Blissful Days After Widowhood - Chapter 489

Gu Ye entered the palace the following day and encountered Feng Yu. As they met, they exchanged glances, discerning something from each other’s expressions. Simultaneously, they remarked, “Did your mother scold you?” Following the question, they burst into laughter together.

During their leisure moments, the two engaged in conversation. Gu Ye began by recounting the advice given by Gu Yin, and Feng Yu added, “My mother expressed similar concerns—not that we did anything wrong, but she worries about our youth. She fears we might indulge prematurely and lose control.”

Gu Ye nodded in agreement, “My mother emphasized the importance of controlling the ‘degree’ of this mental attack and being mindful of its targets. If we don’t manage it properly, it could veer off course. However, with both of them watching over us, I believe we won’t go astray.”

At lunchtime, instead of returning to Kunning Hall, Gu Ye headed straight to the Hall of Mental Cultivation.

Emperor Zhengyuan, pressed for time during his break, remarked upon seeing him, “Are you here for another meal?”

Completing his salute, Gu Ye replied, “It’s only fitting for a father to attend to his son’s meals.”

Emperor Zhengyuan smiled, casting a sidelong glance, and instructed the addition of two more dishes tailored to Gu Ye’s taste.

In Duke Ying’s courtyard, both Gu Yin, Mrs. Wang, and Emperor Zhengyuan shared a dislike for being attended to by servants; they preferred to handle their own affairs. Even the palace servants were merely tasked with setting the meals, while the actual preparation was undertaken by the individuals themselves.

Seated at the table, the father and son cleansed their hands before enjoying their meal. They paid little heed to formalities, engaging in casual conversation as thoughts came to mind.

Following dinner, Gu Ye rinsed his mouth, wiped his lips, and stood up from his chair. With a respectful bow, he knelt on the ground, expressing, “I apologize.”

Emperor Zhengyuan gestured for the eunuch to withdraw and inquired, allowing Gu Ye to speak.

Remaining on his knees, Gu Ye confessed, “Father Emperor, earlier, you overheard a conversation between my Empress Mother and me. In truth, I deliberately sought her input on the matter to ensure you would hear it.”

Gu Ye’s posture lowered even further. Unexpectedly, Emperor Zhengyuan responded, “Is that all? I was startled, thinking you, the mischievous monkey, had caused some trouble.” With that, Emperor Zhengyuan stood and personally lifted Gu Ye from the ground.

Sensing a hint of amusement in his father’s words, Gu Ye asked calmly, “Does Father Emperor know everything?”

Emperor Zhengyuan smiled, meeting his gaze, “Have you forgotten what I told you before? If you don’t wish to see it, it won’t come to pass.”

Recalling a previous incident, Gu Ye had used Xiao Luzi to deliver a scented sachet to Qian Sansi.

When Qian Sansi presented the scented sachet to him, Emperor Zhengyuan’s keen observation skills didn’t miss a beat, and he naturally took note of it. Upon inquiring later, Qian Sansi made no effort to conceal the truth, revealing that it was a gift from his apprentice, Xiao Luzi.

Recognizing that his eldest son was not one to act without reason, Emperor Zhengyuan patiently waited to see what he had in store. The following day, as he overheard the conversations between mother and son, he couldn’t help but wonder what else eluded his understanding.

Contemplating his eldest son’s earnest efforts to assist him and the Empress in resolving their issues, Emperor Zhengyuan was deeply moved and found solace in his heart, harboring no resentment.

Reflecting on what he had said, Gu Ye couldn’t help but feel a sense of embarrassment. He had once believed himself to be exceptionally clever, only to discover that his Father Emperor had been aware all along, choosing to play along.

Upon reflection, Gu Ye considered his Father Emperor less bold and capable than his uncle and lacking in formal education. If not for genuine skills, he could easily fall prey to someone else’s schemes. How could he possibly ascend to the throne of a new dynasty?

Lost in these thoughts, he lowered his head even further. Emperor Zhengyuan, sensing his son’s inner turmoil, comforted him with a pat on the back, saying, “Don’t be too hard on yourself. I must thank you. Your mother has always been resilient, bearing her burden silently. She only confided in you when you asked. For years, I’ve wanted a chance to have an open conversation with her. Through your efforts, I finally understand her thoughts.”

Letting out a sigh, he continued, “All these years, I thought she had changed, but she hasn’t. What she longs for is the simplicity of the days back in the village.”

Gu Ye saw the sorrow in his father’s eyes and offered reassurance, “No matter what changes occur, as long as my mother has you in her heart, and you have her in yours, things will eventually improve.”

Emperor Zhengyuan affectionately patted him, saying, “So, no need to apologize. Your intention was to pave the way for your parents’ reunion.” 

After their heart-to-heart conversation, Emperor Zhengyuan rose, shooed away imaginary flies with a wave of his hand, and ushered him out, saying, “I’ll have some free time at noon; I plan to visit your mother. Don’t follow me. Rest in your Xiefang Hall.”

Gu Ye bid farewell, playfully muttering about his father having a wife and forgetting his son. Emperor Zhengyuan nearly threw him out upon hearing that.

Gu Ye and Feng Yu took this lesson to heart, reminding themselves that while strategic thinking was necessary, it should never involve those close to them. They vowed to balance the scales themselves, steering clear of manipulating those they held dear.