he did, it was too dark for them to distinguish each other’s features, let alone engage in a proper conversation. Wu Qingyi had been exceptionally busy in the lead-up to the spring hunt, but now that the event had commenced, he finally had some free time.

That day marked the second time Gu Ye had made a public appearance in front of the ministers after the ceremony. He naturally followed Emperor Zhengyuan.

After Wu Qingyi and Emperor Zhengyuan concluded their discussion, when they exited the tent, Gu Ye quickly approached Wu Qingyi and said, “General, please stay.”

In the presence of others, Wu Qingyi held back a smile and respectfully cupped his hands. “What is your Highness’s command?”

Gu Ye put his hands together and began to speak, “Uncle, I’m not addressing you as a prince right now. When I entrusted my mother to you, I made it clear that regardless of how busy you are with official matters, you have to return home. You can’t stay at home, of course, I don’t blame you for it. You have significant responsibilities, overseeing the security of this vast area, and there must be numerous tasks to attend to, especially given the distance from the city. It’s not easy for you to travel back and forth.”

After venting his complaints, Wu Qingyi couldn’t help but chuckle and replied, “You are absolutely correct. It’s my fault. I’ve been busy for the past few days, but I can certainly take a few days off now. I’ll be with your mother at home every day.”

Gu Ye, however, was insistent, “I’m not talking about the future; I’m referring to the next three days. I know you won’t be able to get away for these three days, and it’s a rare opportunity for my mother to relax. While you accompany her, you must also behave well. Don’t let other people win. Just like today’s hunting, you have to participate, and later, you can accompany my mother.” 

On the third day of the spring hunt, Emperor Zhengyuan planned to hunt with his ministers, and generous rewards awaited the best performers.

While Duke Ying’s household wasn’t lacking in accolades, the competition was fierce, and their competitors were exceptionally skilled and impressive. Falling short of the others was not an option, and they certainly couldn’t allow Duke Lu to outperform them.

Wu Qingyi nodded, saying, “I understand all of this.”

He couldn’t resist reaching out and lightly tapping Gu Ye’s head after their conversation.

Gu Ye nodded in satisfaction, behaving like a miniature adult. “Uncle, it’s better if you understand, so I don’t have to worry about it.”

He couldn’t help but chuckle after his statement.

Later, Wu Qingyi departed Emperor Zhengyuan’s tent and returned to his own. Gu Yin, Mrs. Wang, and others had already settled into their tents. Their tent wasn’t far from the royal tent, only a half-hour walk away.

Song Shiliu, along with a few maids, was busy packing their luggage. Mrs. Wang and Wu’an had gone for a walk with Wu Zhong, leaving Gu Yin alone in the tent.

She was occupied with arranging her belongings: her trusty iron kitchen knife, various bottles and jars, and a collection of other picnic tools were spread across the table. Gu Yin explained, “Last time I went to the polo game, I didn’t bring these things with me. We hunted such a fine rabbit, but we had to borrow things from the Lu family. While all the materials were there, many of the utensils weren’t ideal for our use. So this time, I’m bringing everything to ensure we can cook properly.”

Wu Qingyi couldn’t help but smile. Even a child of Gu Ye’s age was thinking about the hunting competition on this spring hunt, let alone the other participants, who were all likely eager to make a name for themselves.

Yet Gu Yin was the exception, treating it like a simple picnic with no desire for competition.

Seeing his smile, Gu Yin stopped fiddling with the seasonings and asked, “What’s so funny? Did I say something strange?”

Wu Qingyi shook his head and replied softly, “No, you’re absolutely right. What would you like to eat? I’ll hunt it for you.”

With no one else around, a warm spring breeze filled with the scent of grass and trees wafted gently through the tent. Gu Yin’s soft bangs were once again tousled by the wind, and Wu Qingyi reached out to tuck her loose hair behind her ear as he spoke.

Gu Yin laughed, “Isn’t that an order, then?”

However, when Wu Qingyi’s hand came to rest near her ear, she couldn’t say another word. She merely turned her head to avoid his touch, her cheeks flushed, and her sparkling eyes seemingly reprimanding him.

Under the watchful gaze of heaven, Wu Qingyi had never intentionally touched her. The contact had happened because his fingertips accidentally brushed her ear.

“Why are your ears so sensitive?” He innocently asked.

Gu Yin’s face turned crimson upon hearing his words, and she could only glare at him in response.

“Alright, I won’t tease you anymore,” Wu Qingyi said, suppressing a smile. “I’ll be participating in the hunt on the first day, but I’ll be able to spend the next two days with you. I’ll take you riding and we can practice archery together…”

Before they could enjoy their private time for long, Mrs. Wang returned after her stroll around the camp. The two naturally shifted their conversation to hunting, leaving the previous topic behind.