Chapter 950: Chapter 950 - 950 Rejection

Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

“Sixty years,” the Emperor chuckled after a surprised moment. “Living up to seventy is quite rare. Won’t I be an old monster living for another sixty years?”

“Not at all,” Gu Wanning countered. “The Emperor is the Son of Heaven, with a team of imperial physicians at your side; reaching eighty or ninety is a possibility.”

The Emperor laughed again. “Well, then I have your blessings.”

But a touch of sadness crept in, not for himself, but for the Retired Emperor. Back then, though not in perfect health, the Retired Emperor could’ve ruled for another twenty years if not for the worms.

This served as a cautionary tale. He couldn’t appoint a crown prince too early, nor could he be overly controlling.

With a plan forming, the Emperor announced his decision during the year-end court session—the appointment of a crown prince would wait until the princes came of age.

On New Year’s Eve afternoon, Zhou Ying was finalizing accounts and distributing silver to the servants when Gu Chenglin burst in. “Sister-in-law! Cousin Chengsi’s family is here!”

Zhou Ying, briefly surprised, quickly regained her composure. Gu Chengsi’s four years as county magistrate were up, and it was time for a promotion. He must be in the capital for his evaluation.

She rose up and went outside. Gu Chengsi, sporting a small mustache, greeted her, “Greetings, Sister-in-law.”

“Welcome! It’s cold; please come in.” Zhou Ying ushered them inside.

Mrs. Bai, seeing Zhou Ying’s elegant yet simple attire, couldn’t hide her surprise. Zhou Ying’s status, power, and wealth were evident, yet she dressed with such understated elegance. If not for the delicate fabric, one might mistake her for an ordinary woman.

Though just two years younger, Zhou Ying looked remarkably youthful, especially in her figure.

Mrs. Bai couldn’t suppress a pang of jealousy. Unlike Zhou Ying, the sole wife in the marquis’ residence, her husband had chamber maids despite not taking concubines.

Once settled, Zhou Ying ordered tea and snacks. Mrs. Bai instructed her three children to bow to Zhou Ying. The children received smiles, gentle pinches on the cheeks, and each a pair of silver peanuts before being whisked away to play by Niu Liying.

Zhou Ying then instructed Shizhu to prepare the East Cross Courtyard next door for their stay.

“Sister-in-law, that’s unnecessary,” Gu Chengsi protested. “We can stay at the official post house.”

“Nonsense. You’re home now,” Zhou Ying insisted. “Besides, it’s New Year’s Eve. Your brother and I haven’t seen you in years. We should celebrate together.”

“We wouldn’t want to impose, sister-in-law,” Gu Chengsi insisted. “By the way, where is Brother Chengrui? Isn’t he home for the Eve?”

Zhou Ying chuckled. “Don’t mention it. He’s been so busy lately, he doesn’t return until dark.” Just then, the curtain lifted, and Gu Chengrui walked in, holding a jar of wine. “Here I am! Were you just talking about me?”

“Brother Chengrui!” Gu Chengsi exclaimed, standing up. Mrs. Bai followed suit, bowing respectfully.