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Emperor Jing smiled wryly, noting that Gu Qingning's temperament bore some resemblance to the late Lady Zhongyuan, Shi Min. On the surface, she appeared composed, but in reality, she had a hint of girlish petulance. He recalled the long-forgotten Consort Chen, the woman he cherished, who had known Lady Zhongyuan since childhood; they were close friends from their youth. If their second child had still been alive, he would have been the same age as Gu Wanning this year. In that moment, he seemed to see the shadow of Consort Chen reflected in Gu Wanning.
The Emperor turned his gaze towards Gu Wanning, and in his usually stern eyes, a flicker of tenderness emerged. Gu Qingning looked back at him, remembering the night she had spoken with Gu Changqing about Pei Zhijing. The Emperor could not even protect his own lover; how could he safeguard the child he shared with his beloved?
The poison within Pei Zhijing was not of his doing, yet it was something he had allowed to fester. For the sake of his insatiable ambition for the throne, he had even schemed against his own son. This time, he had gone even further, plotting against Gu Wanning as well. Gu Qingning found this utterly intolerable. It was always the soft targets that he chose to bully; enough was enough.
With a look of impatience on her face, Gu Qingning pondered the true purpose of the Emperor's visit. Gu Wanning remained quietly seated as the Emperor held his silence. The only one at the table who seemed unfazed by the tension was Old Chen, who leisurely enjoyed his pear blossom wine and savored the fragrant marinated goose despite the watchful eyes around him.
An inexplicable tension hung in the air like gunpowder, causing the attendants nearby to lower their heads and remain silent for a long while. Finally, Old Chen discarded the last piece of bone from his meal, wiped his hands, and broke the silence. "Miss Bai Zhi's culinary skills are quite impressive; let’s continue tomorrow."
The sudden exclamation startled Bai Zhi, causing her to pause before finally responding. She thought to herself how astonishing it was that this old man—whom the princess had picked up—could eat so much; it nearly frightened her.
"Find me a room to rest," Old Chen added before anyone could react. Since he had promised to help his apprentice's sister with her eyesight, it was only natural that he should conserve his energy and rest well.
Old Chen glanced at Gu Wanning and advised her gently, "You must not stay up late. Resting well will benefit your eye treatment." His earlier silence had been due to the fact that everything the Emperor said was mere nonsense.
However, he did not care; he only cared about his patients. He was concerned about whether he could have the fermented goose tomorrow and whether he could drink the pear blossom wine. Other matters were of no concern to him.
Gu Wan Ning obediently responded with a "yes," and then Hong Ling led Elder Chen down to rest. Bai Zhi cautiously glanced at Gu Qing Ning, who nodded in acknowledgment. Only then did she step forward to begin clearing the leftover food from the table. She needed to prepare for the fermented goose tomorrow and also required some rest.
Xiang Ling supported Gu Wan Ning into the room, leaving only Emperor Jing, Gu Qing Ning, and Zhou in the courtyard. Zhou glanced at Gu Qing Ning and stepped forward to remind the Emperor, "Your Majesty, it’s getting late; perhaps we should take our leave."
Emperor Jing ignored Zhou and said to Gu Qing Ning, "Once Jing Er returns from the border, I will declare him Crown Prince."
Gu Qing Ning's body trembled slightly as she looked at Emperor Jing in disbelief. Her husband had never considered taking that position; it was better for His Majesty to leave it for someone else.
Gu Qing Ning immediately brushed aside Emperor Jing's goodwill. Everyone was vying for that position, which she found utterly unappealing. Moreover, Pei Zhi Jing did not desire it.
Emperor Jing felt a bit embarrassed in that moment. He felt guilty towards Pei Zhi Jing and naturally chose not to say much more.
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