Watching this heartwarming scene of mother and son, Li Chang'an felt a mix of emotions. He was overjoyed, but also tinged with sadness. If only the old general's wife were still here…
Well, what's past is past. At least Qin Xiashi genuinely treated Bao Ge well. Although they didn't spend much time together, Li Chang'an saw real feelings in his second aunt's eyes.
Although she was married into the general's mansion by imperial decree and had never consummated her marriage with the general, Li Chang'an held the old general's family in high esteem. So even though her brother-in-law didn't treat her well, she didn't care at all and instead wanted to get closer to him.
"Brother Bao, shall your sister-in-law take you there?"
Li Chang'an beckoned to Qin Yubao in an unprecedentedly gentle tone, smilingly gesturing for him to come over.
If Feng Beichuan were to see Li Chang'an like this, he would probably be so shocked that his jaw would drop to the ground.
Qin Yubao turned her head and saw that the woman who was smiling at her was not going over to her. Instead, she pouted and buried her head in Qin Xia's arms, saying in a muffled voice, "No, I want my mother to come with me..."
Qin Xia was initially somewhat uncomfortable upon hearing Li Chang'an's request. Out of selfishness, she naturally didn't want Qin Yubao to develop too much affection for Li Chang'an. However, she was glad that she hadn't spoiled the child in vain. A simple sentence made her feel much better.
Although Qin Xia felt better now, Li Chang'an was not so happy. She really couldn't understand why Yu Bao was so indifferent to her.
"Please don't take offense, Madam. This child has been with me since he was little and has never liked anyone else taking care of him. Sometimes when he gets angry, even the wet nurse can't help him."
Although Qin Yubao's performance was exactly what Qin Xia wanted, she still had to be polite to Li Chang'an on the surface to avoid an awkward atmosphere.
Hearing these words, Li Chang'an felt much relieved and couldn't help but secretly blame himself for arguing with a three-year-old child.
Anyway, there's plenty of time, and feelings will gradually develop.
"It's alright. I haven't spent much time with this child, so it's normal that we're not close."
Li Chang'an said with a faint smile.
“Madam, please wait a moment. I will take Bao Ge to freshen up first, and then we will have breakfast together in a little while.”
Qin Xia smiled at Li Chang'an, then instructed her maids to add more food to the kitchen, demonstrating her shrewd and resourceful nature.
"good."
Li Chang'an nodded, then sat down in a chair and waited quietly, thinking about how he could quickly develop feelings for Qin Yubao.
"Madam, people from the palace have arrived. It looks like they're here to deliver an imperial decree."
His thoughts were interrupted by the steward who rushed over. Li Chang'an was startled and wondered what kind of decree his emperor father was issuing at this time.
What's this old man up to?
Li Chang'an couldn't help but mutter a curse in his heart, then got up and went out to receive the imperial decree, kneeling in gratitude with the people in the courtyard.
The person who came to deliver the imperial edict was none other than the chief eunuch serving the emperor.
"By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: My son, Yong'an, is of loyal and virtuous character, and serves the country and its people well. He is hereby granted permission to attend court and participate in government affairs. This is the imperial decree—"
"Your subject thanks you for your grace."
After the head eunuch finished reading the imperial edict in a high-pitched voice, Li Chang'an took the bright yellow scroll and then took out a gold ingot and stuffed it into the head eunuch's hand: "You've come to the General's Mansion early this morning, thank you for your hard work. This is just a small token for everyone to have some tea."
"Oh, Your Highness, you're too kind."
Clutching the heavy gold ingot, the head eunuch was somewhat flattered, but he still deftly stuffed it into his pocket.
"His Majesty also specifically instructed that Your Highness is permitted to mobilize the army at will."
After saying this, the chief eunuch clapped his hands again, and immediately several attendants came in from outside the general's mansion gate, each carrying something in their hands, including boxes and trays.
"These are all gifts from the Emperor. The fabrics are all rare and fine materials. The Emperor said that you have lived a frugal life these past few years, and he specifically instructed you to have some nice clothes made."
"When you return, please convey my gratitude to the Emperor on my behalf. However, it seems that granting me permission to mobilize troops is somewhat against etiquette."
His eyes flickered, and Li Chang'an looked at the chief eunuch's face with a scrutinizing gaze, probing.
He was allowed to mobilize troops in the capital, and was also allowed to attend court as a general. He even had a grand ceremony to announce the delivery of so many rewards. I really don't know if he was bestowing upon me an immense favor or if he had other plans.
A chill ran through me again; the situation seemed to be getting more and more interesting.
"What are you saying? His Majesty is just being considerate of the princess. These are just a small token of his appreciation. Please keep them. His Majesty said that nothing is more important than the bond between father and daughter."
Li Chang'an smiled but did not respond to his words. She naturally knew how eloquent this old man, who had spent most of his life in the palace, was, and that he could express his master's meaning perfectly.
As for how much of what he said was true or false, Li Chang'an didn't bother to consider it. After being tested so many times, even the greatest trust would eventually be worn away.
"This servant has delivered His Majesty's message and must hurry back to report."
"Then please take care, sir. I won't see you off any further."
After smilingly seeing the person off, Li Chang'an's expression changed in an instant. She calmly instructed someone to put all the gifts bestowed by the Emperor into her room, preparing to return to the main hall to wait for her to dine with Bao Ge later.
In the blink of an eye, Qin Xiashi came over with the little baby. When she bumped into Li Chang'an, Qin Xiashi quickly deepened her smile: "Were the people from the palace just here? I was afraid that Bao Ge would break the rules because he is not well-behaved, so I didn't bring him. I waited in the side hall for a while before coming out."
Li Chang'an's heart stirred, and he immediately summoned several maids who were preparing to deliver things to her room. From the gifts, he selected several pieces of brightly colored fabric and placed a box of fine pearls and a pair of high-quality jade bracelets together.
"Send all of these to your aunt's room."
After rummaging through the items again, Li Chang'an saw a longevity lock made of mutton-fat jade. He also picked up two gold ingots and handed them to Qin Xiashi. "These things can be used to make a necklace for Bao Ge. I came in a hurry and didn't prepare any gifts for our first meeting. I can only offer these as a token of my appreciation. Please don't find them offensive, Aunt."
Qin Xia was taken aback at first, then took the gift from Li Chang'an's hand, and said somewhat flatteredly, "What are you saying, Madam? Don't mention gifts, you're being too polite."
Li Chang'an smiled without saying a word. Although she had never liked these social niceties, she had lived in the palace for more than ten years and understood the principles of being tactful in dealing with people. Now that she had suddenly returned to the General's Mansion, if she could not get along well with the people there, she was afraid that there would be more trouble in the future.
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