That night, Gu Shouxin listened to the emperor's lecture all night long.

He really felt that this guy shouldn't be the emperor, he should be a rebel, and that he was drunk and teaching him how to rebel.

...

That night, Uncle Gu and the children also had a bonfire and barbecue together in the Xue family's backyard.

He's been in the capital for almost a month now, and he's got a really good relationship with Prince Kang and Duke Cheng'en. He didn't want to bring the kids along, but their family has such good cooking skills. Last time it was roasted lamb, this time it'll be roasted fish and barbecue!

Also present were Cai Xiaolian and Zhang Shi. With the addition of Princess Kang and Madam Xue, the four of them made a mahjong table.

Uncle Gu, Prince Kang, and Duke Chengen sat by the fire drinking and eating kebabs.

The children were instructed to grill this and that, creating quite a lively scene.

As for why the gathering was chosen to be at the Xue family's place, firstly, the Gu family's courtyard wasn't that big, and Grandpa Gu and Grandma Gu didn't like it being too noisy; secondly, Prince Kang had many women in his harem, and he himself didn't usually like being at home.

Only the Xue family, a family of three, lived in a large five-courtyard house, with only a few maids besides them.

Xue Qianyu, who rarely has free time tonight, also came to have a barbecue.

He didn't act particularly good to Gu Nian. To outsiders, he treated the Gu siblings the same, but Gu Nian herself sensed that Xue Qianyu's gaze followed her.

This person is usually quiet, but when he does talk, he can deliver long, eloquent arguments. He's a real contradiction.

Gu Xin, while eating barbecue, stood next to Xue Qianyu and asked, "Second Brother Xue, do you want me to deliver a message to Brother Yuanyuan for you?"

Xue Qianyu: "No."

Gu Xin: "Why not? Aren't you good friends?"

Xue Qianyu: "Don't you think it's strange for two men like us to be communicating all the time? Aren't you afraid that before you grow up, people will spread rumors that your Yuanyuan-ge likes men?"

"Pfft!" Gu Nian laughed from the side. Seeing the two looking over, she said casually, "I suddenly remembered a phrase, 'sleeping side by side.' It describes two people who haven't seen each other for a long time talking late into the night by candlelight, sleeping together and chatting. It expresses that the two have a deep affection and a very good relationship. So, Xue Qianyu, you haven't seen Zhou Yuan for a long time. Will you do this next time you meet? I'm imagining the scene of you two together like this!"

Gu Xin thought about it after hearing Gu Nian's words: "Wow! That's so vivid. So, Second Brother Xue, your thinking is wrong. They can sleep together and nothing's wrong, so what's wrong with you exchanging letters with Brother Yuanyuan?"

Gu Nian laughed even harder.

Seeing Gu Nian smiling so happily in the firelight, Xue Qianyu smiled along with her.

He often thought back to the night Gu Nian turned 18, when they released the fireflies. Amidst the swarm of fireflies, Gu Nian looked as beautiful as a fairy.

Even now, in the firelight, she is still so beautiful.

Gu Xin waved her hand in front of Xue Qianyu: "Stop looking, you're drooling!"

Xue Qianyu withdrew his gaze and continued grilling the meat.

Gu Xin looked at her older sister, who was also grilling meat with her head down. She touched her chin and frowned. Could it be that Second Brother Xue and her sister...?

Before she could think it through, Gu En and Gu Si ran over to bring out the barbecue, and then Uncle Gu called her again.

A little while later, Cai Xiaolian and the others came out as well. The families gathered around the bonfire in the courtyard, eating grilled fish and meat, and drinking some wine. It was quite lively.

When they got home, Uncle Gu was already drunk.

Duke Cheng'en grabbed one of the Gu family's children at random and caught Gu Nian.

Gu Nian: "?"

Cheng'en Gong: "Tomorrow morning, after your father sobers up, you must tell him to catch a few more crickets for me in Kuncheng. Once they're well-raised, I'll send someone to collect them."

Gu Nian: "...Uncle Xue, that's my uncle."

Duke Cheng'en: "Oh, I know. Remember to tell your father!"

Gu Xin leaned closer: "Okay, Uncle Xue. I'll definitely remember, I'll catch the best crickets for you, and don't forget to tell Uncle Kang!"

Duke Cheng'en: "Hmm, Sisi is such a good girl!"

Gu Xin was overjoyed; this person had mistaken her and her sister for her eldest sister and Sisi's younger sister!