Blissful Days After Widowhood - Chapter 471

Her cheeks slightly reddened, and she hastily interjected, “No, I’m talking nonsense; it might not happen.”

“That’s not nonsense. My mother said you’re lucky, and there’s no need to worry about not having children,” Xu Qingchuan replied.

Gu Yin couldn’t help but laugh, “Well then, I’ll thank my aunt for her auspicious words.”

As they spoke, the two had already arrived at the bookstore’s utility room.

Xu Qingchuan gazed at her for a moment and then withdrew his eyes. He focused on the heavy books in his hands and said softly, “I’ll go ahead and put these down.”

The results of the palace exam had been announced a few days ago. During the parade of the top three across the street, Mrs. Wang had brought her whole family to witness the excitement.

The champion, the second ranker, and the third, Xu Qingchuan, were all young and handsome. The folk customs in that area of the capital were more open than in other places. Many young girls threw flowers and sachets at them.

Especially Xu Qingchuan, given his relatively ordinary family background, attracted more attention. Some bold individuals even dispatched family members to attend the parade, hoping to catch a glimpse of the potential son-in-law.

Mrs. Wang had long heard that the capital had such an atmosphere – there were many wealthy families, and there were naturally many people who were eager to enter the upper class. She had been guarding against that for a long time, and sent out a number of servants to be by Xu Qingchuan’s side, which prevented those people from succeeding. 

Gu Ye received numerous benefits due to his assistance in the examination. If he had asserted his identity at his age and claimed credit, even if individuals like Mr. Li recognized him begrudgingly, there would have been a lot of criticism behind closed doors.

However, for several days, he refrained from taking any credit. In front of Emperor Zhengyuan, he praised the dedication and diligence of Mr. Li and others, emphasizing their eagerness to recruit talents for the new dynasty—purposefully omitting any mention of himself.

Mr. Li and his colleagues were left feeling awkward, as if they were bullying a child. Privately, a few civil servants discussed the matter and, when writing about the event, also praised Gu Ye.

As a result, some students began referring to Gu Ye as a “little teacher” in private. Attaining success in the palace exam elevated a student to the status of a disciple of the Emperor, and addressing him in such a manner was akin to calling him a prince.

Upon hearing the news, Gu Ye hurriedly made his way to the Hall of Mental Cultivation. Emperor Zhengyuan was in the midst of reviewing papers, and upon seeing Gu Ye rushing over, he greeted him with a smile, saying, “They just praised you for your gentleness and kindness, like a scholar.”

Gu Ye ran like a puppy, sticking out his tongue and exhaling, hurriedly waving his hands, expressing himself to take a breather. 

Emperor Zhengyuan requested Qian Sansi to serve him a cup of tea. Gu Ye lifted the lid, took a sip, and finally regained his composure.

After recovering, he bowed and said, “This son is here to plead guilty to the father.”

Emperor Zhengyuan’s interest was piqued. He gestured for others to leave and waived Gu Ye’s salute, asking him to explain.

Gu Ye’s face flushed with embarrassment as he looked at his toes, recounting what he had heard.

Emperor Zhengyuan wasn’t surprised. His information network was naturally superior to Gu Ye’s, and he had learned about it two days prior.

“Isn’t that a good thing? You were like a prisoner. Living in isolation with so many officials for so long, mediating several conflicts, taking no credit, and working hard.”

“What good thing?!” Gu Ye was anxious. He patted his thigh, “They are the royal father’s protégés, and I was instructed by the royal father to assist in such a significant event at this age. Not many people are talking about it at the moment, but it will spread later. Maybe some people will genuinely believe that I am some kind of child prodigy since I could be a junior teacher for the students at the age of seven.”

Emperor Zhengyuan smiled, putting the brush down. He touched his chin, gazing at Gu Ye and asked, “Why, are you still afraid of people’s compliments? Afraid that when you grow up, you will not be as powerful as the rumors and disappoint those people?”

Gu Ye scratched his hot cheeks, replying, “You are afraid; I’m definitely not afraid. It’s the charity birthday banquet that I organized earlier. Although it was my idea, it was also with your approval. You didn’t want me to tell outsiders, but I took the credit. Now, it’s like this again…”

“Is your reputation good or not?” Emperor Zhengyuan’s smile faded a little. As Gu Ye approached, the Emperor asked solemnly, “What are you afraid of?”

Gu Ye sensed something from his father’s reaction and words. His heart thumped uncontrollably. Taking a few deep breaths, his face changed from nervousness to firmness, “I’m not afraid of those. I’m afraid that only you would be unhappy.”

Emperor Zhengyuan felt appreciation and pride in his heart. He reached out and patted Gu Ye’s back, saying, “I am not unhappy. If I were unhappy, I wouldn’t have made all this happen. So raise your chest…”

At this moment, he no longer referred to himself as an Emperor but as a father, encouraging his son to move forward bravely. Having said that, Emperor Zhengyuan’s eyes returned to the dragon case beside him.

Throughout history, the Emperor’s dragon chair and dragon case had always been elevated above ordinary tables and chairs, symbolizing the Emperor’s unique status in the world. So at that moment, Gu Ye was not as high as that dragon case.

Emperor Zhengyuan showed a helpless smile, feeling that he was thinking too far ahead. He decided to swallow some words that had already reached his lips.