Chapter 338: New Year's Celebration
Gu Jinzhao didn’t ask him anything.
Since he hadn’t mentioned it, it meant he didn’t want her to know. She wouldn’t pry.
After a while, she had a maid fetch some gauze and applied medicine to Third Master Chen’s wound.
“When you were injured by an arrow before, I also dressed your wound,” Gu Jinzhao said with a smile. “Practice makes perfect, I suppose.”
“Changsuo really liked the crystal cakes made in the small kitchen today. He ate two extra pieces until his little belly was round. I was afraid he wouldn’t be able to digest them, so I told him not to eat more. He seemed to understand and didn’t fuss for more… His new cloth shoes were made by Madam Yu, with a tiger head embroidered on them. He keeps pulling them off to play with them—they were meant to be worn, but he treats them like toys…” Gu Jinzhao continued, smiling.
The wound was quickly bandaged. As she tried to withdraw her hand, Third Master Chen held it tightly.
Didn’t his wound hurt?
Gu Jinzhao looked at him, and Third Master Chen smiled as well. “Keep talking. I like listening to you.”
Her chatter wasn’t tedious at all. He found it soothing.
But Gu Jinzhao didn’t have many amusing things to share. After a moment’s thought, she brought up Zhang Julian. “...These Buddhist beads were carefully planned—Fourth Master Chen alone couldn’t have arranged this. Given the current tension between you and Lord Zhang, what do you plan to do?”
She needed to know. Though events had already diverged from her past experiences, some of what she knew might still be useful.
Third Master Chen withdrew his injured hand, testing its movement. Fortunately, the tendons and bones were unharmed.
“Zhang Julian’s influence runs deep. Petty crimes like embezzlement and shielding wrongdoers won’t shake his foundation. Do you know what, throughout history, has most effectively tarnished the reputation of a powerful minister and turned his allies against him?”
Gu Jinzhao suddenly thought of Marquis Changxing’s fate.
In her past life, hadn’t Marquis Changxing also held immense power, commanding the Iron Cavalry Battalion and the authority to mobilize troops from the Central Military Command? Zhang Julian and Prince Rui had joined forces to falsely accuse him of rebellion. Once he was executed, his faction collapsed—no trace remained of the once-renowned general.
“...Are you referring to rebellion?”
Third Master Chen smiled faintly. “Exactly. Only if Zhang Julian rebels can we justifiably remove him.”
In her past life, Zhang Julian had controlled the court for years. Only after his death did Zhu Junan find room to breathe. Zhang Julian was an exceptionally shrewd man—no, calling him shrewd was an understatement. He possessed profound political acumen.
At his level of power, who wouldn’t covet the imperial throne? Yet Zhang Julian had never attempted treason.
Without royal blood, seizing the throne would be nearly impossible unless chaos engulfed the land. The belief in imperial legitimacy ran deep. Anyone who sought to overthrow the royal lineage and claim the throne would be defying heaven itself.
The wiser path was to control the emperor as a regent. Though he wouldn’t wear the dragon robes, he would effectively reign supreme. Besides, Zhu Junan had been obedient, biding his time until Zhang Julian’s death before acting. Thus, Zhang Julian had never considered rebellion.
If she could deduce this, Third Master Chen certainly could as well.
Gu Jinzhao asked, “...But I don’t see any signs that Zhang Julian intends to rebel. What then?”"If he won't rebel, then we'll force him to." Third Master Chen still smiled, but his tone turned cold.
He had already shown utmost benevolence.
Since Zhang Ju Lian had treated him this way, it would be ungrateful not to retaliate.
Now that the time had come, it was a matter of who would prevail. He had never been pushed to such an extent before. Perhaps Zhang Ju Lian still thought him mild and obedient, unaware of how terrifying things could become when a man was driven to his limit.
...
Not many days later, Second Master Chen returned from Shaanxi. The Imperial Academy had also dismissed for the term.
Upon hearing that his mother had fallen ill, Second Master Chen was deeply concerned. He didn’t even change his clothes upon returning and went straight to see Madam Chen.
Having been raised by Madam Chen, he naturally cherished her kindness the most.
When he learned of Fourth Master Chen’s situation, he was greatly shocked. As soon as Third Master Chen returned from court, he sought him out to discuss matters.
Gu Jinzhao didn’t know what the two had talked about.
She had spent most of the day preparing for the New Year’s kitchen god offerings before finally finding time to visit Madam Chen. Madam Chen wasn’t lonely—several great-grandchildren and daughters-in-law kept her company all day, chatting and making Chinese knots. Gu Jinzhao only glanced at them before being called away again by someone from the outer courtyard’s Affairs Office.
Madam Chen had a maid give her a handful of Winter Melon Candy to snack on along the way.
Gu Jinzhao wrapped the candies in a handkerchief, somewhat amused and exasperated.
She didn’t even like sweets, let alone the cloying sweetness of Winter Melon Candy.
As she stepped out of Half Bamboo Bank, she spotted a tall, slender figure in the distance.
For a moment, she thought she was mistaken—Chen Xuanqing had returned!
The maids and elderly servants around her all stopped to greet him. As he approached, Gu Jinzhao could see him clearly—dressed in a dark blue round-collared official robe with a right lapel, his complexion slightly darker than before, and seemingly more mature. He gazed at her for a long moment before lowering his head and bowing in greeting.
"It’s been a year, Mother. I hope you’ve been well?" He paused. "Wanxue wrote to say you’ve given me a younger brother. How is he?"
Seeing his composed demeanor, Gu Jinzhao felt at ease and replied, "We’re both well. But why have you returned without any notice?"
Chen Xuanqing smiled faintly. He had always been exceptionally handsome, but now he carried an air of quiet steadiness.
"Giving notice would only cause unnecessary trouble and expense."
Gu Jinzhao couldn’t help but smile, unsure of what else to say. She could only make small talk. "How has your tenure as the magistrate of Suining County been?"
Chen Xuanqing replied calmly, "Not particularly well. Suining suffers frequent floods and droughts. When I arrived this summer, it was during a flood. Seeing so many people displaced made me realize my own inadequacy. I used to think scholarly achievements were the pinnacle of success, but now I see how shallow I was."
After speaking, he made no move to leave, standing quietly as if waiting for her to continue.
Gu Jinzhao was at even more of a loss for words.
After a long pause, she finally said, "...Natural disasters are unavoidable. You’ve done your best. When I was young, Baodi also suffered floods. The Ji family opened their granaries to aid the people, setting up porridge kitchens outside the city for over a month. Though it couldn’t save everyone, it was still an act of virtue."Chen Xuanqing gave a bitter smile. "Whether I tried my best or not, I don't even know myself. But I truly didn't sleep well those two months." Only then did he turn sideways. "Mother must have matters to attend to? You should go ahead then. I need to visit Grandmother as well."
Gu Jinzhao finally relaxed and added, "Wanxue is inside too. Have a good talk with her. She'll surely be delighted to see you back."
Chen Xuanqing no longer harbored the reckless emotions of a year ago. Having witnessed too much, he no longer felt his own significance.
He merely replied, "I know."
Though his face betrayed no emotion, his tone was cold.
Gu Jinzhao understood in her heart—forgetting someone wasn't so easy. It had taken her half a lifetime to forget Chen Xuanqing, and if not for those final absurdities, she might never have awakened to the truth. These were things he would have to come to terms with on his own.
She lingered no longer and stepped out toward the outer courtyard, followed by her maids and servants.
...
Upon hearing of Chen Xuanqing's return, Madam Chen was naturally overjoyed. She held his hand, examining him left and right, fearing he had suffered. Knowing her eldest grandson had endured hardships this past year, she called Yu Wanxue over and instructed, "...Make sure to nourish him well with his meals—fish and meat mustn't be lacking. Look how thin he's become! When he left, he was the Third Scholar, and now he's nearly turned into a beggar!"
The room erupted in laughter.
Second Master Chen and Third Master Chen happened to arrive after concluding their discussion. Second Master Chen remarked, "Don't spoil Xuanqing too much!"
"How could he be spoiled? Look how sharp his chin has become from thinness," Madam Chen said, still heartbroken.
Seeing his father approach, Chen Xuanqing naturally paid his respects.
Third Master Chen glanced at him and nodded calmly. "You're back."
Chen Xuanqing said, "There are some matters I'd like to consult you about, Father. When might you have time?"
Third Master Chen pondered briefly. "Regarding what?"
"River dredging and embankment repairs. I've read several books but still don't understand."
Third Master Chen thought for a moment. "There have been floods in Suning this year. You don't need to search in books or ask me. The local county records should have documentation—see how they handled repairs in previous years. Then find some experienced craftsmen to help you locate the spots for piling. That should resolve most issues."
Chen Xuanqing listened thoughtfully and nodded slowly in agreement.
Madam Chen, however, shook her head with a smile. "You've only just returned, and already you're consulting your father about such matters! Tonight, we'll hold a banquet here—the women will dine in the side chamber. Second Daughter-in-law, go and make the arrangements." She was rarely this happy.
It was a pity Chen Si wasn't here... Seeing Wang Shi's despondent expression, Madam Chen still felt somewhat unsettled.
Unwilling to dwell on it, she turned back to Chen Xuanqing. "Your mother has given you a younger brother. He'll be brought over shortly for you to see—plump and fair, utterly adorable."
Chen Xuanqing instinctively glanced at his father, who was quietly conversing with Second Uncle, occasionally laughing as if he hadn't heard.
He nodded in acknowledgment.
Yu Wanxue sat with Madam Shen, watching Chen Xuanqing from afar.
She felt somewhat lost, as though he were an unruly kite—either unable to take flight or impossible to hold onto.
True to her word, Gu Jinzhao soon arrived, carrying Changsuo.Changsuo stretched out his arms, wanting Third Master Chen to hold him. Once in his father's embrace, he clung tightly to his neck, babbling indistinctly, "Daddy, daddy." Third Master Chen indulged his youngest son, holding the child and feeding him Winter Melon Candy.
Chen Xuanqing recalled his own childhood—when he had first learned to speak, his first word had been "father." He had never used such an affectionate term.
Once he had his candy, Changsuo no longer clung to his father. He was a cheerful child, happy to be held and kissed on the cheek by anyone. After being passed around several times, Madam Chen finally asked Chen Xuanqing if he wanted to hold the boy. He hesitated before extending his arms.
His little brother giggled in his embrace, completely at ease. But Chen Xuanqing had never held a child before, and his limbs stiffened awkwardly.
OpenNovel