Blissful Days After Widowhood - Chapter 452

Duke Lu Feng Yuan could be described as unlucky in his own right. He had made several discreet inquiries about Ge Zhu before and after her departure, only learning that she had found employment at ‘Food of Heaven,’ leading a comfortable and nourishing life. However, he was unable to gather more details about her.

In response to his melancholy, he had taken to using alcohol as a means of solace. His depression had taken a toll, and he couldn’t let go of the past.

For the spring hunt, he had been determined to excel and demonstrate his prowess to Ge Zhu and those who had ridiculed him behind his back. He wanted them to see that he was still the outstanding general he had been in the past.

Yet, on the first day, Wu Qingyi achieved a significant victory, rendering Feng Yuan’s efforts fruitless. Hunting activities were exhausting, and most participants refrained from participating on consecutive days. Additionally, Feng Yuan and Wu Qingyi, having interacted for years, understood each other to some extent.

Wu Qingyi had a relatively introverted personality, and after a day in the spotlight, he naturally receded into the background. Thus, after the first day’s unfortunate loss, Feng Yuan, after a night of recuperation, set off once more with a carefully assembled team.

Although Feng Yu had grown somewhat estranged from his biological father, he couldn’t help but advise him when he saw his determined resolve. “Father, you’re not young anymore. You worked tirelessly all afternoon yesterday, and it was quite demanding. Perhaps you should take a break today. There are more days left.”

Feng Yuan paid little heed to his son’s advice and frowned, saying, “Why take a break? I’m not too old for this yet! If you want to rest, you can do so on your own.”

Feng Yu’s horsemanship and marksmanship were commendable among his peers, but he couldn’t compare to martial arts masters. Given this, Feng Yuan didn’t include him in his hunting party.

Feng Yu, not inclined to follow his father’s lead, went over to join Gu Ye’s side.

Emperor Zhengyuan still had Gu Ye and Lu Xu accompany him on the hunt. Of course, the Emperor had no intention of chasing after insignificant prey. He took them along simply for leisure and amusement.

Later in the evening, Emperor Zhengyuan summoned them to withdraw the troops, returned to the camp to tally the hunt, and determine the winner of the second day.

But why was Feng Yuan unlucky once again? Wu Qingyi was there again.

In truth, Feng Yuan’s assumption was accurate – Wu Qingyi had intended to take a break and spend quality time with Gu Yin. However, a predicament had arisen. Both of them had consumed a substantial amount of deer blood the day before, and while a cold shower had somewhat alleviated the heat in their bodies, they still weren’t entirely relieved.

With no way to release their excess energy, Wu Qingyi decided to lead another hunting expedition. Under usual circumstances, Wu Qingyi could easily outperform Feng Yuan, let alone on that day. Wu Qingyi had now won two consecutive hunts, elevating his standing among the generals.

Upon returning to the camp, Feng Yuan overheard a fervent discussion nearby. Someone was saying, “We’ve been idle for a whole year, and everyone has grown lazy, except for the general, who hasn’t lost his courage. He’s truly a fierce general!”

Another person, with a wry smile, responded, “It’s not just about diligence, but talent plays a role too. Look at Duke Lu. He clearly came well-prepared, yet he lost two hunts in a row… So, the Great General’s talent is beyond the reach of ordinary folks like us.”

Others concurred, acknowledging the truth of this statement. The group nonchalantly continued their conversations, seemingly at ease.

Feng Yuan, who had only been half-listening, felt his temper flare. However, he was in front of the imperial family and had to forcibly compose himself before returning to his tent.

However, the atmosphere within the Duke Lu’s tent was equally gloomy. Mrs. Qin was present as well. Normally, individuals of her age wouldn’t participate in such activities. She wasn’t as robust as the Empress Dowager and Mrs. Wang, nor did she enjoy liveliness.

Instead of hunting and horseback riding, Mrs. Qin engaged in conversations with Concubine Feng. In the past, although Concubine Feng rarely left the palace, she frequently exchanged messages with individuals outside the palace.

However, the situation had changed. While her own palace had remained relatively unaffected, other palaces had become increasingly strict. If she wished to send a family letter, it required inspection and a fee of a hundred taels of silver.

Emperor Zhengyuan had provided Yonghe Palace with numerous rewards, but they mainly consisted of jewelry and were seldom in the form of cash.

All the rewards within the palace were marked with distinct emblems, and even Concubine Feng, despite any shortcomings, understood that these items should not be allowed to circulate outside the palace.

The last time the mother and daughter communicated was when the Feng family and the Lu family became engaged. During that time, Mrs. Qin had a delightful period. The unpleasant daughter-in-law had been expelled from the household and caused no more trouble for the Feng family. It was as if she had vanished into thin air. The eldest grandson, who was both loved and resented, spent more time in the palace and less time at home. This way, her grandson and ex daughter-in-law did not cross paths often.

The financial crisis of the Feng family had also been resolved with the engagement to the Lu family. The Lu family had already dispatched 50,000 taels to Mrs. Qin without any conditions, and the remaining 150,000 taels would be sent two months later when Lu Yuanqi married into the Feng family, along with her other dowry.

Because of the difficulties the Lu family had faced, Mrs. Qin had kindly sent a message to Lu Yuanqi, inviting her to gain experience at the spring hunt. It was considered an act of goodwill towards her and the entire Lu family. Even though the Lu family was known for their merchant background, they still held a reputable status in the capital.

Those close to the Feng family were aware of the impending marriage between the two families, and they praised Mrs. Qin for her far-sightedness and her decision to defy conventional wisdom, regarding it as remarkable. It was as if Mrs.Qin were living carefree in the clouds.

On the first day of the spring hunt, Concubine Feng accompanied Emperor Zhengyuan, and as a result, the mother and daughter did not have the chance to meet. On the following day, since Concubine Feng did not venture out, she naturally came over to converse with Mrs. Qin.

When the mother and daughter finally met, Concubine Feng burst into tears upon seeing Mrs. Qin. She lamented, “Mother, you’ve only considered your own happiness, but you haven’t thought about your daughter’s predicament. I currently hold the title of a noble concubine, with neither favor nor influence. I fear that before long, there will be no place left for me in the palace…”

The last time they had a face-to-face conversation was before Emperor Zhengyuan had officially recognized the reunion and released Concubine Feng from the palace to return to her maternal family.