Outside the imperial city, Zhao Xu had been waiting for a long time.
The closer the carriage got to him, the more excited he became, wishing he could run directly to it.
Gu Jiangli lifted the curtain of the carriage and immediately saw Zhao Xu, who was craning his neck. He had grown quite a bit taller and looked very energetic, which showed that he was living a good life.
She lowered her head and smiled gently, then she and the emperor, carrying the two children, got off the carriage.
When Zhaoxu saw them, his eyes lit up and he ran towards them without stopping.
"Father! Mother! Let me see my two younger brothers!"
He tried to stand on tiptoe to get a glimpse of the two infants in their swaddling clothes.
Gu Jiangli bent down affectionately to show him the sleeping baby in her arms, and the emperor beside her did the same.
Zhao Xu's eyes lit up as he looked around several times, a satisfied expression on his face.
"So this is what a baby looks like. Father and Mother, which one is the older brother and which one is the younger brother?"
Gu Jiangli smiled mysteriously and said, "Why don't you guess?"
"I can't guess, they look almost the same. I've heard that twins can look alike when they grow up. Can Mother and Father tell them apart?"
“Your father can still tell them apart; he can tell who the elder brother is at a glance.” Gu Jiangli smiled as she looked at the emperor.
"Really? Father, please teach me how to tell who is the older brother and who is the younger brother?"
The emperor shook his head, looking somewhat helpless, and explained to Zhaoxu, "They both have a mole at the corner of their eyes; the older brother's is on the left, and the younger brother's is on the right. Does that make it easier to tell them apart?"
Zhao Xu exclaimed in amazement, "How amazing! So, the Empress Dowager is holding the younger brother, and the Emperor is holding the older brother!"
Gu Jiangli nodded without saying a word.
Seeing that Zhaoxu liked the two children, she felt relieved.
For the royal family, brotherly love and respect were her greatest expectations.
Now it seems that Zhaoxu will definitely be a good older brother.
Zhao Xu was overjoyed and quickly said, "Mother, let me help you hold your brother, so you can rest a bit more."
"Can you carry him?" Gu Jiangli asked in surprise.
"No problem, I practice every day in the palace!"
"practise?"
Gu Jiangli asked a question, but before she could react, the child in her arms had already been moved into Zhao Xu's arms.
He held her steadily, as if he had done it many times before.
"Mother, don't worry, I asked Grand Tutor Qin to find me a sandbag. I practice with the sandbag every day, so my little brother won't fall to the ground."
Gu Jiangli was stunned after hearing this.
She knew Zhaoxu had high expectations for his younger brother, but she never imagined he had gone this far.
Since Zhaoxu has already made so many preparations, she has no reason to refuse him.
"Okay, then you can hold him."
"Yay!"
————
After returning to the palace with the emperor, Gu Jiangli met with many ministers.
They first inquired about the emperor's health, and then subtly learned about his experiences during his travels.
However, in Gu Jiangli's opinion, what they cared about most was whether the man beside her had any intention of becoming emperor again.
After all, Zhaoxu was young, so it was only natural for the retired emperor to oversee the country.
However, they underestimated his aversion to the throne and his longing for the world outside the palace.
In front of these ministers, he made it clear that he would never again participate in politics.
Seeing his resolute attitude, the ministers finally gave up.
They stayed in the palace for some time, taking care of the two brothers, Zhao He and Zhao Yu, while also observing Zhao Xu.
Nearly two years have passed since they last met, but Zhaoxu is still very close to them and dotes on his two younger brothers.
Seeing him so lively and energetic every day, Gu Jiangli felt much more at ease.
Therefore, she specially summoned Grand Tutor Qin.
Because she knew that Grand Tutor Qin had helped Zhao Xu a lot.
They were both teacher and friend, and Zhaoxu trusted him very much.
When Grand Tutor Qin came to see her, there were no outsiders around.
"Your Majesty, is there something important that you have summoned me for a private audience?" He stood at the edge of the door, not daring to come in, as if he was worried about being seen and gossiped about.
He is well-mannered and cautious in his actions, which shows that he is an upright person.
"Grand Tutor Qin, there is no need to be afraid. The Emperor Emeritus knows that I summoned you, but he went to see the children and asked me to come and talk to you about some things. Please come in."
After hearing her say that, Grand Tutor Qin stepped across the threshold and entered the room.
"Grand Tutor Qin, Zhao Xu has had no relatives by his side for the past two years. He has been able to handle all kinds of court affairs skillfully thanks to your help."
Grand Tutor Qin bowed respectfully, “Your Majesty flatters me. His Majesty is exceptionally intelligent. I was of little help. He knows how to handle many things at a glance. I merely taught him some of the simplest lessons.”
"Grand Tutor Qin is too modest. To be honest, if it weren't for you, the Emperor Emeritus and I wouldn't have been able to leave the capital so peacefully."
"Your humble servant was merely fulfilling his duty."
His back bent even lower.
Gu Jiangli stood up and stepped forward, reaching out to lift his forearm and straighten his back.
"There's no need for such formality in front of me. With your talent, being a tutor is a waste of your abilities. As you know, the Emperor Emeritus has no interest in participating in politics. Once we've rested enough, and once the Second Prince and the Third Prince are a bit older, we will inevitably have to leave the palace."
"And you are the most capable and trustworthy person by Zhaoxu's side, so we intend to appoint you as the regent prime minister."
Qin Taifu's usually composed face was instantly filled with fear, and he immediately knelt on the ground.
My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
