Blissful Days After Widowhood - Chapter 474

Concubine Feng, knowing both Emperor Zhengyuan and Feng Yuan, recognized that Feng Yuan was not a strong-willed person. However, Emperor Zhengyuan was different, and if he were similar to Feng Yuan, he wouldn’t have ascended to the throne of the new dynasty.

Mrs. Qin, after pondering for a while, suggested, “Didn’t our family send someone into the palace earlier? A music servant from Yangzhou, surnamed Chu, who is very skilled in dancing ribbon dances. Even His Majesty praised her before. She has a beautiful figure and could be the person to fascinate him.”

Concubine Feng responded, “Did you forget that His Majesty rewarded the performers before, so Chu Manrong was sent to Duke Ying’s Mansion? At that time, she was still hoping to captivate Wu Qingyi. Later, she went to work at ‘Food of Heaven’, helping it steal a lot of business from our family.”

Mrs. Qin acknowledged, “I remember that. But since Chu Manrong was not favored by Wu Qingyi, she is still innocent. Isn’t she close to the Wu family now? She should also have the opportunity to see the Emperor again. Let someone send her a letter, saying that our family will help her return to the palace. Working at ‘Food of Heaven’ or entering the palace as an imperial concubine, even a fool would choose the latter. Besides, her background, which she concealed from the palace, is still in the hands of our family, so she can’t refuse.”

Concubine Feng hesitated, “Is this possible? Chu Manrong went to Duke Ying’s Mansion. It’s been so long since she entered the Duke’s residence, but she didn’t even get close to Wu Qingyi. It can be seen that she has no real ability.”

Mrs. Qin snorted, “The person surnamed Wu has no eyes. He doesn’t know how to appreciate the lively and fragrant beauty in front of his eyes. Could they all be like that? Just help her try it first, and then I will send someone to Yangzhou to find a few more girls. If she doesn’t succeed, I will replace her.”

Concubine Feng replied, “Then I’ll rely on you.”

 …… 

Gu Yin enjoyed an afternoon meal and as evening approached, she prepared to head home. However, before she could leave, Gu Ye arrived to pick her up.

Still preoccupied with her thoughts, Gu Yin asked him to wait a moment. Gu Ye reached up on his tiptoes to close the account books on the counter and remarked, “You can settle the accounts tomorrow. There’s something to do at home today.”

With over two months until Gu Yin and Wu Qingyi’s wedding, all the preparations were well underway. The day’s agenda included a fitting session for the wedding dress with the embroidery maid.

Gu Yin and Wu Qingyi needed to return home for the fitting. Any adjustments required would be made in advance, and they also had to finalize the design for the wedding clothes to allow sufficient time for the embroidery mama to craft two dresses in the coming two months.

Playfully, Gu Yin commented with a smile, “Why do you seem more nervous than I am?”

Gu Ye raised his chest and said, “Last time you and uncle got married, I wasn’t here. This time I’m here, and I’ve been idle recently, so I have to supervise, no? I’m just supervising you!” 

Gu Ye was familiar with Gu Yin’s cooking habits. Whenever she was in the kitchen, no matter how intricate or labor-intensive the steps, she exhibited remarkable patience and never found it burdensome. However, when it came to other matters, she was less inclined to go out of her way.

Unable to resist the insistence of the persistent Gu Ye, Gu Yin raised her hand in surrender, tidied up the items on the counter, and accompanied him home.

When they wew exiting Food of Heaven, the two encountered Chu Manrong emerging from a small alley near the store. Her usually composed face bore an expression of solemn contemplation.

Shortly after Chu Manrong appeared, a middle-aged man, noticeably more refined in his attire than the average person, followed her out on the back foot. He discreetly scanned the surroundings, ensuring that no one was observing or tailing him, before heading in the opposite direction with Chu Manrong.

This unexpected scene piqued Gu Yin’s curiosity. Gu Ye tugged at her sleeves, guiding her back into the restaurant. Speaking in a hushed tone, he disclosed, “I recognize the person following her. He’s from Duke Lu’s Mansion.”

Surprised, Gu Yin looked at him, prompting Gu Ye to continue, “Back when my father, the Emperor, was mobilizing troops for battle, he enlisted forces from various factions. Rules were established at that time, including different emblems embroidered on the servants’ clothing under each general’s command to distinguish them. After the establishment of the new dynasty, this tradition was maintained by each noble family. For instance, our family’s emblem is a small flame on the cuff. It’s discreet, unlike the prominent emblems visible from a distance every half mile.”

Gu Yin couldn’t help but marvel at how much her little brat had learned recently and chuckled, “Is it truly that conspicuous?”

The fact that the Feng family sought out Chu Manrong was undoubtedly not a positive development. In other words, as long as the Feng family was involved discreetly, it was likely to be troublesome. After all, engaging in illicit activities while flaunting one’s own emblem seemed like a recipe for being discovered.

Gu Ye slyly blinked and admitted, “Okay, maybe I exaggerated a bit with that last statement. It’s not that ostentatious. I just found it odd not to see the emblem from half a block away. The key point is that I recognize him. When Feng Yu didn’t reside in the palace for an extended period, this person came to fetch him.” As the mother and son were about to continue their conversation, Chu Manrong, the subject of their discussion, returned to the restaurant and spotted them.

Shortly afterward, Chu Manrong hurried approached Gu Yin, and exclaimed, “I’m glad you’re back, Boss. I have something important to tell you.”

Gu Yin motioned for her to come closer, positioning her near the wine rack by the counter. This location, set up near the stairs, was far enough from the other dining tables that it went unnoticed.

Chu Manrong openly shared the news with Gu Yin, getting straight to the point. She had been sought after by the Feng family’s housekeeper, who informed her that they intended to assist her in returning to the palace to serve Emperor Zhengyuan.

Both Gu Yin and Gu Ye were taken aback by this revelation. After all, based on their knowledge, Chu Manrong aspired to climb the social ladder.