Chapter 48: A Family of Three

Chapter 48: A Family of Three

In Fangyin Palace.

Birds took flight, and insects fell silent.

Amidst the tranquility, faint sounds emerged, seemingly from among the flower beds and between the crevices of artificial rock formations. "Ssshh... Ssshh..." The noises sent shivers down one's spine.

A man dressed in a deep purple robe adorned with auspicious patterns paid no heed to the two triangular-bellied snakes blocking his path. He ignored their raised heads and fiery, forked tongues.

The resolute hem of the robe brushed against one of the snakes, and in that instant, a chilling glint flashed by. The serpent's tail was severed, causing it to swiftly coil up into a tight ball.

A youth in a brilliant yellow undergarment rushed out, his heart aching as he looked at the injured snake. Trained eunuchs were already on their knees, skillfully attempting to reattach the serpent's severed tail and mend its broken bones.

Gongye Chu verbally paid his respects to the monarch, but his gaze subtly shifted towards Shangxing.

Shangxing touched his nose and followed closely behind, entering the hall. The moment they stepped inside, the young emperor's expression transformed, revealing a blend of three parts respect and seven parts familiarity.

"Father, are you displeased?"

"Your Majesty," Gongye Chu looked at him with his clear, respectful gaze, resembling that of a child yearning for an elder's affection, making any reprimand on the tip of his tongue vanish without reason.

The Emperor's actions were arbitrary and capricious, causing commotion in the marketplace and bestowing favors ostentatiously. Rumors spread rampantly, not only tarnishing the reputation of Second Miss Pei but also drawing criticism from the imperial subjects.

Rarely did an emperor display such indulgence. If he truly favored a woman, he could simply invite her into the palace. Even the late, licentious Emperor confined his excesses within the Tai Ling Palace.

Contemplating the status of Second Miss Pei in the Emperor's heart, Gongye Chu felt a headache coming on.

"Second Miss Pei is not one for extravagance; excessive favor would do her no good. Are you aware of how people outside speak of her and the rumors they circulate?"

How could Shangxing not know? Of course he was aware of what those people were saying. They claimed that his favoring a concubine was a ploy to install her as the Empress in Tai Ling Palace. He also knew that some were speculating that his actions were part of a power struggle between a monarch and a minister with immense influence.

Certainly, he had also heard another whisper - that even if Mother didn't enter the palace, no one in the Eastern Capital City would dare to marry her in the future. This was somewhat unexpected, and he couldn't help but feel a secret delight.

If no one dared to ask for her hand, then no one would dare to compete with Father.

He gazed at his own father. Although he had prepared himself for the worst, he still hoped that their family of three could reunite in this world.

"I know, Father. But I regret it now. I regret not intervening sooner to spare Mother those hardships. I should have figured things out earlier. I came into this world for Mother, and hesitating will only lead to regrets."

Gongye Chu narrowed his eyes slightly, wondering if the young emperor's hallucinations had indeed worsened, or...

"Dad, I know you still don't believe me, and it does sound incredibly implausible – anyone in your shoes would feel the same. But Dad, I truly am your son, and Mother is indeed my birth mother. I wish for Mother to live a good life in this world, even if you never believe me, and even if there will never be a Gongye Zhong in this world..." Shangxing's voice cracked, tears welling up in his eyes, "I won't regret it!"

If someone constantly told you the same thing, disbelief might fade after multiple attempts. Even if suspicion persisted, some doubt would inevitably creep in.

Gongye Chu was at a loss to describe the turmoil within him – it was a chaotic feeling he had never experienced before. Seeing the tears shimmering in the young emperor's eyes stirred something within him.

In this vast world, there were indeed unexplainable wonders; could it be that such bizarre supernatural occurrences truly existed?

"There are countless ways to ensure her well-being. The more you favor her, the more you expose her to the forefront of conflict. She is merely a woman of the inner chambers, and outsiders already perceive her as having captured your favor. If you do not take her into the palace, how will she navigate life in the future?"

Upon hearing this, a glimmer of hope shone in Shangxing's tear-filled eyes.

Is Father feeling concern for Mother?

This is an encouraging sign.

"Fear not, if others dare not marry her, doesn't Father still stand by her side?"

Gongye Chu's face darkened immediately. His persuasion seemed unnecessary. "Your Majesty, there is no possibility between this minister and Second Miss Pei..."

"Father, nothing is absolute," Shangxing interrupted him. "Think carefully, do you truly have no feelings for Mother? If you really didn't care, why would you come to talk to me about this?"

Gongye Chu's expression grew even more stern, with a chill in his aura. It was undeniable that he slept more soundly after dreaming of that woman. He had to admit that she had an impact on him.

But so what?

He didn't believe he could fall for her.

Shangxing glanced at him, secretly delighted. His father must have developed some affection for Mother. It seemed this spark was still necessary. He cautiously reached out and tugged at the deep purple sleeve.

"Father, tomorrow is my birthday. I've planned to invite Mother to dinner at the Four Seasons Tavern on Long Street. She likes Southern cuisine and loves spicy flavors. That tavern has a chef from the South who prepares Southern dishes exceptionally well. Would you like to join us?"

Gongye Chu gave him a sharp look. The boy's hopeful eyes were impossible to refuse.

A noblewoman born and raised in Eastern Capital City, liking stinky food or such intensely spicy dishes – it was indeed peculiar.

"I...,"

"You've never celebrated my birthday before, for it coincides with the day we mourn Mother's passing. There's nothing to rejoice about. On my birthdays in the past, Father and I would purify ourselves and change our clothes before visiting Mother... That was the only day of the year I got to see her... Silent and still, she lay in that cold ice coffin." A shadow of sorrow returned to Shangxing's handsome features. "Now that she's alive and right in front of me, I'm so overjoyed... Father, don't forget, I'll be there!"

Gongye Chu glanced at the young boy who clung to his sleeve, the tale spinning ever more convincingly. Uncertain whether it was the young emperor's deep immersion in the role or if he himself was moved by the story, he found himself nodding inexplicably.

"Excellent, Father, you've given your word. As the Son of Heaven, your promise is worth a thousand ounces of gold. Mother and I will be expecting you at the Four Directions Tavern tomorrow," Shangxing exclaimed joyfully.

He gently urged Gongye Chu, fearing that the latter might change his mind, "Hurry back and get some rest. We'll meet tomorrow at precisely one hour before sunset, no excuses."

Gongye Chu's expression was ominously somber as he left the Tai Ling Palace, a mixture of anger and regret that defied description. Known for his unwavering resolve, he found himself consistently softened by the young emperor's plight.

How absurd it was for him to indulge the young emperor in such madness!

What an utter nuisance!

Shangxing paid no heed to his conflicting emotions. The mere thought of having dinner with his parents the following day made him wish he could embrace the snakes on the ground in affection. He was genuinely ecstatic – for the first time since arriving, he felt pure joy that lifted his spirits sky-high.

Their family of three was finally reuniting.

It was not until the next morning, at the dawn hour, that Pei Yuanxi learned of this development. Of course, she had no inkling that Gongye Chu would be attending; the solemn invitation she received came solely from Shangxing.

The matter hadn't been kept from Marquis Xuanping, which was why he was in such a dilemma.

He felt like his hair was falling out; it was truly worrying.

What on earth did the Emperor mean by this? It didn't make any sense. This ambiguous and unclear relationship with Yuanxi, saying they were friends – how did it feel more like playing with someone's emotions?

He wanted to advise his daughter not to go, but when he thought about how the young Emperor was the Son of Heaven, he found himself unable to say anything.

Disobeying an imperial edict was a capital offense, one that would lead to the execution of the entire family.

Seeing her father's conflicted expression, Pei Yuanxi knew what he was thinking. To be honest, she was just as perplexed and couldn't figure out why the young Emperor had suddenly invited her for a meal.

Father and daughter both had their own thoughts, but Marquis Xuanping personally escorted his daughter to the Four Quarters Tavern on Long Street. The tavern originally served Eastern Capital cuisine, but at some point, the ownership had changed, and it now served Southern Region dishes.

Southern Region food was extremely spicy, and few enjoyed it.

At the entrance, Marquis Xuanping was stopped and asked to leave. He was told that after the meal, the Emperor would personally escort Second Miss Pei back to her residence. Though he was reluctant, he had no choice but to comply with the Son of Heaven's order.

The entire Four Quarters Tavern was empty, and Shangxing greeted Pei Yuanxi with delight.

On the second floor were four private rooms named after the elements of Heaven, Earth, Man, and Harmony, thus giving the establishment its name, the Four Harmonies Tavern. They entered the Harmony room, where the single character carried profound connotations.

The decor of the private room was more akin to a refined residence than a tavern. The furniture was simple and unassuming, with a round table carved with intricate patterns, upon which sat a delicate jade vase adorned with a graceful porcelain figurine.

Within the vase, a vivid rose bloomed, its petals seemingly dewy with life.

Pei Yuanxi was both surprised and captivated by this arrangement. The dishes served at the Four Harmonies Tavern were spicy and bold in flavor, causing even the mere smell to make one's mouth water. It was a stark contrast to what one would find in the Eastern Capital City, yet it stirred a nostalgic longing. Gazing at the charming young man with his enchanting smile, Pei Yuanxi grew increasingly curious about their impending relationship.

"I knew you'd appreciate it," Shangxing said, his eyes constantly darting towards the door and then to the window, as if expecting someone.

"Has the Emperor invited anyone else?" Pei Yuanxi asked.

With a twinkle in his eyes, Shangxing replied, "You'll find out soon enough."

Pei Yuanxi didn't need to wait for an answer; she had a good idea who the guest might be. The person who could make the mighty Emperor wait couldn't possibly be an ordinary individual. In her estimation, there was only one person who fit the bill: the esteemed General Gongye Chu.

Recalling the Emperor's previous attempts to matchmake her with Gongye Chu, Pei Yuanxi suddenly wondered if this dinner was, in fact, a disguised matchmaking event.

At the stroke of the seventh hour of the evening, Gongye Chu arrived punctually, not a moment too late.

Dressed in an ink-blue official's robe with sharp, austere features, one could hardly tell that he was attending a banquet. Upon seeing Pei Yuanxi, his indifferent and piercing gaze quickly averted.

Pei Yuanxi was confident in her appearance today. Although the events of the day were not meant for public knowledge, her elders were aware. Madam Shen had taken special care to dress her up, selecting vibrant attire that maintained dignity, exquisite hair accessories that highlighted her status, and a makeup look that was both fresh and charming. She herself had been captivated by her own beauty when she looked into the mirror.

It seemed that neither of them was enchanted by the other's appearance.

Excellent.

She stood up to pay her respects, catching his eye for a brief moment.

Upon his arrival, Shangxing's delight was evident. The young man, dressed in casual attire, wore a headscarf to conceal his short hair. His handsome and youthful face lit up with joy.

It seemed that only Shangxing was genuinely enjoying this meal.

The atmosphere resembled a matchmaking banquet, yet the matchmaker appeared more enthusiastic than the potential couple.

Pei Yuanxi appreciated the selection of dishes, but with Gongye Chu present, she refrained from indulging. Clearly, Gongye Chu did not favor the southern cuisine, as his chopsticks only reached for the few dishes from the Eastern Capital in front of him.

Thoughtful as always, Shangxing had arranged the southern dishes before Pei Yuanxi and the Eastern Capital delicacies before Gongye Chu. Seated between them, he first served dishes to Pei Yuanxi and then to Gongye Chu.

As he served the dishes, his delight was palpable, as if he were performing a sacred ritual with utmost devotion. Not only did Pei Yuanxi notice, even Gongye Chu gave him a meaningful glance.

This was the moment he had yearned for.

He was having a meal with his parents, their family reunited. As a son, he first showed respect to his birth mother, then to his father who had raised him. He had imagined this scene countless times, yet never in his dreams had it been so perfect – how could he not be overwhelmed with emotion to the point of tears?

"Let's eat, we're having our meal."

Father eats, Mother eats.

He thought to himself, glancing at his mother on his right and then his father on his left, his eyebrows radiating joy. "Today is my birthday, and I'm so happy you're both here with me."

Pei Yuanxi was surprised; she had no prior knowledge and thus hadn't prepared a gift. She looked at Gongye Chu, whose expression betrayed no surprise – he must have known beforehand, but why hadn't he prepared a birthday present?

She vaguely recalled that the Emperor's birthday wasn't at this time.

"I didn't know... I didn't prepare a gift."

"There's no need," Shangxing clasped his hands together. "Your company during this meal is the best gift already." He spoke with sincerity. "I wish for many more years like this, with the three of us always together."

What kind of wish is this?

So simple, yet so peculiar.

She had imagined the most plausible scenario to be that she would eventually marry Gongye Chu and treat Shangxing as a nephew. That was why Shangxing felt close to Gongye Chu and also to her.

Was it truly as straightforward as that?

Why did it feel somewhat forced?

This wish was not simple for Shangxing. He wished to spend every day with his parents and have their presence on his birthday each year. To others, this might seem like a trivial matter, but for him, it was too much to ask.

Pei Yuanxi's gaze accidentally met Gongye Chu's, and she startled, quickly lowering her head.

It was terrifying.

The Marshal's gaze just now had been intimidating, as if he were scrutinizing her or trying to see through her.

Last night, Gongye Chu had a dream where she no longer just flashed by but was held in his embrace. She wore a forced smile with a pale face while her hand caressed his cheek.

She said, "A Chu, don't be sad. I believe that fate has many turns. Even if we're separated by mountains and rivers, through vast stretches of time, we'll meet again."

In his dream, he seemed to hear the wails of an infant.

He had once heard the Emperor say those words, assuming it was just a symptom of His Majesty's delirium. But after frequently dreaming about her, he had indeed begun to harbor doubts.

Last night's dream was too extraordinary, for when he woke up, he found his face damp with tears.

He had cried.

The version of himself in the dream had cried.

Unable to explain this unusual dream, he started taking the young Emperor's words more seriously. This girl before him... Could she truly become his future wife... the mother of his children?

Throughout the meal, Pei Yuanxi was unaware of what she had eaten. She thought the ordeal would end after the meal, but to her surprise, Shangxing suggested a post-dinner stroll. What was even more bizarre was that the three of them would be strolling together.

It was already past the hour of Wei, and the long street was illuminated by the first glow of lanterns.

Marquis Xuanping, hiding in the shadows, hadn't ventured far. He was deeply worried about his daughter dining alone with the Emperor. When he saw Gongye Chu enter the Four Square Tavern as well, his anxiety reached a peak.

Contemplating the rumors of a love triangle between the monarch and his ministers, he was tempted to rush inside.

After an impatient wait, he finally saw his daughter emerge, only to witness her still in the company of the Emperor. More astonishingly, the Grand Admiral was accompanying them.

Despite the Grand Admiral's towering height and long strides that allowed him to move swiftly, it was evident that the three were traveling together.

In the rear, Pei Yuanxi deliberately kept her distance from Gongye Chu. Engaging Shangxing in conversation, she slowed her pace. Gongye Chu, on the other hand, was naturally quick on his feet and soon left them behind.

Gongye Chu's face was stoic, exuding an icy aura wherever he went.

He slightly turned around, catching a glimpse of the two figures walking and talking. It seemed they were pointing at a candy figurine stall and having a conversation. The girl was speaking while the boy was listening attentively.

Mother and son?

These two words flashed across his mind.

At that moment, Shangxing also noticed him and took Pei Yuanxi's hand, rushing forward. "Hurry, we've fallen behind."

Seeing this scene, Marquis Xuanping was on the verge of rushing over. How could His Majesty behave like this? To hold Yuanxi's hand in public... this... this... what was the meaning of all this?

Pei Yuanxi was pulled along, swiftly catching up to Gongye Chu. Gongye Chu's icy gaze fixated on their entwined hands, his expression profoundly enigmatic. Shangxing promptly released her hand, cheerfully pointing at the nearby clay figurine stall. "Let's get ours made too."

Without waiting for a response, he took Pei Yuanxi's hand in one of his and Gongye Chu's in the other, dashing toward the stall. Marquis Xuanping, hidden in the shadows, was so startled that he covered his eyes. This... This... How reckless! What on earth is His Majesty doing? For two men and a woman to be holding hands like this – what kind of spectacle is that?

He felt that tonight had been filled with too many shocks. That was the Grand Marshal, after all – how could His Majesty indulge in such frivolity?

Shangxing was already engaged in conversation with the clay sculptor, requesting figurines for all three of them. Pei Yuanxi expected Gongye Chu to decline, but to her surprise, he remained silent.

This was utterly perplexing. Her deep, mysterious eyes couldn't fathom the minds of these political manipulators.

The clay sculptor glanced at them more than once. Such handsome young masters and ladies must come from an affluent family. It was just that the father figure seemed too stern.

"Sir, your son and daughter are truly born with exceptional grace."

Upon hearing this, Shangxing's handsome face was filled with astonishment.

Realization dawned on her, and her youthful face flushed bright red with embarrassment.

Gongye Chu's cold gaze was piercing, his expression hard as flint. Pei Yuanxi felt it was best to pretend she hadn't heard him. She diverted her gaze, appearing distracted and lost in thought, as if drawn by some trinkets being sold nearby.

Bowing slightly, Shangxing whispered to the clay figurine maker, "We are a family of three. You'd better not get it wrong, or my father will be upset."

The clay sculptor's face paled, and he quickly cast a glance at Pei Yuanxi. He realized in his heart that she was the second wife, which explained why she was around the same age as her stepson. However, judging from her hairstyle, she still seemed like an unmarried maiden. Could it be that she hadn't yet entered the household?

He hastily wiped his sweat and nodded, trembling as he resumed shaping the clay. He didn't dare look at Gongye Chu much, for this man was truly intimidating; he felt a chill down his neck whenever their gazes met.

Feeling someone's icy stare wasn't an exclusive experience to the clay sculptor; Marquis Xuanping felt it too.

Marquis Xuanping was certain that the Grand Marshal had already noticed him. Just now, he could feel the Grand Marshal's cold gaze sweeping across the spot where he was hiding several times.

Cold sweat trickled down his back, and his palms were clammy with perspiration.

No wonder he was overthinking; he genuinely feared that his daughter might be drawn into their power struggle as a royal concubine. Throughout history, how many women labeled as femme fatales had ended up with a favorable outcome?

Whether for power or profit, women cast as pawns in such struggles rarely meet a favorable end. His Yuanxi, what could she have done to incur the wrath of this sovereign and his minister?

How could he possibly ensure his daughter's distance from them?

Suddenly, the crowd stirred with excitement, as if something had occurred ahead.

Earlier, while Shangxing was engaged in conversation with the clay figurine maker, they had unknowingly shifted to one side. Meanwhile, Pei Yuanxi had inadvertently found herself standing alongside Gongye Chu.

As she drew closer, Gongye Chu seemed to catch the scent of flowers again.

The fragrance was subtle and refined, with a calming effect that made the bustling crowd and myriad lanterns in the distance appear distant and hazy, yet strangely comforting.

He narrowed his eyes, lost in thought.

Amidst the pressing crowd, Pei Yuanxi felt a jolt as if someone had bumped into her. A large hand reached out to steady her. Feeling the solid strength at her waist, she looked up in surprise at the person who had caught her.

A fleeting annoyance flickered across Gongye Chu's cold gaze. His hand loosened, and she began to fall straight down. Just as she was about to hit the ground, he extended his long leg to hook her, catching her once more.

Still reeling from the shock, she was unsure how to react, her young face filled with confusion.

The clay figurine maker whispered to Shangxing, "I never would have guessed your father has a stern exterior but a soft heart. He truly dotes on your stepmother."

Stepmother?

Shangxing shook his head vigorously, lowering his voice. "She's my birth mother."

The clay figurine artisan gave him a look as if he were joking, eyeing him before inwardly remarking that these young gentlemen from wealthy families surely had a sense of humor. How could such a young maiden be his birth mother?

Over there, Gongye Chu released Pei Yuanxi once she regained her balance. She looked around blankly, though her heart was far from calm. She found the Grand Marshal exceptionally peculiar today; something was off about him from head to toe.

With the clay figure finished, Shangxing held it up.

"Look, don't we resemble each other?"

In truth, they didn't look much alike, but Yuanxi forced herself to agree for his sake.

Delighted, Shangxing carefully put it away, not intending to give it to anyone else.

"It seems quite lively up ahead. Let's go have a look."

Indeed, something had happened where the crowd was gathering. A vendor selling fried pancakes had grabbed a man, claiming that he hadn't paid for his purchase. The man, however, looked genuinely wronged and insisted he had given two copper coins.

One said there was no payment, while the other insisted on its existence. The dispute continued unresolved.

The onlookers formed a tight circle around them. Some supported the vendor, while others took the side of the man. The vendor appeared shrewd, while the man seemed honest and simple.

It was only a matter of two copper coins, and some in the crowd believed the man couldn't possibly be trying to cheat.

The pancake seller was furious. He claimed that this man had asked for a pancake, taken a bite, then left without paying. For him, even two copper coins counted as a loss.

Shangxing furrowed his brow, glancing alternately at Pei Yuanxi and Gongye Chu. This scene seemed strangely familiar.

At that moment, a woman in white, wearing a veil, emerged from the crowd. She threw two copper coins to the vendor and said, "Everyone has their unlucky days. This gentleman surely didn't mean to swindle you. He must have been desperately hungry."

Upon hearing her words, the honest man burst into tears, kneeling before the woman in white and vowing to repay her kindness.

Seeing this, Shangxing finally realized where he had heard this story before. It was the tale of how his father and mother first met, as told by Uncle Liu. Apparently, this incident was what drew his father's attention to his mother.

With a furrowed brow, he directed a look of disdain towards the woman in white.

This person is... Miss Chen from that family.

No wonder.