Sea of No Return

The mаttеr wаs thus sеttlеd. Wanwan fulfilled hеr drеam of bеcoming а mоthеr, аnd Lаn Zhоu achiеved his long-held wish.

While the identitу оf the сhild's birth mothеr соuld nоt be аltеrеd, thе сhangе in his official rеgistrаtion wаs a significant еvent that rеquired notifуing thе сlаn аnd infоrming еveryоnе. Lan Zhоu реrformеd the thrее kneelings аnd ninе kowtоws ceremоny for Wanwаn in thе Аncеstral Hall, witnеssеd bу the еntirе Yuwеn Сlаn. Frоm that dау forwаrd, he bеcamе the lеgitimаtе son оf Рrinсеss Chang, a trаnsformation that brought аbout a dramаtic shift in his status. Nоt onlу wаs he rеcorded in the Yuwen Clan's genealogy, but he also secured a place in the Murong Clan's Jade Register.

It was only natural for people to weigh the distinctions between blood relations and nominal ones. However, if Princess Chang remained childless, Lan Zhou would be treated as the legitimate heir in all respects, leaving Lanting unable to ever rival him again.

The onlookers sensed the complex implications of this change. After the grand ceremony concluded and the crowd dispersed from the Ancestral Hall, the womenfolk—akin to what Beijingers call "aunts and cousins"—gathered to gossip endlessly. Behind closed doors, they whispered among themselves, "Has Princess Chang lost her senses? By agreeing so easily now, what will she do if she bears a son of her own in the future? In terms of seniority, her own son would rank behind the eldest. She’ll surely regret it sooner or later."

Others saw no issue, remarking, "Even ten fingers vary in length. The Princely Mansion doesn’t strictly adhere to birth order; in the future, the most capable will take precedence. Besides, as long as Princess Chang is alive, how could succession bypass her line and pass to a son born of a concubine? No matter how clever Lan Zhou may be, his bloodline cannot be changed. All this talk is merely for appearances—everyone knows the truth behind it!"

The crowd sighed in sympathy. "That Princess is truly pitiable. She couldn’t keep her own son, losing him in a miscarriage at five months—almost like a full-term birth. How devastating to her health! It may not show now, but as she ages, she’ll be plagued with ailments beyond the reach of medicine."

Everyone was aware of the misfortunes that befell this Golden Branch and Jade Leaf, and they sighed endlessly. "In life, one need not seek fame and glory. True contentment lies in quietly enjoying one’s blessings without drawing attention. Take Lan Zhou’s mother, for instance. What was Madam Tala originally? A lowly foot-washing maid serving the Grand Consort! Such an insignificant servant girl rose step by step, attending to the young master and bearing such an accomplished son. Though she herself lacked distinction, her son climbed to great heights. What does a woman strive for in life? Without a son, she seeks a man’s favor; with a son, she pins her hopes on him. She has it all now. When her son prospers in the future, she’ll reap the benefits. Her good fortune lies ahead!"

Yet some dismissed this view. "For now, she’s exiled to a separate estate, and her son has a new mother. She can no longer rely on her son’s status to elevate her own. As long as Princess Chang remains, she’d better stay out of the way."

After these words, the women covered their mouths and chuckled ambiguously. No one could predict the future. A person’s fortunes change unpredictably—today’s toad may become tomorrow’s swan.

Every bit of this gossip reached Lanting’s ears.

His attendant whispered to him, "My lord, look at how the eldest young master has transformed from a dung beetle into a cicada—soaring to the heavens! What shall we do?"

Lanting hummed in response. "What shall we do? Let it be!"

In truth, he disliked overthinking and preferred listening to idle chatter—gossip about this family or that. The dramatic shift in status of his childhood companion didn’t trouble him in the slightest. He ate and slept as usual, his mood entirely undisturbed.But his Hahazizi was more astute than him, expressing concern for his master's future: "There's a mountain between legitimate and illegitimate. The eldest young master will be a proper young lord in the future, while you are the son of a concubine..."

Before he could finish, he was kicked in the backside and sent tumbling face-first into the dirt.

"Damn your grandmother, you're the son of a concubine! I am the legitimate son of the Prince of Nanyuan! Who dares look down on me? I'll scratch his wife's itch!"

Those around him all covered their foreheads, marveling at this uniquely creative and clever punishment. However, the practical issue could not be avoided: originally, both were illegitimate sons, but now they had to be ranked, clearly showing their own master was less favored and a step below the other.

Lanting sniffled, pondered carefully, and in a moment accepted his fate. "Big Brother is indeed closer to the Princess Royal. As for me, I can't forget my own mother. I have a mother, why should I have to acknowledge someone else?"

This was the difference between having a mind and not having one. The eldest young master also had a mother, and his mother was even more clever than Secondary Consort Zhou. She knew how to pave her own way. As for their second young master, he knew which fields had the fattest earthworms and which color willow branches were the most flexible. Aside from these, he was completely ignorant of worldly affairs, which was truly disheartening.

"You should do something too, curry favor with the Princess Royal, at least to be on par with the eldest young master."

Lanting said no. "He's the elder brother, he should naturally be better than me. I'll stay behind him, that's fine with me. I just think about how to bring my mother back. She's been sent to Songjiang Prefecture for nearly three years now. Every time I want to see her, I have to travel such a long way. I find it troublesome."

Although his mother was a very open-minded person and lived quite prosperously in Songjiang, a son's heart always held the wish that his father and mother should be together—that was only natural. If the Princess Royal wanted to be happy and sent everyone away, what about his mother's happiness? He felt his mother had come earlier than her; everything should follow the principle of first come, first served. Whom she wanted to acknowledge as a son was her business. He just wanted to bring his mother back. This request, even if judged by the Kitchen God, wouldn't be excessive.

Wanwan naturally also spoke to Liangshi about Lanting's situation. Afterward, upon reflection, she felt quite regretful.

"I think I made a mistake. How could I only think of Lan Zhou and forget about Brother Ting? Will the child think I'm biased? Will he hold a grudge against me?"Liangshi was trimming his bonsai, carefully weighing each leaf and branch with a seriousness no less than that of painting. Hearing her words, he smiled: "Others might be different, but you don't need to worry so much about Lanting. That child has always been broad-minded since he was young. Sometimes I find him lacking in ambition, but from his perspective, his every word and action comes from his nature, and he lives quite freely. There's a saying that goes well: 'A person's heart, filled with many desires, becomes narrow; with few desires, it becomes broad.' Lanting has no grand ambitions, and in terms of fortune, he might even be better off than Lan Zhou. Actually, before the ceremony, I also sounded him out, but seeing how muddle-headed he was, I didn't press further. After all, the relationship between him and his mother is different from that between Lan Zhou and his. Back then, when the old lady took the child away, she made it clear that no one was to visit casually. Madam Tala is broad-minded, but she dared not overstep, following the Imperial Concubine's words exactly. As for Madam Zhou, she doesn't follow the rules, shamelessly sneaking into the Imperial Concubine's courtyard every day. So she had many opportunities to interact with Lanting, and Lanting's careless temperament comes from her. Asking him to call someone else 'mother' would probably be something he'd resent in his heart."

Wanwan finally felt relieved, letting out a sigh: "So that's how it is. Indeed, I noticed he's very close to Madam Zhou. When the two of them are together, scheming and exchanging glances, only they understand each other."

He put down the scissors and wrapped his arm around her shoulder, saying softly: "Since you insist on acknowledging Lan Zhou, I can't go against your wishes. But if you ask my heart, it remains the same as before. I hope you focus your energy on your own child. Lan Zhou is already grown; even without anyone looking after him, he can take care of himself."

She grabbed his jade belt and pressed her face against the gold-traced Kui dragon pattern on his chest. "You always say he's grown up, but I think he's still young, only twelve years old."

"Twelve years old..." He shook his head. "When I was twelve, I followed Ama on the Autumn Hunt, competing in archery and hunting with the cavalry, and I already earned the title of Batulu."

Batulu was the glory of their Qi People, meaning "warrior." Only the bravest were worthy of such an honor.

But Wanwan didn't think a title held any special significance. "Didn't he also take part in the campaign to suppress Wang Ding? In terms of military merit, he fought in battle, which is much more impressive than you hunting rabbits. And yet you still look down on him?"

Truly a mother's heart, defending him without reservation. Liangshi didn't argue with her, letting her have her say.

He had trimmed an old boxwood stump into a graceful shape, pointing out each part: "This is the hand, this is the waist." After introducing it, he smiled and asked her, "Do you think this bonsai looks like you?"

At first glance, the slender beauty did bear some resemblance. She pointed at the slender willow-like waist and laughed, "If only I really had such a graceful figure!" Then she smiled shyly, "I think I've gained weight; my waistband isn't as loose as it used to be."

He didn't believe her and insisted on pulling her into the room to see for himself.All that has come to pass today is the result of countless virtues accumulated over time. Liangshi now rarely handles external affairs; only urgent matters are reported to his study, and he avoids going out whenever possible. Wanwan knows he is keeping his promise to stay by her side, making up for the lost time. If asked which part of the estate he is most familiar with now, it would undoubtedly be the kitchen. He oversees all her daily meals, and the delicate snacks of the south are endless, with no repetition for a month. Wanwan has gradually gained weight under his care. Every day after her afternoon nap, he ensures she has pastries, finding new ways to make her eat more. Though she complains, her heart is filled with joy.

Seeing how well they get along now, Wanwan regrets having neglected him during their wedding, wasting so much time for no reason. Their feelings have not faded in the slightest; instead, they have grown even deeper. Being so inseparable, intertwined with one another, every corner of the Lake of Graceful Charm and the Tower of Profound Grace holds beautiful memories, enough to last her a lifetime.

Flustered and breathless, he placed her on the mother-of-pearl and ivory square table. Amid her playful, unyielding struggles, he unfastened her front-buttoned jacket.

In his haste, he accidentally knocked over the food box on the table, which fell to the ground with a clatter. The cakes inside shattered into pieces at his feet. Wanwan gasped softly, "What a waste!"

Glancing at the floor, now scattered with sesame seeds and candied orange peel, he chuckled, "Why do you love Harmony Cake so much?"

Amid their tussle, she replied casually, "Lan Zhou brought it back for me... This cake used to be common at imperial banquets, but I haven’t seen it in years. Tasting it now reminds me of my childhood."

His hands paused, and he asked doubtfully, "Lan Zhou brought it for you?"

Wanwan hummed in agreement, "That child is so thoughtful. Even when he’s out on business, he remembers to bring me treats. It’s no wonder I dote on him."

Liangshi’s expression grew complicated. After hearing her out, he remained silent.

She likely didn’t know that customs differed between the north and the south. While Harmony Cake was served at imperial banquets in the north, it was not treated as an everyday snack in the south. Even its name differed: in the north, it was called Harmony Cake, while in the south, it was commonly known as Dragon Phoenix Cake, typically used as a wedding cake for engagements.

Unlike ordinary baked goods sold at every street stall, this delicacy was only available at wedding cake shops. In other words, unless one specifically sought it out, it was nearly impossible to obtain. Where did that boy Lan Zhou get it?

A faint unease settled in his heart, distracting him from everything else. He straightened her collar and stood up, rubbing his forehead as he said, "I just remembered something I’ve been putting off. I can’t delay it any longer. You’ve had a tiring morning; rest for now. I’ll return once I’m done."

Seeing his troubled expression, Wanwan called out anxiously, "What’s wrong? You’re worrying me."

He softened his expression and said it was nothing. "The Emperor has ordered the Guizhou Army to be stationed at Andong Guard. That place already has its own garrison, so arrangements must be made to prevent conflicts between the two sides. The Emperor entrusted this matter to me, but I’ve been forgetful and pushed it to the back of my mind."

The Emperor’s unpredictable temperament filled her with fear, and she dared not hold him back. She accompanied him all the way to the second gate. He glanced back at her, and she gestured for him to attend to his duties. Forcing a smile, he hurried off toward the Silver Peace Hall.Lan Zhou was at the yamen checking the registers when he learned of his father's summons and immediately hurried back. Upon entering the hall, he saw his father standing before the throne with his back to the door. Unable to see his face or discern his mood, Lan Zhou grew even more cautious. He performed a deep bow and said, "As you instructed, Ama, I have taken control of all the military garrisons under the Guizhou Army division. Initially, I thought of replacing them covertly, but in the end, that proved unfeasible. Moving such a large force would inevitably attract attention. Your strategy was far better—just as the limbs are controlled by the head, as long as we seize the leaders, these Guizhou troops will be at our disposal. I have coordinated with the Assistant Military Commissioner, and all Thousand Household Commanders and above in the garrisons are now our trusted allies. Should war break out, a single command from you, Ama, will allow them to join forces with our main army."

He had returned in high spirits to report this, but to his surprise, his father did not turn around even after he finished speaking. As he spoke, his words slowed, and he grew increasingly anxious, stealing glances upward while bowing lower and lower with his hands clasped. After a long wait, he finally heard his father speak in an indifferent tone, "Be careful in your work. With many people involved, loose lips could ruin everything."

Lan Zhou trembled and replied, "Yes. Did you summon me, Ama, to give further instructions?"

Another long silence followed, a silence laden with a sense of impending crisis, as if something were brewing that could explode at any moment, tearing people apart.

Liangshi was weighing his words. Some things, even between father and son, were not easy to say outright. His earlier anger had now transformed into lingering worry. He raised his head to gaze at the portrait of Confucius before finally saying, "Your E'nie cares deeply for you."

Lan Zhou was taken aback for a moment, then bowed and said, "I know, and from now on, I will surely honor and care for E'nie."

Liangshi sighed deeply, his hands clasped behind his back. "Pretty words are easy to say, but what matters most is your heart. You must understand that in such matters, others would never do what she did. You are grown now and should recognize the stakes. That she accepted you is your good fortune. Cherish it, and never betray her kindness. She treats you as her own, but do not forget your place."

A sudden tightness gripped Lan Zhou's heart. He cupped his hands and said, "I regard E'nie as my own mother. Although the past three years have brought changes and I have not been able to stay by her side, I have never forgotten the kindness she showed me by keeping me at the Eldest Princess Residence and caring for me personally. Now that I am capable, I can repay my parents' kindness. From now on, if anyone dares to bully E'nie, I will wipe out their entire family."

Liangshi frowned, displeased by his violent tone. "Do not go around threatening to wipe out families."

Lan Zhou quickly reined in his sharpness, lowering his hands and saying, "Yes. I would only teach them a small lesson, to make them regret their actions."

It was easy to foresee the miserable fate that would befall Murong Gaogong if he fell into Lan Zhou's hands. This son was promising, showing signs of surpassing his father. He was more resolute and more decisive.

Liangshi valued talent and tried to caution him indirectly, hoping he would remain vigilant and not entertain any improper thoughts. He knew his own paranoia—guarding against heaven, earth, and even his own son—was somewhat pathological. Yet, this awkward situation of a young mother and a grown son was fertile ground for trouble. The slightest negligence could lead to disaster, and by then, it would be too late to salvage anything.