There were only the three of them at the table, with no rules of hierarchy, and the atmosphere was extremely warm and cozy.
"Father, how did you develop such excellent cooking skills?"
Gu Qingyan never stopped eating, which made Jiang Yu raise her eyebrows. She picked up a piece of food in the direction Gu Qingyan was picking up, and thought, "Mmm, it's really delicious."
"I practiced it when I was with the army."
Seeing that the mother and son were enjoying their meal, Gu Lin pushed the plate towards them.
"Ayu, are you going back to the palace for the banquet tonight?" Gu Lin asked with a smile. "If you go back, you can at least catch a glimpse of the excitement."
"What's all the commotion?" Jiang Yu asked, chewing her food with adorable little nibbles.
"You'll find out tonight, there's another big gift for you." Gu Lin couldn't help but pinch Jiang Yu's cheek. "Your Majesty, you're the star tonight."
Jiang Yu was stunned for a moment, forgetting to slap Gu Lin's hand away.
After a simple meal, the three of them went to Jiang Yu's courtyard.
Granny Ling was doing Jiang Yu's makeup in front of the bronze mirror, while Gu Lin and Gu Qingyan sat to the side watching.
"Yes, Granny Ling, make sure Her Highness's face is made up to be whiter." Gu Lin said with a smile. "Also, things might get a bit chaotic tonight, so please make sure to protect Her Highness."
"yes."
"Gu Lin, what exactly are you up to?"
Jiang Yu couldn't help but speak, but Gu Lin only smiled faintly and remained silent.
"Father, can't Mother stay here tonight?" Gu Qingyan muttered softly, unaware that he was just like any other ten-year-old child.
"Your mother has a big show to watch tonight."
Gu Lin patted Gu Qingyan on the shoulder, "Dad will take you horseback riding tonight."
......
As Jiang Yu left the Marquis of Dingyuan's residence, she couldn't help but lift the carriage curtain and look back at the plaque of the Marquis of Dingyuan's residence.
She is really happy to be here today.
"Your Highness, there are too many people and too many eyes outside," Ling Mama subtly reminded her. Jiang Yu paused, then lowered the carriage curtain.
It was like a long dream.
Gu Heng felt a surge of relief upon learning that Jiang Yu had rushed back to the palace before the banquet. "Indeed, the Empress is wise and considerate of me."
"Your Majesty must also be thinking that tonight is the First Prince's big day. After all, he is her own child. Even if Your Majesty says something heartless, she still feels sorry for the First Prince."
Cen Hai's words struck a chord with Gu Heng, who nodded and asked, "How are the preparations going with Ling'er?"
"Your Majesty, rest assured, everything is ready."
At the banquet, all the relatives of the Gu family were present. The main character seemed to be Jiang Yu, but in fact it was Gu Qingling.
Jiang Yu's expression was clearly off, and she sat next to Gu Heng, occasionally sipping her hot tea.
"Today is the Empress's birthday, let us raise our glasses in celebration."
Gu Heng raised his wine glass and smiled at Jiang Yu, "The Empress is not feeling well today, so... we'll drink tea instead of wine."
"Thank you for your understanding, Your Majesty."
A hint of mockery flashed in Jiang Yu's eyes. Didn't Gu Lin say there would be a good show tonight? Was this man lying to her?
After a few rounds of drinks, just as Jiang Yu was lost in thought, Gu Heng got down to business.
“Some time ago, the eldest prince made a mistake, and I was so angry that I imprisoned him in the imperial prison.” Gu Heng’s expression turned sorrowful. “But Ling’er was so guilty that she wanted to commit suicide by hitting her head against the wall.”
"I was lucky to escape with my life, but I don't remember what happened before."
Gu Qingfeng and Gu Qingyao, who were sitting below, exchanged a glance, and a coldness flashed in their eyes.
"Your Majesty, the First Prince is truly repentant."
Immediately, a member of the imperial clan stepped forward to echo, "No one is perfect, and His Majesty should give the eldest prince a chance."
"It just so happens that today is the Empress's birthday, so I thought I'd bring Ling'er out of the imperial prison."
As soon as she finished speaking, Gu Qingling, supported by a eunuch, entered the hall and looked directly at Gu Heng and Jiang Yu, who were seated on the throne. "Your son pays his respects...pays respects to Father Emperor and Mother Empress."
"Today is your mother's birthday, Ling'er." Gu Heng looked at Gu Qingling encouragingly.
Happy birthday, Mother!
What a touching scene of fatherly love.
Jiang Yu forced a smile. "Thank you, Your Highness."
Gu Qingling's arrival brought the banquet to a climax. Everyone was chatting and praising Gu Qingling, while Gu Qingfeng and Gu Qingyao seemed to have been forgotten.
But a voice broke the atmosphere in the hall.
"Let me in! Let me in!"
Gu Heng frowned, and Cen Hai immediately understood and left the main hall. However, even so, it was too late. Consort Rong ran to the entrance of the main hall in a frenzy.
"Where are the Imperial Guards? What have you been doing, letting a concubine come here?"
Gu Heng was furious, and Deng Yu's forehead was covered in cold sweat. Who exactly was helping a crazy concubine behind the scenes?
Consort Rong opened her mouth wide but couldn't speak. She just kept waving in Gu Qingling's direction, tears and snot mixed together, but Gu Qingling's eyes showed no emotion.
The guards, fearing to harm Consort Rong, seized the opportunity to bite the guards in the tiger's mouth. After breaking free, Consort Rong ran towards Gu Qingling.
"Father, who is this?"
Gu Qingling sat down in fear when Consort Rong grabbed her shoulders.
Hatred... an overwhelming amount of hatred...
Consort Rong was both crying and laughing when Deng Yu slashed her neck and she collapsed to the ground. "Your Majesty, rest assured, Consort Rong has only temporarily lost consciousness."
"Ling'er, don't be afraid. This is a crazy concubine. She has nothing to do with you."
Consort Rong was carried out of the palace, completely disrupting Gu Qingling's welcoming ceremony.
Jiang Yu chuckled inwardly; Gu Lin's move was truly cunning.
"Your Majesty, Consort Rong is not quite right in the head, please don't be angry." Consort Yi, supporting her large pregnant belly, stood up. "I think Consort Rong must have sensed the First Prince's good news, which is why she came to offer her congratulations."
With Consort Yi offering him a way out, Gu Heng's expression improved considerably.
"My beloved consort, please sit down. You are not feeling well, so you don't need to get up." Gu Heng thought for a moment, then had a chair added next to him and helped Consort Yi sit down.
"My beloved concubine's belly seems to have grown quite a bit more."
Gu Heng smiled, "It seems the Fourth Prince is eager to be born."
"younger brother?"
Gu Qingling spoke softly, her eyes fixed on Consort Yi's belly.
For some reason, Consort Yi felt a slight discomfort in her abdomen and couldn't help but reach out to protect her stomach.
"Ling'er, the baby in your mother Yi's belly is your fourth brother."
"Greetings, Fourth Brother."
Gu Qingling walked up to Consort Yi and touched her belly. "Fourth brother, come out quickly. I'll play with you."
Unseen by anyone, a strong killing intent flashed across Gu Qingling's eyes.
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