Traveling back to ancient times to get rich

Chapter 279 A Small Gathering in the Palace

In the main hall of Yi Cui Garden, the winter chill was cleverly warded off by the warm pavilion. The Emperor, dressed in a bright yellow dragon robe, the exquisitely embroidered golden dragons seemingly poised to soar, exuded supreme majesty. He frowned slightly, feigning anger as he looked at Gu Mochen and Ye Qingchen, his tone tinged with reproach: "What? You've gotten so comfortable in the Southern Frontier that you've forgotten your home here?" But the slight upturn of his lips and the overflowing smile in his eyes betrayed his inner joy. He had longed for the two children's return for a long time. Though the Southern Frontier was far away, it had always been a place that held his heart. Now that they had returned safely to the capital, he was naturally overjoyed.

Empress Ji Xiaofu, dressed in a phoenix robe, was dignified and gentle. The phoenix patterns on the robes were lifelike, seemingly moving with her. Because she was already very young, she looked truly graceful in the phoenix robe. Her complexion was rosy, suggesting that the Emperor had been very kind to her recently, and hadn't favored other concubines after she became Empress. She smiled warmly and said softly, "Mo Chen, Qing Chen, you must be tired from your journey. Have a good meal here today! Rest well. I feel you're both so busy these days that you rarely come to your mother's house." With that, she gracefully greeted the children.

Gu Mochen, dressed in a dark court robe, exuded composure and magnanimity. A humble smile graced his face as he quickly clasped his hands in a respectful bow: "Father, please forgive me. The marriage alliance with the Southern Frontier was a complex affair, delaying my return. I have been constantly thinking of you and the capital." As he spoke, he subconsciously glanced at Ye Qingchen beside him. In that instant of eye contact, no words were needed; a single look conveyed the hardships of their journey and their joy at returning. Their unspoken understanding was evident. Ye Qingchen wore a pale pink brocade robe today, the sleeves and hem meticulously embroidered with exquisite orchid patterns, lifelike and seemingly emanating a faint fragrance. The elegant color and delicate embroidery complemented each other, highlighting her fresh and refined beauty.

Just then, Ye Qingchen keenly sensed her husband's tender gaze falling upon her. She couldn't help but nod slightly, a gentle smile playing on her lips, as radiant and captivating as a peach blossom in spring. Then, she gracefully stepped forward, respectfully bowing, and sincerely said, "Father, please forgive my mistake. On this trip to the Southern Frontier, I originally intended to gather many precious gifts to bring back to Great Xia for you. However, some items have specific growth cycles! Mo Chen suggested returning early, but I insisted on waiting for those rare fruits to fully ripen before picking them, so that I could present them to you to enjoy. Look, here are fresh and delicious mangoes, sweet and soft bananas, and fragrant papayas, all specially brought from the Southern Frontier for you." The delicious fruits I brought back, still attached to the branches, are now ripe. Furthermore, I have painstakingly searched for several extremely rare and special herbs. I've heard that these herbs possess miraculous effects, strengthening the body and replenishing vital energy. Father, you are already in excellent health and youthful spirit, but unfortunately, your daily affairs of state are demanding, inevitably draining your mind and spirit. This remedy, made from these special herbs, can help you nourish your body and mind, calming your spirit. I believe that as long as you take this medicine regularly, you will be full of energy and able to continue working diligently for our Great Xia for decades to come!

The Emperor, who had harbored no anger to begin with, could no longer maintain his feigned seriousness upon hearing these words. A bright smile instantly spread across his face as he quickly waved his hand, saying, "Alright, alright, I was just joking with you all! Don't take it seriously! Your return to your maternal homes has successfully facilitated the marriage alliance between our two countries. I'm overjoyed, how could I possibly blame you? However… these two countries are indeed too far apart. If a similar situation arises again, I wonder which of you would be willing to stay in the capital in my place? As for me, I could take this opportunity to travel to the south and enjoy a different kind of culture and customs." With that, the Emperor turned around, beaming, and invited Old Master Lu and Old Master Medicine King to take their seats again. It was clear from his words and actions that this Emperor was not only respectful and courteous, but also held the Medicine King in exceptional reverence, treating him with the same intimacy as if the Medicine King were his own father. Even Gu Mochen and Ye Qingchen, standing to the side, were greatly surprised by this scene. They never imagined that the Emperor would hold the Medicine King in such deep respect. One wonders what the retired Emperor Emeritus would think if he knew of this.

Just then, the park was filled with laughter and joy as children played and frolicked, completely immersed in the happy atmosphere. Some chased each other, some squatted on the ground playing with toys, and others shared their little secrets—it was quite a lively scene!

However, accidents always happen unexpectedly. Gu Mochen and Ye Qingchen's youngest child—the adorable Xi'er—tripped over a stone, fell forward, and crashed heavily to the ground. With a loud "Wah!", Xi'er burst into tears, her cries shattering the tranquility of the garden.

Upon hearing the sound, Ye Qingchen's heart tightened. Out of maternal instinct, she took a step forward without hesitation, wanting to rush to Xi'er's side. At the same time, Gu Mochen reacted in the same way, his movements as swift as lightning, as if they were telepathically connected.

When their eyes met, they smiled slightly, seemingly understanding the anxiety and care in each other's eyes. But then, as if they had thought of something, they both stopped and looked in the distance with perfect understanding. It turned out that Xi'er's older sister, Xiao Yue'er, had run over quickly and was squatting on the ground, patiently comforting her younger brother.

Seeing this, Ye Qingchen breathed a slight sigh of relief, but still quickened her pace towards the children. Reaching Xi'er's side, she gently knelt down and carefully helped the little one up. Then, she reached out and gently patted the dust off Xi'er, softly comforting her, "Don't cry, baby. Does anything hurt? Let Mommy see..."

Gu Mochen stood quietly to the side, arms crossed, his gaze never leaving his wife and children. His eyes were filled with endless doting affection, like the warm spring sunshine shining on the earth, making people feel incredibly warm.

The adults looked at the children's innocent and carefree faces, their hearts filled with warmth. The Emperor, observing this joyous scene, softened his gaze, secretly sighing that such moments of reunion were truly precious, and wishing that this peace and harmony could last forever.