Gu Jin Chao didn’t ask him anything.

Since he hadn’t spoken about it, he didn’t want her to know, and she wouldn’t pry.

After a while, she had the maid bring in some gauze and applied medicine to Third Master Chen’s wound.

“When you were previously wounded by an arrow, I was the one who applied medicine,” Gu Jin Chao smiled. “I’ve become quite skilled at it.”

“Today the small kitchen made crystal cakes that Chang Suo likes. He ate two extra pieces, his little belly bulging out. I worried he wouldn’t be able to digest it properly, so I told him not to eat more. He seemed to understand and didn’t make a fuss… His new cloth shoes were made by Madam Yu, with tiger heads on them. He keeps pulling them off to play with. They were made for him to wear, but he’s turned them into toys…” Gu Jin Chao said with a smile.

The wound was quickly bandaged, and when she tried to withdraw her hand, Third Master Chen held it firmly.

Didn’t his wound hurt?

Gu Jin Chao looked at Third Master Chen, who smiled and said, “Tell me more, I enjoy listening.” Though her chatter might seem trivial to others, he found it pleasant to hear.

But Gu Jin Chao didn’t have many interesting things to tell him. After thinking for a moment, she brought up Zhang Ju Lian’s matter: “…This prayer bead plan was quite deliberate; Fourth Master Chen certainly couldn’t have accomplished it alone. Now that you and Official Zhang are at daggers drawn, what do you plan to do?”

She needed to know about this matter. Although events had already developed beyond her previous experience, some things she knew could still be useful.

Third Master Chen withdrew his injured hand and tried moving it. The wound hadn’t damaged any tendons or bones.

“Zhang Ju Lian’s influence runs deep. Mere charges of embezzlement and sheltering criminals aren’t enough to shake his foundation. Do you know what has most effectively damaged powerful ministers’ reputations and caused their followers to desert them throughout history?”

Gu Jin Chao suddenly thought of the Marquis of Chang Xing’s affair.

In her previous life, the Marquis of Chang Xing had also held great power, controlling both the Iron Cavalry private army and the authority to deploy troops from the Central Military Command. Zhang Ju Lian and the Rui Prince had joined forces to falsely accuse him of treason. After his execution, his supporters scattered like monkeys from a fallen tree, leaving no trace of the once-great general’s legacy!

“…You mean treason?”

Third Master Chen smiled faintly: “Indeed, treason. Only if Zhang Ju Lian commits treason can we justifiably eliminate him.” In her previous life, Zhang Ju Lian had controlled the court for many years. Only after his death did Zhu Jun An find room to breathe. Zhang Ju Lian was an extremely clever man—calling him merely clever would be an insult; he was a man of exceptional political wisdom!

Having reached such an exalted position, who wouldn’t cast glances at the dragon throne above? Yet Zhang Ju Lian had never attempted to usurp power.

Without royal blood, unless the realm fell into chaos, claiming the throne would be exceedingly difficult. The concept of royal legitimacy was deeply ingrained in people’s minds; anyone who eliminated the royal bloodline to take the throne would be seen as acting against heaven’s will.

The best position was to control the emperor while commanding the nobles—being the regent. Though not wearing the dragon robe, one would effectively be an uncrowned king. Besides, Zhu Jun An had been obedient, enduring until after Zhang Ju Lian’s death before asserting himself. So Zhang Ju Lian had never contemplated rebellion.

If she could understand these things, Third Master Chen certainly could as well.

Gu Jin Chao asked, “…But I don’t see any sign that Zhang Ju Lian intends to rebel. What can be done about that?”

“If he won’t rebel, then we must force him to rebel,” Third Master Chen replied, still smiling, though his tone had turned cold.

He had already shown considerable restraint.

Given how Zhang Ju Lian had treated him, he would be remiss not to retaliate.

Since the time had come, it was simply a matter of seeing who would prevail. He had never been pushed to such extremes before. Perhaps Zhang Ju Lian still thought him gentle and compliant, not realizing how terrifying things could become when someone was pushed to their limit.

…

A few days later, Second Master Chen returned from Shaanxi. The Imperial Academy had also dismissed for the term. Hearing that his mother was ill, Second Master Chen was very worried and went straight to see Old Madam Chen without even changing his clothes.

Having been raised by Old Madam Chen, he naturally felt the deepest gratitude for her care.

He was greatly shocked after learning about Fourth Master Chen’s situation. When Third Master Chen returned from court, he immediately sought him out to discuss the matter.

Gu Jin Chao didn’t know what the two discussed.

She had arranged everything for the Kitchen God Festival at year’s end, and after a busy half-day, finally went to see Old Madam Chen. The old lady wasn’t lonely, with several great-grandchildren and daughters-in-law keeping her company, chatting and making knotwork with her. Gu Jin Chao had barely glanced around when someone from the outer court called her away, forcing her to leave.

Old Madam Chen had a maid grab a handful of winter melon candy for her to eat on the way.

Gu Jin Chao wrapped the candy in a handkerchief, feeling somewhat amused.

She didn’t even like sweets, especially winter melon candy with its cloying sweetness.

Gu Jin Chao left Half Bamboo Court with the candy and spotted a tall, thin figure from afar.

For a moment she thought her eyes deceived her… how could Chen Xuan Qing be back?

The maids and old women around her all stopped to greet him. As he approached, Gu Jin Chao saw clearly that he wore a blue official’s round-collared robe with a right lapel. He had darkened somewhat and appeared more mature. He looked at Gu Jin Chao for a long while before bowing his head and cupping his hands in greeting: “It’s been a year since we last met. Is Mother well?” He paused, “Wan Xue wrote that Mother has given me a younger brother. Is the little one doing well?” Seeing his forthright attitude, Gu Jin Chao naturally felt at ease and replied: “Everyone is fine. Why did you return without sending word ahead?”

Chen Xuan Qing smiled faintly. He had always been exceptionally handsome and now appeared even more composed.

“Sending word ahead would only cause trouble and expense, so I didn’t bother.”

Gu Jin Chao couldn’t help but smile, not knowing what else to say to him. She could only make small talk: “How are you finding your position as magistrate of Suning County?”

Chen Xuan Qing replied dispassionately: “Not particularly well. Suning frequently suffers from floods and droughts. When I arrived last summer, I encountered flooding and witnessed countless homeless refugees. I felt utterly helpless. I once thought literary accomplishment was the greatest thing in the world, but now I realize how shallow that view was.”

Having finished speaking, he made no move to leave, just standing there quietly as if waiting for her to speak again.

Gu Jin Chao was even more at a loss for words.

After a long pause, she finally said: “…Natural disasters are unavoidable; you’ve done well by trying your best. When I was young, Baodi also experienced flooding. At that time, the Ji family opened their granaries to aid the people and set up porridge stalls outside the city for over a month. Though they couldn’t save many, it was still a virtuous act.”

Chen Xuan Qing gave a bitter smile: “Whether I tried my best or not, I don’t know, but I certainly didn’t sleep well for those two months.” Only then did he step aside, “Mother must have matters to attend to, so please go ahead. I should go see Grandmother now.”

Gu Jin Chao finally breathed a sigh of relief and added: “Wan Xue is inside as well. Do talk with her properly. She’ll be delighted to see you back.” Chen Xuan Qing no longer possessed the reckless emotions of a year ago. Having seen too much, his concerns seemed less important.

He simply replied: “I understand.”

Though his expression revealed nothing, his tone had grown cold.

Gu Jin Chao knew that forgetting someone was never easy. It had taken her half a lifetime to forget Chen Xuan Qing, and had it not been for those final outrageous events, she might never have awakened to reality. These were matters he needed to work through on his own.

She didn’t linger further but continued toward the outer court, followed by her maids and servants.

…

Hearing that Chen Xuan Qing had returned, Old Madam Chen was naturally overjoyed. She held his hand, examining him from every angle, fearing he had suffered. Knowing her eldest grandson had endured a difficult year, she called Yu Wan Xue over and instructed: “…Make sure his diet is nutritious, with plenty of fish and meat. Look how thin he’s become! When he left, he was the Top Graduate, but now he returns looking almost like a beggar!”

Everyone in the room laughed.

Second Master Chen and Third Master Chen had just finished their discussion and came over. Second Master Chen said: “Don’t spoil Xuan Qing too much!”

“How could I spoil him? Look how his chin has sharpened from thinness.” Old Madam Chen remained deeply concerned.

Seeing his father arrive, Chen Xuan Qing naturally paid his respects.

Third Master Chen looked at him and nodded calmly: “You’ve returned.” Chen Xuan Qing said: “I have some matters I’d like to consult with Father about if you have time?”

Third Master Chen pondered for a moment and asked: “Regarding what?”

“River dredging and embankment repairs. I’ve read several books but couldn’t quite understand.”

Third Master Chen thought for a moment and said: “Suning does indeed suffer from flooding. You needn’t search through books or ask me. The county chronicles should record past dredging methods. Find some experienced craftsmen to help you locate sites for pilings, and there shouldn’t be any major problems.”

Chen Xuan Qing listened thoughtfully and slowly nodded in agreement.

Old Madam Chen shook her head with a smile: “You’ve rarely come home, yet you still want to consult your father about such matters! Tonight we’ll set up a feast right here, with the women dining in the side room. Second daughter-in-law, go and give the instructions.” She was rarely so happy.

It was unfortunate that Fourth Master wasn’t here… Old Madam Chen noticed Madam Wang’s melancholy and still felt somewhat concerned.

Unwilling to dwell on such thoughts, she said to Chen Xuan Qing: “Your mother has given you a little brother. He’ll be brought over shortly for you to see. He’s fair and chubby, very adorable.”

Chen Xuan Qing instinctively glanced at his father. His father was speaking quietly with Second Uncle, occasionally smiling, as if he hadn’t heard.

He nodded in acceptance.

Yu Wan Xue sat with Madam Shen, watching Chen Xuan Qing from afar.

Her heart felt confused, thinking this man was like an unruly kite—either unable to fly or impossible to catch.

Sure enough, Gu Jin Chao arrived carrying Chang Suo. Chang Suo stretched out, wanting Third Master Chen to hold him. Clinging to Third Master Chen’s neck, he refused to let go, babbling “Father, Father” unclearly. Third Master Chen indulged his young son, holding him and feeding him winter melon candy.

Chen Xuan Qing remembered his childhood, when he first learned to speak, he called his father “Father.” He had never used such an affectionate term.

After eating the candy, Chang Suo no longer clung to his father. Being naturally endearing, he was happy to let others hold and kiss his cheeks. After being passed among several people, Old Madam Chen asked Chen Xuan Qing if he wanted to hold him. He hesitated before extending his hands.

His little brother smiled happily in his arms, not nervous at all. But Chen Xuan Qing had never held a child before and became stiff with awkwardness.