In less than half an hour, a snowman appeared in the snow.
Gu Qingyan was clearly overjoyed, lifting Jiang Yao above his head, which made her giggle.
"Cousin, what's our snowman's name?"
Gu Qingyan pretended to think for a moment after hearing this, then looked at Jiang Yao, "If your cousin can't think of one either, Yao Yao, how about you think of one?"
"Call me Yi Yi."
Jiang Yao's words made everyone present burst into laughter. "Yi Yi?"
"This is the first snowman Yao Yao built, and also the first snowman my cousin built, so we named it Yi Yi."
Upon hearing this, Gu Qingyan affectionately kissed Jiang Yao's little face, "I'll listen to Yao Yao."
Little Jiang Yao even gave the snowman the rabbit fur collar she was wearing around her neck, saying, "The snowman is out in the snow without wearing anything, he'll get cold."
"Silly Yaoyao, if Yiyi wasn't cold, she would have melted."
Seeing Gu Qingyan's happy expression, Gu Lin nodded to Jiang He, "Thank you."
"I know you too well. Bringing Ayu here, you're bound to forget about the child." Jiang He said irritably. At this moment, they were no longer ruler and subject, but an ordinary family.
"I'm not trying to be mean, but even though Ayan is all grown up now, he's still a child in our eyes."
"I know."
Gu Lin's gaze shifted to Gu Qingyan, and seeing the rare, relaxed smile on Gu Qingyan's face, Gu Lin's lips also curled up slightly.
On that day, the ministers in the court were all very perceptive and did not request an audience with Gu Qingyan. The group did not return to the palace until it was almost dark, and Ling Mama immediately had a pot brought out.
"We'll have hot pot tonight. Brother, you can eat here before you go back."
Jiang He naturally wouldn't refuse, and while waiting to eat, Gu Qingyan and Jiang Yao got into a chaotic mess.
"Mother, I will soon be retiring from writing, and I will be able to spend the next few days with you." Gu Qingyan's eyes shone brightly. "And Yaoyao too. Oh, and let Auntie come back from Ju County as well. Didn't the aristocratic families send the Pei family to deliver New Year's gifts? The date is almost here."
"There should be no further fighting in Ju County in the short term."
"Is Mother coming back?" Jiang Yao immediately raised her little face.
"Yes, it's almost Chinese New Year, so we're having my aunt come back to keep Yao Yao company."
"Yay!"
The meal was spent in a harmonious atmosphere. After finishing the meal, Jiang He left with Jiang Yao. Gu Qingyan glanced at Gu Lin and Jiang Yu, and finally got up.
"Then I will return to the Hall of Supreme Harmony first, as there are still some memorials to be approved there."
"While diligence is a good thing, Ayan, you must also take care of your health," Jiang Yu instructed with some concern. "If you really can't finish dealing with everything, then have your father accompany you."
"I understand."
When Gu Qingyan reached the outside of the Hall of Supreme Harmony, his eyes suddenly narrowed.
"This snowman...—?"
"Your Majesty, this was brought over by Protector Ling Hai, who served the Retired Emperor." The little eunuch guarding the gate was trembling as he spoke. Yingzhi couldn't bear to watch any longer and stepped forward. "Did Protector Ling say anything?"
"No...no..."
"I understand." Gu Qingyan said softly, pausing in front of the snowman for a long time before revealing a genuine smile.
In the darkness, Gu Qingyan's eyes were glistening with tears.
He never felt that his father did not love him. Throughout history, even among biological sons, how many emperors were willing to abdicate? There were countless fierce struggles within the royal family.
The greatest love his father gave him was letting go.
Zhaoning Palace.
Jiang Yu nestled in Gu Lin's arms, thinking about the day's events, "Ayan was really happy today."
"Yeah, this kid is really happy today."
Jiang Yu grasped Gu Lin's hand. "I heard what my brother said today. Don't take it to heart. He..."
"Don't worry, Ayu, your brother-in-law is right. There are many times when I haven't fully considered Ayan's feelings." Gu Lin rubbed Jiang Yu's head. "Just like today, if my brother-in-law hadn't reminded me, I wouldn't have realized that Ayan has never built a snowman before."
“Every father has his own way of loving his children, and Ayan loves you very much too.”
Jiang Yu nuzzled Gu Lin's chest affectionately, "Don't think I can't guess, you must have had that snowman brought back."
Gu Lin laughed out loud when he heard this, "That was the first snowman that Ayan built."
Hearing Gu Lin's words, Jiang Yu couldn't help but touch her slightly heaving belly. Ah, it feels so good...
......
Pei Jian and his entourage arrived in the capital on the 24th day of the twelfth lunar month. This time, only Chang Qing came to greet them.
Outside the capital, Chang Qing, his face dark, was tasked with greeting the aristocratic families... It was truly a thoroughly satisfying and frustrating experience.
When Pei Jian saw Chang Qing, even with his strong self-control, he couldn't help but change his expression. The attitude of Dayu towards aristocratic families was now completely different from what it had been a few months ago.
"My name is Chang Qing. I am here to await the head of the Pei family on the orders of the Emperor."
Chang Qing clasped his hands in a fist salute to Pei Jian, "Please accompany Patriarch Pei to my temporary residence."
"When will I be able to see Emperor Yu? I've also brought gifts from several other families for the Great Yu, which I'm waiting to present to Emperor Yu." Pei Jian said, suppressing his anger, while Pei Zhi's eyes darkened.
"With the year-end approaching and affairs of state being very busy, His Majesty is simply unable to spare the time today and tomorrow. Therefore, His Majesty will host a banquet in the palace three days from now to personally welcome you and Young Master Pei back."
“In that case, Ah Zhi and I will wait for two days.”
Whether intentional or coincidental, Da Yu arranged for Pei Jian and Pei Zhi to stay in the same place where Qin Ke'er and Sun Shu had previously stayed.
"This place is very close to the Marquis of Dingyuan's residence. We can visit him sometime."
Pei Jian looked at the empty courtyard and spoke softly.
"Father, here..."
"Zhi'er, be careful what you say." Pei Jian gestured to Pei Zhi with his eyes, and Pei Zhi immediately shut her mouth. There were countless spies lurking in the shadows here, and they couldn't speak easily while they were still in the courtyard.
“Then let’s visit the Marquis of Dingyuan’s residence tomorrow. There’s some connection between the Pei family and the Marquis of Dingyuan’s residence.” Pei Zhi nodded. “Besides, A-Mo is usually at the Marquis of Dingyuan’s residence, so we might run into A-Mo.”
The thought of not seeing Yunmo for so long brought a smile to Pei Zhi's face.
The next day, when Pei Zhi and Yun Mo stood facing each other, Pei Zhi suddenly felt a sense of loss and change.
"Sister Azhi."
Yunmo addressed Pei Zhi as before, but Pei Zhi, seeing the little girl holding Yunmo's hand tightly, was momentarily speechless.
"Master, you call Sister Azhi, so what should we call Yaoyao?"
Jiang Yao looked at Pei Zhi in front of her and asked in confusion.
"Princess, you may call me Young Master Pei."
Young Master Pei… Pei Zhi’s heart skipped a beat.
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