Traveling back to ancient times to get rich

Chapter 288 The Wordless Stele of Cloud City

Gu Mochen's words echoed in the empty palace, like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, creating ripples. Upon hearing this, the Emperor Emeritus trembled slightly, a complex expression flashing across his previously serene face—a mixture of guilt, longing, and reminiscence of bygone days. He slowly raised his head, his gaze piercing through the carved beams and painted rafters of the palace, as if traveling through time back to the days spent with Gu Mochen's mother. She was so beautiful; alas, she had ultimately left him.

“Mo Chen,” the emperor’s voice was slightly hoarse, “you’re right, I should go see her too. Over the years, I have wronged her.”

A hint of surprise flashed in Gu Mochen's eyes; he hadn't expected his father to agree so readily. He nodded slightly and said softly, "Your subject thanks Your Majesty. Please don't leave this year. Once we have made the arrangements, we will set off for Yuncheng immediately."

The Emperor Emeritus nodded in agreement, and everything was done according to Gu Mochen's arrangements.

On a bright and sunny morning, Gu Mochen solemnly summoned Lord Ji, Zhao Zhixin, Grand Tutor Wu, and their three sons to the Hall of Mental Cultivation. The group exchanged bewildered glances, their hearts filled with questions, but seeing Gu Mochen's serious expression, they dared not ask further.

After everyone was seated, Gu Mochen slowly began to speak: "You are all people I trust. I have invited you all here today because I have an important matter to entrust to you." As he spoke, he looked around and continued: "I wish to go out for a while. Although Prince Wen and Prince Qi are wholeheartedly devoted to assisting me, they still need someone to help them. Otherwise, they will find it difficult to manage important matters of the court. Therefore, I hope that you can help them take care of the court and ensure that nothing goes wrong."

Everyone nodded in agreement, promising to do their utmost to live up to the trust placed in them. Having arranged everything, Gu Mochen breathed a sigh of relief. Next, he needed to prepare for something even more important—to travel to Yuncheng with the Emperor Emeritus, Ye Qingchen, the Medicine King, and the seven children.

A few days later, sunlight filtered through the thin clouds, casting golden rays that illuminated the road leading from the capital to Yuncheng. A series of simply decorated yet exquisitely crafted carriages slowly emerged from the city gates, heading into the distance. Seated in the lead carriage were Gu Mochen, the Emperor Emeritus, and others. They hadn't brought many people, just eight girls skilled in martial arts. These included Bai Zhi, Fu Ling, Lian Qiao, and Du Ruo, as well as four others—Bao Qin, Si Qi, Shi Shu, and Nong Hua—whom they had left behind and were now helping Ye Qingchen care for the children.

Gu Mochen gazed silently at the receding scenery outside the window, his mind filled with a myriad of thoughts. This trip to Yuncheng held profound significance for him. On one hand, he was finally able to fulfill a long-held wish: to take his father to pay respects to his deceased mother, allowing her spirit in heaven to feel the deep longing between father and son. On the other hand, he felt a deep sense of unease about this journey. After all, Yuncheng held too many memories of the past—the laughter and tears, the happiness and the pain—all intertwined, forming an invisible net that inevitably made him feel apprehensive as he faced it.

The carriage sped along the wide, flat official road, its wheels rolling and kicking up clouds of dust. The scenery outside the window flashed by like a series of vibrant slides at an astonishing speed.

Inside the carriage, the young and handsome Gu Mochen sat quietly by the window, his gaze fixed on the ever-changing scenery outside. However, his thoughts had already traveled back in time to that lonely yet unforgettable period of his life.

Recalling those days when he embarked alone on the path to the wordless monument, a faint trace of melancholy appeared in Gu Mochen's eyes. At that time, he had no idea that the person hidden beneath this mysterious wordless monument was actually his own biological mother. But every time he stood before this wordless monument, an indescribable sense of intimacy and deep sorrow would involuntarily well up from the depths of his heart.

He often sat silently before the monument, sometimes for an entire day. Facing the cold stone, he felt as if he had found a confidant with whom he could pour out his heart. Those secrets, usually buried deep within him with no one to confide in, now flowed out as sincere words. He murmured softly, seemingly convinced that the person behind the monument could hear his voice, feel his longing and yearning for family.

The Emperor Emeritus sat in the carriage, his mind heavy with worry. He recalled his first meeting and falling in love with Gu Mochen's mother; those beautiful times unfolded in his heart like a magnificent painting. Gu Mochen's mother was a gentle, kind, and exceptionally talented woman; every smile and gesture of hers had deeply touched his heart. However, before she could cope with the court's struggles and complex situations, she tragically passed away due to an unknown congenital disease, forever separating them. The Emperor Emeritus was filled with regret. He hated himself for not protecting her, for causing her so much suffering; he hated himself for letting her bear a child, for letting her leave so young. But Mochen's mother was brave; for Mochen, she was fearless of death, willingly sacrificing her young life.

After several days and nights of tireless travel, they finally arrived in Yun City. Yun City remained as peaceful and serene as Gu Mochen remembered, its streets and alleys filled with the warmth of daily life. Gu Mochen led the Emperor directly towards the location of the wordless stele. Along the way, Gu Mochen recounted his experiences in Yun City to the Emperor Emeritus, who listened quietly, occasionally interjecting a few words, his eyes filled with affection for his son.

When they arrived at the wordless stele, Gu Mochen's steps suddenly became heavy. He slowly walked to the stele, gently stroking it, tears welling up in his eyes. "Mother, your son has brought Father to see you." His voice choked with emotion, "After so many years, your son has finally learned your identity, and finally understood your love for your son."

The Emperor stepped forward, gazing at the blank stele, his heart filled with mixed emotions. He slowly knelt down and said to the stele, "Xue Ning, I've come to see you. All these years, I've thought of you every single moment. I'm so sorry, for making you suffer so much." The Emperor Emeritus's voice trembled, tears streaming down his face. "I'm so sorry. If I hadn't been such a fool, you wouldn't have left. Look at us, our son has grown up, become the Emperor, and he looks so much like you. Oh, and he's married. Our daughter-in-law is a beautiful and capable woman, and she's given us seven grandchildren, all incredibly adorable."