Chapter 71: He’s Here

Chapter 71: He's Here

In this state, she bore no resemblance to her usual composed self. Instead, she resembled her previous foolish self, lost and vulnerable like a child wandering astray.

"Have you become foolish again?"

She looked at him, her cheeks flushed and tears still on her face. "You're the foolish one."

He released her, relieved that she wasn't actually foolish.

Every word she spoke to the emperor had been crystal clear to him. She said they were different from how the emperor perceived them, and perhaps the emperor knew versions of them that weren't truly them.

He found her words plausible, for he couldn't reconcile the woman in his dreams with the one standing before him. It was also difficult for him to accept that he might transform into the man of his dreams.

As he gazed at her, it felt as if something was piercing into his heart bit by bit.

Suddenly, snowflakes began to float down from the night sky, gently scattering like white petals. The snowflakes were enormous, settling softly on their heads and shoulders like delicate white blossoms.

Before them lay Zhengde Hall, and behind them, Ren'an Palace. The only things in sight were the cold palace walls and magnificent halls, with not a single blade of grass on the pristine, clean road.

The silent night was as cold as ice, and the entire Tai Ling Palace seemed like an uninhabited ghost town. The palace attendants and eunuchs kept their distance, leaving the vast imperial compound with an eerie sense of emptiness, as if it were just the two of them. They had no blood ties to the royal family, yet their presence created an illusion that they were the true rulers of Tai Ling Palace.

"I'll escort you back," he offered.

"No need."

She couldn't return just yet. Having wounded the child's heart, she might not be able to forgive herself if she did nothing tonight.

Despite never having been a parent or experienced the role of a senior figure, fate had somehow bestowed upon her a teenage son. He had been well-raised, kind, and emotionally attuned, bearing no resemblance to a child from an imperial family. He always put her first, eager to present her with the world's finest treasures.

And what about her?

She turned towards Zhengde Hall, counting her steps subconsciously along the way. One, two, three... By the time she reached the two-thousandth step, Zhengde Hall loomed before her.

"Where do you come from?" Gongye Chu inquired as she was about to enter.

Having followed her silently, Gongye Chu suddenly found himself curious about her past.

The emperor had mentioned that he believed in her story of coming from another era because her experiences were equally extraordinary. Before this, he hadn't been overly concerned about who she was or where she came from.

She paused, supporting herself on the door frame with one hand. "There, a woman could ask for a divorce at any time if she didn't wish to continue living with a man. And we women could earn money and support our families just like men, becoming the heads of our households."

That explained why she was so different. There was such a place.

He watched her slender figure disappear behind the doors of Zhengde Hall, blending into the darkness of the night. The snowfall intensified, flakes swirling through the air, casting an ashen hue over the landscape in the moonless night.

Inside Zhengde Hall, Shangxing was still awake. The young man sat alone in the inner chamber, lost in melancholic thoughts.

The attending eunuch announced that Second Miss Pei had arrived, and he promptly wiped away his tears, forcing a smile. His curved eyebrows and bright eyes still glistened with a hint of moisture.

Seeing the smile on his face, Pei Yuanxi felt an inexplicable sense of suffocation growing within her. She would rather he was still angry, would rather he stubbornly refused to see her, than witness him forcing a smile for her sake.

"Forgive me, forgive me." She sobbed, "It was my fault. I shouldn't have spoken those words."

"Mother, you haven't wronged me... I know what you said is actually true." Tears welled up in his eyes once more. "I'm not angry with you; I just suddenly miss Father..."

The young lad bowed his head and wept, as if feeling abandoned by the world.

Pei Yuanxi approached gently and embraced him softly.

He wept aloud, "I miss Father so much, I miss him... I really do miss him..."

The youth sobbed, his grief suppressed, each sound echoing in the ears of the man who stood statue-like outside the hall. The man remained still and silent, snowflakes settling on his head and shoulders, layering him with a veil of white frost.

In the vast expanse of heaven and earth, humanity seems like an endless sea, stretching beyond boundaries. Yet, the world can also be so small that even the closest kin would traverse epochs just to find their loved ones. He remembered those countless nights after the annihilation of the Gongye family; even as a young child, he had cried himself awake in the dead of night.

He recalled the child he had rescued from the Jade Clear Pond, who clung to him relentlessly. That was his son, though he was unaware of it at the time. Listening to the yearning words coming from within, his eyes had unknowingly grown moist.

How many years had it been since he last shed a tear or wore a smile?

If the version of myself many years later truly has someone they deeply love, perhaps they would indeed be as gentle and unassuming as in that dream. So, would that version of me from many years hence change significantly because of my spouse and children?

The weeping grew softer, and he heard a woman's gentle voice soothing someone, using endearments like "you're the most obedient, you're the most sensible, you're the best." Then he heard a young boy pouting, asking her to tell a story, and she did. The story was filled with innocence and wonder, and her voice was soft and tender, just as it had been in his dreams.

Thus, she would transform into the captivating and gentle woman from her dreams, whose every glance and word exuded charm and warmth.

The snowfall intensified. When the sound of the young lad's joyous laughter echoed from within, he felt an immense sense of relief. The tall figure departed, moving with a casual grace as if the entire Tai Ling Palace were merely a garden he frequented.

The Commander's Manor, situated closest to Tai Ling Palace, was originally an old residence of the Dongshan Mansion in the capital. Although the Dongshan Mansion met its tragic end with the extermination of its clan, the late emperor had, at least, shown a semblance of decency. This manor was neither bestowed upon other ministers nor granted to any imperial prince or king.

Like the Tai Ling Palace, the Governor's Mansion was equally devoid of life.

The vast mansion was cold and desolate, as if it had been vacant for many years. He moved like a night breeze, swiftly vanishing as he traversed more than half of the governor's residence, returning to his own quarters.

The elongated night seems destined to be another sleepless one.

Scenes of dining in Ren'an Palace flashed before his eyes; how many years had it been since he last shared a meal with his loved ones? Those cherished memories, now distant, have transformed the once-beloved faces into grotesque visages haunting his nightmares.

The faint crimson of spilled blood faded, and in his ears echoed the strangled voice of the young man: I miss him so much... I really miss him...

He was that "him", the same person yet utterly unlike himself. A man who loved his wife with his life, who had raised his son with his own hands.

What kind of man could such a person be?

It seemed like a dream, yet not quite one. He felt as if he had transformed into that man, experiencing everything that "he" had gone through, feeling "his" joys and sorrows.

Two hours passed, and he remained lost in that dream.

Two hours passed, yet he remained unconscious.

Three hours elapsed...

Four hours went by...

Liu Ze, standing guard outside like a wooden post, couldn't help but intermittently furrow his brows in confusion as he gazed at the tightly shut door. The sky had already brightened; why hadn't his master arisen?

This was an unprecedented occurrence.

With the time for the imperial audience long past, there was still no movement from within. His lord had never missed an early morning court session, let alone slept in as he had today.

After much hesitation, he was about to brazenly enter, risking the crime of disobedience, when Gongye Chu emerged from the room. The familiar sharp aura was now more profound and restrained, and his cold expression seemed to hint at a subtle thawing, as if ice was melting.

Gongye Chu glanced at him, his gaze landing on the hem of his sleeve. "It's time you took a wife."

Despite the passing years, he remained alone.

He lifted his hand in confusion, noticing for the first time that his sleeve was worn and slightly frayed. He silently acknowledged that, preoccupied with recent events, he had forgotten to have the garment mended by the seamstress. Little did he expect that Lord Gongye would notice such a detail, but what did this have to do with his marital status?

Hasn't His Excellency not taken a wife yet?

Today, His Excellency seems somewhat different from before.

Gongye Chu moved hastily as if he was eager to meet someone. Upon reaching the Jinhua Gate, he paused. To his left lay the imperial harem, and to his right stood the Qinghe Hall.

Liu Ze stood not far behind him, once again puzzled by his behavior. What was His Excellency hesitating about? Could it be that he felt embarrassed for being late to his first court session?

Or... did His Excellency intend to visit Second Miss Pei in the inner palace first?

Rumors had it that the Emperor had taken Second Miss Pei as his foster mother, a ploy aimed at ensnaring His Excellency with beauty. For Gongye Chu to hesitate, could it be that he truly had feelings for Second Miss Pei?

Otherwise, why would His Excellency suddenly mention the matter of marrying?

For a moment, Liu Ze was lost in speculative confusion. Fortunately, as a loyal subordinate, he followed his master's lead and kept his emotions concealed, much like his superior.

A palace attendant rushed over from the Qinghe Hall, kneeling before Gongye Chu to report. The Emperor, it seemed, had flown into a rage this morning during court when someone brought up again that it was inappropriate for Second Miss Pei to reside in the Ren'an Palace.

Gongye Chu knitted his brows, heading for the Qinghe Hall without a word.

Even before entering the hall, they could hear Shangxing's voice, filled with fury.

"I am the Son of Heaven, yet even my filial intentions are subject to your incessant criticism. You meddle when I acknowledge an adoptive mother, and when I invite her to stay in the palace for a few days! In the future, you will surely question whether I should establish a queen or take concubines, and who should hold those positions. Throughout history, under the watchful eyes of ministers like yourselves, emperors were monitored on which palace they rested, what they ate, and what they did. Such a position is truly unfulfilling."

"Your Majesty, please listen to the people outside the palace walls..." Lord Liu, an elderly official, dared to speak his mind, undeterred by the risk.

"Silence!" Shangxing bellowed, rising from his dragon throne. "If you're so dissatisfied with my rule, then perhaps you should sit on this throne!"

Despite his youth and lack of actual power, he was still the Supreme Ruler.

The emperor's wrath caused all the civil and military officials to kneel on the ground.

Anger adorned Shangxing's immature face. "You monitor every move I make, but do I dictate yours? The Son of Heaven has less freedom than you officials. What use is this imperial throne to me? If any of you dare to submit memorials about this matter again, then any action in your households, be it marriage, daily necessities, or even the simplest matters, will require my permission. Otherwise, I'll punish you for deceiving the emperor!"

This... This... What kind of deception was he talking about?

The officials exchanged glances, then turned their attention to Gongye Chu, who had just entered.

Gongye Chu didn't look at them; instead, his cold gaze warmed slightly upon seeing Shangxing. The scenes from his dream were vivid in his memory, and he clearly recalled this child's appearance from childhood until now, which was vastly different from the young man standing before him.

The youth saw him and pressed his lips together.

In the young boy's expression, he perceived a blend of reliance and injustice. This child had always worn his heart on his sleeve. When sad, he wept openly; in joy, he laughed heartily; during play, he shouted and leaped with abandon, yet seldom did he display an appearance of vulnerability.

"Your Majesty, our loyalty is unwavering..." Lord Liu expressed his distress with deep sorrow. He had served during the previous emperor's reign, always claiming to be an upright official with neither achievements nor faults. The last time Shangxing exposed his marriage to a young wife in court, it was a great embarrassment to him. Encouraged by his fellow officials this time, he vowed to persist in advising against such matters until the end.

He assumed that by speaking so frankly, even if he lost the favor of His Majesty, he would certainly gain the appreciation of Gongye Chu. At his advanced age, he was willing to risk everything to salvage his reputation, which was on the verge of being compromised.

"What a loyal subject you are." Shangxing pointed at him. "You are advanced in years and have recently taken a young wife. Surely, your energy must be quite drained attending the daily court sessions. As an imperial favor, you are excused from future court appearances. Conserve your strength to delight your new bride."

Lord Liu was taken aback; His Majesty intended to remove him from office.

He was only in his fifties, admittedly on the older side, but not yet at the age of retirement. Historical records were filled with renowned officials who had only retired in their seventies or eighties after accomplishing great feats.

Moreover, he still had ample energy, as evidenced by his ability to father a child with his new wife. How could he be considered old?

"Your Majesty... This servant's loyalty is genuine. The Grand Marshal... Please, speak up for this humble official's justice..."

Gongye Chu replied, "The words of His Majesty are golden and sacred, and it is the duty of a subject to obey."

The officials were filled with suspicion. What did it mean that the Grand Marshal had allowed the Emperor to dismiss Minister Liu? Minister Liu himself was also stunned. The Grand Marshal had always held sway over the government; how could the Emperor make such decisions on his own?

Shangxing felt a sense of triumph. This was, after all, his own father. Would he not side with his son over others? However, while he was indeed his biological father, he was not the father Shangxing was familiar with.

The slight disappointment on the young emperor's face did not escape Gongye Chu's notice, stirring an inexplicable ache in his heart.

This child... He must have suffered greatly these past five years.

"You shall not discuss the Emperor's personal matters in court. As subjects, your first duty is to bring prosperity to the people, and secondly, to alleviate the Emperor's burdens. If you cannot fulfill these responsibilities, what use are you?"

Upon hearing this, not only were the officials astounded, but Shangxing also stared at him in surprise. This father seemed very much like the one from their future. It was as if the man he had seen just yesterday had undergone a great transformation.

Close relations often communicated through unspoken glances and expressions. Though their appearances had changed, the bond of dependence between father and son ran deep within their veins.

The young emperor, agitated, struggled to control his emotions.

Gongye Chu dismissed the court, leading the way out of the Qinghe Hall. The young emperor followed closely behind, and the two made their way to the imperial palace.

The officials filed out, catching a distant glimpse of their figures. They couldn't hear what they were saying, but they saw the usually stern Grand Marshal gently ruffling the short hair of the young emperor.

Some thought they were seeing things and rubbed their eyes desperately.

Lord Zhang felt his body go limp as he repeatedly massaged his eyes, repeatedly reassuring himself that it must be an illusion; the Grand Admiral could not possibly be treating the Emperor with the same familiarity as a nephew or cousin.

It had to be for show.

As he pondered this, he saw a young lady emerge from the gate leading to the harem from the Qinghe Hall. She was wrapped in a silver-red cloak, and even without a clear view of her face, one could tell she was none other than Second Miss Pei, the guest residing in the Ren'an Palace.

The trio seemed to stand still for a moment, before Gongye Chu slowly approached the maiden. Under the astonished gazes of all, Gongye Chu embraced the girl.

Lord Zhang staggered and leaned on a colleague for support.

The Grand Admiral... He had fallen for a beauty trap!

Marquis Xuanping stood there, dumbfounded, unable to comprehend what was happening. The person in the Grand Admiral's arms was Yuanxi—how could that be? While rumors outside suggested that the Emperor had taken Yuanxi as a foster mother to win over the Grand Admiral, using a beauty trap against him, he did not believe a word of it.

Putting aside the Grand Admiral's character, such a ruthless man would never fall for a mere beauty trap. Besides, his Yuanxi was not that kind of person; she would never attempt to seduce the Grand Admiral in such a way.

But what was happening before his eyes? How could the Grand Admiral openly embrace Yuanxi in public?

General Hong closed his wide-open mouth and nudged him with his elbow. "Marquis Pei, you're about to rise to greatness!"

Only then did he regain his composure, muttering, "Did I just see things?"

"No, we all saw it. The Grand Commander is smitten with your daughter. It won't be long before he comes to propose marriage. Then you'll be the father-in-law of the Grand Commander, and no one in the entire Eastern Capital City will dare to treat you with disrespect." General Hong's words held a deeper meaning, as they had both been recently isolated by others, who looked at them as if they were about to suffer a great misfortune.

With this move by the Grand Commander, those people must be dumbfounded now.

The thought made him delighted, and he burst into an exaggerated grin.

Everyone looked at him, then at the still-dazed Marquis Xuanping, their expressions a mix of envy and subtle complexity.

He turned to look disdainfully at the prostrated Minister Zhang, laughing heartily without any restraint. His laughter carried a hint of triumph, a sense of relief, and a touch of sarcasm.

"Minister Zhang, what's wrong with you? Aren't you happy for Marquis Pei?"

How could Minister Zhang possibly be happy? He had already severed ties with Marquis Xuanping, even going so far as to openly criticize him. He was one of those who had recently submitted memorials to impeach, and he never imagined that the Grand Commander would fall for such a trap, let alone a crude ploy involving beauty.

He forced a smile that looked more like a grimace. "Congratulations, Marquis Pei."

Marquis Xuanping gazed at the entwined couple in the distance, his thoughts in disarray.

Pei Yuanxi was also far from comfortable, nearly suffocating in Gongye Chu's embrace. She had been dozing in Ren'an Palace when she half-awakened to hear Chunyue conversing with someone.

Chunyue had become increasingly cautious in her actions, aware that her young lady's residence in Ren'an Palace aroused envy. As such, she sought to forge alliances with other palace maidens and eunuchs.

Upon overhearing someone speaking ill of her young lady once more, Chunyue grew furious.

Pei Yuanxi, having overheard the conversation in the inner chamber, instructed Chunyue to assist her in dressing and grooming. Initially, she merely intended to go out and greet her son; she never expected things to escalate in such a manner.

Just now, she had seen it clearly – Gongye Chu's gaze towards her was different.

It was a look she had never encountered before, filled with deep emotion and nostalgia. He gazed at her face, and the usually aloof man suddenly wore an expression of ecstatic yet restrained joy.

She also saw the same uncontrollable delight on her son's face, his eyes brimming with happiness.

Without any prior warning, this man suddenly approached and embraced her tightly. He said not a word, but his arms held her as if she were a precious treasure that had been lost and found again.

What on earth was going on with these two men?

Puzzled and astonished, she was utterly clueless about the situation they found themselves in. Then, a sudden realization dawned upon her through her son's ecstatic gaze, leaving her utterly expressionless with shock.

Someone who could bring such joy to Chong'er... someone who could look at her with such profound affection... surely could not be the Gongye Chu she knew. Could it be that the Gongye Chu from many years later...

He had also come?