Chapter 140: The Boat Reaches the Other Shore
Time flowed quietly like water. As the last ginkgo leaf fluttered down in the courtyard, and the branches were covered with a thin frost of early winter, Su Wanrou's health had greatly improved. Physician Lin took her pulse for the last time, stroking his beard and smiling, saying that the lady's blood and energy were abundant, her pulse steady and strong, and she could resume her normal daily routine. She only needed to be slightly careful in her daily life, avoiding excessive mental and physical exertion. Upon hearing this, everyone in Ninghui Courtyard, and indeed the entire Duke's Mansion, felt as if a heavy burden had been lifted, and the atmosphere became even more relaxed and peaceful.
Gu Yangui also completely resumed his previous busy schedule, but no matter how busy he was, he would always return to the manor before dinner, without fail. This seemed to have become an unwritten rule in the Duke's manor, and also the most solid ritual for this new family.
That evening, fine snowflakes began to fall from the sky; it was the first snow of the winter. Lights were lit throughout the mansion early in the morning, their warm orange glow lending a touch of warmth to the falling snowflakes.
Inside the main room of Ninghui Courtyard, the underfloor heating was warm and cozy, a stark contrast to the chill outside. The room was elegantly and warmly furnished. In addition to the original antiques and jade artifacts, the display cabinet had been expanded with many exquisite and adorable children's toys. In the corner, there was a sandalwood cradle covered with a soft brocade cushion.
Dinner had just been cleared away, and the warm aroma of the food still lingered in the air. Gu Yangui had changed out of his court robes and was now wearing a dark blue casual brocade robe, which made his shoulders appear even broader and his waist narrower. He looked less imposing in court and more relaxed at home. Instead of going to his study to handle official business as usual, he carried Gu Sheng, who was full and energetic after a good meal, and strolled slowly through the carpeted inner room.
Little Gu Sheng is over two months old, chubby and fair-skinned, his chubby arms and legs kicking powerfully. He's dressed in a festive red brocade jacket and trousers, which makes his little face look even more adorable. At this moment, he's being held upright by his father, his big, dark eyes looking around curiously, making "ee-yah-yah" sounds, and occasionally flashing a toothless smile at his father's stern face, spitting a little drool on him.
Gu Yangui was clearly used to it. Instead of being annoyed, he had a indulgent smile in his eyes. He held out a finger for his son's soft little hand to grasp tightly, and teased him in a rare gentle tone in his deep voice: "Hmm? What are you looking at? That's a lamp, a lamp that lights up."
Su Wanrou sat on a soft couch by the window, holding a cup of hot jujube and longan tea, watching this scene with a smile. She wore an apricot-yellow silk jacket and a moon-white pleated skirt, her black hair simply tied up and adorned with an elegant pearl hairpin. Her complexion was rosy, and her eyes radiated the tenderness and contentment of being a wife and mother. After the harrowing events of the past few months, this peaceful and warm daily life was, to her, the greatest blessing from heaven.
Xiao Mingxuan sat cross-legged on the carpet in front of the couch, his homework spread out on the small table in front of him—a piece of calligraphy he had just finished writing. He wrote very carefully, his little body ramrod straight, but his ears were perked up, constantly watching the movements of his father and younger brother. After finishing the last character, he put down the brush, carefully blew on the ink to dry it, and then presented it to Su Wanrou like a treasure: "Mother, do you think my calligraphy has improved today?"
Su Wanrou took the paper and examined it carefully. On it was a neatly written copy of the Three Character Classic. Although the brushstrokes were still somewhat immature, the structure was already showing promise, indicating that the writer had put in considerable effort. Appreciation appeared in her eyes as she gently patted Mingxuan's head: "It's very well written, much neater than yesterday. Our Mingxuan is really getting more and more diligent."
Upon receiving the praise, Mingxuan's little face immediately lit up with a bright smile, and he pursed his lips a little shyly. Now, in front of Su Wanrou, he no longer had the initial distance and probing, and was completely in a state of intimate and natural mother-son relationship.
At this moment, Gu Yangui, carrying little Gu Sheng, also came over and sat down by the couch. He handed the infant in his arms to Mingxuan, with a hint of encouraging smile: "Mingxuan, do you want to hold your little brother? Just be careful."
Mingxuan's eyes lit up, and he immediately reached out his little hand, carefully taking the swaddled baby with his father's guidance and help. Little Gu Sheng seemed to recognize his older brother's scent; instead of crying, he waved his little hands, babbling as he tried to grab Mingxuan's clothes. Mingxuan was both nervous and excited, his little face tense, his arms stiff but steady as he held his younger brother, murmuring, "Good boy Sheng, I'm your older brother, older brother is holding you..."
Watching the loving interaction between the two brothers, Su Wanrou felt a warm glow in her heart. She took the tea Gu Yangui offered, sipped it lightly, and the sweet, warm tea soothed her soul. Suddenly remembering something, she softly said, "Husband, the Imperial Household Department sent over this year's winter gifts of silver frost charcoal and furs the other day. I saw that those white fox pelts were exceptionally fine, their fur pure white without any blemishes. I was thinking of making a cloak for Mingxuan and Sheng'er each, and the leftover scraps could be used to make a pair of hand warmers for you. The weather is getting colder and colder, and you still have to get up early every day for court..."
Gu Yangui looked at her gently and nodded: "You can make the arrangements. You can now make all the decisions regarding the household affairs; you don't need to ask me about everything." This complete trust was a natural entrustment after being tested.
Su Wanrou smiled slightly and said, "There's one more thing. Yesterday, the Yongchang Marquis's residence, which is my mother's side, sent an invitation, saying they wanted to come and visit me and Sheng'er in a couple of days. I was thinking that, after all, they are my maternal family. If my husband thinks it's alright, why don't we invite them over for a visit?" She was becoming more and more considerate in her dealings these days, even with her own maternal family, she would first consult Gu Yangui's opinion.
Gu Yangui had no objection to this: "That's only right. You are now the Duchess of the State, so when your family comes, you should receive them according to etiquette. If you need any gifts, have Gu Zhong go to the storeroom to get them." He paused, his tone calm but with a hint of barely perceptible protectiveness, "If the Earl's family makes any unreasonable requests or says anything unpleasant, you don't need to feel embarrassed. I will take care of it for you."
Su Wanrou was touched, knowing that he was worried that her family might make unreasonable demands under the guise of a visit, putting her in a difficult position. She nodded gently, "Don't worry, my husband, I know what I'm doing."
Outside the window, the snow seemed to be falling heavier, its soft patter making the room feel even warmer and more peaceful. The flames in the charcoal brazier flickered gently, occasionally bursting into sparks. The wet nurse and maids stood quietly in the outer room, not wanting to disturb the family's peaceful moment inside.
Xiao Mingxuan held his younger brother for a while until his arms ached, then reluctantly handed the little guy back to his father. Gu Yangui took the infant son and skillfully patted his back gently. In his father's steady embrace, little Gu Sheng yawned slightly, his eyelids drooping, as if he was about to fall asleep.
Su Wanrou put down her teacup and picked up a nearly finished padded jacket for Gu Sheng. It was embroidered with fine stitches and a lively pattern of carp playing among lotus flowers. As she sewed, she casually mentioned, "Husband, Princess Anyang came to see me a couple of days ago and mentioned that several officials in the capital are holding plum blossom viewing banquets at the end of the year. She sent invitations, but I declined, saying I still need to rest. However, with the year-end approaching, there will surely be celebrations in the palace, and people will be visiting each other more often. I was thinking, should we find an excuse to host a small banquet at home and invite some familiar families over? It would also be a way to... thank them for their concern these past few days."
Her tone was calm and consultative as she spoke, yet her gaze was clear and steady. This was no longer merely the duty of the mistress of the inner quarters; it also involved the maintenance and management of the Duke's mansion's social network in the capital.
Upon hearing this, Gu Yangui looked up at her, a hint of admiration flashing in his eyes. His little wife's thoughtfulness and meticulous consideration far exceeded his expectations. He pondered for a moment and said, "It's good that you have this idea. However, you've just recovered, so you shouldn't overexert yourself. Holding a banquet is fine, but it doesn't need to be too large. Just invite a few close friends and like-minded people. As for the specific arrangements, let Gu Zhonghe and the head housekeeper assist you. You don't need to do everything yourself. Taking care of your health is the most important thing."
"Yes, I understand," Su Wanrou replied with a smile. She knew this was Gu Yangui's way of showing her care and concern. This care was based on his recognition and trust in her abilities. This feeling of walking side by side filled her with strength.
Just then, little Gu Sheng, who had been drowsy, suddenly pouted and burst into tears, his loud cry shattering the silence of the room. Gu Yangui was immediately at a loss, awkwardly and gently shaking him: "Sheng'er, don't cry, what's wrong?"
Seeing this, Su Wanrou quickly put down her needlework, smiled, and stood up to take the child from Gu Yangui's arms with gentle and practiced movements. She gently patted the child's back, softly humming an unknown, soothing tune, and slowly paced around the room. Strangely enough, as soon as little Gu Sheng was in his mother's arms and smelled her familiar fragrance, his crying gradually subsided, turning into soft, aggrieved sobs. Finally, with his mother's gentle comfort and humming, he slowly closed his eyes, his breathing becoming even and long, and he fell asleep.
Gu Yangui watched Wanrou's gentle figure as she walked away, carrying their child, the lamplight casting a soft halo around her. At that moment, his heart was filled with an indescribable sense of emotion and contentment. This was his home, his wife, his child. All the fighting, scheming, and court intrigue seemed to have been for the sake of protecting this small patch of peace before him.
Mingxuan watched quietly and whispered to Gu Yangui, "Father, my younger brother loves it when Mother holds him to sleep."
Gu Yangui reached out and ruffled his eldest son's hair, saying softly, "Yes, because Mother has the most reassuring scent."
After Su Wanrou gently placed the sleeping Gu Sheng into the cradle and carefully covered him with the quilt, she sat up and found Gu Yangui and Mingxuan both watching her quietly. She was slightly taken aback, then smiled and asked, "What's wrong?"
Gu Yangui walked to her side, naturally took her hand, and led her back to sit on the couch. "Thank you for your hard work."
Su Wanrou shook her head, her smile gentle: "What hardship is there? As a mother, I find it sweet." She looked at her baby sleeping soundly in the cradle, then at Mingxuan sitting obediently beside her, and finally at her tall and reliable husband beside her, and said softly, "I feel that this is the best life I have ever had."
Outside, the snow intensified, but inside, it was warm and cozy. The family of four, though not saying much, exuded a tender and affectionate atmosphere. The storms of the past had subsided, and their small boat of home, having weathered the tempest, had finally pierced through the fog and reached the peaceful shore.
The future may still hold storms, and the court may still be rife with undercurrents, but this family, having weathered life-and-death trials and witnessed each other's true hearts, has become each other's strongest support. Husband and wife united in heart, father and son deeply devoted—this is their most powerful strength to continue moving forward.
The boat has reached the other shore, and the heart has found its place. The story of the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion has turned a dramatic page and ushered in a warm and enduring new chapter.
(Volume 4: Through Thick and Thin - End)
Volume 5: The Prosperous Chang'an (Chapters 141-157)
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