"Emperor Zhaoyuan has come from afar; I should personally go to welcome him."

Gu Heng met Gu Lin's gaze and felt inexplicably guilty. Those eyes were too sharp, making Gu Heng feel that all his thoughts had nowhere to hide.

A low chuckle rang out, and Gu Lin's gaze fell directly on Gu Qingyan. "Is this the Third Prince who solved the case of the missing woman in Heng County?"

A single, casual remark nearly made Gu Heng lose his smile.

"Just now I vaguely heard that the Third Prince was going to present a birthday gift?" Gu Lin seemed to completely disregard Gu Heng's words. "I am also quite curious."

Gu Qingyan's heart trembled slightly. Why did the Emperor Zhaoyuan before him feel so familiar, as if... very intimate...?

As Gu Lin walked toward that unique empty seat, Gu Qingling felt a chill run down her spine as she passed by.

"I have prepared a wood carving for Father Emperor." As soon as Gu Qingyan finished speaking, a fierce look appeared in Gu Heng's eyes. "I carved this wood carving myself to wish Father Emperor a happy birthday."

Several palace servants carried a wooden carving, on which were carved longevity peaches and a lively scene, just like the scene of immortals celebrating a birthday in a picture book.

Everyone was about to offer their praise, but they fell silent after seeing Gu Heng's expression. Did His Majesty... dislike him?

Gu Heng's temples were throbbing. When Gu Lin was still the Prince of Xiang in Daqing, he often made wood carvings to please his father. So since he ascended the throne, no wood carvings have appeared in the palace. But Gu Qingyan just happened to add some bad luck to his birthday.

"Slap—slap—slap—"

In the completely silent hall, only Gu Lin clapped his hands in admiration, "A masterpiece of craftsmanship; even I would like to collect it."

Gu Heng's expression turned even uglier upon hearing this, but he couldn't openly mention these taboos.

"Yan'er is very thoughtful." Gu Heng pinched his nose and said, "I also like this birthday gift very much, but since Emperor Zhaoyuan likes it as well, I will give this wood carving to Emperor Zhaoyuan."

"In that case, I will gladly accept it."

Gu Lin's expression contrasted sharply with Gu Heng's. Gu Qingyan looked at Gu Lin, who had come to his rescue, with disbelief. He had deliberately given the wood carving as a gift...

His origins were switched, causing him to be separated from his mother for ten years. Now that he knows the truth, how could he possibly still be a dutiful son?

Moreover, given his current identity as the son of the King of Xiang, inheriting the King's preferences, Gu Heng couldn't find fault with him.

“Third brother is quite ingenious,” Gu Qingling said, braving the cold air. “Father should reward third brother with something.”

In ordinary families, children don't usually give gifts when celebrating their elders' birthdays; only servants would ask for rewards on such occasions.

"Brother is joking," Gu Qingfeng said with a smile. "It is only natural for a child to prepare a birthday gift for Father. If we were to discuss rewards, wouldn't that make us a laughing stock?"

The group was at loggerheads. Gu Qingling gave Gu Qingfeng a deep look, and even Gu Heng's gaze towards Gu Qingfeng lacked the friendliness of the past few days.

"Since this gift ended up in my hands, I should return the favor to the Third Prince."

Having watched the spectacle to his heart's content, Gu Lin waved his hand dismissively.

Countless rare treasures were brought in box after box. When the boxes were opened, everyone was speechless with astonishment.

"This...this..." Some officials were already speechless, because the value of these things was almost comparable to all the birthday gifts the Emperor had received.

"Emperor Zhaoyuan has gone to such lengths, I..." Gu Heng was interrupted by Gu Lin with a smile before he could finish speaking, "This is my return gift to the Third Prince."

Gu Qingyan is ten years old this year, and exactly ten boxes were carried into the hall.

This is a belated birthday gift from Gu Lin to Gu Qingyan.

"I cannot accept gifts without merit. I request that Emperor Zhaoyuan take them back." Gu Qingyan pursed his lips. He didn't know why Emperor Zhaoyuan always seemed to be protecting him.

"I am very pleased with this wood carving of yours. These things are rightfully yours."

Gu Lin, exuding an aura of authority, stood in front of Gu Qingyan and said, "Emperor of Daqing, I am truly envious that you have such a filial son as the Third Prince."

"If Emperor Zhaoyuan has a woman he fancys in Daqing, just tell me." Gu Heng had other ideas. This Emperor Zhaoyuan was young but his harem was empty and he had no children.

If one takes a liking to a woman from Daqing, it can ensure that Daqing and Daning will not be plagued by war for a hundred years.

Gu Lin smiled but remained silent, taking a sip of the wine while keeping a close eye on Gu Qingyan's every move.

Inside the hall, dancers gracefully performed, and toasts were exchanged, which eased the atmosphere somewhat.

"Emperor Zhaoyuan, I toast you."

Gu Qingyan walked up to Gu Lin with a wine glass in his hand. He had received such a generous gift from Gu Lin today, and he had to come and thank him no matter what.

Gu Lin glanced at Gu Qingyan's wine glass; it didn't look like wine.

"My mother has ordered that I am not allowed to drink alcohol, so I can only use tea instead of wine."

The two, one big and one small, looked at each other and seemed surprisingly well-matched.

"cheers."

The clinking of their glasses struck a chord deep within their hearts.

......

After the banquet, Gu Lin casually remarked, "I heard there's a family banquet at the palace tonight, and all the noble ladies of the royal family will be attending?"

Gu Heng's eyes lit up upon hearing this. "Is Emperor Zhaoyuan also interested in the family banquet tonight?"

If they could take a fancy to one or two more royal women from the Daqing Kingdom, it would be entirely beneficial to Daqing.

Gu Lin nodded, and Cen Hai immediately understood and left to make the arrangements.

All afternoon, Gu Lindu drank tea with Gu Heng in the Hall of Supreme Harmony. The former brothers and enemies had changed their identities and were waiting for the family banquet that evening with their own thoughts.

Zhaoning Palace.

"That Emperor Zhaoyuan returned such a generous gift to you?"

After hearing Gu Qingyan recount the luncheon, Jiang Yu became restless. "What is this man thinking? He seems to be pushing you into the spotlight, yet he also seems to be protecting you."

"Mother, I don't think he wants to harm me."

Gu Qingyan ran to a box and asked, "But why did he choose me?"

If you want to be on good terms with Daqing, it would be more valuable to give these to Gu Qingling or Gu Qingfeng than to him.

"We'll have a banquet tonight, Mother Empress, so you can take a look at this Emperor Zhaoyuan for me."

Jiang Yu lowered her eyes. Tonight, she would tell Ayan the truth about what happened back then.

She couldn't hide it from Ayan, but she was also extremely uneasy. She was afraid that if Ayan knew the truth, he wouldn't want to be as intimate with her as he was now.

As the sun sets in the west.

Cen Hai stepped into the Hall of Supreme Harmony. “Your Majesty, Emperor Zhaoyuan, the banquet is ready.”

"Come, follow me."

The moment Gu Lin stood up, his steps faltered slightly. After so many years, he was finally going to see A Yu again...