Blissful Days After Widowhood - Chapter 522

Wu Qingyi and Gu Yin had been married for several years, and they were quite the old couple by now.

His love for Gu Yin had only grown, but he hesitated to agree. He recalled how foolish and reckless he had been when they were younger, leading to Gu Yin getting pregnant soon after their marriage.

During that time, he had accompanied her throughout—through morning sickness, swollen legs, and sleepless nights. Witnessing her struggles during childbirth, although it was deemed smooth by others, he had heard her stifled groans and seen the basin of blood. He had seen her exhausted state after giving birth, struggling to speak.

Compared to having another child, he didn’t want Gu Yin to endure such pain again. Therefore, in recent years, he had been cautious, even going so far as to inquire about contraception methods and purchasing various items.

He shook his head, declining Mrs. Wang’s suggestion. Being a woman, Mrs. Wang understood the suffering of pregnancy and childbirth, so she didn’t press further.

Wu Qingyi eventually thought of a solution. He asked Gu Yin if she wanted to revisit Hanshan Town.

A return to the familiar place might be a good way to relax for her and to check her business there as well.

Moreover, since Gu Ye became the Crown Prince, Wu Qingyi, citing a recurrence of old injuries, had fully delegated authority and only held a nominal position in the military.

So, if Gu Yin agreed, he could accompany her out of the capital.

Gu Yin was indeed tempted, but she hesitated, saying, “Xiao Ye hasn’t returned to the capital yet, and our Yudi is still so young. It doesn’t feel right to leave abruptly.”

Wu Qingyi gently held her soft hand and spoke slowly, “Once Xiao Ye returns to the capital, there will be more responsibilities waiting for him. As the Crown Prince and future Emperor, every step he takes requires careful consideration. Our Yudi has just started her studies, and in ten years, we’ll need to consider her marriage and prepare for her wedding. After her marriage, there will be the challenge of having children.”

“Yin Yin, life is full of worries, but I only wish for you to live the rest of your life for yourself.”

Gu Yin’s heart softened, and she snuggled into his embrace for a while before speaking, “Then, I’ll ask everyone’s opinion tomorrow.”

When Gu Yin proposed the idea of taking a break outside the city, her family naturally agreed without hesitation, telling her that she deserved some rest.

Of course, Xiao Yudi was reluctant to part with her parents, but news soon arrived that Gu Ye had completed his tasks and would return to the capital within a month. He mentioned that he would request some time off from Emperor Zhengyuan and bring Yudi with him.

Hanshan Town was his hometown, and he missed it very much.

After hearing this, Xiao Yudi counted on her fingers, “Big brother will be back within a month, and then he’ll take me to find Mom and Dad. So, they’ll settle in first, and then we’ll be together again when he returns!”

Once she understood, Xiao Yudi urged them to set off, insisting that she would wait for her brother to return home.

 …… 

In the fall of that year, Hanshan Town experienced something new—an old acquaintance, the wonder of Food of Heaven who lived in the capital, had returned home, accompanied by a man.

Not only did the owner return, but she also brought many rare foods that the people of Hanshan Town were eager to try—potatoes and tomatoes.

These two things were imported products that were introduced to the Central Plains at about the same time as peppers, but because they had not been planted on a large scale, the prices were not cheap. 

These two items were introduced to the Central Plains around the same time as chili peppers, but due to a lack of large-scale cultivation, their prices were not cheap.

Dishes like french fries, potato pancakes, mashed potatoes, and various tomato-based dishes like tomato and egg stir-fry, sweet and sour pork, tomato mixed noodles, and tomato mixed noodles… These novel recipes appeared on the new menu of Food of Heaven, and the prices were reasonable enough for the common people in the town.

When the people inquired, they realized that the original owner of ‘Food of Heaven’ had her own shipping line, allowing her to obtain various seeds. Additionally, she had recruited a highly skilled expert who, after a few years of cultivation, localized these imported goods.

People in the capital had already been able to afford such foods for a long time, but due to the town’s isolation, the menu had only recently been updated.

The business at Food of Heaven was thriving, and there was a shortage of staff. Fortunately, Gu Yin and Wu Qingyi had some free time, so they decided to lend a hand.

Both of them were efficient workers, and one could do the work of two or three.

Surprisingly, the busy yet stable routine, along with the daily earnings accumulating bit by bit, reignited Gu Yin’s enthusiasm for life. She no longer showed the languid expression she had in the capital.

One day, after Gu Yin finished the lunch rush and saw off a group of customers, she heard a commotion outside.

Wiping her hands on her apron, she and Wu Qingyi went out to see what was happening.

They witnessed a large carriage stopping at the intersection.

A stately and handsome young man descended from the carriage, followed by a petite girl in a fiery red dress, resembling an exquisite flower.

Despite their attire not being particularly luxurious, their striking appearances were enough to captivate onlookers. Gu Yin and Wu Qingyi both smiled upon seeing them, a spontaneous reaction.

“Mom!” Xiao Yudi rushed forward when she spotted her.

Gu Ye quickly caught up, holding her hand to prevent her from falling, and also called out, “Mom.”

Gu Yin approached briskly, embracing both children firmly. Wu Qingyi playfully rubbed his nose, eventually smiling helplessly as he encircled Gu Yin and the two kids.

“I missed Mom so much, and thought about her every day for the past month,” Xiao Yudi eagerly expressed her longing and then turned to her father, giving a sweet smile. “I missed Dad too.”

Wu Qingyi chuckled and asked, “How much did you miss me?”

Xiao Yudi pondered seriously for a moment. “A little less than when I miss Mom and Brother.”

She pinched the tip of her little finger. “Just a tiny bit less!”

This amusing exchange elicited laughter from the whole family.

Finally, Song Shiliu got off the carriage with bags in tow and enthusiastically announced, “Good news! Food of Heaven is offering discounts on their menu today!”

Hearing this, the curious townsfolk rushed into the restaurant.

“Shiliu!” Gu Yin sighed in resignation.

However, considering the joyous reunion of the family, and with all the good fortune they had, it seemed like a grand celebration.

Gu Yin shook her head in acceptance, pulled the kids, Wu Qingyi, and Song Shiliu in, and the whole family got busy.