Blissful Days After Widowhood - Chapter 463

After the winner was determined, the three-day spring hunt officially ended.

Emperor Zhengyuan hosted a lively celebration feast, rewarding a group of individuals who displayed bravery during the spring hunt.

At the outset, a surprising newcomer emerged—Wen Lang of the Wen family.

In such hunting events, civil servants were typically invited. However, the offspring of civil servants generally followed their fathers’ paths and pursued imperial examinations, seldom engaging in martial arts.

Wen Lang, hailing from a literary family, displayed prowess in both areas, having already achieved the rank of Jinshi. He awaited participation in the upcoming palace exam in April.

During a conversation in Elegant Hall, Gu Yin overheard someone mentioning that though Wen Lang couldn’t be compared to the Eldest Master Wen in his youth, he surpassed his father. His writings during the Jinshi examination were highly praised, and barring any unforeseen issues, he was destined to top the imperial examination. The third generation of the Wen family was on the rise.

Surprisingly, he excelled in both civil and martial expertise.

On the third day of the hunt, Wu Qingyi did not participate. Duke Lu, embarrassed due to a romantic affair, sought permission to return to the city early. Additionally, the number of hunters on the last day was significantly fewer than the preceding two days, with Wen Lang emerging as the victor.

Gu Yin had worked in the Wen family’s house and had encountered Wen Lang several times.

In her recollection, he was still a young boy who, like his father, Eldest Master Wen, enjoyed spicy food.

While handling skewers, Wen Lang silently followed Eldest Master Wen, rolling up his sleeves to assist with the skewers, displaying enthusiasm.

Little did she expect that after a few years, upon their reunion, he had transformed into an impressive young man.

Following the lively celebration feast, both Emperor Zhengyuan and Wu Qingyi indulged in excessive drinking.

Emperor Zhengyuan was elated by the establishment of the new dynasty, showcasing a flourishing scene of joy and prosperity among monarchs and ministers. As for Wu Qingyi, it was evident that his jubilation stemmed from Gu Yin’s morning acceptance of his marriage proposal.

He was genuinely elated. His eyes were unfocused from the effects of drinking, and his steps were unsteady. Upon returning to the tent, he sat on a chair, reveling in foolish happiness. Gu Yin twisted a handkerchief and gently wiped his face.

Mrs. Wang couldn’t resist commenting, “It’s a pity that the two children are fast asleep; otherwise, they would have burst into laughter seeing you in such a state.”

If this were modern times, Mrs. Wang would undoubtedly be the type of parent who would take out her phone to record her child’s antics, sharing the footage for the family’s amusement.

Fortunately, there were no cameras at that time. Mrs. Wang playfully teased Gu Yin, then turned to Wu Qingyi, saying with a sigh, “How did I end up with such a foolish son like you?!”

“Mother, I’m getting married! I want to get married! It’s official!” Wu Qingyi, oblivious to his mother’s disapproval, joyfully shared the good news with her.

Later that evening, after Gu Yin and Gu Ye had their conversation, she relayed the news to Mrs. Wang.Mrs. Wang wasn’t surprised but couldn’t bear Wu Qingyi’s incessant chatter. She could only respond, “I know, I know!”

“Mother, I really appreciate you,” Wu Qingyi beamed and, suddenly, his eyes welled up like a child. He grasped Mrs.Wang’s hand and said, “When you brought Yin Yin back, I thought you were just fooling around. Looking back now, you had a keen eye.”

Mrs. Wang patted her chest. “At that time, I sensed our girl was no ordinary person.” She tactfully omitted that it was initially because Gu Daya was inexpensive, and she changed her mind along the way. “Although it didn’t manifest much in the first few years, in the subsequent ones, she displayed remarkable foresight!”

The mother and son quietly clasped hands, expressing their excitement.

Gu Yin entered with a bowl of honey water, playfully separating their joined hands. She addressed Mrs. Wang, “He’s had a bit too much to drink. Why don’t you leave him be? We’re departing for Beijing early tomorrow, and you should go and get some rest.”

Wu Qingyi held his liquor well. Though he was a bit disoriented, he remained talkative without causing a scene.

Mrs. Wang didn’t linger to attend to him, opting to retire to her own room.

Later, Gu Yin persuaded Wu Qingyi to finish the honey water, arranging for a servant to assist him in taking a bath and changing into sleepwear.

Once back in the room, Wu Qingyi became quieter, his gaze fixed ahead. There was no need for Gu Yin to coax him any further; he was clearly inebriated.

Anticipating potential discomfort the next morning, Gu Yin thought of something. Since they had agreed to marry in six months, she tentatively suggested, “Shall we share the same bed tonight?”

Recalling even the night of consuming deer blood when Wu Qingyi had behaved impeccably, Gu Yin felt reassured by his evident love for her.

Surprisingly, Wu Qingyi immediately shook his head and replied, “No, I’ll sleep down there. After the wedding ceremony, we can share a bed.”

He was more traditional than Gu Yin in this regard.

He quickly drifted into slumber once he lay down.

Early the next morning, Emperor Zhengyuan led a hundred civil and military officials back to the court.