Without the burdens of palace affairs, Emperor Changwu's health improved considerably, and his spirits were much higher than when he was in the palace.
When Situ Yan brought his wife and children to pay their respects, he was standing by the lake, watching the workers chisel holes in the frozen surface. His elderly father wanted to go fishing.
"The hole is almost ready," Emperor Changwu said with a hint of regret. However, he was quite pleased to have his youngest son and his family visit, and he returned to Haoran Hall to receive their homage.
"Is there no more work in the imperial court? Why have you come here?"
"I had to come pay my respects for the New Year, old man."
"You could have just sent Yao'er next year." Emperor Changwu's disapproval of Lu Nianfu's background was no secret. Although her subsequent performance was more than satisfactory, she was still far from a suitable match for his most outstanding son. However, since his son was set on her, and his own attempts to intervene had been fruitless, he had no choice but to let it be.
His attitude towards Lu Nianfu was indifferent, but he was fond of his two grandsons. He praised Yao'er extensively, then picked up the younger one, and turned to instruct Li Furui to give them red envelopes. At the same time, he couldn't resist scolding his son, "Have you lost your mind? Bringing such a young child out in this cold weather?"
Situ Yan dismissed it, "The royal carriage is windproof and warm; he won't freeze."
"Still, there's no need for such a fuss."
"I was just afraid you'd be lonely living here all by yourself?"
Emperor Changwu cast a meaningful glance at Lu Nianfu, "Do you think I'm like you, with only one Empress?"
There were also a large group of concubines.
Lu Nianfu: ...
Situ Yan smoothly added, "Indeed, you not only have many concubines but also many sons. Your elder brothers are probably arriving soon too."
Emperor Changwu fell silent for a moment. Second Prince likely wouldn't be coming this year.
Lu Nianfu knew the father and son had things to discuss and quickly excused herself, using the pretense of paying respects to the Grand Consorts, and took the children away.
Quite perceptive, Emperor Changwu was even more pleased with her and turned to discuss important matters, "I heard you plan to assign the Sixth Prince a task?"
Situ Yan grunted in affirmation, "Sixth Brother has probably been idle for too long. He speaks with such a sarcastic tone. It's better to find something for him to do."
"What kind of task do you plan to give him?"
"It depends on where he wants to go. I don't know him that well. Father, where do you think he would be suitable for?"
Emperor Changwu snorted, quite disdainfully, "He only followed the Fifth Prince around before, going wherever the Fifth Prince pointed. Who knows what he's good at? You arrange it. Don't give him too much responsibility at once; he can't handle it."
Situ Yan chuckled, "That's great. I was actually worried I might give him too low a position and displease you."
"Hmph, if you give him a high position, I'll worry that you're using it as an opportunity for him to make mistakes, thereby eliminating your rivals."
Situ Yan: ...
Those words were too blunt. It seemed that after leaving the court, his father no longer cared for polite speech. However, Situ Yan enjoyed this directness. Seizing the opportunity while Emperor Changwu was in good spirits, he began to chat about recent court affairs.
Although Emperor Changwu had abdicated, he wasn't completely out of touch. He had naturally heard about the Emperor's actions against the Crown Prince's faction.
The father and son engaged in a deep discussion.
Although this move was somewhat reckless, its deterrent effect was considerable. After all, even before Situ Yan ascended the throne, he was widely supported by the people but was never associated with kindness. The imperial court was rife with schemers, and it was normal for a new official to be fiery in their approach, using iron-fisted methods.
They chatted for over half an hour when Li Furui announced, "Prince Yong has arrived."
Situ Yan asked curiously, "Is he alone?"
Emperor Changwu chuckled, "His wife and children's carriage is behind him. He must have ridden his horse ahead."
Li Furui quickly flattered, "Your Majesty the Retired Emperor is wise."
Situ Yan: ...
As time passed, the newly appointed Prince Jing and the Sixth Prince also arrived. However, by nightfall, the former Crown Prince's family had still not appeared.
Emperor Changwu had been mentally prepared for this and wasn't particularly disappointed. Looking at his many descendants present, he was content to live in the present.
Situ Yan's late acknowledgment of his lineage meant that besides his rivalry with the former Crown Prince Situ Yan, he had only had minor friction with the deceased Prince Ning, Situ Jue. As for his other brothers, they had little interaction. It wasn't that they had deep affection for each other, but there were certainly no grudges.
Now that he was Emperor, they had no fear of retribution. Furthermore, they wished to secure good futures for their children, so they were all very respectful towards him. Lu Nianfu also received the affection of her sisters-in-law. Princess Jing, who had always been friendly with her, was naturally so. Even the Sixth Princess, who was usually sarcastic, greeted her with a smiling face, a smile tinged with a hint of flattery, which made Lu Nianfu quite uncomfortable.
The visit to the temporary palace ended quickly, mainly because Emperor Changwu found them bothersome and started sending them away after just one day.
Seeing that Emperor Changwu was in good health and spirits, Situ Yan decisively returned to the capital with his brothers.
As the Emperor, Situ Yan could no longer visit his adoptive father to pay his New Year's respects.
Mainly, the Gu family could not bear such immense imperial favor.
The adopted son they had once looked down upon had not only become a prince but also wore the dragon robe, becoming the Son of Heaven. Mrs. Fang couldn't comprehend it, but with the change in status and the harsh punishment from Gu Rong, Mrs. Fang had become much more subdued and no longer dared to speak of adoptive grace surpassing birth grace.
Before, her loose tongue might have been considered disrespect to the royal family.
But now, disrespecting the Emperor could lead to beheading.
However, her favorite son, Gu Yandong, remained frustrated and unfulfilled, so she had to consider his future and pestered Gu Rong for several days.
Annoyed beyond measure, Gu Rong dragged Gu Yandong out and berated him, "A grown man, thinking only of living off others or relying on connections. Look at the tasks you've undertaken; which one has been completed perfectly? Don't tell me I can't influence the Emperor's thoughts; even if I could, I wouldn't bother with you."
Gu Yandong was scholarly and sweet-tongued. He had always doted on his mother and received more affection than his younger brother. This was the first time his father had severely scolded him, and he was completely stunned.
Seeing the disgusted look on his father's face was a further blow.
He belatedly clutched his chest, "No wonder you never wanted to help me. It turns out you never thought highly of me from the very beginning."
Gu Rong snorted, "If you want others to respect you, you must rely on your own abilities. Who cares about someone who only knows how to scheme? A few words of flattery and you lose your head, truly thinking you are the Emperor's brother? Have you forgotten how you used to bully him when you were young?"
In this regard, Gu Yandong was a perfect imitation of his mother.
He had no clue.
Such an unobservant fellow was best left where he was. If he were to climb to a high position, who knew what mistakes he would make.
After lecturing his son, Gu Rong felt immensely relieved.
Even more satisfying was the news from the border the next day: his youngest son, Gu Yanxi, had achieved meritorious service.
As the Southern barbarians invaded, Gu Yanxi led a troop deep into enemy territory and set fire to the enemy's grain supplies. The morale of the Nanman army was unstable, and they were in full retreat. Although Gu Yanxi sustained minor injuries, he became the great hero of this battle. Duke Xie had already submitted a request for his commendation, and he was merely awaiting his return to the capital to receive his reward.
At the very beginning of the year, Gu Rong received congratulations from countless colleagues.
Many colleagues even directly inquired about Gu Yanxi's marriage, showing interest in forging an alliance. Thinking of the disdain he had faced when trying to arrange a good marriage for Gu Yandong, Gu Rong felt a surge of satisfaction. He had finally experienced the pride of vindication through his own son. Tsk, for a man, what was family background? It was one's own abilities that mattered.