Emperor Cheng gazed at him, raising an eyebrow, a complex emotion stirring within him…
The one who arrived was none other than Xiao Jinfeng, who had been demoted to commoner status.
Upon seeing him, Emperor Cheng was reminded of Consort Xian, who had been banished to the cold palace.
Ever since Consort Xian had blinded herself that day, Emperor Cheng had spared her life. He had even ordered imperial physicians to examine her thoroughly. Only when he was certain she had gone mad and would be a useless person even if released did Emperor Cheng secretly breathe a sigh of relief…
“You’ve come!” Emperor Cheng murmured.
Xiao Jinfeng bowed respectfully, “Your humble son greets Father Emperor!”
Although he was no longer a prince, Emperor Cheng’s blood flowed through his veins. This familial bond could not be severed…
Emperor Cheng actually felt pity for his son’s fate. If Consort Xian hadn’t instigated and brainwashed him from behind, Jinfeng would never have ended up this way.
“No need for such formalities!” Emperor Cheng offered a hand to steady him and asked, “Have you decided to stay in Dashui Village? With your wit and intelligence, you could establish yourself in the capital, or even venture into neighboring countries to forge a career. Why would you come to the countryside to waste your years?”
Xiao Jinfeng was surprised by his words, “Father Emperor, what is wasting one’s years? What is cherishing the present? How much do you truly understand about your son?”
People’s pursuits and values differ, and their destinies change accordingly…
Tao Yuanming’s love for farming, Su Dongpo’s fondness for eating, Li Bai’s passion for drinking and composing poetry – often, an inconspicuous hobby becomes a celebrated legend for future generations.
Of course, Xiao Jinfeng didn’t aspire to be famous. Huaihua was enough for him…
“I have indeed failed you in many ways over the years, always thinking of making amends!” Emperor Cheng walked around the table to Xiao Jinfeng, sighing slightly. “How about this, tell me what you want, and I’ll do my best to satisfy you!”
Xiao Jinfeng: “……”
He lacked nothing at the moment. He had come to see Emperor Cheng today to ask for one thing.
“Father Emperor!” Xiao Jinfeng looked up, his face somewhat haggard, “Your son wishes to see Mother Consort. I implore Father Emperor to grant this wish!~”
He might never return to the capital after this departure. Consort Xian was his birth mother, and even the most heartless son could not abandon her…
Emperor Cheng was slightly taken aback, “She caused you so much suffering, what else is there to say?”
“Father Emperor, Mother Consort was merely too stubborn, insisting that your son inherit the throne. This meeting is merely for your son to bid her farewell!~” Xiao Jinheng said earnestly.
Emperor Cheng hesitated for a moment, then let out a long sigh, “You, your heart is too kind, always letting others lead you by the nose. Alright, I’ll have Eunuch Zhao escort you there later…”
“Thank you, Father Emperor!” Xiao Jinfeng bowed again, lowering his head and pursing his lips. “Father Emperor, before I go to see Mother Consort, your son has one more request!~”
“Speak!” Emperor Cheng was in a good mood and did not deliberately make things difficult for him.
“Your son begs Father Emperor to allow Mother Consort to live out her days in peace in the cold palace. Please do not torment her due to past grievances. She is already mad now and poses no threat to the court or the people…”
If his father were to kill his mother right after his departure, Xiao Jinfeng would feel immense guilt.
Emperor Cheng had no intention of killing Consort Xian anyway. In her current state, what difference was there between her and the dead?
“Very well, I promise you!~” Emperor Cheng nodded.
As he walked out of the Hall of Diligent Governance, the sky had already darkened. Men were not allowed in the inner palace (except eunuchs), so Xiao Jinfeng followed Eunuch Zhao closely, all the way to the entrance of the cold palace…
Meanwhile, in the Yun family’s kitchen.
Little Xi Tian put some miscellaneous items into her space, preparing to take them back to Dashui Village.
In a few days, Mother and Father would return to the village. The little rascal, Sister Han, and Sister Xin Ling would also be going back. Therefore, Little Xi Tian needed to prepare some snacks for the journey…
“Hmm, where did the dried meat in this bowl rack go?” Little Xi Tian tilted her small head, standing on tiptoe, searching the bowl rack. “Sister Han must have stolen it!”
Little Xi Tian pouted and plopped down onto a stool.
Returning to her space, she found a wine aroma wafting towards her…
“Wow, it’s already fragrant!” Little Xi Tian ran to a wine barrel, lifted the lid, and the sweet aroma of grape wine was refreshing, and the color was also authentic.
“Still need to wait a bit longer!” Little Xi Tian drank a large bowl. Although the taste was good, it hadn’t been long enough to sell.
When Xiao Jinheng and Gu Mingyan walked in, they saw Little Xi Tian, like a little meatball, slumped on a stool, shaking her little head, her face slightly flushed…
“Little Village Girl?” Xiao Jinheng called out.
He had been discussing matters with his uncle in the study earlier. Seeing that it was getting late, Gu Mingyan thought he should return to his mansion and check on Little Xi Tian along the way.
Hearing the little rascal call her, Little Xi Tian opened her big eyes and waved her little hand, “Rascal, I have sweet grape wine here!~”
Xiao Jinheng: “……”
Is she… is she drunk?
“Uncle, please return first. I’ll take Little Village Girl back to rest!~” Xiao Jinheng said.
Gu Mingyan smiled inwardly, thinking how considerate the young boy was.
“Alright, I’ll visit you in Dashui Village when I have time!”
Knowing that Xiao Jinheng would be returning to Dashui Village with the Yun family, this was also a farewell for him…
Old Man Yun and Madam Gu were busy packing things inside, while Chu Jiangtun stood by, looking heartbroken.
“Father, Mother, please stay a few more days. Spring has just arrived in the capital, and there are many places son hasn’t taken you to yet!~” Chu Jiangtun pleaded.
Old Man Yun glanced at him, “We’re not leaving right away. Yesterday, your mother received a letter from Guihua saying that San Man and Fang’er have opened a shop, so we have to go back and see. Also, it’s time to start planting in the village now; we can’t continue to enjoy ourselves and be lazy…”
There was also one more thing: they were waiting for Jinhe to arrive in the capital. The old couple wanted to meet him and give him some instructions before they could return to the village with peace of mind.
Actually, if they calculated the time, Yun Jinhe and Minister Feng should have arrived in the capital long ago. Who knew that Minister Feng would catch a cold halfway, coughing and feverish, and had to stay at a medical clinic to take medicine, which delayed their journey…
Chu Jiangtun looked resentful and turned to Madam Gu, “Mother, since Father loves farming so much, let him go back. Can you and sister stay behind?”
Chu Jiangtun had lost quite a bit of weight through his persistent exercise during this period.
His handsome face was now revealed, looking exactly like Old Man Yun in his youth…
No wonder Huger Shuang’er waited at the Marquis’s mansion every day, asking Chu Jiangtun to bring her meat buns. With his improved looks, he naturally gained the favor of girls.
Madam Gu smiled slightly, just about to say something, when a tall figure suddenly walked in from outside…