Chapter 1629: Chapter 1629 Return to the Capital
The Retired Emperor sighed long after reading the letter, looking at his eldest son. In the letter, the Fourth Son wrote apologies and that he had no regrets.
The Emperor, holding a string of pearls, said, “Father, you must be tired. Shall I escort you back? Mother is quite worried about you.”
The Retired Emperor picked up the letter, “Alright.”
The Emperor reached out to take the letter, “Would it be alright if I keep this letter?”
The Retired Emperor’s lips moved slightly, finally releasing his grip. He knew his own son well enough—now that the Fourth Son was dead, all the past grievances and grudges would fade away. His son would not make things difficult for the Prince Liang Residence.
The Emperor watched his father leave, then looked at the letter again. Although it didn’t contain any requests, it expressed all he wanted to say. With a sigh, he gestured to Eunuch Zhang to put away the letter.
The passing of Prince Liang did not greatly impact the court, the real influence fell upon Prince Qi and Prince Chu, who both shut their doors and stayed in after Prince Liang’s burial, with Rongchuan being the least affected.
After the burial, Xue Han and his wife returned to the Hou Residence. Zhulan said, “You two have been so busy lately, why haven’t you taken a good rest?”
Rongchuan replied, “We haven’t been busy, it’s the people under us who have. It’s been some time since we last came to see you. How have you been, Mother?”
Zhulan patted her chubby hand, “I’m doing well.”
Xue Han spoke up, “Mother, the Prince and I plan to stay at the manor for a while. Would you like to join us for some days?”
Zhulan was surprised, “It’s not even hot yet, why are you going to stay at the manor?”
Rongchuan, unable to lie to his in-laws who raised him, said, “I didn’t have much interaction with Prince Liang, and hence not many deep feelings or emotions. I can’t pretend to be sad. After contemplating a lot, I feel like leaving the capital for a while.”
Anyway, he had no important tasks at hand, and staying at the manor seemed more comfortable.
Zhulan said, “I won’t be going to the manor with you.”
She was growing older and found it harder to part with Shuren, preferring to be by his side.
Xue Han already knew her mother wouldn’t go, “Mother, we will head to the manor the day after tomorrow.”
“Alright.”
Xue Han added, “Counting the days, Yu Yi and the others should have reached Ningzhou by now!”
Zhulan said, “If the waterway was smooth, they should have arrived. Oh, this back-and-forth communication is too inconvenient.”
She had been waiting for a family letter from Ningzhou, and without it, her heart felt uneasy.
In Ningzhou, Yu Yi and the others went out from the Prefecture City today to a temple to offer incense. Yu Jiao, who couldn’t sit still, dragged Ming Ling to the back of the temple once they arrived.
Todays, Lady Dong did not come even though she was invited, because her eldest daughter was already engaged. Lady Dong did not intend to show her eldest daughter in public, and as for the younger daughter, they wouldn’t arrange a marriage in a place like Ningzhou, so she didn’t bring her either.
Yu Yi and Yu Yueyang were alone. Yu Yueyang, noticing his fiancée had asked for a peace charm, asked, “Is this for me?”
Yu Yi smiled, “Yes, you’re departing tomorrow, take this with you.”
Yu Yueyang, both joyful and apprehensive, thick-skinnedly stated that he was visiting to consult his future father-in-law, thus staying in Ningzhou a few more days. Yesterday, his father-in-law finally couldn’t bear it any longer and kicked him out, “I will come to see you often.”
Yu Yi chuckled, “You’re still using consulting my father as an excuse?”
Yu Yueyang rubbed his nose, “The guidance from your father has been very enlightening.”
Yu Yi didn’t believe it—while there were benefits, it wasn’t as profound as he claimed. Her fiancé didn’t lack elder guidance. However, seeing as her father could tolerate her fiancé staying so long, it showed he was satisfied with him.
The two walked towards the pavilion at the back of the mountain, “Be careful on the way back and take good care of yourself.”
Yu Yueyang lowered his head, his dimples disappeared, and he mumbled, “Okay.”
Yu Yi’s ears turned red; she couldn’t handle seeing her fiancé like this. She particularly wanted to ruffle his hair but, taking advantage of the fact that no one was watching, she lightly touched his dimple with her fingertip, “Smile.”
Yu Yueyang mischievously grabbed his fiancée’s hand when the maid looked away, “Wait for me to come back and see you.”
Yu Yi quickly withdrew her hand, “Okay.”
The two quietly enjoyed the scenery, waiting until Yu Jiao came to fetch them, knowing it was also time to leave.
Yu Jiao was quite happy, “Sister, the scenery in Ningzhou is truly beautiful.”
Yu Yi laughed softly, “You little wild girl.”
Yu Jiao shook her head vigorously, happy to be in a place other than the capital, where she wasn’t bound by strict rules, “Hehe, I gathered quite a few flowers to put in a vase when we return.”
Back at the Government Office, Chang Lian knew his daughter had returned. Repeatedly, he muttered to himself, “Tomorrow she’ll leave, tomorrow she’ll leave,” suppressing the urge to act. But still, he felt quite annoyed!
Time flew swiftly and days passed quickly. Zhulan had already received the second family letter from Ningzhou. The letter was thick, with stories from both her grandson and granddaughter, detailing their experiences in Ningzhou.
This time, Yu Jiao’s letter was the thickest, and Zhulan chuckled upon reading it.
Curious, Lady Li asked, “What did Yu Jiao write about?”
Zhulan handed it over, “Take a look.”
Lady Li quickly read through the letter, frowning, “They’re even trying to make moves on Yu Jiao.”
Zhulan was not at all angry; she had anticipated this, “Yu Yi is already engaged, and although Yu Jiao is young, she’s still the granddaughter of the Hou Residence and the legitimate daughter of the Ningzhou Prefectural Office.”
Lady Li sighed, “Oh, we only have Yu Wen and Yu Jiao left unengaged. Mother, surely they won’t plot against Yu Jiao, would they?”
Zhulan shook her head, “They wouldn’t dare.”
Daring to plot meant facing consequences. Even if news from the capital hadn’t reached Ningzhou, having Shuren there deterred any wrongful actions.
Lady Li carefully put away the letters, “Recently, the Duke of Yongan Residence has become lively again.”
Zhulan really hadn’t paid attention, “What’s gotten them lively?”
Lady Li smiled, “We haven’t received an invite, but I heard that the Duke of Yongan Residence is planning a flower-viewing banquet, focusing on finding the right match for the eldest grandson.”
Zhulan thought that this time they truly would cut ties; after the Duke of Yongan had suffered a severe illness and barely recovered, even the Retired Emperor had personally frightened him once. He’d dare not have designs on the Marquis Zhou Residence anymore. “I just wonder which family they’re considering.”
Lady Li thought that their family didn’t covet him, but many others did. After all, when Zhuo Guyu was called into the palace before taking office, “We’ll find out then.”
Zhulan thought of Gu Sheng, “The time must have come for his appointment.”
Lady Li said, “Yes, Jiang Zhu and Mu Fan left a few days ago as well.”
Zhulan, “They were in a hurry departing from the old home. I wonder if the children can bear it.”
Lady Li comforted her, “There are maids and women to attend; you needn’t worry.”
How could Zhulan not worry? She was genuinely surprised; she had thought Jiang Ming and his wife would follow Mu Fan to take the office, but unexpectedly, they stayed in Zhoujia Village. Jiang Ming enjoyed teaching in the clan school, and they had become accustomed to their current life, unwilling to follow their son.
In the afternoon, Chang Xhong came back carrying several boxes, Zhulan asked, “What did you buy?”
Chang Xhong opened the boxes, “Gu Sheng, my brother, returned to the capital, bringing back plenty of hometown wine. These boxes were specially given to me.”
Zhulan saw sealed bottles inside the boxes. She picked one up and sniffed it, “The aroma is quite good.”
Chang Xhong said, “I’ve already tasted it in Gu Sheng’s courtyard, and it’s indeed good. Father would definitely like it.”
Zhulan placed the bottle back, “Is there anything else?”
Chang Xhong nodded, “I only learned today that Ji Deming stayed in the capital and even entered the Ministry of Rites.”
Zhulan remembered the new department set up under the Ministry of Rites and realized, “He’s aligning with the Second Prince.”