Traveling back to ancient times to get rich

Chapter 284 The Retired Emperor Returns to the City

The news of the Emperor Emeritus's return was like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, creating ripples throughout the palace and beyond. Upon learning of this, Gu Mochen immediately informed Ye Qingchen. Ye Qingchen knew the Emperor Emeritus's return was of great significance. Although somewhat nervous, she remained calm and composed, quickly and methodically beginning preparations for his arrival. She carefully selected the most dignified royal attire, arranged for the Imperial Household Department to prepare a lavish welcoming banquet, and meticulously instructed the palace guards, eunuchs, and maids to ensure the slightest error in etiquette.

As the Emperor Emeritus's carriage slowly arrived at the city gate, Gu Mochen, dressed in a dragon robe, stood majestically and solemnly. Beside him, Ye Qingchen exuded elegance and grace, while behind them, a retinue of ministers stood in neat rows, all bowing respectfully. The Emperor Emeritus, looking at the scene before him, felt a surge of satisfaction. He had so gracefully passed the throne to Gu Mochen years before, choosing to roam freely. Now, returning to find the court stable and Gu Mochen showing him such respect, he was naturally overjoyed.

"My son, Chen'er, get up." The Emperor Emeritus's voice carried a hint of weariness from the journey, yet it could not hide his joy.

Gu Mochen and Ye Qingchen rose and went to greet him. Gu Mochen said, "Father has been traveling for a long time, and your son and Qingchen have been looking forward to your return every day."

The Emperor Emeritus smiled and patted Gu Mochen on the shoulder, then looked at Ye Qingchen with loving eyes: "Chen'er, you've worked hard, managing the harem so well and giving the royal family two more children."

Ye Qingchen bowed slightly and replied gently, "It is my honor to be able to do my part for the royal family."

Back in the palace, at the welcoming banquet, the Emperor Emeritus listened to Gu Mochen recount the changes in the court and the people's peaceful and prosperous lives over the past three years, and his admiration for his son grew even stronger. "My son, you have done a great job. With the country in your hands, I am at ease."

Gu Mochen then began to complain: "When Father Emperor gave the throne to me, he didn't even ask for my wishes. These past three years have been exhausting for me. You're not letting me enjoy the throne; you're just finding a steward for Great Xia."

After the banquet, the Emperor Emeritus requested to meet his five intelligent grandchildren. Ye Qingchen quickly had the children brought over. The five children were brought by Xiao Yue'er, who was now 10 years old and had blossomed into a graceful young lady. She brought her younger siblings, who, although only four years old, were all well-mannered. Upon seeing the Emperor Emeritus, they greeted him with clear, sweet voices, calling him "Grandpa Emperor," their voices childish yet full of vitality.

The Emperor Emeritus looked at the five adorable children and couldn't stop smiling. "Look at our royal children, they're just different."

The Medicine King said from the side, "Your Majesty, these children are exceptionally gifted. I have been teaching them diligently for the past three years, and their progress has been astonishing."

As they were talking, the eldest prince winked mischievously, and a blooming flower appeared in his hand without anyone noticing. Despite the cold winter day, the flower was exquisitely beautiful. Ye Qingchen frowned slightly upon seeing this, and was about to speak when the Emperor Emeritus burst into laughter: "Interesting, interesting! This child actually has such a skill."

Ye Qingchen explained, "Father, these children are born with extraordinary abilities. We were afraid they would cause trouble outside because they were young and ignorant, so we suppressed them. Now that Grandfather has taught them well, they know how to restrain themselves, but they can't help but show off occasionally."

The retired emperor waved his hand, saying, "It's a good thing that the children have such talent. With proper nurturing, they will surely become pillars of our dynasty." Then, surprisingly, the retired emperor respectfully said to the Medicine King, "You've worked hard, Medicine King, you're getting old!"

In the imperial court, with the rise of a group of young talents such as Zhao Zhixin, the second and third sons of the Wu family, the son of Lord Sun, and the young master Guan, the political landscape was quietly changing. They were young and ambitious, harboring a strong desire to serve their country, and frequently proposed innovative policies for governing the nation. Gu Mochen valued these suggestions highly and often engaged in in-depth discussions with them in court.

However, some senior officials had reservations. They believed these young people were too radical, and that seniority was the proper order in the court; how could these juniors be allowed to freely express their opinions? One morning at court, an elderly minister stood up and said, "Your Majesty, these young people in the court are frequently putting forward novel ideas that seem reasonable, but in reality, they may disrupt the rules established by our ancestors. I urge Your Majesty to reconsider."

Zhao Zhixin stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said, “Your Excellency is mistaken. Times have changed. If we blindly follow the rules of our ancestors and do not know how to adapt, how can the country develop better? The suggestions we put forward are all for the well-being of the people and for the prosperity of our dynasty.”

The two sides began to argue, and the atmosphere in the court became tense. Gu Mochen sat on the dragon throne, listening quietly to the debate. After they paused for a moment, Gu Mochen spoke: "What my ministers have said is all reasonable. The rules of our ancestors cannot be abolished, but they must also keep pace with the times. From now on, in court discussions, regardless of seniority, as long as the suggestion is beneficial to the development of the country, I will seriously consider it."

Within the palace, Ye Qingchen was busy coordinating relationships among various factions. She knew that with the Emperor Emeritus's return, the rules and atmosphere of the palace needed to be readjusted. She frequently communicated with the Emperor Emeritus's concubines, listening to their thoughts and ensuring they felt the warmth of home even within the palace. At the same time, she also paid attention to the children's growth; despite the Medicine King's meticulous guidance, she still personally oversaw their studies and lives.

As the winter chill gradually fades and spring quietly approaches, the grandest and most joyous traditional festival of the year—the Spring Festival—is just around the corner. The entire palace seems to be infused with new vitality and life, once again embroiled in a flurry of activity.

At the heart of this bustling scene stood the woman who drew all attention—Ye Qingchen. She wore a magnificent brocade robe, her figure graceful, her face beautiful yet dignified. At this moment, she was intently overseeing all the preparations for the Spring Festival celebrations, not daring to slacken in the slightest.

Whether it was the magnificent decorations inside the palace or the meticulous arrangement of the celebration's program, no detail escaped Ye Qingchen's sharp and discerning eyes. She had strict requirements for the placement angle and color matching of every decoration, ensuring that it presented the most perfect visual effect; she also repeatedly considered the order of the programs and the timing of the performances in the celebration's program, to ensure that the entire celebration could proceed smoothly and orderly.

It is worth mentioning that this year's Spring Festival was particularly special compared to previous years. The reason was simple: the Emperor Emeritus had finally returned after a long absence, which added even more festive and peaceful atmosphere to the already bustling palace.

For the past two years, the eldest princess had rarely attended banquets due to her weariness of the social obligations and formalities of court life. However, upon hearing that her brother, the emperor, was returning to the palace to celebrate the Lunar New Year, this usually carefree princess surprisingly decided to attend the banquet, which was quite unexpected.

On New Year's Eve, a grand banquet was held in the palace. Everyone sat together, filled with laughter and joy. Gu Mochen looked at his family and ministers, his heart filled with emotion. Over the past three years, he had weathered storms on the throne, experiencing both hardship and triumph. Now, at this moment of reunion, he felt an unprecedented happiness.

After the banquet, Gu Mochen and Ye Qingchen, along with the Emperor Emeritus and Empress Dowager, led the children to the courtyard to watch the fireworks. Colorful fireworks bloomed in the night sky, illuminating the entire palace beautifully. The children jumped and shouted excitedly, while Gu Mochen and Ye Qingchen exchanged a smile. In the blink of an eye, they were no longer young; Gu Mochen was now 23, and Ye Qingchen was 20.

The retired emperor stood aside, watching this harmonious scene, his heart filled with satisfaction. He knew that his decision back then was correct—to pass the throne to Gu Mochen—had brought new life and vitality to this family.