Gu Yan Chen did not feel at all that his words were out of line. Emperor Changwu was annoyed by his thought process. He stared at Gu Yan Chen's innocent expression for a long time, and then a sudden inspiration struck him.
This son was not simple-minded, but feigning ignorance.
In the final analysis, he did not want to live in the palace or take concubines.
Upon realizing this, Emperor Changwu was stunned for a while, unable to understand why.
His amiable gaze turned deep. Gu Yan Chen felt a prickle of unease under his stare. "Why are you looking at your son like this, Father?"
"Do you know what it means for adult princes to live in the imperial palace?"
"Your favor?"
Emperor Changwu grew more curious. "Knowing this, you still repeatedly refuse?"
Gu Yan Chen was silent for a moment. "After becoming your son, can I no longer serve in the Dali Temple?"
What was all this? Emperor Changwu waved his hand. "Of course not."
"Then it's settled. When my father was the Marquis of Guangling, my official duties went smoothly. There's no reason why, after becoming your son, I would need your constant protection to establish myself in court."
Emperor Changwu was silent for a while before saying, "You are quite confident. Very well, since you have so many reasons, you can continue to live outside for now. I will have the Ministry of Works rush the progress to allow you to move in as soon as possible."
Gu Yan Chen's face immediately brightened with a smile. "Thank you, Father."
"Don't thank me too soon. You are the one insisting on living outside. If you get bullied later, don't say I didn't protect you." His sons appeared harmonious on the surface, but beneath it, they had already divided into three factions, fighting fiercely at the slightest provocation. With an additional brother, how could he remain aloof and simply do his job as before?
However, hearing something a hundred times was not as good as seeing it with one's own eyes. Instead of telling him, it was better to let him experience the cruelty of imperial power struggles himself. At most, he would protect him.
Gu Yan Chen, however, declared with conviction, "Father, rest assured."
"Go." Emperor Changwu waved his hand, feeling annoyed just looking at him.
Gu Yan Chen, with no inkling of being disliked, cheerfully withdrew. His wife had been waiting for him outside for a long time.
The two walked out of Chengqian Palace side by side.
Emperor Changwu, who should have been in the Imperial Study, appeared at some unknown time. Looking at their receding figures, one tall and one short, he sighed softly. "Little Fuzi, tell me, why can't this vast imperial palace accommodate him?"
Li Furui said, "Your Majesty, Prince Rui is used to the freedom outside and naturally dislikes the strict rules of the palace. Moreover, although Princess Rui has been recognized by the Pingning Earl's residence, she is ultimately from a common background, and etiquette and rules are also a major challenge for her."
"Hmph, isn't it all for his wife?"
Li Furui dared not answer. In fact, he didn't know how to answer.
Emperor Changwu flicked his sleeve. "Draft an imperial decree. I want to select concubines."
His Majesty had already postponed two imperial selections in a row. Ministers had pleaded until their mouths were sore, and their memorials piled high, but he had not budged. Why had he suddenly announced this today? How had the topic shifted? Li Furui, unaware that it was Concubine Hui's idea, was stunned for a moment before replying, "Your servant will go and do it?"
Gu Yan Chen was completely unaware of his father's intention to saddle him with concubines. He was on the palace road, boasting to Lu Nian Fu. "If I hadn't pushed so quickly, you would have had to live in the palace. Then it would have been difficult for you to leave the palace even once, and you would have had to pay respects to the Empress every day. Tsk tsk tsk."
Lu Nian Fu smiled. "Then I really must thank you. When we get back, I'll have Aunt Cui make you beef noodles."
"Can't you thank me with more sincerity?" Didn't Aunt Cui eagerly make him delicious food even when he did nothing?
"Then what kind of sincerity do you want?"
"How about my wife personally washing her hands and cooking?"
Lu Nian Fu extended her slender white hands. In the sunlight, her fingers were long and fair, as beautiful as carved jade. "Wouldn't it be a waste of talent to let such hands touch oil and smoke?"
Indeed.
Gu Yan Chen took her hand and caressed it carefully. "I'm quite reluctant. Forget it, let Aunt Cui do the cooking."
Lu Nian Fu added, "I can treat you to dinner at Zui Xiang Lou. Order whatever you want, and there won't be any discounts."
"Hmph, I'm a prince now. As long as I'm happy, the chefs at Zui Xiang Lou will have to come and serve in my manor."
"Look at you."
"Father said the Ministry of Works is renovating Prince Rui's manor. Why don't we go take a look too? We can tell them our ideas in advance."
Lu Nian Fu asked, "Where is Prince Rui's manor?"
"Oh no, I forgot to ask. Wait for me..."
Lu Nian Fu quickly shook her head. "Let's ask tomorrow. I just want to go home and rest now."
"What? Are you tired today?"
"It's mainly mentally exhausting. The Crown Princess dragged me to recognize a lot of people."
Gu Yan Chen's steps faltered. "The Crown Prince was also amiable to me today. I suppose he wants to win me over. But this isn't a bad thing. You can handle it for now. If she gives you benefits, accept them. If she asks you to do something, push it onto me."
Lu Nian Fu was stunned. "You're going to support the Crown Prince?"
Gu Yan Chen flicked her forehead. "What are you thinking? I'm not that bored. Isn't it good to be a carefree prince? Why should I risk my head to get involved in their struggles?"
As soon as the news of the imperial selection was announced, the noble circles in the capital erupted in excitement.
The Ministry of Rites initially wanted to make a grand event, where eligible women from all over the country would participate. However, as soon as the proposal was submitted, the Minister of Rites was severely reprimanded. Then, the scope was narrowed down to the capital, and only the legitimate daughters of officials ranked fourth or above were eligible to participate.
Anyone with discerning eyes could see that this selection was definitely not for the Emperor.
Although the Emperor held immense power, he was advanced in age. If he wanted to expand his harem, his first choice would be daughters of minor officials. Even if he chose from noble families, he would not select legitimate daughters. In this era, there was a distinction between legitimate and illegitimate offspring, and legitimate daughters were generally more valued than illegitimate ones.
This was especially true in the capital.
It was easy to imagine that even if it were the Emperor, parents would be reluctant to give their legitimate daughters as concubines to an old man in his fifties.
Therefore, this selection was most likely for the princes.
The list of selected maidens was quickly compiled, and families with daughters on the list began to bustle about quietly. Lu Nian Fu soon received a stack of invitation cards. She received a few of them, not understanding the reason. She discovered that they were all there to pledge their loyalty to her.
Their words were subtle, but their intentions were clear. If their daughters were chosen as Prince Rui's secondary consorts, they would be obedient, loyal to the Princess Consort, and would never engage in squabbling for favor or power...
Qing Ya listened and curled her lips. As soon as the guests left, she said, "My lady, don't believe them. They're already resorting to backdoor dealings. Who knows what tricks they'll have once they enter the manor?"
Lu Nian Fu was dazed. Only then did she realize, "So Gu Yan Chen is going to take concubines?"
"Sigh!" Qing Ya sighed with a mournful air. "We thought it was a good thing that the son-in-law became a prince, but now it seems good or bad depends on who it is. No wonder books say, 'It's a regret to have urged one's husband to seek nobility.'"
Qing Miao angrily hit her. "What nonsense are you spouting in front of my lady? The son-in-law hasn't mentioned anything of the sort."
"Does the son-in-law need to say it? It's already widely rumored outside. This imperial selection is for the princes. Our son-in-law only has one main consort. Can the Emperor stand by and watch my lady monopolize his son? Once the selection is over, several might be assigned to Prince Rui's manor. Can the son-in-law defy the imperial decree for a few women?"
To put it bluntly, this was a heavenly blessing. What man would be willing to push it away? It was just a pity for her lady.
Qing Miao pinched her. "Can you say less?"
Qing Ya then noticed that Lu Nian Fu's expression was not right. Qing Miao quickly comforted her, "My lady, don't take Qing Ya's words to heart. Your relationship with the son-in-law is so good..."
Lu Nian Fu waved her hand to interrupt her. "You two go down first. I want to be alone."
The two maids looked at each other, then reluctantly withdrew. Lu Nian Fu sighed, her gaze lingering on the gardenias in a vase on the table.
The fragrance of the flowers was overwhelming. These were picked by Gu Yan Chen from the garden that morning and given to her.
He had smiled at her innocently that morning, and now he was going to take concubines?
For so many years, she had always been led by Gu Yan Chen in matters of the heart. From their marriage to their arrival in the capital, he had always made the decisions, and she had simply agreed. Subconsciously, she always felt that he would not harm her. As a result, she had never considered what would happen if he fell out of love with her.
She had not even spent time contemplating what kind of feelings she had for Gu Yan Chen.
Was it love?
Perhaps, otherwise, why would she feel so sad upon hearing that he was going to take concubines?
The more Lu Nian Fu thought, the more her head ached. She decided to sleep it off. When she woke up, the sun had already set. Gu Yan Chen returned to the manor, a hint of joy on his face. Seeing Lu Nian Fu's listless appearance, his smile faltered. "Why are you so dispirited? Are you sick?"
"No, maybe it's too hot."
"It is a bit muggy today. There should be a heavy rain tonight." He quickly took off his official robe and changed into casual wear. "It will cool down after the rain. What's for dinner?"
"I don't know, I have no appetite."
"Then I'll take you out for a stroll and change your taste."
Lu Nian Fu still shook her head, thinking, when the new women entered the manor, would he still care if she had an appetite? She knew she was overthinking, but she couldn't help but be melodramatic.
Gu Yan Chen sighed. "Your father's death anniversary is approaching, it's normal for you to be in a bad mood. But you still have to eat. I've requested leave from Father. We'll pack our bags and head to Yangzhou tomorrow."
"What?" Lu Nian Fu was greatly shocked, her apricot eyes widening.
She had truly not thought of this. After all, the capital was too far from Yangzhou. She had only thought of burning incense at home. Then she would light a lamp for him at Huangjue Temple and have the monks perform a ritual.
Unexpectedly, Gu Yan Chen was more concerned than she was.
Gu Yan Chen chuckled. "Are you so happy to be going home that you've gone silly?"
Tears welled up in Lu Nian Fu's eyes. "How would the Emperor grant leave? And if you go to Yangzhou, what about your duties?"
"The Dali Temple isn't just me. Besides, to be honest, if it weren't for my connection with the Emperor, I wouldn't dare ask for a whole month off."
Officials in the capital were highly sought after. What if someone tried to take his position while he was away?
But now he didn't have to worry. Who would dare to challenge the Emperor's son? He was being generous by not trying to snatch others' positions.
Didn't Jian Shijie, who had been determined to put him in his place, back down?
Gu Yan Chen reached out and wiped away her tears. "Look at you, crying before you've even seen your father."
"Wuwu, I'm just feeling upset." Lu Nian Fu wrapped her arms around his waist and buried her face in his chest. Such a good man, how could she bear to share him with others? The thought that he would be this gentle to other women made her feel suffocated.
But why did he have to become a prince?
Lu Chao Sheng's death anniversary was on the twentieth of the fifth month. Today was the second. Lu Nian Fu wasted no time and began preparing for the trip the next day. There were no major arrangements to be made at the manor. She held a small meeting with Yan Qing Wang Shou Cheng regarding the workshops and shops. Then, early on the fifth, she set off with a group of people.
There were a total of five carriages.
Gu Yan Chen and Lu Nian Fu were in the first carriage. The second carriage carried Madam Li and Lu Fei. The third carriage was for Qing Ya and Mian Er, while the last two carriages were for guards who had changed their attire. They were originally from the Yangzhou Guard and had been temporarily assigned to the Dali Temple as yamen runners after entering the capital. Their ranks were not high, but after Gu Yan Chen became Prince Rui, they were all promoted and became guards in Prince Rui's manor, earning at least a fifth-rank salary.
Although Song Ming was not the highest in martial arts, he had a good relationship with Gu Yan Chen.
He had followed Gu Yan Chen since he arrived in Xiangshui County and had witnessed his entire growth. Therefore, even though Prince Rui's manor had a different chief guard, he still held the title of head guard, with a fourth-rank official position, enough for him to return home in glory.
Although his mother had passed away, he naturally wanted to inform her at her grave that his son had achieved success.
The group did not travel by water. They traveled at a rapid pace and spent a full twelve days before reaching the Jiangnan region.
Gu Yan Chen's face was too conspicuous in Jiangnan. Not only would the Japanese pirates recognize him, but he might also be recognized by the public while walking on the street. They were returning to pay respects to Lu Chao Sheng. To avoid any unforeseen complications, the group changed their routine and traveled by night, avoiding daylight. They traveled for another two days before returning to Xiangshui County.
When Madam Li went to the capital, she chose the loyal Mao Shu's family to look after the old house.
In a few days, it would be the master's death anniversary. He thoughtfully hired people from a funeral shop to replace the white flowers and couplets with new ones. He thought that if the masters did not return, he would offer old wine and small dishes at the master's grave, which would not be unworthy of their master-servant relationship.
As soon as the items were replaced, the madam and young master returned.
What surprised him greatly was that the eldest young lady and the son-in-law had returned with them. A large group of people.
After his surprise, he quickly invited them into the mansion. Fortunately, his wife was diligent and said that it was unfair to take money without working. Therefore, the main courtyards were cleaned regularly. Thinking that the masters might return on the death anniversary, she had given them another thorough cleaning a few days ago.
Thus, the masters did not need to stay in an inn.
Madam Li was very satisfied with this and gave them an additional reward.
With the entire family back in Yangzhou, the arrangements for Lu Chao Sheng's death anniversary proceeded in an orderly fashion. The same eminent monks from Quan Xin Temple were invited to perform a ritual. Lu Nian Fu took Lu Fei to his grave to weed and arrange offerings. Madam Li could not help but talk incessantly.
From Lu Fei's studies to Gu Yan Chen's background, she recounted their life in the capital. Finally, she told him not to dwell in solitude in the netherworld, but to take care of his children and bless them with smooth progress and great success.
In comparison, Lu Nian Fu said much less.
"Father, rest assured, I will protect Xiao Fei and ensure he grows up successfully, bringing glory to the Lu family."
Gu Yan Chen knelt even more devoutly than she did. He held her hand tightly. Although he said nothing, it was more convincing than words.